Gerald Herbel, Sr. Software Engineer

Published: June 24, 2008

What are the main challenges of developing WLAN software with business-level security?

There are two categories of challenges — (a) learning the behavior and configuration requirements for several different Network Authentication protocols that must be supported, and (b) determining how to integrate the rather sizable, intricate software components into a handheld PC.

Of all the projects you've worked on at Socket, which is your favorite and why?

I would have to say working with the current “Enhanced” version of Wi-Fi® Companion™ software for two reasons: (a) I had the opportunity to work on almost all of the software components within the layered, software stack architecture, starting with the SDK all the way down to our WLAN driver, and (b) I was working with a great team of co-workers (including Gary Cuevas, our director of software, platform applications, and tools, who provided email support from his home late at night!).

How do you see the future of WLAN technology?

The number of competing technologies and ever-growing set of standards make this a rather difficult question to answer. All I can say is that there will be higher speeds to support video and audio applications. For a while, I thought that the seamless, automatic integration of cell phone and Wi-Fi technology resulting in cheaper voice communications would become popular, but now I am not so sure. This is part of the fascination with Wi-Fi — one never knows what is around the corner.

What do you enjoy most about writing software?

I guess it’s the satisfaction of accomplishment when the pieces come together to perform any given task. My guess is that the sensation is similar to what canvas painters, songwriters, and building architects experience.

What is a special skill or talent that you have that most people don't know about?

I spend so much time learning new technologies (considerable reading is involved) that I have neglected other portions of my life. When I was much younger, I was a private airplane pilot. Currently, I do minor electric repair around the home – for example, troubleshooting and fixing a dead telephone system (internal wiring issue). “Honey-do’s“ are now a dominant portion of my non-Socket life.

Who are your favorite comedians and why?

My favorite comedians are Red Skelton and Johnny Carson. Their jokes/remarks were always clean and usually indicated a very unique perspective of some aspect of life. I seriously doubt that I will ever see any better comedians in my lifetime.

If you had your own plane and could pilot it anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Using John Travolta’s form of transportation, I would fly to Europe and visit countries such as Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. Maybe also portions of Russia around the Volga river - my ancestors were Germans who were enticed to settle in Russia via homestead offers from Catherine the Great.