Super Wi-Fi (Super Wi-Fi TVWS) refers to a wireless communication technology that utilizes unused or underutilized TV white space (TVWS) frequencies to provide wireless broadband internet access and connectivity over longer distances compared to traditional Wi-Fi. TV white spaces are portions of the radio frequency spectrum allocated for television broadcasting but are not always fully utilized in all geographic areas. Super Wi-Fi leverages these unused frequencies for wireless data transmission, creating opportunities for extended coverage and improved connectivity in rural and underserved areas.
Here are key characteristics and aspects of Super Wi-Fi TVWS:
- Use of TV White Spaces: Super Wi-Fi utilizes vacant or unoccupied TV white spaces in the UHF and VHF bands. These frequencies offer good propagation characteristics, enabling signals to travel through obstacles and over longer distances.
- Improved Range: One of the primary advantages of Super Wi-Fi TVWS is its extended range compared to traditional Wi-Fi. The lower frequencies used in TV white spaces can penetrate walls and foliage more effectively, making it suitable for serving remote or rural areas with limited infrastructure.
- Broad Coverage: Super Wi-Fi TVWS networks can cover larger geographic areas with fewer access points, reducing infrastructure costs and making it cost-effective for rural and underserved regions.
- Dynamic Spectrum Access: Super Wi-Fi systems typically employ dynamic spectrum access (DSA) technology to identify and utilize available TV white spaces in real-time without causing interference to existing TV broadcasts.
- Regulatory Considerations: The use of TV white spaces is subject to regulatory approval and management by government authorities to ensure that Super Wi-Fi deployments do not interfere with licensed TV broadcasts. Various countries have specific regulations governing the use of TVWS for wireless broadband.
- Connectivity Solutions: Super Wi-Fi can serve as a connectivity solution for various applications, including internet access, IoT (Internet of Things) deployments, rural broadband, and backhaul for wireless networks.
- Use Cases: Super Wi-Fi TVWS technology is particularly valuable for connecting remote and underserved communities, supporting precision agriculture, enabling smart grid applications, and providing disaster recovery communication in areas with limited infrastructure.
- Wi-FAR: The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) has initiated a project known as Wi-FAR (Wireless Broadband for All), which aims to promote the adoption of Super Wi-Fi and TVWS technologies to address the digital divide and provide internet access to unserved and underserved regions.
It’s important to note that the availability and use of Super Wi-Fi TVWS may vary by region, as regulatory approval and spectrum allocation differ from one country or jurisdiction to another. Organizations and communities interested in deploying Super Wi-Fi TVWS should adhere to local regulatory guidelines and consult with spectrum management authorities to ensure compliance and proper utilization of TV white spaces.