Unused pieces of the television broadcast range are called “white space.” Because these frequencies have yet to be licensed, they are presently not in use. For the purpose of advancing wireless system technology, the Federal Communications Commission plans to make white space available for public consumption. The release of white space unlocks huge prospect of wireless networks. Some are calling the emerging technology “Wi-Fi on steroids. When white space enters the mobile realm, searching for Wi-Fi hot spots can be a thing of the past. Advanced devices and applications heretofore unimagined are believed to be feasible with the advent of Wi-Fi on steroids. The economic potential of having the white space range available without a license for smaller businesses is projected to be in the billions.
The white space wireless revolution
“The FCC is likely to announce that white space will be made publicly accessible for use in mobile systems on Sept. 23. A New York Times article regarding Wi-Fi on steroids said that white space became available when the conversion from analog to digital broadcast created a greater unused portion of the television broadcast range. Digital broadcasts take up less space on the TV spectrum than analog, leaving more white space to go around. The potential of Wi-Fi is greatly enhanced by white space because by using the lower-frequency waves of the Television range, networks will cover broader areas, pass via walls and buildings better and rarely drop connections . Free of charge use of the unused television broadcast spectrum is expected to start a new round of innovation like that of a quarter-century ago, when a comparable move by the FCC eventually allowed people to open garage doors and change TV channels with the touch of a button.
A few concerns about white space
Some industries see feasible issues with Wi-Fi on steroids. A recent PC World article mentions that businesses such as TV broadcasters and concert halls that use wireless microphones see feasible issues with white space networks. The concern is that wireless networks with a range of various miles, instead of a number of yards, will interfere with their signal. However the Federal Communications Commission has prepared ahead by documenting the broadcast channels and wireless microphone use on the Television spectrum. Future mobile devices could be set up to evade occupied frequencies on a local basis.
White space networks tested
Wi-Fi on steroids using the white-space spectrum is being tested in several locations. As reported within the Register, Microsoft is taking advantage of the white space range on its corporate campus near Seattle. Transmitting from just a pair of locations, the “white-fi” network, as Microsoft calls it, connects users on shuttle buses and in buildings anywhere on its 500-acre campus. The Times article mentions a trial white space network in New Hanover County, N.C.. To track traffic bottlenecks, its transportation department connects with remote cameras via white space. The parks department monitors wetland areas and transmits environmental data required by federal regulators – saving the cost of sending employees to remote locations . Other breakthroughs to expect within the future could be remote medical systems, more efficient power distribution and new industries valued within the billions.
Additional reading
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/
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