2G | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Fri, 27 Nov 2015 09:15:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png 2G | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Ancient 2G mobile networks could be used for drone traffic control https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/ancient-2g-mobile-networks-could-be-used-for-drone-traffic-control/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/ancient-2g-mobile-networks-could-be-used-for-drone-traffic-control/#respond Fri, 27 Nov 2015 09:15:59 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=276455 One of the interesting legislative challenges facing politicians the world over right now is how to deal with drones. The manned and unmanned quad-copters are taking to the skies in ever increasing numbers, and keeping track of them all is nearly impossible. However it could be that old 2G mobile networks could be used to …

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One of the interesting legislative challenges facing politicians the world over right now is how to deal with drones. The manned and unmanned quad-copters are taking to the skies in ever increasing numbers, and keeping track of them all is nearly impossible. However it could be that old 2G mobile networks could be used to update their location and other information, allowing for a drone traffic control system, similar to that of traditional aircraft.

This is a technique being trialled by PrecisionHawk, which develops AI driven, plane-like drones. In conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) it's pioneering a system that has drones sending up to 40 text messages a second over cellular networks like 2G and 3G, utilising spare bandwidth to update a cloud central server with their location, speed and altitude.

The reliability of the technology is the important part. By sending low-data texts instead of more complicated and data-heavy information, it is a reliable system even out in the sticks. That's not to say higher speed networks can't be used when available however.

Beyond that, the drones PrecisionHawk is working on can also tap into the Iridium satellite phone network, which gives coverage practically everywhere in the world. As the Guardian reports, there's even a backup to that backup, in the form of ADS-B radio.

precisionhawk

The purpose of all this communicative technology, is to make it so that a central authority knows where all drones are at all times. This can be used to automatically have drones avoid one another, but could also prevent them from straying into certain areas that are potentially hazardous to the drones and people: like active airfields, areas where paragliding or parachuting is common, or bird colonies.

This geofencing system will be used on dynamic locations too. Shipping and aircraft will have their own protective space around them, so that should a drone come close, it will know to turn back. The same could be done for typical aircraft flight paths and military bases.

The only problem is that a system like this is much more effective if every drone is using it, which would mean some measure of legislation requiring it; without that, manufacturers would just save the cost and not bother.

Still, it's a feature that PrecisionHawk hopes drone operators will want too, as it could allow for more universal automation, as well as friend networks so you can see your fellow operator's drones and maybe even tap into their camera feeds remotely.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: This seems like the kind of safe, middle-ground system that would make drones easy enough to use without gimping them. What do you think?

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London commuters suffer with poor mobile connectivity https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/jon-martindale/london-commuters-suffer-with-poor-mobile-connectivity/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/jon-martindale/london-commuters-suffer-with-poor-mobile-connectivity/#comments Wed, 15 Oct 2014 08:11:42 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=216684 While there are plenty of places we can all agree using your phone isn't acceptable, the train isn't one of them. Granted an obnoxious voice call might get a few people riled up, but checking your texts and the latest news headlines should be possible. That goes doubly so for when you're commuting to work, as many …

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While there are plenty of places we can all agree using your phone isn't acceptable, the train isn't one of them. Granted an obnoxious voice call might get a few people riled up, but checking your texts and the latest news headlines should be possible. That goes doubly so for when you're commuting to work, as many people do to London every day. However trying to do so on most of the common routes into the city is unlikely to leave you satisfied, as a new study by Global Wireless Solutions has found that most of the lines into London feature horrible reception and wireless data coverage.

Despite London itself receiving excellent coverage from all of the major networks, when it comes too the train lines entering it, it's a whole other story. Many of the networks still use their 2G networks to handle much of the information going back and forth, as well as using codecs too compress the audio quality of most calls. And even when you can get 3G or 4G coverage, there's a near one in four, or one in three chance (respectively) of packet data dropping out.

When it comes to comparing the networks however, Three does surprisingly well, especially considering it doesn't have a 2G network of its own. It's able to connect the most calls at the highest quality. O2 was the worst culprit when it came to the quality of calls, utilising its 2G network on some 60 per cent of them, while EE wasn't far behind with 40 per cent.

Data rates shifted the rankings a little, giving Vodafone the nod for 3G connectivity and EE for 4G connectivity.

commuter
Every balloon represents a failure of some kind

In terms of specific train lines which featured poor reception, St. Pancras was the worst by far, with the highest number of dropped packets across all networks. Runners up in that respect were Radlett, Kentish Town and Upminster.

