Researchers at Stanford University say they have found a way to implement full-duplex wireless data transfers, which can effectively double the capacity of wireless networks.
A full duplex connection--which transmits data in both directions simultaneously--hasn't been possible on the same frequency because of interference problems. However, the researchers say they have developed a noise cancellation technique that allows two nodes to exchange data simultaneously, which is implemented using a dual-antenna system much like how a noise-canceling earphone works. While not all applications will perform better on a full-duplex network, a VoIP call or video call does need to transmit and receive the same amount of data, and would thereby benefit from this technology.
"Textbooks say you can't do it," said Stanford University assistant professor Philip Levis when announcing the breakthrough. "The new system completely reworks our assumptions about how wireless networks can be designed."
For more:
- check out this article at The Register
- read this Computerworld article
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