New Technology May Change the way You Get WiFi

Filed in archive Wi-Fi on April 9, 2010

These days it's all but a given that your hotel will offer wireless access but do you ever give a passing thought to the technology that gets the Wi-Fi from an earth orbiting satellite to your wireless device?

The Trump Hotel in Chicago is one of many lodges using special wireless technology called distributed antenna systems (DAS) which work like this: Small antennas are put in the HVAC (duct) system. This cuts the costs of making the hotel a giant hot spot and reduces wireless installation to 60 days (vs. many months).

The benefits? Metal HVAC ducts are typically excellent wave-guides for radio signals as it is; they are designed to reach the entire building, most are designed with a central equipment room and are located on the top of the building anyway!

Companies like Extenet are pioneering the technology and boast having performed DAS installations for carriers, health care, government, higher education, transportation, high rises and offices all over the US.