Article, connectivity

What’s next with wireless?

To recap our latest I HATE IT Eblast, the reason I started this blog was from a question that someone just recently asked me.  “Did you hear that the future would bring wireless power?”

I played along just agreeing with the person while thinking there is no way that will ever happen.  Fifteen minutes later I use my cell phone as a hot spot with a 19Mb download.  This got me thinking that I never thought I could use a phone like this. So let me dream about what could be wireless.

Keep this in mind while you continue to read: The current wireless standard today is 802.11AC.  The AC is the speed standard that changes over time as technology evolves.  The “802.11” is an engineering standard for how to communicate over wireless connections.  The current AC signal can work up to 1.3 Gbps, close to double that of the “N” connection.  The 802.11N connection was released back in December of 2009, less than 7 short years ago!

Speed, Speed and More speed

Changes in standards are built to expand speed and usability.  Wireless standards are still flawed in that one device connects many devices, such as one wireless access point for all of the phones, laptops, and tablets.  The future standards will allow not only for faster speeds, but better channel distribution to allow for more devices to stream off one access point.  The next standard is 802.11AD which can operate up to 6 Gigabit per second.  This goes to show that good things come to those who wait.

A cable free workplace

Most businesses still operate with fixed and wired workstations, however most homes are wireless for all devices.  The biggest difference is the need for speed to perform a task.   If we can build wireless to a point where we have 6GB internet like 802.11AD is designed, there might be a future for a wire free workspace.

Nevertheless, the standard growing in our marketplace is for 10 Gigabit wired switches for servers and back-end equipment.  The drive for backbone speed will drive the need for wired cable for a very long time.

Does the future include a place where we are a slave to the wireless provider?  If the wireless providers like Verizon, AT&T or Sprint are building technologies fast enough for our devices, will we remove our dependency on home based internet?

Home

Wireless power is possible for your home according to WiTricity.  The basic theory uses magnetic resonance coupling to distribute power.

wireless-power

What about wireless television signal?  The entire television delivery system has changed over the last years with the growth of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.  Television cable companies have become much more than just television with many different services including video on demand, wireless internet, and digital phone over the past few years.  Is it enough?  Can they compete in a truly wireless world?  Does the future of wireless from companies like Verizon mean the end of buried copper cable in your yard?

We have battery powered vehicles, but what about battery powered cars powered by solar and wireless signals?  This may be far off but what is to stop us from operating this way?

Bluetooth for all devices.

Imagine your home lighting, television channels, temperature control or even your garage door opening just as you pull in your neighborhood.  All of this can be possible with Bluetooth enabled devices.

I am not sure what the future brings.  I could not imagine a wire free home, but it might happen.  We certainly can’t be naïve enough to think we know the future.  Imagine a situation where a new home contractor is using solar panels to a battery that will then power all of your devices wire free.

No matter what comes, we will be ready.

Good luck and Geek OUT!!

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