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WINLAB addresses the need for basic research on connecting people
and objects wirelessly.
Several technologies already exist for keeping people on the move
connected to the Internet. These include GPRS, "3G," Wi-Fi/802.11,
Bluetooth, WAP, Mobile IP and others. However, we believe that the
innovation cycle of wireless networking technology has just begun.
Scalable and ubiquitous deployment of the Mobile Internet will require
solutions to several open technical challenges appropriate for basic
research. These include:
- Providing broadband (Mbps+) radio access to mobile and portable
users.
- Scaling wireless system capacity from Mbps/Sq-km to Gbps/Sq-km.
- Promoting spectrum efficiency and increased co-existence between unlicensed band services.
- Unifying legacy and emerging wireless network protocols with the Internet.
- Providing security and privacy in wireless network services.
- Delivering location- and context -aware content to mobile devices.
There is also a need to connect objects in the environment (sensors,
machines, automobiles, etc.) with the network using wireless
interfaces. Such technology has immediate short-term applications
to military and public infrastructure and safety, and over the
longer term, may be expected to evolve into mass-market commercial
uses than enhance personal productivity. Technical challenges
include:
- Self-organizing ad-hoc networks that work without infrastructure.
- Ultra low-power/low-cost sensor devices with robust wireless
connectivity.
- Scalable network routing, security and information delivery models
for sensors.
WINLAB is dedicated to bringing together
corporate, university, and government resources to explore these
challenges and develop solutions.
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