D-Link will partner with*Microsoft in a landmark project aiming to deliver the next generation of Wi-Fi,*known as "Super Wi-Fi," to rural communities across the*globe,*announced D-Link Chairman John Hsuan as part of his D-Link Future Strategy during a press conference at the company’s Taipei headquarters on*Monday.
By aiming to tackle some of*the world's greatest technology gaps, and laying down a future network in*currently underdeveloped areas, the Microsoft-led mission*would*give communities*a*foundation for an enriched digital future.**A first-phase pilot is commencing in a US state, with a further three potential*countries for future stages, and is the culmination of years of research and*development already invested by Microsoft and partners.
“Microsoft was founded on*the idea of democratising access to technology. Microsoft’s current mission is*to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.*For that*reason, Microsoft is working with public and private sector partners*around the world to develop technologies and business models that will make it*easier for billions more people to affordably get*online. In furtherance of*these goals, Microsoft is excited to be working with D-Link on developing Super*Wi-Fi technologies and an ecosystem leveraging lower-frequency TV white*spaces,” said*Paul Garnett, Director of Affordable Access Initiatives,*Microsoft.
Locally, D-Link ANZ MD Graeme Reardon said that the company is excited to be collaborating toward*the goal of connecting more of the world well into the future.
“D-Link sees ourselves at*the very heart of this kind of technical innovation and development. We also acknowledge*that we have a role to play in helping all countries and future generations*better*connect. Our goal is to use all of our 30 years experience and expertise*and our global footprint to help deliver Super*Wi-Fi as a technological platform*for growth to the worlds underdeveloped regions.”
Currently, the fastest*commercial Wi-Fi standards are based on the 802.11ac prototype, with “11ad”*announced by some manufacturers. Super Wi-Fi is set to be based on “11af,”*representing a*protocol with a huge leap in range.
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The Super Wi-Fi campaign*aims to exploit unused bandwidth in the lower-frequency white spaces between*television channel frequencies, where signal travels further than at higher*frequencies.