New multi-gigabit wireless specification targeted for year end

A total of eighteen companies have banded together to create the next multi-gigabit wireless standard. Calling themselves the Gigabit Wireless Alliance (WiGig), the group includes the likes of software giant Microsoft and leading chipmakers such as Atheros, Broadcom and Intel.

WiGig aims to put together the first draft of a new wireless specification with a data speed of up to 6Gbps, or an actual data throughput of at least 5Gbps. In addition, a "low-power" option with at least 1Gbps throughput is envisioned for mobile and battery-powered devices. The WiGig specifications will be tapping into the 60GHz band, an unlicensed frequency that is available around the world.

Obviously, the use of such a high frequency means that it can be used for short-range networking only. As part of the bigger picture, members of the WiGig alliance will also be actively involved with the IEEE's 802.ad task group. Ultimately, it is envisioned that short-range 60GHz-based connections will be able to seamlessly handover to traditional Wi-Fi points. The first draft for this new standard is targeted to be out by the end of this year.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at Network World

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