Key Wireless Technologies and Developing Trends

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Prepared by Nikola Sydor-Estable
November 2006
Information and Communications Technologies Branch
Industry Canada
Email: Sydor-Estable.Nikola@ic.gc.ca
(613) 948-2779

Internationally, the wireless landscape is one that is characterised by continual evolution, rapid innovation and technological change. These innovations often act as a disruptive force to service providers, as market forces drive telecommunications companies to deploy ever more sophisticated networks in order to remain competitive. However, these same firms can also reap enormous benefits by implementing technologies that make more efficient use of available spectrum and offer consumers greater range, quality of service, and data transfer rates. Consequently, there is a strong incentive for equipment providers to develop new technologies, as scientific advances open up new possibilities.

What follows is a description of some important technologies and technological trends which are currently underway, and which will likely figure prominently in future. This list is not intended to be comprehensive, and while these seem to be the important developments of the moment, a technology considered promising or cutting edge today can quickly be made obsolete by unforeseen developments.

Table of Contents:

• WiFi Mesh Networking
• WiMAX Wireless Networking Trends
• Developing Cellular Technologies
• Wireless Voice Over Internet Protocol
• Handsets
• Satellite Communications
• Ultra Wideband Technology
• Radio Frequency Identification
• Software Defined Radio
• Convergence
• Conclusions
• Sources

Disclaimer:
Some of the information in Strategis has been provided by external sources. Industry Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of information provided by external sources. Users wishing to rely upon this information should consult directly with the source of the information.