UK telecommunications regulator, Ofcom has kicked off a rather impressive exploration of "white space" frequencies. Google joins Microsoft, Spectrum Bridge, BT and many other organisations to test a variety of white space applications over the next six months. These include rural broadband delivery, HDTV broadcasting, traffic management, early flood assessments and more.
So what exactly are white spaces? They're parts of the frequency band that aren't actively being used by digital TV or wireless systems. Creating a centralised database of white space usage will enable Ofcom and other agencies to approve devices that connect to said database, select and available frequency and regulate power levels to avoid interference.
"Over the next six months, around 20 public and private organisations will be participating in Ofcom’s pilot by running trials to test a variety of innovative applications – ranging from sensors that monitor the behaviour of cities, to dynamic information for road users and rural broadband in hard to reach places."
Making use of airwaves that are currently unused would open up new possibilities for a number of applications, which participating organisations are collaborating to work towards perfecting. What roles are Google and Microsoft playing in the spectrum exploration? The former is a database provider, while Redmond will look to help provide free broadband access in Glasgow Scotland, an area where broadband is particularly poor.
As well as helping out the Glaswegians, Microsoft will also set up a network of sensors for detecting atmospheric conditions and relay them to a live map. It's possible to solve issues mentioned already and more due to the low frequency, which makes itself attractive due to the range, speed and ability to overcome obstacles (hills, walls, trees, etc).
The white spaces will also be utilised to meet the UK's growing demand that's currently being placed on wireless infrastructure. Ofcom states that we could be looking at a solution to connect up to 50 billion devices that are forecast to be wirelessly connected to the internet by 2020. Cool stuff, we'll look forward to seeing some of the results.
Head on over to the Ofcom website for more details.
Source: Ofcom, via: SlashGear
Minecraft Dungeons: Best Rogue / Assassin / Ninja-style Build Guide
Take on the role of a poisonous spider in Minecraft Dungeons with this best ninja build guide!
Here are five possible directions a Halo spin-off game might take
A recent 343 Industries job listing suggests that a new Halo spin-off title may be on the horizons. Here are five possible directions we think a game like that might go in.
Intel Optane memory hits snag with Windows 10 May 2020 Update
If you've been experiencing errors with your PC's Intel Optane memory after updating to the Windows 10 May 2020 Update, you're not alone. Intel has confirmed the problem and says it is working with Microsoft on a fix.
Some Razer Blade 15 cases to give you peace of mind
The Razer Blade 15 is an excellent gaming laptop, but it's a good idea to get a type of case for it in order to protect it while you're taking it with you out-and-about. Here are the cases we recommend.
