Outernet is the
latest phenomenon that is going to take the world by storm. This technology
which is being built by Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), is expected
to change the way we communicate, interact and interconnect with millions of
users worldwide. This transition is aimed at restructuring and transforming the
locked barriers of Internet and provide an open user-populated network of
information that will be available free of cost. Outernet is built by a team
comprising of Aaron Rogers, Branko Vukelic, Edward Birrane and Syed Karim.
The Internet as you know, is a collection of
interconnected computers and users who connect to World Wide Web. This forms a
matrix of connectivity that includes multiple peripheral and subsidiary
services, hardware and technologies. This includes entities such as server
farms, Internet service providers, routers and many more. Outernet aims at
breaking this conventional method of relying on paid services and providing
free unlimited data and information for users. This is achieved by the use of a
combination of:
·
Long range Wifi multicasting
·
Low altitude satellite constellations
·
End users with wifi enabled feature
phones, smart devices etc.
The concept of outernet is simple and straightforward.
Outernet will deploy huge arrays of satellite constellations which will work in
unison to receive and transmit data to local ground units. The ground units
will consist of multiple stations that will receive, distribute and transmit
data from and to the satellites. The transmission medium will be long range low
frequency Wi-Fi signals. Though Wi-Fi is currently used for connectivity in a
closed environment, Outernet aims at utilizing the possibility of using this
for long range data transmission.
The conventional Wi-Fi technology uses IEEE 802.11
standards that ensure up to 20 feet distance inside buildings. This technique
provides a data transfer rate of 2.4 Ghz to 5.6 Ghz. Outernet aims at using
lower frequency Wi-Fi signals which will allow signals to be sent across longer
distances (>10) and thereby ensure a reliable communication path between
satellites and users on earth.
Low-frequency high-range Wi-Fi signals have the
following qualities:
·
Higher penetration power (Obstacle
penetration)
·
Higher transmission range without
attenuation
·
Ability to get unlicensed Spectrum
These additional advantages of low frequency wi-fi
signals make it the best suitable solution for Outernet technology. Along with
the ease of implementation and lower set up cost(than conventional low
frequency transmission antennas), researchers have come to the conclusion that
Outernet can work flawlessly with the use of long range wi-fi transmission.
Outernet will act as
a large scale broadcasting platform of interconnected users who share free
data. They are in the process of discussing the terms with NASA for utilizing
the International Space Station (ISS) for their deployment. The team is
optimistic about providing free, “priceless” network connectivity and data
access to everyone on earth by 2015. Outernet is a wonderful innovative and
revolutionary technology that will transform the way we communicate,
collaborate and evolve.
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