September 4, 2007

New Wi-Fi technology promises fast transfer of large data files

by Jan Harris

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Scientists at the Georgia Electronic Design Center, led by Professor Joy Laskar, is developing a method of using extremely high radio frequencies to transfer very large data files over short distances.

The technique could complement current wireless technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth. These technologies are efficient at transferring small amounts of data between electronic devices, while the new high frequency method can quickly and easily transfer huge data files such as high-definition video and audio files.

The new technique uses high frequencies on the 60 gigahertz band which is largely unused. The band is also unlicensed, so it can be used without government permission.

The high frequency technique works over relatively short distances of less than 33 feet, meaning that interference is less likely and transmissions are more likely to be secure.

The technology would rival ultra-wideband (UWB) short-range technology which is just coming onto the market.

UWB uses another unlicensed band, reaching up to 10.3 GHz and has a maximum current speed of around 480 megabits per second, while use of the 60 GHz band should provide the much higher speeds needed for applications such as HD video streaming.

The high frequency Wi-Fi technology is still in development, with hardware for transferring files expected to be available by 2009. TV sets with the chips built in could be available in 2010.

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