3D Printed Sensors
3D Printing

How 3D-Printed Sensors Help Advance Space Communications

The age of 3D-printed sensors has brought the world to a stage of meaningful integration with satellite communications. New 3D-printed plasma sensors are being used to measure atmospheric conditions for orbiting satellites. Here's a look at where this exciting space technology is going and how it will help businesses on Earth.


Monitoring the Atmosphere

One of the key functions of 3D-printed sensors embedded in lightweight, low-power satellites is to collect data on the Earth's upper atmosphere. Plasma sensors can also track the atmosphere's chemical composition of ion energy distribution.

MIT researchers have developed sensors for monitoring conditions in the Earth's upper atmosphere called retarding potential analyzers (RPAs). These sensors can be produced inexpensively in a matter of a few days. The first use of RPAs was in a 1959 space mission.

RPAs must be designed to be well insulated and weather-resistant. Some of the more durable 3D-printed models are made from a glass-ceramic material rather than silicon. Designers of spacecraft sensors favor polymers because they can be shaped in infinite ways. This material can also withstand extreme temperatures in Earth's lower orbit.


Evolution of Space Sensors

The evolution of RPAs has led to versatile use, including for the spacecraft CubeSat. The sensors used for these space projects comprise a series of electrically charged meshes with tiny holes for plasma to pass through. Through a filtering process, particles are stripped away, leaving just ions that form an electric current. The sensors can measure different aspects of the current.

Durable materials such as vitrolite can withstand high temperatures without breaking down. Polymers, however, begin to melt at 400 degrees Celsius. Scientists are currently working on new ideas for fabricating 3D products.

3d printing

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The use of ceramic material involves pointing a laser at ceramic powder, then shaping the layer. This method has advanced quickly due to the ability of a 3D printer to generate multiple prototypes in a short period. MIT scientist Luis Fernando Velasquez-Garcia is working on reducing the thickness of sensor layers and improving their precision.

The current trend in space satellites is that 3D printing is being used more frequently. Some of the companies engaging in additive manufacturing for satellites include Boeing, Airbus and Fleet Space. Pioneers in this development are preparing for future space missions including the possibility of colonizing another planet. A goal of the aerospace company SpaceX is to colonize Mars by 2050.


Future Development of Satellite Sensors

While it's difficult to predict how advanced satellite sensors will be in twenty years, it's safe to say they will be superior to today's technology. Data collection will be more precise and data transmission will be more seamless. The hardware designed for satellites can be quickly replaced when vulnerabilities are detected. The most advanced satellites will be equipped with self-healing AI software that resolves technical issues quickly.

Satellites of the future may not need to be as large as they are now. The expansion of tiny sensors that measure activity in several layers of the atmosphere will help optimize orbital paths of satellites. Automated 3D printers in space can be useful for manufacturing hardware solutions when the satellite encounters technical trouble.

NASA has been a major developer of space-based 3D printing for many years. In the past, NASA has printed wrenches on the International Space Station. One of the space agency's projects for the future is developing spacecraft that can build a solar array. The more technology advances to support energy-harvesting solutions, the greater chance of the same equipment being used for space missions indefinitely.

As far as deep space explorations, there's starting to be chatter about building spacecraft that can build self-healing devices with 3D printers. AI will be part of the infrastructure, as machine learning software can scan a wealth of data to arrive at the best hardware solution that can be made with a 3D printer. Since 3D printers can print food and medicine, long-distance space travel will become possible for humans.

The advent of 3D-printed robots will be a major leap forward for space technology. These robots might even become the first inhabitants of other planets such as Mars. Their duties will include digging tunnels and manufacturing 3D-printed structures.


Conclusion

There's a bright future for 3D-printed sensors in space to improve satellite communications and data collection. The more this technology advances, the more you'll see startups launch in space.

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WiFi 7 is Coming
Networking

Wi-Fi 7 Is Coming: Here’s What You Need to Know

Since the introduction of Wi-Fi by the Wi-Fi Alliance, each new generation of wireless networking technology has been a major improvement, particularly in speed. While Wi-Fi 5 and 6 are still fairly new to many people, Wi-Fi 7 is being developed by Taiwan-based semiconductor company MediaTek. Here are interesting things to know about Wi-Fi 7 development.


What Is Wi-Fi 7?

The more technical name given to Wi-Fi 7 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is "Standard 802.11be." The industry expects this new standard to reach the consumer market by 2024. Wi-Fi 7 occupies the same parts of the spectrum as Wi-Fi 6/6e. Other companies besides MediaTek working on products for the new standard include chipmaker Qualcomm and developer Broadcom.

Qualcomm has been at the forefront of wireless technology for decades, adhering and contributing to standards while offering innovations in radio waveform design and advanced antenna architecture. The company has focused on designing nextgen products that make the digital experience more efficient. Not only has Qualcomm manufactured products that are compatible with the new standard, it aims to push the boundaries of what Wi-Fi 7 can do.

Broadcom announced in April 2022 sample availability for its new Wi-Fi 7 chipset for routers and other networking devices. The company's rush toward product development for the new standard was partly fueled by the pandemic and the need for faster connections.

Most businesses are not even ready for Wi-Fi 6, so it may be awhile before Wi-Fi 7 takes off. It's good to know what's up ahead in IT development so you can plan a technology roadmap and an appropriate budget. It helps to consult with tech professionals on upgrading your IT infrastructure.

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Importance of Following Wi-Fi Evolution

It's important for all businesses and consumers to be aware that much of today's technology will be outdated in the future. Since Wi-Fi began in the late nineties, businesses have moved progressively toward greater efficiency. In terms of networking, major issues of the early days such as latency and reliable connectivity are being resolved with Wi-Fi 6 and 7 generations.

These days, the speed of business is part of what ultimately shapes customer satisfaction. So having the fastest network speed possible allows for greater productivity and faster ways to resolve problems or make transactions. The ideal of a seamless network maximizes the potential of business activity, particularly involving multi-user applications.

