Panasonic demos WiGig through a tablet
updated 07:10 pm EST, Mon January 30, 2012
Downloads DVD in 60 seconds
Panasonic is using a tablet with an integrated WiGig prototype radio to provide a proof-of-concept of the ultra high-speed wireless technology. With it, the company is showing off the ability of transmitting data at 1Gbps speeds over distances of up to three feet. Panasonic hopes to miniaturize the technology and have it available on an SD card when it ships actual products.
The secrets behind the fast technology was first revealed in 2009. In June of last year, a certification-ready version 1.1 of the specification was published. The standard calls for transmission over the 60GHz frequency band. In theory, WiGig can sustain speeds of up to 7Gbps, albeit only at close ranges.
Although Panasonic's current implementation is only one gigabit, this is still fast enough for the company's demo tablet to download a DVD movie in less than a minute. It's also a significant improvements when compared to 802.11n, where 300Mbps is the maximum.
One limitation of the technology is its range. At three to 10 feet instead of the more common 100, it isn't yet practical for a whole house. Still, the technology offers great promise in small spaces such as within an automobile, where it could be used to send engine data, battery status, or tire pressure information onto a car's front console display. [via TechCrunch]
