With demand of high-speed wireless data increasing at
astronomical rates, wireless carriers are challenged to find a long-term
solution to this escalating issue. According to distinguished members of IEEE, the world’s largest
professional organization for the advancement of technology, increased
utilization of picocell base stations has the potential to handle the
increasing wireless demand.
“Picocells and the still smaller femtocells can
minimize the shared bandwidth requirement for high-speed services, boost
service in smaller geographic areas and add network capacity in areas with
dense wireless usage,” said Stephen Weinstein, IEEE Life Fellow and
consultant. “These small cellular base stations, especially suitable
indoors and along highways, offer a readily available, economic solution that
can be easily incorporated into the current infrastructure to help handle the
world’s evolving high-speed wireless needs.”
With improved high-speed wireless service, picocell base
stations can deliver the connectivity needed to drive innovation in critical
industries including mHealth and intelligent transportation.
Although wireless sensor technology is currently being used
to monitor people’s vital signs, demands for wireless in mHealth continue to
grow. “Continued innovation in wireless technology will play an integral
role in enhancing healthcare analysis and patient care,” said Yadin David,
IEEE Senior Member and founder of Biomedical Engineering Consultants LLC.
“Improved data streaming speeds from picocells can facilitate crisper
imaging technologies and real-time monitoring, enabling healthcare
professionals to make immediate diagnoses. For example, doctors will
immediately know the severity of an athlete’s injury right from the field, so
the proper treatment can be administered as quickly as possible.”
Picocells can also support intelligent transport systems in
cars to help monitor behavior of nearby vehicles on busy highways and streets.
“Advancements in wireless are facilitating the ability for vehicles to
monitor traffic patterns, reroute cars to their destinations, and even minimize
the potential of accidents,” said Edward Delp, IEEE Fellow and Professor
at Purdue School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “As wireless
connectivity improves on our roads, driving will not only be a more pleasant
experience, but also a safer one.”
With CTIA, the International Association for the Wireless
Communications Industry, anticipating that there will be more than 15 billion
network devices worldwide – almost two devices per person – by 2015, its not
surprising that 4G wireless network investments could reach up to $53 billion
between 2012 and 2016. “This landscape provides an opportune time to
realize the potential of picocell base stations,” said Weinstein, a
45-year communications engineer veteran.
“For more than a century, IEEE has been helping
technologists drive innovation in communications,” said Gordon Day, IEEE
President and CEO. “We publish some of the most important periodicals in
the field and have led the creation of industry-changing standards. Let us tell
you more at our booth at International CTIA Wireless 2012®.”
Please visit IEEE in Booth #4013 at International CTIA
Wireless 2012®.