Not all small businesses need to jump up to speed with the fastest networking, but the firms that depend on fast data transmission should be early Wi-Fi 6 and 7 adopters. National manufacturers and retailers can improve their business models enormously by embracing the new standards. Any business that aims to reach thousands of people needs to consider planning for more advanced networking in the future.


What to Expect from Wi-Fi 7

The Wi-Fi Alliance is the nonprofit organization that oversees the development of all wireless network generations. It claims that Wi-Fi 7 will launch a new era in which wireless networking will allow for super high-bandwidth applications supporting 30 Gbps. This advancement will make everything in the digital world amazingly more seamless, even complex technology such as AR and VR. The earliest rollout for Wi-Fi 7 products is projected by MediaTek to be 2023.

MediaTek corporate VP Alan Hsu said in a press release that Wi-Fi 7 will make 4k calls and 8k streaming seamless. In other words, it will be much easier for businesses to deliver multiple marketing messages to customers around the world. The company announced in January 2022 its team recently conducted its first live demonstrations of Wi-Fi 7 for key customers and collaborators.

One of the interesting aspects of Wi-Fi 7 is that it could make existing cabling obsolete. It could lead to a massive shift to wireless networking environments as the new norm. But it's unlikely the new standard will create massive changes in business infrastructure overnight. Even though the first routers for the new standard are expected to be expensive, early Wi-Fi 7 adopters will have huge competitive advantages.


Technical Features of Wi-Fi 7

Not only will Wi-Fi 7 have wider channels to transmit more data, but it will also support higher Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), which allows for the transfer of data through radio waves. As QAM increases, the coverage range shrinks, which calls for greater signal strength. The leap from Wi-Fi 6 to 7 allows for a 20 percent increase in peak performance.

Multi-link operation (MLO) empowers businesses to combine multiple frequencies across bands in one connection. MLO emphasizes performance efficiency. With a Wi-Fi 7 router, you can connect with a wireless device on two or more channels on the same time. You'll have a backup channel in case something happens with your primary channel, as automation software finds the best channel for delivery.

Automated frequency coordination (AFC) is a modern technology using the 6 GHz band by government agencies such as NASA and the Department of Defense, as well as weather radar systems. AFC keeps 6 GHz activity separated from the government's use of the spectrum, while preventing interference with radars.

Some of the current technologies that support the new standard include OFDMA, MU-MIMO and TWT. It's likely that many of the products that support Wi-Fi 6 will be compatible with Wi-Fi 7. It's important to note that Wi-Fi 6 will not be competing with Wi-Fi 7, as both will coexist as commercial choices.


Future Wi-Fi 7 Products

In order to take advantage of Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, businesses will need to upgrade several devices from routers to smartphones. The first batch of Wi-Fi 7 products will facilitate delivering large volumes of data, such as VR goggles and 8K TVs. One of the reasons many businesses will resist the new standard is that new routers will cost from $500 to $1,500. That's about the same price range for Wi-Fi 6. The combination of Wi-Fi 7 products promises the user a more smooth internet experience with a 4X faster and more stable connection.

Some of the most noticeable examples of Wi-Fi 7 will be experienced in cloud video and gaming. It will particularly be useful for multi-user real-time applications such as online video game competitions. Internet congestion, number of devices and latency will no longer be issues that interfere with online activity. A recurring theme throughout all the Wi-Fi generations has been the greater the bandwidth, the more data can be transmitted at a faster speed.

From a technical standpoint, Wi-Fi 7 can be viewed as wider bandwidth that accommodates significantly more channels. Its 2.4 GHz band encompasses 11 channels of 20 MHz, while the 5 GHz band accommodates 45 channels and the 6 GHz band allows 60 channels. Compared with Wi-Fi 6e, which supports up to 160 MHz of bandwidth, Wi-Fi 7 provides twice as much bandwidth.

In order for Wi-Fi 7 products to maximize efficiency, more computing power will be necessary. It will be crucial for large companies with massive customer bases to upgrade technology to allow for greater distribution and collection of data.


Conclusion

Most businesses are not even ready for Wi-Fi 6, so it may be awhile before Wi-Fi 7 takes off. It's good to know what's up ahead in IT development so you can plan a technology roadmap and an appropriate budget. It helps to consult with tech professionals on upgrading your IT infrastructure.

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Upgrade to WiFi 6
Networking

Are You Ready to Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6?

Everyone understands that faster internet is better, especially for business. The advent of Wi-Fi 6 opens a faster lane to the internet while delivering more efficient performance. Here's a look at what the sixth generation of wireless networking offers for your business.


What Wi-Fi 6 Means

Overseen by the Wi-Fi Alliance while following standards used by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Wi-Fi 6 is the sixth version of wireless fidelity. The first generation of the technology began in 1997, in which multiple devices shared an internet connection. The term "Wi-Fi" is trademarked by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a nonprofit organization. The technology is based on the IEEE 802.11 networking standard, which has evolved this century into Wi-Fi 6, aka 802.11ax.

A major advantage to Wi-Fi 6 is that it can handle transferring large amounts of data over a digital network. It exists on the same carrier frequencies as Wi-Fi 5 in the 2.4 to 5 GHz range. The main difference is the updated standard allows for more efficient allocation of data through multiple channels. Overall, the new standard provides a more seamless online experience.


Better Wireless Performance

For companies that need to regularly transmit large volumes of data online, Wi-Fi 6 will be a noticeable improvement, as it will speed up transmission and reduce latency. The directional antenna's Multiple-in Multiple-out (MIMO) capability provides four times better wireless performance for congested traffic compared with Wi-Fi 5. You can experience latency after a certain number of devices access resources on a Wi-Fi 5 connection, whereas Wi-Fi 6 doesn't have this problem.

Due to greater bandwidth and antenna strength, Wi-Fi 6 simply provides superior wireless coverage than previous versions. The new networking standard allows for smooth data transfer in big data applications. Here are some of the key ways Wi-Fi 6 can improve your business:

  • Enhances service for populated networks
  • Boosts the customer experience through a faster connection
  • Reduces costs for networking and hardware devices
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Why Speed Matters

The fact that Wi-Fi 6 delivers data much faster than earlier wireless networks can increase a company's output significantly. It can lead to faster lead generation and faster decision-making for internal and external problem-solving. Speed particularly matters for organizations that move large amounts of data on a daily basis.

