ElectAura-Net, a 10-Mbit/second Body Network

Roland Piquepaille writes "In 'Human Body Network Gets Fast,' Technology Research News tells us that NTT Docomo researchers in Japan have created a 10-Mbit/second indoor network by using human bodies as Ethernet cables. 'The network, dubbed ElectAura-Net, is wireless, but instead of using radio waves, infrared light, or microwaves to transmit information it uses a combination of the electric field that emanates from humans and a similar field emanating from special floor tiles.' ElectAura-Net is faster than the Bluetooth radio wave system and provides a solution for indoor networks. The researchers think that this is a solution for "ubiquitous" communication, using GPS outdoor and our bodies indoor. This summary contains more details."

Comments

Re:that's kind of interesting..

[DrEldarion]

... but typically, meeting rooms and convention centers are carpeted. Would you want to get special (probably somewhat expensive) tile (and forego the comfort/looks of carpet) just so people can use this funky new network when there are alternatives already available?

-- Dr. Eldarion --

Re:Handshake

[way2trivial]

old actually, IBM did work on what they call a "PAN"
http://www.almaden.ibm.com/cs/user/pan/pan. html
November 18-19, 1996

quote
"1) To pass simple data between electronic devices carried by two human beings, such as an electronic business card exchanged during a handshake."