Oki develops 920MHz frequency band wireless multi-hop communication system

ntttttttttttt

Oki Corp has succeeded in the development of Japan’s first wireless multi-hop communication system for the new 920 MHz frequency band which is scheduled to open by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in July 2012. The 920 MHz band offers high signal propagation and considerable promise for wireless multi-hop communication technologies ideally suited for use in smart communities, smart houses and smart meters.

Smart grids that use information communication technologies for energy management such as electricity have attracted significant interest, and studies continue on smart communities capable of deploying such management control and smart houses that make effective use of green energy.

“Making smart communities and smart houses a reality requires a communications infrastructure to transmit data, such as electricity control data. The communications infrastructure will require home networks that connect home appliances and electrical power equipment within the home or office, and field area networks that connect devices such as smart meters between outside buildings,” says Takeshi Kamijoh, General Manager of Research and Development Center at Oki. “Wireless multi-hop communications are expected to make such infrastructures possible. Electrical power equipment such as smart taps and smart meters are often installed in locations with poor signal access, underscoring the significance of the 920 MHz band with its high signal propagation compared with 2.4 GHz which broke communications.”

Oki has developed an IEEE 802.15.43-compliant wireless multi-hop communications system to accommodate conditions of use for the new 920 MHz frequency band currently being deliberated on by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and Oki evaluated performance using an acquired experimental transmitter. The testing confirmed that communication is possible over 10km when transmission output of 250mW, the specified maximum. The testing also confirmed direct communications in urban locations among many obstacles such as buildings at a transmission output of 70mW within an area of approximately 150m in radius.

By applying this technology to a wide range of new services, Oki said it will also try to realize a society in which people feel more comfortable, safer, and secure.