Thanks to a Cambridge based high-end technology company, a large portion of technology’s wasted space could soon become a thing of the past.
Wireless networks, which are increasingly becoming commonplace in homes and businesses throughout the UK, do not use so called ‘white space’, which many feel is a waste and unproductive.
Neul, a world leader in the fast-paced arena that is the “Internet of Things”, has deployed the first city-wide wireless connection in the world utilising this white space and it has chosen its home town of Cambridge to do it in.
The demonstration on 25th April was the first step in what could be something of a revolution for electricity use. It was a low scale demonstration, showcasing the first ever smart electricity meter reading, but its future is one of profundity.
It is the first step to providing a more efficient use of electricity, able to monitor demand more effectively and thus scale supply.
The network also further develops the Cambridge White Space Consortium’s network which, using the Weightless communications standard and Neul’s cloud interface and hardware, proved that white space use can be exploited without negatively affecting other signals, such as TV and radio.
The latest success allows Neul to move forward and commercialise the venture.
As well as providing the opportunity of a smart national grid, the technology could be far wider ranging.
Presently, wireless connectivity falls short of where it could be, largely as a result of the need to constantly charge mobile devices and the heavy loads placed on the network. However, successfully delivered use of white space could go some way to solving the issue.
This could mean far more practicality of mobile broadband for example, whilst business VoIP users could stay in touch using their company networks.
It is altogether a far more cost effective approach for consumers and businesses alike, which is far from a waste of space.
