Network

UWB (ultra wideband) is a group of wireless accesses, which provide standard-based, high-bandwidth, multi-protocol capabilities, with the flexibility for auto-discovery and connection with a variety of peer-to-peer and/or local server-based network. UWB started in 1960s as impulse radio. But it started interesting to public when the US FCC allocated unlicensed radio frequency spectrum for UWB use. Using the unlicensed spectrum in the 3.1 to 10.6 GHz range, UWB has the ability to deliver up to 480 Mb/s over short distance (3-10 meters) with excellent power efficiency.

Recently, UWB is implemented as Bluetooth, Wireless USB, or WLP-IP. UWB provides a standard physical layer (PHY) and media access layer (MAC) across various protocols. Handset manufacturers can cost-effectively pack multi-protocol functionality into a single device, holding down complexity and cost.

UWB uses multiband (MB) OFDM technology that transmits data simultaneously over multiple carriers spaced apart at precise frequencies. This results on high spectral flexibility and resilience to RF interferences. Flexibility is a key element. Using MB-OFDM allows the same hardware device to be dynamically fine-tuned on software to comply with different regulatory environments. The underlying OFDM technology has also be proven in other widely deployed communications system, such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and ADSL.

With UWB in every handset, users will have a 10-meter bubble of flexible, wireless auto-discovery that moves anywhere they go; ready to connect with applications in their proximity. UWB will also create exciting new opportunities for applications using handset-to-handset communications, such as Personal Area Social Networking (PASN). PASN could inject a personal touch into existing social network applications (Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Xanga, etc). As these applications proliferate, an increasing number of users will rely on their handsets as mobile personal servers. Combining voice, PDA functions, email, web browsing, cameras, and music player is not new. But it will become primary necessity.