GapSense Allows Communication Between WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee Devices

A team of researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor are in the process of developing a new software -- GapSense-- that will enable thorough communication between these different protocols for a much improved, wireless rush-hour free networks.

WiFi, ZigBee, and Bluetooth protocols all work using the IEEE 802 standard -- the issue arises due to their varying protocols acting as distinct languages without an intermediate interpreter. That will be GapSense’s job. Bluetooth, unlike WiFi’s long-range ability, is designed for short-range, short-wavelength communication; for example, from a smartphone to the home computer it is sitting next to. ZigBee devices are growing in popularity for their inherent mesh networking ability used primarily for home security, remote home monitoring, and other automated devices. A home equipped with a diverse assortment of the aforementioned networks is a wireless traffic jam waiting to happen.

GapSense software essentially creates a traffic system-like communication between each different wireless device. Each device will be able to communicate a warning message or a stop command to alert neighboring devices of its intent to transmit information. The neighboring devices would then limit their use of the network airwaves to avoid unnecessary information packet collisions. Interference between such devices has already been reduced by 88 percent using the GapSense software, and collisions between new, wider bandwidth WiFi gadgets and narrower bandwidth devices have been practically eliminated.

WiFiNovation's insight:

The software could also address the so-called "hidden terminal" problem. Newer WiFi standards allow for faster data rates on wider bandwidths than the standard 20 megahertz, but devices on different bandwidths can't hear one another's communications to avoid talking over them. GapSense could enable these devices on different standards to talk in turn. At moderate WiFi traffic, the researchers detected around 40 percent collision rate between wider- and narrower-bandwidth devices and GapSense reduced it to virtually zero.

Source : http://goo.gl/tb4IW

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