As 60 GHz Wireless Networking Approaches, Plugfest Begins

One would think wireless connections of today are fast, but they are nothing compared to what the WiGig Alliance is testing out during the world’s first WiGig technology plugfest.

The WiGi Alliance, short for Wireless Gigabit Alliance, has come together to celebrate the release of the WiGig’s certification-ready multi-Gigabit wireless specification.

Said specification has been out since April, 2011 (version 1.1), but the members of the alliance got together now in order to start testing out the interoperability of their inventions.

“We are pleased to provide baseband, RF and mmWave signal generation and analysis capability to support the PlugFest and its participants,” said Ron Nersesian, president, Agilent’s Electronic Measurement Group.

“We are delighted that our early investments and continued commitment in this technology and WiGig Alliance along with our leadership in wide bandwidth modulation, analysis and millimeter applications is enabling the 60 GHz industry to design and develop products more rapidly.”

The event is organized in collaboration with MET Labs and UL CCS, two world-class, independent compliance, certification and testing houses.

The goal is to see how well the enhancements of the 1.1 specification work, if they are reliable enough and, generally, if WiGi products are ready to start showing up.

“We are proud to demonstrate our commitment to the industry and our customers through the upcoming test event that sets the stage for an interoperable WiGig ecosystem,” said Dr. Ali Sadri, WiGig Alliance president and chairman.

“At the inception of the WiGig Alliance back in 2009 we envisioned the realization of innovative and interoperable multi-Gigabit wireless connectivity among PCs, consumer electronics and hand-held devices. We are now close to making this a commercial reality.”

Alas, even if the results turn out to be promising, people shouldn't hold their breath for 60 GHz wireless transmission just yet. After all, certified WiGig products are only scheduled for launch around late 2012 or early 2013.