Junxion Box acts as bridge between growing cellular data networks and the need for ubiquitous, driver-free workgroup access: In today's Seattle Times, I write about local firm Junxion which will shortly ship its Junxion Box, a small device that uplinks to cellular data networks through a PC Card, and shares the connection via built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Think of it like a portable Internet feed.

The Junxion Box is driver free in the sense that the company handles the software connection for several kinds of PC Cards to several national data networks. Local users connect via the LAN side--they don't have to install and configure the special PC Card drivers which are available for specific platforms with specific limitations.

Temporary work sites and mobile workgroups will benefit most from the system, which is an effective modem and analog line replacement given current cell data speeds. But as cell networks increase in speed and prices continue to fall, it's likely that the Junxion Box's niche will expand as more of a broadband replacement for certain kinds of markets.

I've tested a prototype of the Junxion box, and it's just as easy as the company maintains. You plug it into AC power or a DC car adapter. You wait a few moments for it to train up to the cell data network. You connect.

Will cell operators allow the Junxion Box on their network, and can they do anything to stop its use? The answers seem to be maybe and no.