The 700 MHz spectrum may not be the only wireless band Google is interested in. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on July 31 said that a prototype device built by Google, archrival Microsoft, and other technology companies doesn't work as promised.
The companies, which use the name White Space Coalition and also include Dell, Earthlink, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Philips Electronics North America, responded to an FCC invitation late last year to build prototype portable devices that might operate in TV channels' so-called white spaces. The white space is a portion of a spectrum band that a TV broadcaster doesn't use. The exact location of the white space may differ, depending on what city you're in.
The FCC had previously said that it will allow the use of wireless devices in that spectrum as long as they are fixed. But it also said that it would consider allowing unlicensed portable devices to use the spectrum.
The devices submitted by the White Space Coalition were designed to sniff for broadcasts in spectrum before transmitting in the band, to avoid interfering with the TV signal. But the FCC found that the devices do not consistently sense or detect TV broadcast signals and in fact, sometimes could cause interference to TV broadcasts.
However, the FCC also noted that it recognizes that the prototypes represent initial efforts and so the agency is open to the possibility that future devices could perform better.
Despite the bad news, the White Spaces Coalition took a very upbeat perspective on the report. In a statement, the group said it is "encouraged that FCC engineers did not find fault with our operating parameters and remain confident that unlicensed television spectrum can be used without interference."
Using the TV white space isn't the only wireless interest from Google. The search giant has been lobbying the FCC to alter the rules around an upcoming auction of 700MHz spectrum. The FCC complied with some of Google's requests but not all. Google said it will examine the FCC's report on that matter before deciding if it will participate in the spectrum auction.
If market rumors are to be believed, Google is taking a special interest in wireless spectrum because it may be developing a mobile phone.
This whitepaper explains the terminology and concepts behind Data Replication technologies and establishes some sizing rules through worked examples. Learn the new paradigm in disaster tolerance—protect data anywhere.
Download now »
Server virtualization is a popular option for dealing with mounting datacenter costs. Another equally promising approach is the use of an Application Delivery Controller. Citrix NetScaler provides a low-cost way for organizations to reduce their server count and accrue cost savings from a reduction in space, cooling, power and personnel.
Download now »
The emergence of WLANs has created a new breed of security threats to enterprise networks.
Included in HP ProCurve WLAN solutions is security technology that alleviates threats from WLANs through:
* Monitoring wireless activity inside and out of the enterprise
* Classifying WLAN transmissions into harmful and harmless
* Preventing transmissions that pose a security threat to the enterprise network
* Locating participating devices for physical remediation
Effectively address data protection challenges, implementing solutions that help store and protect business–critical data while cutting costs and improving efficiency and reliability.
Download now »
Sign up to receive Applications Resource Alerts
1 Recommendation
