Unused pieces of the TV broadcast spectrum are called “white space.” Because these frequencies have yet to be licensed, they’re presently not in use. In a move that is seen as a major breakthrough for wireless systems, the Federal Communications Commission (Federal Communications Commission) will release white space to the public for free. ”Wi-Fi on steroids is one of the nicknames that has emerged for the wireless networks expected to result. When white space enters the wireless realm, searching for Wi-Fi hot spots can be a thing of the past. Advanced devices and applications heretofore unimagined are believed to be possible with the advent of Wi-Fi on steroids. Many believe white space will unleash economic opportunity worth billions to small start-up businesses free of charge to use the unlicensed spectrum.
Exactly how white space will power innovation
The Federal Communications Commission has been formulating white space policy for a while. An announcement on the agency’s future plans is expected Sept. 23. The New York Times reports that Wi-Fi on steroids will be enabled by the unused bands of the Television range freed up by the conversion from analog to electronic digital. Digital transmission uses a narrower band of the television broadcast spectrum, creating more white space around each broadcast signal. The potential of Wi-Fi is greatly enhanced by white space because by using the lower-frequency waves of the TV spectrum, systems will cover broader areas, pass via walls and buildings better and rarely drop connections . Allowing use of white space with no license fees could launch an additional wave of innovation comparable to 1985, when the release of unlicensed spectrum resulted in things taken for of course today such as baby monitors and keyless entries.
Some worries about white space
Not everybody is thrilled regarding the prospect of Wi-Fi on steroids. PC World reports that a few industries are skeptical regarding Wi-Fi on steroids. Local TV broadcasters and stadiums that use mobile microphones, for example, anticipate conflict. Powerful mobile systems with a broad reach could tread on their frequencies, they believe. Nevertheless the FCC has prepared ahead by documenting the broadcast channels and wireless microphone use on the TV spectrum. Area by area, wireless technology will most likely be pre-programmed to choose vacant frequencies.
White space early adopters
White space for Wi-fi is already in use. Networks are being tested for a variety of uses. An article in the Register describes Wi-Fi on steroids in use in Redmond, Wash., at the Microsoft campus. Microsoft’s “white-fi” network is providing connectivity to shuttle buses and buildings spanning its 500-acre campus from only two hot-spots. As reported in the Times, Super Wi-Fi is getting used in New Hanover County. Public officials are testing white space for a variety of uses. 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 requirements by collecting and transmitting environmental details . Other breakthroughs to expect in the future could possibly be remote medical networks, more efficient power distribution and new industries valued within the billions.
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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