At 9.6 Gbps, the speed of Wi-Fi 6 is nearly triple the speed of Wi-Fi 5, which is 3.5 Gbps. These speeds, though, are theoretical and don't take into account all the factors in real-world scenarios. One of the key advantages to Wi-Fi 6 in terms of speed is that bandwidth can be segmented for multiple devices.

Speed also matters in the way it affects communication. The faster the speed, the less chance of latency, which creates awkward discussions. Communication among team members works better online with fast connections, so Wi-Fi 6 can be thought of as a communication upgrade. Another advantage to Wi-Fi 6 is that it allows routers to send data to several endpoints at once.


Key Wi-Fi 6 Benefits

  • Stronger Security - Wireless networking in general is becoming more secure partly due to encryption.
  • Longer Battery Life - Wi-Fi 6 features put devices to sleep when not in use, which frees up bandwidth.
  • Less Congestion - You are less likely to experience traffic congestion on a Wi-Fi 6 network. A new resource allocation method called Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) helps diversify the load.
  • Greater Support of IoT - With Wi-Fi 6, a company no longer has to worry about a limited number of IoT devices that can access its network.
  • Better Reliability - The reliability of data speed is enhanced with beamforming, which focuses on a signal in a certain pathway.
  • Service More Devices - Spacial streams are becoming important metrics to count. A Wi-Fi router allows for 8x8 spacial streams, creating better service for multiple devices.


Notable Wi-Fi 6 Features

  • Target Wait Time (TWT) - This feature improves network efficiency and battery life of mobile devices. It's useful for organizations that don't need constant connectivity.
  • Basic Service Set - This feature helps firms that require dense network deployments.
  • Quadrature Amplitude Modulation mode - An optional modulation feature that encodes data more efficiently.
  • MU-MIMO - Multiple-User, Multiple-In, Multiple-Out (MU-MIMO) is a process that forms radio signals into beams with the help of several antennas.
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) - This feature strengthens security.

You might not have heard much about Wi-Fi 6 yet, but you're now informed about where networking is headed. It will help you plan your IT roadmap for the future. You have to upgrade your operation with more reliable and efficient solutions.

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6G Network
Networking

6G Network: Will It Outpace 5G?

Just as society is starting to learn about 5G wireless networks, new ideas are forming for a 6G network. While 5G opened the door to wider and faster bandwidth to accommodate autonomous vehicles and automated tasks, 6G will be more equipped to handle virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and extended reality (XR). Here's a deeper look at what's on the horizon with 6G.


Wider Bandwidth and Higher Speed

The main characteristics of a 6G network, much like 5G, are wider bandwidth and higher speed. Frequency bands will expand to terahertz (THz) with 6G while transmission speed jumps from 20 gigabits per second (Gbps) to 1 terabit per second (Tbps). In the process, latency will be reduced to less than one millisecond, making it a much more reliable connection.

Due to its broader coverage and faster speed, 6G will be more suitable for advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Machine learning combined with automation will be an important aspect of this development. It will also facilitate an expansion of big data for factories and cloud-based businesses.


Rise of Extended Reality

Extended reality is the result of combining virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality. Virtual reality simulates the physical world with the use of electronic equipment such as a helmet or goggles. Augmented reality is an interactive experience that replaces physical elements with digital representations. Mixed reality mixes the physical and virtual worlds with 3D interactions.

Although XR can already work on 5G, it will be a greatly enhanced experience with 6G. Its application will be useful in multiple industries such as medicine, media, education and manufacturing. The amount of data that 6G will support allows for virtual face-to-face real-time meetings to seem even more real.

Are you prepared for planning a 6G network? Even if you haven't adopted 5G for your infrastructure yet, it's good to know what's up ahead. Working with technology professionals is the best way to plan a roadmap for your future technology.

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More Expansive Communication

Another benefit of 6G will be how it improves communication. It will be useful in urban and rural areas for transmitting large amounts of data. To make big data more efficient, AI will help speed up the process. Some of the more advanced applications include holographic communication and other forms of 3D technology.

Virtual communications will encompass all five senses, delivering immersive experiences. At its most powerful, 6G allows for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, which can prevent traffic accidents. It may even finally create an environment for domestic robots.


Challenges Ahead for 6G Implementation

One of the biggest challenges facing the development of 6G will be the investment in new technology to facilitate terabit speeds. It will require new cabling that could disrupt the current infrastructure. Much more computing power will be required, so ideally, renewable energy will be part of the mix.

In order for 6G to gain acceptance with significant early adopters, it must deliver high reliability for mission-critical tasks. A key technological challenge will be meeting demand for high-energy consumption with stronger antennae density. Engineers will need to improve battery life of network devices.

Due to the increase in data shared over wireless connections, there will be a greater need to keep up with the most robust cybersecurity. Hackers will have an easier time stealing data from those that don't take cybersecurity seriously.

Another risk factor to consider that could slow down 6G development is the lack of standards set by a governing body. At present, there is no formal entity overseeing the development of 6G. Without standards, there will likely be incompatibility issues.


Where Is 6G Going?

Despite the technological and financial hurdles facing 6G development, there are large players trying to beat competitors at new innovations. The earliest 6G pioneers can expect standards is 2028, according to Samsung. Such a milestone would set up mass commercialization by 2030.

You'll know it's the 6G era when you begin interacting with holograms. Extended reality will no longer be just a novelty and will provide useful functions for various industries. A much greater emphasis and expectation will be placed on the reliability and trustworthiness of technological performance.

Currently, the United States and China are in a race to develop a 6G network. Congress is working on a roadmap for the Biden administration to follow that includes reallocation of the radio spectrum to accommodate 6G functions. This blueprint is being developed with the help of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS). The organization aims to fast-track 6G standards by 2024-2025.


Conclusion

Are you prepared for planning a 6G network? Even if you haven't adopted 5G for your infrastructure yet, it's good to know what's up ahead. Working with technology professionals is the best way to plan a roadmap for your future technology.

