Super WiFi In The Works, Devices Could Ship By Next Year
Let's face it: as awesome as WiFi is, it isn't perfect. Get enough people on one hot spot, and it can become downright unusable. And, let's not talk about signal strength: who hasn't had their signal drop when they absolutely need it the most? Just the way things work, right? Well, if the FCC has their way, we can get one step closer to making sure all of that doesn't happen, as getting "Super WiFi" out and into the real world is something they've been hard at work on for two years now.
It was two years ago that the FCC took it upon themselves to vote to open up the airwaves between broadcast TV channels. The whole point was to open up the "white space" to make WiFi signals stronger. In essence, make them "super." But obviously something good like this comes with its own personal struggles. Key of those problems, is the fact that creating "Super WiFi" would probably lead to TV signal interference, and we can't have that, now can we? So, to try and figure it all out, the FCC has optioned time for another vote: September 23rd.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski believes wholeheartedly that electronic manufacturers out there will jump on the idea of Super WiFi, just as they have with more traditional WiFi means. Here's what he has to say about the new advancement for WiFi, and his predictions: "We're hoping history will repeat itself," Genachowski said. "White spaces are a big deal for consumers and for investment and innovation."
Just as it does with WiFi and Bluetooth in general now, the FCC plans on making the white spaces free and without permissions to specify usage. And, to fix the whole interference problem, the FCC has been working with broadcasters to map out TV channels across the country. A hefty toll, for sure, but one that if done correctly, could certainly pay off for the consumer (and just about everyone else, too). Let's hope September 23rd showcases plenty of good ideas, and we can get Super WiFi off the ground, and devices in our hands next year.
[via The Huffington Post]