Researchers at Stanford University say they have found a way to implement full-duplex wireless data transfers, which has the potential to double the capacity of current wireless networks such as those used in Wi-Fi networks. A full duplex connection is what allows data to be transmitted in both directions simultaneously, and is a capability taken for granted on modern wired mediums which usually comes with dedicated transmit and receive channels.

Having separate transmission channels has not been possible for wireless however, at least not on the same frequency. The analogy here is akin to having two separate persons talking at the same time, or as the researchers put it: "When a node transmits, its own signal is millions of times stronger than other signals it might hear: The node is trying to hear a whisper while shouting."

Yet researchers say they have developed a noise cancellation technique that allows two nodes to exchange data simultaneously, which is implemented using a dual-antenna system much like how a noise-canceling earphone works. While not all applications will perform better on a full-duplex network, a VoIP call or video call does need to transmit and receive the same amount of data, and would thereby benefit from this technology.

Of the breakthrough, assistant professor Philip Levis pondered of how the work "reworks" the common assumptions on how wireless networks can be designed, noting: "Textbooks say you can't do it." For now, further work needs to be done before the technology can be made into a product.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at The Register
- check out this article at Computerworld

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