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Cloud and Edge Computing Differences
Information Technology

Cloud and Edge Computing: What Are Their Differences and Similarities?

The concept of data transmission efficiency is growing in importance now that big data has become a big issue, thanks to the spread of IoT devices. Many companies are deciding between cloud computing and edge computing as a path to future sustainability. Here's a look at the differences between these two popular types of data management.


Cloud vs. Edge

IT industry analysts project that 75 percent of enterprise data will involve edge computing by 2025. Cloud computing, in which data is computed at a private or third-party data center, is the older method, while edge computing is newer and involves computing at network edges. The key difference is physical distance between the data source and its endpoint device.


Cluttered Bandwidth Issues

Bandwidth challenges are at the forefront of the emerging business technology landscape. In many ways, 5G will be the solution for larger organizations to transmit vast endless data from point A to point B. But a large percentage of businesses will try to delay 5G adoption to cut costs while monitoring its development.

Even with 5G, there's still a need to make data transmission as efficient as possible. Edge computing contributes to greater bandwidth efficiency by reducing the distance data must travel to be processed. In this sense, the ideal location for computing is within the device itself, but that requires more processing power. By narrowing the gap in which data must travel from storage to devices, there will likely be fewer latency problems.


Anytime, Anywhere Data Access

The strength of cloud computing is that it allows users to access data from any location in the world on any device. The computing is conducted at a centralized place either on a local or remote machine rather than the source that feeds the data to the server. As data began to blossom wildly in the cloud, the concept of edge computing emerged as an alternative.


Weighing Cloud vs. Edge Computing Differences

Both cloud and edge computing serve valuable purposes. Online payment processing was made possible by the cloud's centralized data storage. Cloud services also redefined the roles of tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. Additionally, many cloud software companies began offering their applications through cloud subscriptions to replace hardcopy media such as CDs and DVDs. With so many different applications, cloud services are now at the heart of many online businesses.


Cloud Advantages

Deciding between cloud and edge computing comes down to your business operations and goals. If your office space is limited to the point of restricting the number of nodes for doing business, the cloud can offer an efficient solution. Cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, for instance, have made it easier for companies to allow remote work opportunities for their employees without requiring a software license for every computer.

Because the cloud has also led to cost-savings on multi-user software licensing, it was designed to serve many users at once at an affordable cost. A business can now exist completely in the cloud, meaning you don't have to store data on your own computers. Through various cloud services, you can cut upfront hardware and software costs, which is the massive appeal of cloud computing.

Moreover, through the cloud, you can access endless Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, which would otherwise take up massive space on hard drives. This solution makes robust industry software scalable and affordable. The cloud also reduces the need for an in-house IT team since security and network management are handled by offsite data centers, with exception for local private clouds.


Edge Advantages

Manufacturers, warehouses, and utilities benefit from edge computing due to the vast amount of space these facilities occupy. Imagine stepping into a giant warehouse and being asked to locate a specific product within a large inventory catalog. With edge computing, you can easily do so by using a scanning device that connects with the RFID chip in the product or with a video camera. Edge computing allows you to locate any item in seconds.

Edge computing relies on neither the cloud nor data centers. This model of using connected devices that comprise data processing also saves time and money. The strength of edge computing is that it's more agile than the cloud, allowing for quicker access to data. The cloud can have latency issues if the servers are busy or if the network gets too congested. Problems associated with edge computing, by contrast, are easier to troubleshoot.

Another advantage to edge computing is privacy. While there typically aren't privacy issues with third-party data centers, you still don't know if someone who works there might ever get tired of their job and wants to secretly sell information to cybercriminals. When your company is generating a wealth of valuable data, you don't want the information to get into the wrong hands. In that sense, edge computing reduces privacy risks.


Local Storage Limitations

When edge computing is combined with IoT technology, it allows you to conserve bandwidth on your network. It gives you better control of resource allocation. On the other hand, if your office space has physical limitations, you are better off storing data in the cloud. Certain hardcopy documents may need to be retained but aiming toward paperless solutions via the cloud reduces the need for physical space. Ultimately, the cloud has helped to reduce paper waste via online faxing and several other traditional office functions that have been digitized.


Access to Real-time Data

If you need to store a high volume of data on local servers, consider edge computing. This solution is viable if you expect to deploy hundreds of IoT devices on your network to monitor processes in real time. You'll have much more network visibility and transparency when you are in control of all your own hardware and software.


Collaboration Capabilities

The cloud is a viable solution for seamless online collaboration between multiple team members in different remote locations. The cloud is the answer if you want to build a global company with team members from various parts of the world.


What About Fog Computing?

Fog computing is a hybrid model of edge and cloud computing blended together. It allows for IoT data to be accessed easier in real time as the cloud is stretched to the network edge. This hybrid model, which is ideal for smart cities, allows for connecting with different digital environments without concerns surrounding local storage.


Why It Matters

The future of computing is already active to anyone who runs a network. There are already over 50 billion devices connected to wireless networks. So, imagine how exponentially more the internet will be populated with IoT devices a decade from now. Self-driving cars and robots, for example, will generate a tremendous amount of data just in one hour. Video monitoring systems that collect enormous amounts of data are also expected to proliferate.

The more businesses go digital, the more managers must decide between cloud and edge computing. Each has its pros and cons and can streamline an operation. Your decision will be based on who needs to access data, how fast they need it and the amount of physical space your organization occupies. The future is clear: sensors will be everywhere, and businesses need to plan how to use them efficiently.

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Edge Computing
Information Technology

Here’s Why Smart Cities Should Adopt Edge Computing

The future of smart cities will be built on edge computing infrastructures to maximize data processing. Edge computing is increasingly becoming the solution for managing big data and remote work in smart cities.

As smart cities evolve, a growing amount of attention is being placed on ways to reduce network clutter and latency. Many smart applications require fast or instant response time, such as sprinklers going off when sensors detect fire.

Related: Edge Networking Trends in 2022 and Beyond

Gathering and processing data at the same location is one solution to overcoming the complexity and challenges of big data transmission. By keeping computing at network edges, there’s less chance of latency due to shorter data transmission distance. Instead of sending data to the cloud, data is processed near its source, although it requires a certain amount of processing power to be self-reliant.

