Qualcomm and Wilocity cram 802.11ac and 802.11ad into single tri-band design
Qualcomm and Wilocity are teaming up at CES to deliver what they claim is the world's first tri-band WiFi solution that combines 802.11ac and 802.11ad. The new QCA9006 line (available in two different formfactors) is a natural evolution of the AR9004TB chipset, which married 802.11n to the WiGig standard. The newest reference design uses 60GHz, 5GHz and 2.4GHz radios to achieve both high speeds and broad compatibility. Sadly, there's no immediate plans for such a cutting edge wireless chip to make its way into a shipping product. Though, CES is just getting started, so there's always a chance some other company could deliver us a pleasant surprise. Check out the PR after the break.
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Qualcomm and Wilocity Launch Industry's First Tri-band Reference Design Featuring Both 802.11ac and 802.11ad Technology
Solution Combines Gigabit-class Wi-Fi for Whole Home Networking with Multi-gigabit, in-room 60GHz Wireless for Tablets, Notebooks and Consumer Electronics
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) today announced that its subsidiary, Qualcomm Atheros, Inc., and Wilocity, a leading developer of 60GHz multi-gigabit wireless chipsets, launched the industry's first tri-band reference design that combines 802.11ac and 802.11ad wireless capabilities on a single module. Based on Qualcomm VIVE™ 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Wilocity 802.11ad WiGig™ wireless technologies, the reference design delivers tri-band Wi-Fi, which allows consumers to connect to 60GHz-enabled devices, docks, displays and storage at multi-gigabit speeds, while maintaining enterprise-wide or whole home coverage with 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi.
Building on the success of the QCA9005 tri-band wireless solution, the latest generation tri-band wireless networking card takes advantage of the new Qualcomm VIVE 802.11ac combined with the recently ratified 802.11ad standard that enables multi-gigabit networking, data syncing, and video and audio streaming, while maintaining its wireless bus extension docking capabilities. By integrating a solution that combines whole home, gigabit-class Wi-Fi with in-room, multi-gigabit connectivity into their devices, equipment manufacturers will benefit from the ultra-high speed this newest solution offers. The latest generation tri-band wireless networking card will be available in two options: the QCA9006NFC next-generation form factor (NGFF) and the QCA9006WBD half-mini card (HMC) specification.
"We are pleased to offer the next generation tri-band solution that brings the industry's first combination of Qualcomm VIVE 802.11ac and the newly ratified 802.11ad capabilities together on one card," said Vivek Gupta , vice president of computing, Qualcomm Atheros. "This latest solution opens the door for consumer electronics manufacturers to integrate the technology on platforms ranging from HDTVs and gaming consoles to notebooks. As a result, end users can now enjoy the speed, improved reliability and range of 802.11ac with the multi-gigabit, in-room input/output and networking achieved through 802.11ad."
The release of this latest tri-band solution exemplifies Qualcomm Atheros' and Wilocity's continued strategy of bringing greater connectivity to devices.
"We are delighted to continue our work with Qualcomm Atheros to deliver innovative 802.11ad solutions, which work side-by-side with 802.11ac Wi-Fi," said Mark Grodzinsky , vice president of marketing, Wilocity. "With this tri-band card offering the class of legacy and 60GHz bands, customers will be ensured they are always 'best connected.'"
About Qualcomm Incorporated
Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) is the world leader in 3G, 4G and next-generation wireless technologies. Qualcomm Incorporated includes Qualcomm's licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of its patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of Qualcomm's engineering, research and development functions, and substantially all of its products and services businesses, including its semiconductor business, QCT. For more than 25 years, Qualcomm ideas and inventions have driven the evolution of digital communications, linking people everywhere more closely to information, entertainment and each other. For more information, visit Qualcomm's website, OnQ blog, Twitter and Facebook pages.
Qualcomm VIVE is a product of Qualcomm Atheros, Inc.
Qualcomm Atheros is a trademark of Qualcomm Atheros Inc. Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. WiGiG is a trademark of the WiGig Alliance. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.
