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Background
In today’s world we talk of a National Information Infrastructure (NII) and even a Global Information Infrastructure (GII). These infrastructures encompass the hope of taking advantage of all that the information age has to offer and literally changing the world. By putting vast amounts of information at user’s fingertips, the NII and GII will change the way we live; every area of our lives will be affected, from the way we communicate, educate, conduct business and receive healthcare.
But to truly change the world, there first has to be the backbone. We talk as if the backbone is complete and the world is ready to be connected; we are not there yet. Although many are connected, the “final mile” high-speed infrastructure is still primarily for the affluent and those living close to high-populations centers. Regardless, most who are connected rely on outdated communication networks for service that is limited in bandwidth. Limited bandwidth prevents current and future communication applications from being used or developed.
Realizing that the information networks of today will be unable to meet the demands of the 21st century, companies in the private sector are racing to develop high-speed networks with the massive bandwidth needed to satisfy the next generation of technology. Backed by enormous resources and skilled management, several utility-based companies are forming the physical backbone of a powerful, high-speed network. This implementation of wired backbone infrastructure throughout the nation is accelerating and running on a limited basis. Limited basis is defined as being able to provide wired service to select areas that are in close proximity to major infrastructure arteries. When a technology is provided that allows all people access to these pipelines, humanity will experience exponential changes in the way it communicates and uses technology.
To deliver the exceptional throughput and flexibility the entire population requires, a solution unlike any other currently in existence must be created. Such a technology needs to be faster, work over longer ranges, consume less energy, cost less to manufacture and capable of providing for the future. However, the most important key to the entire equation is freedom. The technology must be wireless to adapt to our mobile life styles and changing environments.
The Philosophy
While a number of companies have attempted to meet these needs, TurboWave’s methodology is unique in two ways; first, we have orchestrated a complete revolution in the design of spread spectrum radio technology. Second, we have done it by mastering the concept of “Virtual Enterprise”. A background of this term follows.
Companies that rely within for all engineering and development of information technology are relying on a dangerous methodology. The rate at which new technology and change comes about in the information age, makes it impossible for a single company without endless resources to address these changes effectively. It is only elementary to consider that making the most advanced design improvements and to pioneer new technology, one would have to use the resources of the most knowledgeable and cutting edge technology research teams in the world. Who owns these types of individuals and abilities? The answer is the United States of America’s Federal Government.
Unknown to most US citizens, the US Government, under the direction of the Department of Energy (DOE), oversees cutting edge research and development through a system of multiple National laboratories. These laboratories possess some of the brightest scientists in the world. The US government allows these Labs to be contracted by the general public. Many of the technological advances in the private sector are the result of the research conducted in these labs and then commercialized by large corporations. The Internet and the “browser” that enables us to utilize the Internet are just some of many examples. The problem is that the government does not inform citizens of the tremendous research that is being done. Nor does it publicize that these research labs have worked for other programs that literally put the best research and development teams at the fingertips of the American public. Unfortunately, only large corporations have taken advantage of this tremendous resource.
Based on this opportunity we have formed a “Virtual Enterprise”. The ability to use the skills and advanced research personnel of the most powerful country on the face of the earth is empowering. These individuals are virtually employed while conducting research and design on behalf of TurboWave. Quite an awesome concept! TurboWave, the company, may be small in stature but not in resources available; anything is possible.
There are some exceptions and challenges that these government resources work under. The government requirements listed below only verify TurboWave’s uniqueness.
· The work must pertain to the mission of the laboratory or facility, the work must not conflict or interfere with the achievement of any DOE program requirements,
· The work must not directly compete with capabilities that are currently in the private sector.
· The work is subject to the approval of the DOE.
For TurboWave to use these labs as resources, we had to create something that nobody else was developing or knew how to develop.
It is the mission of these labs to partner with universities, the private sector and other government agencies to enhance global competitiveness by increasing the availability of federally funded technology and knowledge for US entities
This solution must accomplish the goals of a NII and GII using the unlicensed ISM Band of 5.6GHz in the US and 2.4GHz worldwide. These frequencies are free to everyone and it was Mr. Jonassaint’s vision to standardize the technology throughout the world. Key technology changes in communications had to be developed that would bring this dream to fruition. The key components requiring added or redesigned technology are identified and expounded upon briefly.
1. Antenna
2. Radio
3. Baseband
4. MAC (Media Access Controller)
5. Intelligent Routing
Antenna
An effort to design a smart antenna that would increase range, reduce size and cost was undertaken by empowering Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) to engineer this antenna concept. This university had the conceptual capabilities to create the design but, rapid prototyping and manufacturability are key to the success of this concept. The government was able to partner with Virginia Tech and TurboWave using the Kansas City Laboratory run by Honeywell.
The lab was able to test and evaluate the antenna so as to manufacturability. Scientists were able to hone the design and decrease the manufacturing cost. These results were encouraging but the most significant product of the government evaluation was yet to come. The antenna was then sent to another National Lab (SANDIA National Lab) where their engineers were able to assist in making a few minor design enhancements that resulted in the antenna being able to perform at twice the distances that were previously documented. A literal breakthrough in smart antenna design! So much so that multiple government agencies have placed their efforts in securing rights to this patented technology. This was the first technology that TurboWave was able to develop. It is important to emphasize this breakthrough because the needed antenna performance that would allow true mobility was not currently available. By using the skills of some of the best engineers in the world, we now have a unique antenna that opens opportunity to new applications.