Self-driving cars generate enormous data when you consider their numerous cameras. These vehicles typically generate up to 1-5 terabytes of data per hour. That’s why they shouldn’t rely on the cloud, which might have 99 percent uptime, but that doesn’t guarantee it will always be on. Edge computing makes autonomous vehicles much safer than if they relied on data transmission to and from the cloud. The longer the distance data must travel to reach its endpoint, the more chances it can slow down from network congestion. Keeping data transmission as lean as possible is the essence of edge computing for smart cities.

Another advantage to edge computing is that it allows you to respond immediately when situations call for quick decision-making. Smart cities are set up for managers and analysts to review data in real time so that swift decisions can be made on issues such as cybersecurity or resource allocation.

Edge computing allows you to perform analytics at the device that’s gathering data. It’s a more convenient solution for systems that generate large volumes of continuous data, such as video surveillance cameras.


Edge Computing Services

Industries that benefit from edge computing services include law enforcement, military, and aerospace. Any IoT device that generates terabytes of data on an hourly basis may be more efficient in an edge computing infrastructure. Here are some of the many services suited for edge computing:

Sensor tracking – Analysts can monitor sensors locally and restrict interaction with the central server to selected applications.

Employee messaging – Edge networking facilitates an alternative to a web connection when integrated with high bandwidth that allows for employee messaging.

LED Streetlights – Not only do LEDs last longer, they use energy more efficiently and cut costs. Due to this level of sustainability, there’s less need to monitor and transmit large amounts of data long distances.


Independent Sensors

The more you use IoT sensors for automated functions, the more potential to limit heavy data transmission. Sensors that have self-regulating capabilities typically provide greater privacy and security benefits. As long as these sensors have adequate computing power, they won’t be affected by network downtime. Eventually, more and more businesses will adopt 5G, which will contribute to more efficient data transmission when large data loads are necessary.

Keep reading: Understanding the New Direction of Edge Security

Edge networks are particularly important for machine learning capabilities. Ideally, the machines themselves contain a wealth of data, but they can also be connected to the internet for access to data from other resources. All IoT sensors need connectivity for updating and potential data sharing. Smart cities will rely more on artificial intelligence as time goes on, which is more powerful the more it draws from diverse sources.


Always On Requirements

In order for smart cities to live up to their name, they must subscribe to an always on policy. Traffic lights, for example, must always be working to ensure public safety. Much of the data generated by traffic lights can be categorized as surplus data that doesn’t require immediate attention. By deploying edge computing, you are freeing up your network while reducing large loads of data transmission.


How Smart Cities are Evolving

Smart cities have grown out of models established by utilities, manufacturers, logistics firms, and local governments. The need to conserve bandwidth has been a top concern, although 5G will provide plenty more room for mass data transmission. Here are some of the key recent developments that have significantly improved smart cities:

  • Edge computing with powerful processing is now used for roadways and parking lots.
  • Higher quality connectivity with 5G allows for exponentially more IoT devices and data sharing on a network.
  • Containerized microservices can now be distributed across multiple clouds.
  • Applications are developed at a faster rate via DevSecOps, which has built-in automated security.

Another development embraced by emerging smart cities is the hybrid cloud solution. Red Hat, which was recently acquired by IBM, has collaborated with NVIDIA on a hybrid cloud model that combines edge processing and cloud processing. The NVIDIA EGX platform is useful for both edge computing and transmitting data-intensive content such as graphics.

Red Hat provides open source technologies that allow for blending private and public cloud solutions. It can be used to connect a data center with edge sensors placed in buildings, roads and transit stations.

Red Hat’s suite of customized solutions are practical for facilities that have built infrastructures with multiple clouds and a wealth of edge sites. The developer’s OpenShift software allows smart cities to build useful applications. Red Hat Enterprise Linux allows for customization of edge orientation. Meanwhile, IBM Edge Application Manager allows you to manage workloads that interface with up to 10,000 edge devices.

Read more: How Brands use NFTs and AR/VR to Expand and Enhance the Retail Experience

Businesses are empowered by Red Hat solutions because they are able to deploy various IoT sensors for different vendors then transmit to other edge devices within close proximity. A rules engine at the sensor determines which data is processed locally and which data is transmitted to the cloud.


Conclusion

Edge computing continues to evolve in the direction of making big data simple for smart cities. User-friendly administrative dashboards and simple seamless ways to collect or process data are helping drive edge computing to the forefront of modern business.

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3G Sunset
Networking

How to Prepare for the 3G Sunset in 2022

Have you heard about the 3G Sunset and how it will impact online activities in 2022? Telecom companies that provide wireless connectivity are shutting down 3G networks throughout 2022 so they can focus tower space on 4G and 5G networks. Businesses that still use 3G devices need to prepare for this major change or face disruption through the potential loss of internet connectivity.


Telecoms Shutting Down Networks in 2022

Various industries still rely on 3G equipment for their operations. Logistics firms, first responders and oil companies still use equipment that connects with 3G networks. But once all the 3G networks are shut down, devices designed for 3G will no longer connect with the internet. Here are sunset dates for some of the top internet providers:

     ✓ T-Mobile - March 31, 2022

     ✓ AT&T - February 2022

     ✓ Verizon - December 31, 2022

     ✓ Sprint's 3G - January 1, 2022

     ✓ Sprint's LTE - June 30, 2022

     ✓ Other global telecom firms - Boost, Cricket and Straight Talk have also announced shutdowns. More 2G networks will also shut down in 2022.


Challenging Transition to 4G and 5G

Despite the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks, tough challenges face telecom and tech developers of 4G and 5G products and services. Supply chain delays have created a domino effect, while chip shortages have also contributed to a slowdown in a wide range of developments. So it may be an awkward transition for some people, especially those who know little about 2G thru 5G and don't keep up with the latest tech news.

Meanwhile, old iPhones and Androids simply won't connect to the internet once the 2G and 3G networks are completely shut down. People who have yet to invest in a modern smartphone might finally get one now that old cellphones will no longer be useful for mobile connectivity. Old 3G phones won't even be able to call 911, but they may still have certain functions over a Wi-Fi connection.

