Super Wi-Fi
Super Wi-Fi is a term coined by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to describe a wireless networking proposal which the FCC plans to use for the creation of longer-distance wireless Internet access.[1][2] The use of the trademark "Wi-Fi" in the name has been criticized because it is not based on Wi-Fi technology or endorsed by the Wi-Fi Alliance.[1] A trade show has also been called the "Super WiFi Summit" (without hyphen).[3] Various standards such as IEEE 802.22 have been proposed for this concept.
Instead of using the 2.4 GHz radio frequency of Wi-Fi, the "Super Wi-Fi" proposal uses the lower-frequency white spaces between television channel frequencies.[4] These lower frequencies allow the signal to travel further and penetrate walls better than the higher frequencies previously used.[4] The FCC's plan was to allow those white space frequencies to be used for free, as happens with shorter-range Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.[4]
On April 19, 2011, Rice University, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Technology For All, installed the first residential deployment of Super Wi-Fi in east Houston. The network uses white spaces for backhaul and provides access to clients using 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.[5]
On May 8, 2011, a public Super Wi-Fi network was developed in Calgary, Alberta. Calgary based company WestNet Wireless. launched the network for free and paid subscribers.[6]
On January 26, 2012, the United States first public Super Wi-Fi network was developed in Wilmington, North Carolina. Florida based company Spectrum Bridge, Inc. launched the network for public use with access at Hugh MacRae park.[7]
On July 9, 2013, West Virginia University launched the first campus Super WiFi network.[8]
See also
- IEEE 802.11af, a standard for wireless local area networks (WLAN) in TV white space
- IEEE 802.22, a standard for wireless regional area networks (WRAN) in TV white space
References
- ^ a b Sascha Segan (January 27, 2012). "'Super Wi-Fi': Super, But Not Wi-Fi". PC Magazine. Retrieved May 23, 2013.
- ^ Dana Blankenhorn (20 September 2010). "Super WiFi solves the Google carrier problem". ZDNet.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Super Wi-Fi Summit". Technology Marketing Corporation. Retrieved May 23, 2013.
- ^ a b c Associated Press (September 13, 2010). "'Super Wi-Fi' nears final approval in U.S." CBC. Retrieved May 23, 2013.
- ^ "Houston grandmother is nation's first 'Super Wi-Fi' user". PhysOrg. 19 April 2011.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Calgary Super Wi-Fi Network". WestNet. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ Parrish, Kevin. "First Super Wi-Fi Network in the U.S. Finally Deployed". Tom's Guide US. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
- ^ "Nation's first campus 'Super Wi-Fi' network launches at West Virginia University". wvutoday. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
