D-Link and Microsoft close the Wi-Fi divide

‘Super Wi-Fi’ will be delivered to developing regions under a project partnership between D-Link and Microsoft.

Both organisations are aiming to close the technology divide, with the project aiming to provide a foundation for communities to build a better digital future.

A first-phase pilot is commencing in the US and is the culmination of years of research and development already invested by Microsoft and partners.

“Microsoft was founded on the idea of democratising access to technology,” said Paul Garnett, director of Affordable Access Initiatives, Microsoft.

“Microsoft’s current mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. For that reason, Microsoft is working with public and private sector partners around the world to develop technologies and business models that will make it easier for billions more people to affordably get online.”

Currently, the fastest commercial Wi-Fi standards are based on the 802.11ac prototype, with ‘11ad’ announced by some manufacturers. Super Wi-Fi is set to be based on ‘11af’, representing a protocol with a huge leap in range.

The Super Wi-Fi campaign aims to exploit unused bandwidth in the lower frequency white spaces between television channel frequencies, where signal travels further than at higher frequencies.

“Our goal is to use all of our 30 years’ experience and expertise and our global footprint to help deliver Super Wi-Fi as a technological platform for growth to the world’s underdeveloped regions,” said Graeme Reardon, D-Link ANZ MD.

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