[OPLIN 4cast] OPLIN 4cast #379: More Wi-Fi

Wed Apr 2 10:30:31 EDT 2014

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OPLIN 4Cast

OPLIN 4cast #379: More Wi-Fi
April 2nd, 2014

Wi-Fi library symbolOn Monday, the FCC announced 
<http://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-increases-5ghz-spectrum-wi-fi-other-unlicensed-uses> 
that they would expand the amount of broadcast spectrum available for 
use by Wi-Fi devices in order to reduce Wi-Fi congestion at hot spots 
like "...convention centers, parks, and airports..." [and libraries, 
too]. This is an important change, since cellular wireless companies are 
increasingly offloading 
<http://www.cnet.com/news/sprint-adds-wi-fi-calling-to-improve-voice-coverage/> 
part of their traditional cellular traffic onto Wi-Fi hotspots. The 
latest Cisco Visual Networking Index Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast 
<http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/service-provider/visual-networking-index-vni/white_paper_c11-520862.html> 
anticipates that over half of global mobile traffic will be offloaded 
onto Wi-Fi by 2018. Maybe it's time to upgrade your wireless routers.

  * FCC Frees Up Spectrum to Boost Wi-Fi Speeds
    <http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2455749,00.asp> (PCMAG/Chloe
    Albanesius) "Specifically, the commission voted to free up 100 MHz
    of spectrum in the 5 GHz band. Gadgets currently operate in 555 MHz
    of the 5 GHz band, so the move provides a bit more breathing room
    and should ease congestion. Devices that operate in the 5 GHz band
    include Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless home local area networks. The
    agency also removed an indoor-only restriction, which will support
    deployment of outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots."
  * Open up your routers: FCC boosts spectrum available to Wi-Fi by 15
    percent
    <http://gigaom.com/2014/03/31/open-up-your-routers-fcc-boosts-spectrum-available-to-wi-fi-by-15-percent/>
    (GigaOM/Kevin Fitchard) "The airwaves in the 5 GHz band have always
    been unlicensed, but they've had much more stringent rules attached
    to them to prevent devices from interfering with other users,
    specifically government telemetry networks and Globalstar's
    satellite ground links. In 2013, though, the Defense Department said
    it no longer needed the band. Earlier this year Globalstar reached
    an agreement with the FCC that would open the band up to both
    satellite and Wi-Fi use, clearing the way for today's decision."
  * More Wi-Fi is better: FCC expands use of 5GHz spectrum
    <http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/03/more-wi-fi-is-better-fcc-expands-use-of-5-ghz-spectrum/>
    (Ars Technica/Cyrus Farivar) "With this change, the agency says that
    Wi-Fi routers will be able to handle more traffic at higher speeds.
    At present, Wi-Fi only occupies part of the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
    [...] The Wi-Fi Alliance did not immediately respond to Ars' query
    about when consumers could expect new products that would take
    advantage of this increased capability."
  * Unlicensed, Wi-Fi services set for 100 megahertz boost
    <http://www.rcrwireless.com/article/20140331/spectrum/unlicensed-wi-fi-services-set-for-100-megahertz-boost/>
    (RCRWireless/Dan Meyer) "Unlicensed spectrum uses are currently tied
    to 555 megahertz in the 5 GHz band, though there are limitations for
    indoor use only. The Wi-Fi usage in that band is typically signified
    by the 802.11a standard. The FCC said the modified rules will remove
    the indoor-only restriction and provide more access in the 5.15-5.25
    GHz band and allow the Wi-Fi industry greater leeway in implementing
    the 802.11ac standard
    <http://www.rcrwireless.com/article/20130620/chips/wi-fi-alliance-certifies-6-chip-designs-5g-wi-fi/>,
    which accesses both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands."

*/802.11ac fact:/*

If you have no idea what "802.11ac" means, Pocketnow's Joe Levi has 
posted a nice discussion 
<http://pocketnow.com/2014/04/01/5ghz-versus-2-4ghz> of the various 
wireless networking standards.
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