Patrick Nelson
star Thought Leader
IDG Contributor Network
Want to Join?
Opinions expressed by ICN authors are their own.
Patrick Nelson was editor and publisher of the music industry trade publication Producer Report and has written for a number of technology blogs. Nelson wrote the cult-classic novel Sprawlism.
The opinions expressed in this blog are those of Patrick Nelson and do not necessarily represent those of IDG Communications, Inc., its parent, subsidiary or affiliated companies.
Hybrid IoT communications could be the best option
GCT Semiconductor and LPWA network provider Sigfox announced a multi-mode, hybrid, LTE combo Sigfox chip that they say will save IoT applications money.
6G will achieve terabits-per-second speeds
Initial 5G is going to be a disappointment, a University of Oulu researcher says. 6G, with frequencies up to terahertz, will be needed for true microsecond latency and unlimited bandwidth.
Low-heat radios could replace cable links in data centers
A more efficient design that combines antenna and electronics could replace traditional radio links, improving energy and spectral efficiency, Georgia Tech researchers say.
NASA to use data lasers to beam data from space to Earth
NASA intends to shift its space-to-ground data communications from traditional radio to laser. The move may help internet throughput via over-the-air laser optical become a reality.
Private LTE, using new spectrum, approaching ‘market readiness’
Private LTE networks, using brand-new frequencies, will be available 2018 Q4 or 2019 Q1 says an expert.
Fiber transmission range leaps to 2,500 miles, and capacity increases
If researchers are successful, we can expect fiber data transmissions to get fatter and longer, as well as increases in data throughput.
Enterprises should be able to sell their excess internet capacity
If Dove Network's solution succeeds, data users will be able to circumvent traditional ISP data plans and buy capacity as needed from those who want to sell their excess.
Computing should be based on light, not electricity, scientists say
An optical, in-computer breakthrough being explored by researchers at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will let computers run cooler and faster.
Disruption Tolerant Networking could change the internet
Disruption Tolerant Networking, being developed for NASA’s Solar System Internet, guarantees data delivery when traffic is interrupted. It could also be used in remote locations on Earth.
Internet infrastructure will be inundated as sea levels rise, says report
Fiber cables and data centers could be decimated by global warming-created sea-level rises in less than 15 years, say researchers from University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Oregon.
Quantum-secured network ‘virtually un-hackable’
A U.K.-based broadband supplier has completed a quantum-key distribution (QKD) secured fiber internet link that it says hackers can't penetrate.
Qualcomm/Facebook gigabit Wi-Fi field trials to start in 2019
Qualcomm partners with Facebook to build a 60GHz urban Wi-Fi network, which the companies say will be faster to deploy than any fiber or copper solution.
Get ready for upcoming 6G wireless, too
A research group is exploring 5G’s ultimate replacement -- terahertz-based 6G wireless -- which could be in commercial use within 10 years.
Microsoft launches undersea, free-cooling data center
Underwater data centers like Microsoft's Project Natick offer the benefit of free water cooling, plus they bring the ultimate in edge computing.
Data freshness, not speed, most important for IoT
IoT is creating wireless network innovation. But it isn’t just about low latency and reliability promises. Data freshness and better security are getting attention, too.
For IoT, alternative location services are better than GPS
Sensor-to-sensor and other alternative location-awareness services will consume less power and will be faster and cheaper than traditional GPS services.
Blockchain, service-centric networking key to IoT success
IoT needs monetization, security, and a strong edge network. Researchers say they have the solution — Blockcloud — blockchain along with a service name addressing system.
Magnetic smart fabrics will store data in clothes
University of Washington researchers have found a new use for conductive thread that could allow you to store data in clothing.