The shift to 4G and 5G may come as culture shock to some people who are happy with their old flip phones. Minimalists who don't like to buy the latest trendy gadget every few years will be annoyed they are forced to conform to a new paradigm. They won't even have the benefit of reselling their old phones as used items. It's possible that remote workforces will face disruption if the full staff doesn't accept the new 4G and 5G standards.

Some environmentalists may complain that this move is causing perfectly good working gadgets to go to waste. At the same time, environmental laws are getting stricter on how to dispose of e-waste. There's also a growing trend toward recycling old electronic gadgets.

The transition to 4G and 5G will most likely disrupt consumers who haven't heard much about it and find out they need to purchase a new mobile device this year.

Despite the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks, tough challenges face telecom and tech developers of 4G and 5G products and services. Supply chain delays have created a domino effect, while chip shortages have also contributed to a slowdown in a wide range of developments. So it may be an awkward transition for some people, especially those who know little about 2G thru 5G and don't keep up with the latest tech news.

Meanwhile, old iPhones and Androids simply won't connect to the internet once the 2G and 3G networks are completely shut down. People who have yet to invest in a modern smartphone might finally get one now that old cellphones will no longer be useful for mobile connectivity. Old 3G phones won't even be able to call 911, but they may still have certain functions over a Wi-Fi connection.

The shift to 4G and 5G may come as culture shock to some people who are happy with their old flip phones. Minimalists who don't like to buy the latest trendy gadget every few years will be annoyed they are forced to conform to a new paradigm. They won't even have the benefit of reselling their old phones as used items. It's possible that remote workforces will face disruption if the full staff doesn't accept the new 4G and 5G standards.

Some environmentalists may complain that this move is causing perfectly good working gadgets to go to waste. At the same time, environmental laws are getting stricter on how to dispose of e-waste. There's also a growing trend toward recycling old electronic gadgets.

The transition to 4G and 5G will most likely disrupt consumers who haven't heard much about it and find out they need to purchase a new mobile device this year.


Industries Affected By Telecom Changes

     ✓ Transportation - Vehicle telemetry is an emerging technology that has allowed trucking companies to monitor various metrics that reflect the vehicle and the driver. Companies that have deployed digital transformation in recent years likely already have 4G and 5G compatible technology.

     ✓ Energy - Several EV charging stations are now over a decade old and were originally set up to connect with 3G systems. Such charging stations must be upgraded to still function properly.

     ✓ Utilities - Smart meters are at the heart of Industry 4.0 for power companies, but those designed for 3G communication must be upgraded. Consumers who check their energy usage with old cell phones will need to upgrade to smartphones.

     ✓ Healthcare - The use of wearables for patient monitoring has helped revolutionize the healthcare industry, but older wearables are in jeopardy of ceasing to function with the shutdown of 2G and 3G. It's imperative for doctors to alert their patients who need new wearables.

     ✓ Consumer - Security alarms built years ago that communicate with law enforcement or other monitoring sources online may need to be replaced. Alarm systems that connect on 3G networks will no longer work after 3G connectivity is phased out.


Industries Affected By Telecom Changes

Most people actually already own phones designed for 4G and 5G networks, so they won't be affected at all by the change. For businesses still using 3G phones and other old devices, the challenge will be to set aside a budget for replacement devices. An obvious option for businesses to avoid paying for new technology is to enforce a "bring your own device" (BYOD) policy with the understanding the device must be compatible with 4G or 5G.

While private networks are an option, most companies need to create an action plan to either replace, upgrade or retrofit devices that rely on older cellular technologies. Businesses need a backup plan to avoid downtime if they are unable to meet the sunset dates with replacement devices. Here are action items to consider when preparing for network shutdowns:

     ✓ Identify cellular technology used by devices (2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, etc.) - Make note of which older devices can be upgraded.

     ✓ Identify the cellular carrier providing connectivity for devices - Be aware of what the carrier's plans are with 4G and beyond.

     ✓ Find out when the carrier will shut down 3G service - Remember that by the end of 2022 there will be no more 3G connectivity.

     ✓ Identify and prioritize which devices to replace - Consider replacing these items with the same brands to maintain consistency and familiarity.

Beyond finding capital in their budget to cover the expense of upgrades, companies must also be able to find the necessary parts for the equipment. Ongoing supply chain challenges include labor shortages, supply shortages and shipment delays for items such as computer chips. Due to this logistics crisis, it may be difficult to find affordable or ideal phone brands and models for your business right away.

Some carriers are offering free and low-cost smartphones for 3G users who need to upgrade. Certain older phones can be upgraded for 4G and 5G with a software update and a new SIM card.


Conclusion

The world of 3G is becoming a ghost town in the IT world. Much of it will no longer be supported by telecom or tech companies. The one thing you can predict this century with technology is constant change.

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Sentient Homes
Information Technology

The Rise of Sentient Homes and What That Looks Like

Tomorrow's engineers are presently running around in the world's nurseries. What do these youngsters think of the world? What are they interested in? What kinds of things will they be passionate enough about to devote their lives to? Well, a lot of things, but one in particular worth thinking about is the "sentient home".

Today's youth imagine that, in the next thirty years, homes will be more than smart; they'll be "sentient"; they'll seem like they have their personalities and all that goes with that. Will we ever get there?


Trends Toward Sentient Homes

Technologically speaking, a breakthrough must be imagined before it can come to pass.

Today, we have increasingly optimal smart homes, which are prompting children to imagine a tomorrow where they're as commonplace as electricity. Some aspects of their imaginations will be realized eventually.

Here, we'll briefly explore a few smart home trends headed toward sentience to give you an idea of what a true "sentient home" might look like. Such trends include:

  • More Efficient Connectivity
  • An Increase in "Home" Robots and Their Effectiveness
  • An Increase in Wireless Controls Toward Greater "Sentience"
  • More Intuitive Properties with Better Security and More Privacy


More Efficient Connectivity

True "sentience" is tied to consciousness and self-awareness, which are qualities AI may never have, though we're closer than ever. It will require expanded connectivity to get to a point where it seems as though the property is "sentient."

