The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is the Australia's national government body for scientific research. CSIRO is also the proud inventor of U.S. Patent Number 5,487,069, a method of multicarrier modulation. This patented method is what allowed WiFi radio signals to avoid indoor interference - the noise created by having the WiFi signal deal with walls, carpets, furniture, and other electronics.
According to CSIRO's attorney Dan Furniss, ""CSIRO did not invent the concept of wireless LAN, it just invented the best way of doing it, the best way it's used now throughout the world."
Since 2005, CSIRO has had to pursue legal action to receive compensation for their patent and has won compensation from: Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Asus, Fujitsu, Hewlett Packard, Nintendo, Toshiba, Netgear, D-link, Belkin, SMC, Accton, 3Com, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
While some commentators feel that CSIRO does not deserve compensation for their contribution to WiFI technology. After studying the facts, I'm on CSIRO's side. Thank-you Australia.
BTW U.S. Patent Number 5,487,069 will expire at the end of 2013.