LTE-U, aka LTE in unlicensed spectrum, is a new standard originally proposed by Qualcomm which allows LTE signals to stray into the 5GHz band to allow faster data transfer over short throws without having to join your phone to a WiFi network. It seems that the assumption is that users are to lazy or ignorant to have added their commonly used WiFi networks to their phones and so need this feature for convenience.
There is the small problem of signal interference however, dual band WiFi uses the 5GHz spectrum and we are already seeing congestion on that band. T-Mobile and Verizon claim that this extra traffic will not have any effect on WiFi signals and are already complaining about the thresholds they must honour, while Qualcomm seems to be trying to remain reasonable. Tests are currently under way, under the monitoring of the WiFi Alliance, who have posted a technical paper describing what will be tested and how. You can pop by The Register if you want to delve into the nuts and bolts of the current proposal.
"Carriers, already under a spectrum squeeze, are hoping they can pitch their tents on Wi-Fi's campground, promising that LTE-U won't disrupt Wi-Fi. will play nice if there are Wi-Fi users around."
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“we are already seeing
“we are already seeing congestion on that band”
Not Really.
Really.
Really.
many IoT devices use the 2.4
many IoT devices use the 2.4 ghz spectrum as IoT devices tend to cheap out for wifi radio’s… and many cant support 5GHz bands. Companies that currently use 5GHz for backhaul are switching to the 60GHz spectrum already, and while there are more and more consumer level 5ghz broadcast ap’s, there isnt much traffic on them, stay for a cell phone tablet, and a laptop, maybe two. Many do not reach further than 15m, and there’s many more channels to fill up on the 5GHz spectrum. So no, not very congested unless you’re just counting broadcast packets.
Well in my apartment 5Ghz is
Well in my apartment 5Ghz is congested up to the point that I i’m constantly losing connection at less than 10m from my router. Yes 2.4Ghz is even more crowded which is why I switched to 5Ghz.
So, would Verizon not count
So, would Verizon not count the data sent by LTE-U against your data plan? Or would this just be a great way to get customers to blow thru their monthly allotment in a long weekend, resulting in more overage fees.
You expect logic?
You expect logic?
This is a horrible idea. The
This is a horrible idea. The reason the telcos use licensed spectrum is to avoid the huge problems this will cause. This is just a train wreck waiting to happen.