A central control grid will need to be managed by Artificial Intelligence with Machine Learning segues to match the patterns of those who own the property. For example, when you come home, kick off your shoes, and lay on the couch, a "sentient" home would leverage AI and ML data toward atmospheric enhancement.

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Maybe your habit is turning on a particular light, fan, or flat screen TV. A "sentient" home might do that for you based on your patterns of entry into a house. For that to happen, the house has to be increasingly connected. Data has to be provided to the central control software of the property. This means the home of the future will have windows, doors, lights, televisions, computers, HVAC systems, microwaves, stoves, showers, toilets, and everything else tied into a central system that monitors everything and makes decisions as a result.

That's still not true "sentience", but when a house responds to you in a way that feels organic and doesn't require your direct intervention, that "feels" sentient, which is the point. So first things first: expect a marked increase in property connectivity in the near future.


An Increase in "Home" Robots and Their Effectiveness

Connectivity will be extended beyond appliances and utilities to devices that have some level of mobility. Robots, if you will. We already have devices like the "Roomba," which is a rudimentary 'bot that will trundle outside and break or fall down the stairs if you're not careful.

Better feedback loops and programming will increase the efficacy of such machines, and if they're "tied in" to a central control grid, there will be a certain level of discretion behind their use.

It's conceivable that a "sentient" home could automatically feed the cat through a robot with enough design ability to grasp a sack of food and pour some into a bowl. Imagine being able to head across the world for a month with no need for a house-sitter; you just "tell" the house to take care of the cat, and off you go.


An Increase in Wireless Controls Toward Greater "Sentience"

As previously stated, increased connectivity will imply a broadening of the types of features available in a home that is linked to some sort of central control mechanism.

That means more wireless controls that can be manipulated with commands from your voice, a smartphone, or the AI-optimized ML infrastructure running your home. Think of a "computerized housekeeper," if you will. The more wireless options there are, the greater the "sentience" of future smart homes.


More Intuitive Properties with Better Security and More Privacy

Tied into connectivity and wireless controls will be security solutions, like IoT-enabled cameras that can be accessed remotely via smartphone. Better security means more privacy.

When you can trust in privacy and security, that gives you more confidence in property, and collaterally in life generally. You truly have a secure home, like a "castle," on which you can rely.


Expanded Integration in the Near Future

Due to technological advancement, over the next 30 years, residences will become increasingly integrated. More intuitive security, increased wireless control options, more "robots", and more connectivity will define the move toward "sentient" properties. It's also noteworthy that such advancements will apply to commercial properties as well.


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WiFi6
Networking

What to Expect From WiFi 6 in 2022

Since its introduction, WiFi has become one of the most popular and successful wireless technologies. At its core, WiFi is a simple protocol that can be used to connect any two devices over an invisible radio link. However, the technical underpinnings of WiFi make it so successful.


What is WiFi 6?

WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is the latest version of the WiFi standard used to connect devices to a wireless local area network (WLAN). It’s also known by the marketing name Gigabit WiFi and was approved in December 2017 as part of the IEEE 802.11ax standard.

The 802.11ax standard is backward compatible with previous WiFi versions and offers several improvements over 802.11ac, including greater capacity and speed.

WiFi 6 is designed to support a wide range of applications and use cases that require many users or devices connected simultaneously, such as in public hotspots or dense residential environments such as apartment blocks. It also boasts improved network efficiency for more streamlined operations at scale and increased performance for individual users.

WiFi 6 promises higher speeds and better performance for your data-hungry devices than previous versions of WiFi. That’s not just good news for you; it means the technology will help fuel a new generation of internet-connected devices, from virtual reality headsets and smart home appliances to autonomous vehicles.

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What Is Unique About WiFi 6?

The first difference is speed and capacity. Unlike previous WiFi upgrades, which added more frequency bands and more spatial streams to achieve higher speeds, WiFi 6 uses wider channels (160 MHz instead of 40 MHz). It has larger packets (2,560 bytes instead of 1,280 bytes) to achieve higher data rates (upwards of 10 Gbps). This gives WiFi 6 up to four times the speed and capacity of previous versions.

WiFi 6 also brings several changes designed to improve reliability and security. Multiple Access Points can now talk to each other directly without going through the router.

This means clients can connect directly with each other while still enjoying the benefits of a centralized management interface like the dynamic quality of service (QoS) or traffic shaping. These features should make WiFi 6 less prone to interference, especially in crowded environments like stadiums or airports.



What Makes WiFi 6 Faster?

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access: This is one of the main improvements that WiFi 6 brings to the table. The basic concept behind OFDMA is that it divides radio frequencies into multiple channels, enabling various devices to share the same space without interfering. This can be extremely important in crowded areas like airports or coffee shops where many people use their devices at once.

Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS): To provide faster speeds, WiFi 6 allows two devices to connect simultaneously on the same channel. This is similar to how you might use your laptop and phone as hotspots for your tablet, but with WiFi 6, the second device doesn’t slow down the first one. The second device can still receive a strong signal from the router, even if connected to another device.

Beamforming: Beamforming helps direct wireless signals in specific directions rather than broadcasting in all directions like a radio tower. This method directs the wireless signal only where it needs to go and away from where it doesn’t need to be. This prevents interference with other wireless devices nearby.


WiFi 6 Is a Major Leap Forward for Internet Access

Like how the jump from 3G to 4G LTE gave us faster data speeds and better coverage, WiFi 6 will usher in new capabilities like multi-user access and increased capacity. Where does that leave your older routers? It might be time to upgrade.

In addition to providing better connectivity, WiFi 6 also has more efficient spectrum use, which will allow carriers to use their 4G networks more efficiently while still offering good coverage and fast speeds to customers.

Because it is backward compatible with previous generations, businesses don’t have to worry about replacing their older devices if they want WiFi 6 capabilities; they need to ensure that their access points support the newer standard.

It is also safe for businesses to upgrade their network now because the new standard will be supported by most devices within a few years when it becomes a de-facto standard for any new device purchase.