Paul Carter, CEO of GWS said of the results, that he hopes with commuter pressure mounting, it won't be long before networks offer better service to commuters.

” It’d be great to see networks, rail operators and station-masters taking the lead on improving connectivity for commuters – rather than having to be dragged into the 21st Century kicking and screaming,” he said.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: I'm sure some of you guys commute into London on a regular basis. How do you find signal for data and calls on your way in and out?

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Intel introduces ‘world’s smallest’ 3G modem https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/anton-shilov/intel-introduces-worlds-smallest-3g-modem/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/anton-shilov/intel-introduces-worlds-smallest-3g-modem/#respond Wed, 27 Aug 2014 22:42:06 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=209186 Intel Corp. has introduced what it claims to be the world’s smallest 3G modem. The Intel XMM 6255 is designed for wearables, security devices and industrial equipment as well as the upcoming devices that belong to the Internet-of-Things market. The new modem from Intel supports dual band HSPA with 7.2Mb/s maximum download speed and 5.76Mb/s …

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Intel Corp. has introduced what it claims to be the world’s smallest 3G modem. The Intel XMM 6255 is designed for wearables, security devices and industrial equipment as well as the upcoming devices that belong to the Internet-of-Things market.

The new modem from Intel supports dual band HSPA with 7.2Mb/s maximum download speed and 5.76Mb/s maximum upload speed. Besides, the XMM 6255 modem supports optional quad-band 2G with external low-cost companion chip.

intel_xmm_6255_1

Intel’s XMM 6255 measures at just about 300 square millimeters, which makes it the world’s smallest standalone 3G modem. The XMM 6255 features the Smarti UE2p transceiver, which is based on the new Intel Power Transceiver technology, which combines transmit and receive functionality with a fully integrated power amplifier and power management on a single chip. Such approach reduces the amount of components, which means smaller sizes and lower costs. Besides, according to Intel, the power transceiver also protects the radio from overheating, voltage peaks and damage under tough usage conditions, which is important for critical IoT devices (e.g., safety monitors).

The XMM 6255 also features advanced radio architecture that lets it work flawlessly in small devices (where it is impossible to install a proper 3G antenna) and in low signal network coverage conditions.

intel_xmm_6255

Intel’s XMM 6255 is currently available in the u-blox SARA-U2 module and Intel expects to have updates on additional partnerships in the coming months.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While the XMM 6255 looks promising, it is doubtful that it will really be useful for the market of Internet-of-Things. The IoT is all about perpetual Internet connectivity of all devices. Meanwhile, 3G networks are already very crowded and adding extra devices to these networks will either collapse them or significantly decrease their quality of service. It is doubtful that carriers will welcome a lot of 3G IoT devices to their networks. Still, the XMM 6255 could be integrated into existing devices, such as tablets or laptops, which will make connected devices more affordable, something that will be welcome by both carriers and end-users.

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Three and EE announce calls and texts over WiFi service https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/jon-martindale/three-and-ee-announce-calls-and-texts-over-wifi-service/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/jon-martindale/three-and-ee-announce-calls-and-texts-over-wifi-service/#comments Mon, 23 Jun 2014 07:43:53 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=199610 To help combat the growing trend of users taking to third party apps for their main methods of communication, both Three and Everything Everywhere (EE) have announced new services that allow customers to use their WiFi connection to send text messages and make calls, in the same manner as software like Skype. While spokespersons for …

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To help combat the growing trend of users taking to third party apps for their main methods of communication, both Three and Everything Everywhere (EE) have announced new services that allow customers to use their WiFi connection to send text messages and make calls, in the same manner as software like Skype.

While spokespersons for the two companies have stated publicly that the reason for the launch of the new service is to better cover those that are in areas that don't have high speed wireless data access, like 3G and 4G supporting areas, it seems just as likely that this move is to try and combat Skype and Whatsapp's continued growth.

bacon
Wouldn't want your mobile signal to… flatliners. Get it?

“There are going to be places where we don't currently penetrate,” said EE's director of network services, Tom Bennett. “I'm confident I run the best mobile network in the UK, but equally I can't cover everywhere, so part of voice-over-WiFi is prioritising the best customer experience.”

It's expected that this new service will benefit those in remote areas the most, as they are the least likely to have access to either wireless data or traditional cellular signal. It should also make it easier to for those that have mobile signal dead spots in their house, as when the service launches this autumn, the WiFi connection will be able to take over if the 2G signal disappears.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: This should be perfect for me as my house is notoriously horrible for mobile signal. What about the rest of you guys?

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