WiGig to Offer 7Gbps Wireless Data Transfer

The Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig), the organization advancing the worldwide adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology, today announced the publication of its unified wireless specification and the opening of its Adopter Program. WiGig adopter members can now begin developing wireless products that use the unlicensed 60 GHz spectrum to deliver multi-gigabit-speed wireless communications.

The WiGig specification enables high performance wireless data, display and audio applications that supplement the capabilities of today’s wireless LAN devices. WiGig tri-band enabled devices, which operate in the 2.4, 5 and 60 GHz bands, will deliver data transfer rates up to 7 Gbps, more than 10 times faster than the highest 802.11n rate while maintaining compatibility with existing Wi-Fi devices. Additionally, the technology was designed to support a multitude of applications on both low power and high performance devices, including consumer electronics, PCs, handheld devices and home networking equipment. As a result, WiGig can create a global ecosystem of entertainment, computing and communications devices that work together seamlessly to connect people in the digital age.

“On behalf of the WiGig Alliance, I’m extremely proud to announce the publication of the industry’s first comprehensive multi-gigabit wireless specification,” said Dr. Ali Sadri, WiGig Alliance president and chairman. “WiGig can now provide the world’s leading innovators with a license to develop next-generation wireless products under royalty-free terms. With this announcement today, and with our new partnership with the Wi-Fi Alliance, we are one step closer to fulfilling our vision of a unified 60 GHz ecosystem. We welcome all companies to join with us as we continue to drive the industry forward.”


It's not known if Apple plans to integrate the WiGig specification into its products at this time; however, the additional speed would be useful, especially for tasks such as streaming HD video from iTunes to the AppleTV.

The LATimes notes that WiGig's coverage range is significantly smaller than Wi-Fi. One access point probably couldn't blanket a home, said Kelly Davis-Felner, the marketing director for the Wi-Fi Alliance.

"Where you'll really see the benefit is streaming across the room or between separate rooms from stored media libraries," Davis-Felner said.

Read More [via MacRumors]