The television broadcast spectrum contains areas with no license or present use called “white space”. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed starting white space to the public for mobile systems. ”Wi-Fi on steroids is one of the nicknames that has emerged for the wireless networks expected to result. Wi-Fi hot spots that cover vast distances are just one of the benefits envisioned when white space wireless becomes a reality. Advanced devices and applications heretofore unimagined are believed to be possible with the advent of Wi-Fi on steroids. Billions of dollars in previously non-existent economic potential is expected to be released along with the free use of the white space spectrum.
How white space will power innovation
The mobile world anticipates that on Sept. 23 the Federal Communications Commission will declare wide open season on white space. A NY Times article about Wi-Fi on steroids said that white space became available when the conversion from analog to electronic digital broadcast created a greater unused portion of the television broadcast spectrum. Digital TV is more tightly focused on the broadcast spectrum, which leaves more white space between licensed frequencies. White space is coveted by wireless innovators because TV signals are low-frequency waves that travel farther, go via walls easier and deliver more reliable connections . By making the white space spectrum available free, the Federal Communications Commission can start a technological revolution the same way it did in 1985, when opening unlicensed range led to TV remotes, garage door openers and today’s mobile systems.
Could super-charged Wi-Fi cause issues?
A few industries see feasible conflicts with Wi-Fi on steroids. PC World reports that a few industries are skeptical about Wi-Fi on anabolic steroids. Local television broadcasters and stadiums that use mobile microphones, for instance, anticipate conflict. Powerful mobile systems with a broad reach can tread on their frequencies, they believe. However, to keep devices using the white space spectrum from interfering, the Federal Communications Commission has created a database of TV channels and mobile microphone usage. Devices would need to be configured to stay away from the frequencies in use in a given area.
Wi-Fi on anabolic steroids actually in operation
Wi-Fi on steroids using the white-space spectrum is being tested in various locations. As reported within the Register, Microsoft is taking advantage of the white space spectrum on its corporate campus near Seattle. Microsoft’s network, dubbed “white-fi,” uses just two hot spots allowing users Internet access on shuttles and offices throughout its 500-acre campus. The Times white space report highlights super Wi-Fi in New Hanover County, N.C.. The transportation department uses white space to connect with remote cameras that monitor traffic congestion. Without the expense of sending workers to the field, the parks department meets federal needs by collecting and transmitting environmental info . Other breakthroughs to expect in the future could be remote medical networks, more efficient power distribution and new industries valued within the billions.
Find more info on this subject
New York Times
nytimes.com/2010/09/13/technology/13wifi.html?pagewanted=1 and _r=1 and src=busln
PC World
pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/205332/fcc_paving_the_way_to_wifi_on_steroids.html?tk=hp_new
The Register
theregister.co.uk/2010/09/13/white_space/
