The TV broadcast spectrum contains areas with no license or present use called "white space". For the purpose of advancing mobile network technology, the Federal Communications Commission plans to make white space accessible for public consumption. The release of white space unlocks huge prospect of wireless networks. Some are calling the emerging technology "Wi-Fi on steroids. Dead zones could be a thing of the past with the advent of powerful wireless networks enabled by white space. The potential of Wi-Fi on anabolic steroids is exciting the experts. The total realm of possibility is currently unknown. When the white space range is released, small startup companies could reap billions developing technology that utilizes free of charge and unlicensed frequencies.
White space promises advancement
"The Federal Communications Commission is expected to announce that white space could be made publicly available for use in mobile networks on Sept. 23. The New York Times reports that Wi-Fi on steroids can be enabled by the unused bands of the Television range freed up by the conversion from analog to electronic digital. Digital TV is more tightly focused on the broadcast spectrum, which leaves more white space between licensed frequencies. The potential of Wi-Fi is greatly enhanced by white space because by using the lower-frequency waves of the TV spectrum, networks will cover broader areas, pass through walls and buildings better and rarely drop connections . Allowing use of white space with no license fees can launch one more wave of advancement comparable to 1985, when the release of unlicensed range resulted in things taken for of course today such as baby monitors and keyless entries.
A few concerns regarding white space
A few industries see feasible issues with Wi-Fi on steroids. PC World reports that broadcast television networks and businesses using wireless microphones, such as theaters and sports arenas, have opposed the liberation of white space. They anticipate a disruption of their signal from Wi-Fi networks with extended range. Nevertheless the Federal Communications Commission has planned ahead by documenting the broadcast channels and mobile microphone use on the TV spectrum. Area by area, mobile technology will probably be pre-programmed to choose vacant frequencies.
Microsoft's white space network
White space for Wi-fi is already in use. Networks are being tested for a variety of uses. As reported within the Register, Microsoft is taking advantage of the white space range on its corporate campus near Seattle. Transmitting from just a pair of locations, the "white-fi" network, as Microsoft calls it, connects users on shuttle buses and in buildings anywhere on its 500-acre campus. The Times article mentions a trial white space network in New Hanover County, N.C.. Remote cameras connected via white space keep an eye on traffic patterns for the transportation department. The parks department saves on manpower costs. It uses white space to collect and share data the federal government demands from remote environmental areas . Other breakthroughs to expect in the future might be remote medical systems, more efficient power distribution and new industries valued in the billions.
Further reading
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/