According to Deloitte Global, the trend is clear: we will have more WiFi 6 devices than 5G by 2022, with 2.5 billion units shipped versus 1.5 billion.

WiFi 6 offers the most advanced wireless technology available today and has many applications. From smartphones and laptops to smart TVs, and even cars, WiFi 6 can offer fast connections and reliable performance in many environments.

Some wireless carriers in the United States and other countries have conducted trials of 5G technology, but those tests are just getting started. Meanwhile, some wireless carriers around the globe are already testing or deploying WiFi 6 gear.

The biggest advantage of WiFi 6 over 5G is that it’s easier to set up and deploy. If you’re a business owner, starting a WiFi network for your store is not a complicated thing. The equipment needed for setting up a WiFi 6 network is also cheaper than what’s required for setting up a 5G network.

The two technologies don’t directly compete against each other. However, 5G will likely take a bite out of WiFi usage as people move more of their data traffic away from home onto cellular networks.

At the office, large enterprises say WiFi 6 would be critical in the next three years, with 73% saying it would be relevant by 2023 compared to 61% of medium businesses and just 34% of small businesses. Overall, 58% said it would be relevant by 2023.


WiFi 6 Release 2 Has Arrived, It’s Even Better

On January 7, 2022, the WiFi Alliance announced the official launch of WiFi 6 Release 2. This is a significant update to the WiFi 6 standard. New features in Release 2 are designed to boost efficiency by allowing devices to sleep longer and wake up less often — and when they do wake, they can receive data from multiple access points at once. These new features also allow WiFi 6 devices to connect with each other directly, without needing an access point as an intermediary, in a technology called “multi-user spatial multiplexing.”

Uplink MU-MIMO is one of the most exciting new features in WiFi 6 Release 2. It gives access points the ability to send data back to client devices without waiting for the client device to send an ACK (acknowledgment).

Without uplink MU-MIMO, if an AP sends a data frame to a client device and that client device doesn’t work ACK within a certain period (typically three times the maximum frame length), the AP is required to resend that data frame. With uplink MU-MIMO enabled on both the AP and client device, this requirement no longer exists.

This second release of the specification adds other capabilities to help further differentiate devices and provide additional flexibility for manufacturers and operators to meet specific use cases or tailor the technology to different device form factors like automotive, IoT, or even home appliances and other connected devices.

WiFi 6 is only in its infancy so far, but it promises to have a much more significant impact on the industry than WiFi 5. The tech development has already had a significant effect on what we can expect from our devices in the future, and it seems clear that the WiFi 6 will be bringing us many exciting new features as the years go by.


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Low Earth Orbit Satellites
Aerospace

Low Earth Orbit Satellites and the Paradox of Choice

There are a growing number of startups providing rocket and satellite services around the world. Low earth orbit satellites, also called LEO satellites, are a primary focus for these companies, with these satellites already accounting for the majority of satellite capacity.

The number of Earth-orbiting satellites has now surpassed 2,500, most of them low Earth orbiters. In general, they operate between 500km and 2000km above the earth’s surface.

SpaceX and Blue Origin invest heavily in LEO satellite production due to their excellent data transmission capabilities. They are easier to manufacture and smaller than satellites farther away.

Within a few years, Elon Musk plans to launch 42,000 Starlink satellites into orbit around the earth. Launches of their satellites always generate a great deal of excitement as they flit through the sky like a string of pearls.

Amazon’s application for the launch of more than 3,000 satellites into orbit was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2019, despite continuing concerns about mega-constellations.

And by the time OneWeb went bankrupt, 74 of the company’s internet satellites were already in orbit. Canadian, Russian, and Chinese players are also stepping up.


Defying Investor Fears

This satellite race may seem reminiscent of the companies’ attempts to provide global connectivity in the 1990s. Many satellite companies, including Iridium, Teledesic, and Odyssey, had grand plans. Although, due to high costs, all but Iridium have ditched their planned constellations, prompting investors to be overly cautious.

There have been many changes in the past twenty years, however. With satellite technology advancements and growing bandwidth demand, companies have developed creative business models to generate profits from connectivity.


The Stars Have Aligned

Why are satellite constellations of interest again? According to researchers, success may be imminent. This likelihood is driven by factors that are converging now that did not exist in the past.

Better spectrum usage – LEO concepts utilizing large amounts of Ka-band are being considered. Data rates are higher with these frequencies. Antennas are smaller, beams are narrower, and the security is better. The amount of data a system can deliver can also be expanded with increased spectral efficiency and spectrum recycling rates.

Higher throughput – The improvements in active antennas and processing, in addition to better spectrum utilization, result in greater performance per satellite, increasing constellation capability. Using LEO satellites, more and more beams can be deployed, with each beam delivering more and more power.

Better ground equipment – Using electronically steerable antennas (ESAs), companies can now shift beams, track and access satellites without moving the antenna. Additionally, these ESAs can be designed for modular assembly, which will allow manufacturers to produce the technology at economies of scale for greater reach and at a lower cost.

Advanced business models – There are more ways to make money off satellites compared to 60 years ago. Media and e-commerce companies have been acquiring satellites to develop content and distribution under their own roof.

A constellation provider that offers free internet access to their customers in exchange for more revenue elsewhere might take a similar approach. For example, a social network that offers free internet access is likely to have a higher user retention rate


What is the point of having so many satellites?

One major disadvantage of the low orbit is that the satellites quickly disappear and interrupt the radio link. Preventative measures should include satellites communicating wirelessly and transmitting data to other satellites in line of sight. The only way companies like SpaceX can cover almost the entire earth is by launching so many satellites into space.

However, despite the benefits of having an exponential supply of small satellites, advocates point to the downsides of the proliferation of LEO satellites. In the first place, no one knows for certain how many LEOs can exist before collision risks explode, and if a collision occurs, it can set off a chain reaction that increases future collision risks. There is no denying the massive improvement that LEO satellites will have on global internet access. However, only time will tell how these gigantic fleets will be managed and which satellite providers will persevere to become the most reliable and profitable ventures.


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