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UWB Wireless Access Could Be Here Soon
fluppy88 writes: "802.11b doesn't have anything on UWB. With a potential of 1000M bits/sec it blows the pants out of 802.11b and doesn't eat up the tightly controlled spectrum. This article on CNN gives an interesting introduction to UWB, another candidate in the future of wireless." It was mentioned here a while ago, but much more mired in controversy about whose idea it was. Now there are several companies which seem anxious to get products based on UWB to market -- if it's approved.
For one thing, because UWB pulses don't actually use a traditional radio signal, called a carrier, UWB transmissions don't take up any of the radio spectrum. Spectrum is limited, and demand for it is growing fast. That's one reason for the FCC interest: UWB would allow a whole new class, and volume, of voice and data communications that, in effect, wouldn't take up any more "space" in the crowded radio spectrum.
But there is concern that UWB transmissions, especially for UWB devices that will operate below about 2 GHz, will interfere with other broadcasts. These include the Global Positioning System (GPS), public safety nets, air traffic, marine navigation and communications, AM and FM radio, and television broadcasts, to name just a few.
Where do they get these guys? First he says that it doesn't use any spectrum...then he says that anything below 2 GHz will interfere with existing Nav and Comm systems. Gotta be one or the other. Can't be both.
(BTW pulse transmissions do take up spectrum, even if they don't have a carrier...)
You're using her as bait, Master!