Intel IntroducesTunable Chips for Wireless Networks

Currently, when broadband wireless users look around for a good Wi-Fi connection, they have to be concerned with the compatibility between the “radio” inside their wireless device and the Wi-Fi network they’re trying to use. This includes both laptop users as well as mobile phone users who are trying to access the Internet on their phone. Luckily, a new solution to this sometimes pesky problem is just around the corner. Intel has recently announced that sometime in 2006, a new “tunable chip” will debut that will solve some of wireless users’ most common Wi-Fi connection problems.  

Intel Says New Tunable Wi-Fi Chip on the Horizon

Intel has now developed a new “tunable chip” that is capable of processing signals from many different Wi-Fi networks, wireless networks. This new chip will let Wi-Fi users “tune into” every Wi-Fi network. While the chip is supposedly not going to be available to manufacturers until 2006, it will provide connectivity for up to 1,500 feet, meaning that you can be up to 1,500 feet from a wireless network and still get a good signal. 

Possible Effects of Tunable Wi-Fi Chips

If successfully implemented, this chip could have a very positive effect on the way wireless users conduct their business. As of right now, there are quite a few different types of wireless networks in existence, and they’re all referred to by a combination of letters and numbers: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11c and 802.11n are all examples. The way wireless technology currently works is, each wireless device contains a special “radio” that can tune in to a particular network in order to get a signal. However, this new chip essentially combines all the different tuning devices into one tiny chip, so that no matter which wireless network is in the area, the wireless device can still get a good signal.

Benefits of a Tunable Wi-Fi Chip

Intel sources say that this new chip could lead to smaller devices that require less power to use, and it will cost less than current Wi-Fi connection devices. Mobile phone users who currently have to be concerned with which wireless network they’re close to will be able to access the Internet on their phones no matter which wireless network is nearby. What’s more, Wi-Fi connections will be used in devices that can go for much longer periods without having to be charged again. This is great news for laptop users as well as mobile phone users.