wi-fi

Engineers at the University of Washington developed a communication system that uses RF signals to power battery-free wireless devices through existing Wi-Fi infrastructures. This new system could propel the future of Internet of Things.

A group of lawmakers introduced a new bill, Wi-Fi Innovation Act, to drive the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expand consumer access to unlicensed wireless networks.

Several tech-oriented companies and organizations have formed a coalition, WifiForward, to apply pressure to the government to make more of the unlicensed spectrum open and available for the use of Wi-Fi. The formation of the coalition is timely as the government is currently reevaluating its spectrum policies.

Here are the most likely reasons why, along with the forgotten available 5 GHz band.

Wireless networks offer the convenience of not worrying about being tied to various cables, switches, etc., but they also need to be understood according to their limitations.

Wireless alliances like Wi-Fi and ZigBee certify wireless devices for interoperability which to the end user provide a confidence level of smooth operation between these devices from different manufacturers. For instance this level of interoperability is necessary (but not sufficient) to ensure communications on WLAN Wi-Fi segments containing an Access Point (AP) and a number of wireless client cards. The same concept applies to ZigBee networks where interoperability gives a confidence level for ensuring operation of devices such as a light bulb and a switch, an RF4CE remote control and paired TV, DVD player or set top box, but also insufficient to assure seamless operation of the network over time and under variable environmental conditions especially in demand-response time critical scenarios.