Radio
Not being able to change the laws of physics, we looked for ways of improving the performance of the data during the radio transmission. Signal is often propagated miles further than the receiver can accurately decode the information. Noise and reflections are the main error causing poor performance
Many scientists have experienced with multi-dimensional error correction, which is an advanced form, or Forward Error Correction. By processing data in multiple dimensions we are able to prevent errors from limiting performance. Increased performance by magnitudes of more than 2 is common. This technology is closely approaching the theoretical limit for error correction.
TurboWave has partnered with Efficient Channel Coding, Inc to create useable Turbo Codes that allow for increased range and throughput over IEE802.11 radios. ECC is committed to the belief that the synergy between TurboWave technology and Turbo Codes will revolutionize the Wireless Data Networks throughout the world. Success will be much the same as ECC provided for the NASA space program.
With the advancement of antenna and error correction technology, throughput and range capabilities are far superior to any other technology available.
Baseband Processing
The method in which radio signals are processed prior to transmission and after reception is what Baseband Processing refers to. Different techniques are used to better utilize the bandwidth that is our most precious resource in wireless communication. Currently, the standard means of processing is limited to one channel of information being transmitted or received at a time. The ability to use multiple channels with bi-directional data flow increases the throughput capabilities of a radio by exponential factors. On board processing also houses the Turbo Codes that were discussed previously. This technology is a progression that is needed to enable live video and audio feeds for individual users. Honeywell is directing the development of this technology.
MAC
The Media Access Controller is in the physical layer of a network communication device. It determines who is transmitting and receiving and in what priority. TurboWave foresaw the restrictions that the current MAC standard presented to real time mobile traffic. Current MAC protocol was designed for transfer of data within a network but not in real time. If the future of wireless technology didn’t include the capability for real time applications, then the standard is limited and not able to support applications the general public desires. Real time applications include but are not limited to, Video Conferencing and Voice over Internet Protocol.
TurboWave partnered with Oak Ridge National Laboratory through the Department of Energy to develop a MAC that would allow mobile users, in an ad-hoc network, the ability to transmit and receive real time information. Without this MAC being redesigned, we could never hope for a quality of service anywhere near what we enjoy over fixed landlines. Cellular phone companies struggle with this concept today. Because of technology limits, voice information has to have priority over data in the cellular phone world. This has limited the data speeds of mobile phones to less than what fax machines were able to accomplish 5 years ago.(9600 Baud). These service providers are all scrambling to come up with a solution to the high-speed needs their existing customers have.
Intelligent Routing
The inability to intelligently direct traffic over the wireless medium causes bottlenecks in areas that are detrimental. These bottlenecks result in poor data transfer rates and place severe limits on real-time applications. Occasionally they can prevent a connection from happening whatsoever. The current wireless industry simply lives with these limitations.
TurboWave again partnered with another department of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, controlled by the DOE. They were tasked to develop an intelligent router built in to each mobile device that would allow for the data to be routed through other users, nodes or repeaters in order to avoid areas that are experiencing high use or outages of service. The key to this effort was to ensure that this routing capability maintained real-time connections at high standards for speed. Another advantage of this method of communication is that it is not dependent upon 1 head or central location. The system can withstand catastrophic failure in multiple locations and still perform.
What does all this mean?
Without revolutionary changes in technology, high-speed services would be limited in scope. With the advances that TurboWave has invented, affordable wireless backbones will become standard for all communication needs. Copper wiring is antiquated and only those companies that have invested Billions in wired backbones will continue to Band-Aid the problem with services such as cable modems and DSL.
Conventional design strategy for Information Technology products and services are outdated. Only by pooling the best resources available into a Virtual Enterprise can products be designed and accelerated for release to market in time to satisfy the demand. Engineering timelines are changed from years to only a few short months. TurboWave recognizes this philosophy and has produced all of these patented solutions simultaneously.
The TurboWave name may be obscure at this time. But, the technology created and the resources used have attracted the attention of the US Government as noted on the website for the Center of Information Infrastructure Technology. ( www.ciit.y12.doe.gov ) The Federal Government is under contract with TurboWave to facilitate the wireless standards of the future communications infrastructure for the United States and beyond.
What is this technology good for?
The possible applications are the real value and excitement of TurboWave technology. Some of the examples include:
Personal Digital Devices
Handheld devices could be the most intriguing application for the average person. This new generation of devices include features such as:
· Cellular Telephone – With the added feature of full motion video for true Video Phone functionality.
· Digital Camera – The device could be used as a digital camera with the advantage of not having storage media to limit its use.
· Internet Browsing – Full High-Speed Internet access will allow instant information research.
· Entertainment – Audio and Video entertainment on demand. Whole movies and music concerts can be viewed when desired.
Telemedicine
Doctors can diagnose medical test results and offer a prognosis from anywhere around the world. Radiology test data and x-rays are such large data files that they cannot be effectively shared over today’s Internet connections. Medical testing centers can communicate with doctors over live audio and video feeds to help technicians and other medical personnel provide proper treatment and care for patients. This capability is extremely valuable in remote parts of the US and emergency situations where doctors aren’t always available. An emergency medical technician could be on the scene of an accident with a wireless connection to a physician providing live diagnosis and instructions for care. Emergency services could possibly take on an entirely new standard.
Remote Monitoring and Control
Individuals can monitor and control computerized machinery and processes in real time from anywhere. Personal residences can be configured to allow real time access to automation controls in the home ranging from HVAC to lighting. Schools can provide distance learning in a Virtual Classroom setting. The underprivileged and distance challenged would benefit.
Virtual Office
TurboWave’s wireless solution creates a large WLAN that business people will be able to communicate with their office and clients from anywhere, regardless of whether they are in their car, home, or in another part of the country. Full video, voice, fax, cell phone, email, company network access and Internet will be completely mobile.
Telecommuting will become a valuable option for employers. Having workers based at home provides savings in physical location size and facility costs.
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