Facebook and Qualcomm have announced that they are working together to provide high-speed internet connectivity using the former’s Terragraph technology. A multi-node wireless system will be developed based on Qualcomm’s 60GHz technology as the product of this partnership.
The works of the two companies have the engagement of operators and manufacturers, who are creating an earthbound connectivity system. The creation will accomplish improvements in speed, efficiency, and quality of internet connectivity globally, that too being inexpensive.
We’re excited to work with Qualcomm Technologies to advance the adoption of pre-802.11ay and 802.11ad 60GHz technologies and build a robust ecosystem of interoperable solutions based on Terragraph. With Terragraph, our goal is to enable people living in urban areas to access high-quality connectivity that can help create new opportunities and strengthen communities. – Yael Maguire, VP of connectivity, Facebook
The success of the project will allow manufacturers to build 60GHz mmWave solutions with the help of the yet-to-be-licensed 60GHz spectrum for consumers in urban regions. The integrated solution will have its trials starting in mid-2019.
As a refresher, Facebook recently released the Terragraph technology that’s a multi-meter wavelength wireless system based on 60GHz. It has the power to boost internet connectivity in cities, the very kind of regions the tech duo is targeting via this project.
Basically, the idea is to provide qualitative and affordable internet service in areas where laying fiber is too costly. A wireless substitute will be able to cover a larger area at a much-reduced expense. That’s two goodies in one basket!
The final technological product of the duo’s efforts is based on the 802.11ay WLAN standard that uses 60GHz frequency, providing a transmission rate of 20-40 Gbps while covering 300-500 meters of distance.
Our collaboration with Facebook will bring advanced 11ad and pre-11ay technologies to market increasing broadband penetration and enabling operators to reduce their capex for last mile access. Terragraph cloud controller and TDMA architecture coupled with Qualcomm Technologies solution’s 10 Gbps link rate, low power consumption and early interference mitigation techniques will help make gigabit connectivity a reality. – Irvind Ghai, VP of product management, Qualcomm Atheros
There’s no revealing from the companies regarding the location/s of a trial. Facebook previously stated that it would test the Terragraph in San Jose.
Someday, the results of the duo’s efforts will hit every corner of our planet. Stay tuned to know more about this project.
