FCC heralds a new era of 'super Wi-Fi'

Name: Surriento

Post: 1

Topic: Tech/Science

Title: FCC heralds new era of 'super Wi-Fi'

Author: John D. Sutter, CNN

Publication: CNN

Date: September 15, 2010 1:06 p.m. EDT

Length (word count): 445

(http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/innovation/09/14/fcc.super.wifi/index.html)

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A new development of Wi-Fi spectrums, have led to the creation of Super Wi-Fi. "The spectrum allows signals to travel further, to go through walls, to [transfer] more information -- so it's very robust," Federal Communication Chairman Julius Genachowski commented during an interview with CNN's staff, "Super Wi-Fi has extraordinary potential. What's as exciting is we have a new platform for innovation and we can't anticipate what will happen next." A commision vote was passed On September 23, allowing for Super Wi-Fi to be introduced to the public, it is speculated that with the longer range, cities may be able to use the Wi-Fi to set up public wireless internet hot spots. Genachowski was also noted to have said, could be the start of a technological revolution in the US and already a plan for this new system is in the making. The pros in this new system could be for less 'dead zones' in wireless networks and the ability to transfer larger files over greater distances, in instances of hospitals and other industrial works, claims FCC. The new system could also be used to monitor infrastructure and water quality remotely, but all this would only be possible if FCC votes are inclined to allow use of the 'white-space' between TV channels by use of anyone. But the new system wouldn't just benefit the economy, Super Wi-Fi would allow for faster internet and connecting between printers, mobile phones, computers, and obviously, the internet. There are some however, who are against the idea (mainly broadcasters) The National Association of Broadcasters, as said in an e-mail to CNN, "is working constructively with the FCC in hopes that the agency adopts final 'white spaces' rules that preserve the ability of local and network broadcasters to deliver interference-free television.". Broadcasters worry that the new Wi-Fi spectrum may interfere with their broadcast signals. However most problems are said to have been worked out, claimed Jeff Evans deputy of the Georgia Tech Research Institutue's Telecommunication Lab. Many of our current systems however, (theater operators, wireless microphones in churches) will likely be adjusted to a different frequency.

Summing it up, this new Wi-Fi may allow for better transmitting for distance, obstacles, and speed, as well as increased public internet hot spots. The wasted 'White-space' between broadcast frequencies can be put to good use. The protest from the broadcasters (over interference with their signals) has been mostly resolved. The only difference between the current Wi-Fi and Super Wi-Fi would be that they travel at different frequencies. All in all, in choosing to use Super Wi-Fi, the old technology in most households reliant on wireless transmittance, will need to be replaced, new systems applied.