If your 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi connection keeps dropping out in certain parts of your house just at the most critical times when surfing the web, you will be pleased to know that a new Wi-Fi standard, 802.22, is currently under development, providing a 62-mile range. This should be plenty even for the largest of estates.
The 802.22 standard uses the new broadcast spectrum that became available when analog TVs came to an end. The new 802.22 operates in ranges from 54MHz to 698MHz, which are perfect for long-distance transmissions.
The new longer distance transmissions now mean that speeds of up to 22mbps can be sent over 62 miles, from just a single base station.
Advantages of 802.22 Wi-Fi Standard
The 802.22 Wi-Fi standard offers several advantages over traditional Wi-Fi standards. One of the most significant benefits is its ability to cover vast distances, making it ideal for rural and underserved areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking. This extended range is achieved by utilizing the VHF and UHF TV bands, which have favorable transmission characteristics for long-distance communication.
Another advantage is the ability to provide broadband wireless access without interfering with existing TV broadcast stations. This is accomplished by using the so-called white spaces between the occupied TV channels. These white spaces are essentially unused portions of the spectrum that can be repurposed for wireless communication, allowing for efficient use of available frequencies.
Potential Applications and Impact
The 802.22 standard has the potential to revolutionize internet access in remote and rural areas. For example, in regions where laying down physical broadband infrastructure is cost-prohibitive, 802.22 can provide a viable alternative. This can lead to increased connectivity and access to information, education, and economic opportunities for people living in these areas.
Moreover, the 802.22 standard can be used in disaster recovery scenarios. In the aftermath of natural disasters, traditional communication infrastructure is often damaged or destroyed. The long-range capabilities of 802.22 can help establish emergency communication networks quickly, providing critical connectivity for rescue and relief operations.
Additionally, the 802.22 standard can benefit large-scale agricultural operations. Farms and agricultural businesses that span vast areas can use 802.22 to implement IoT (Internet of Things) solutions for monitoring and managing crops, livestock, and equipment. This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector.
Wireless Regional Area Networks (WRANs) take advantage of the favorable transmission characteristics of the VHF and UHF TV bands to provide broadband wireless access over a large area up to 100 km from the transmitter. Each WRAN will deliver up to 22 Mbps per channel without interfering with the reception of existing TV broadcast stations, using the so-called white spaces between the occupied TV channels.
The development of the 802.22 Wi-Fi standard represents a significant advancement in wireless communication technology. Its ability to provide high-speed internet access over long distances has the potential to bridge the digital divide, enhance disaster recovery efforts, and improve agricultural operations. As this technology continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see the various ways it can be utilized to benefit society.
Source: Ars Technica
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