Internet signal transmission through ... gas pipeline

This strange wireless broadband (UWB) technology is being developed by Nethercomm (USA). The connection speed will reach 100 Mb / s, exceeding the requirement for connecting super-fast Internet with voice and video.

Nethercomm uses " clues " to transmit and receive ultra-wide bandwidth radio signals to transmit wireless signals through gas pipelines while the system transfers air. If success is achieved, this idea will have a big impact on the bandwidth market. Often many companies have encountered a barrier that is the DSL classification category of the US Federal Communications Agency, whereby independent service providers are restricted from using available cable or telephone lines. with customers using broadband.

Gas pipelines can be a good solution because this system serves more than 70% of households and more than 35% of businesses in the US. Transmission costs can also be lower with about $ 500 investment in installation for a customer. Meanwhile, investing in DSL over a power line is $ 1,000 per customer and connecting cables to each house costs up to $ 2,000 in initial costs.

Analyst on wireless and mobile technology Craig Mathias commented: "Theoretically this can be done". But he is not sure to what extent the wireless signal transmission technique works.

EarthLink itself is also interested in this idea. " We are still considering the feasibility of the technology. The station link connects many households and this is interesting ," said its vice president, Kevin Brand.

UWB is being applied to improve communication technology with high data download speeds and can " overwhelm " other wireless signals. So far, the transmission of UWB data in underground pipelines has not caused any problems and can therefore be implemented in gas pipelines.

Some solutions have been tested, such as EarthLink's UWB power transmission technology, BellSouth's WiMax technology, but all have limitations. Wi-Fi and WiMax networks do not provide the kind of broadband needed to support large-capacity applications like HD television because the speed is only 75 Mbps. BellSouth's service is also available only 1.5 Mbps.

Thuy Huong ( according to CNet )