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Possible Big Boost in WiFi Range

Posted by Hemos on from the much-bigger-range dept.

goger writes "An article in the New York Times this morning (insert obligatory note about free registration here, and don't forget the yada's) talks about a startup company in CA that says it will announce WiFi antenna technology today that can give a 2000 ft. range indoors (and up to 4 mi. outdoors). This would be awesome if they really deliver, of course (and if it doesn't require me to set up something the size of a rooftop TV antenna next to my laptop in the coffee shop...)."

3 of 156 comments (clear)

  1. Seems like the real thing. by carlmenezes · · Score: 4, Interesting

    The article mentions phased array antennas. You can do some really wonderful things with phased arrays, so I don't doubt their claim. The problem is that they are usually quite expensive, take up a lot of space, AND usually require considerable processing (note that they do mention the antenna must be placed in "the corner of a large office"). It remains to be seen how these guys plan to work around those obstacles.
    Another thing ofcourse is the question as to whether the range on the antennas is programmable. It's quite natural for a business organization not to want someone a few blocks away to be able to take a crack at network security

    --
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  2. Doubt by Cheese+Cracker · · Score: 4, Interesting

    WiFi antenna technology today that can give a 2000 ft. range indoors...

    I doubt this applies to a building filled with electric interference, like a telco switch centre
    or a large server centre. When I was working for Nortel Networks, we had problems
    using wireless scanners inside the labs. The only solution was to put up more antennas.

  3. What is the optimal size of a wireless cloud? by crush · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I'm not sure whether or not increased WiFi ranges are a good thing. This could mean that companies (who are what's being targetted according to the article) will be able to compete for bandwidth over a greater range than ordinary individuals.

    Look what happened with Starbucks infringing on a WiFi co-op in Portland. Other companies that wan't to share their signal over a large building and don't particularly care about interfering with the signal outside of that building are sure to implement this technology.