BANGALORE: The evolution of cellular networks could translate to
the concept of 'mobile gateways,' which involves vehicular movement,
according to Innoviti, a Bangalore based embedded solutions provider.
This next generation mobile network is based on the 802.11p
technology, for which standards are still being defined, said Rajeev Agrawal,
CEO, Innoviti.
"We are trying to exploit an ad hoc network of vehicles on
the road. Mobile networks, instead of connecting to a base station in the
neighbourhood like it does now, will have access to a point in the vehicle,
which will then connect to another vehicle in the neighbourhood," said
Agrawal. However, he said it would be too early to tell if this access
point will be embedded in the control panel of a vehicle or adopt the
after-market sales strategy.
Due to the short spectrum, the network will be more effective
and will churn out higher bandwidth, he said. Low power requirement resulting in
low battery consumption are other advantages of this technology.
For the cellular operator whose biggest concern is high
investment in infrastructure, the mobile gateway would be a boon, as it will
reduce capital investment. "Financially, it is very interesting for the
cellular operators, as the access point is now purchased by the consumer. The
concept of base stations will change. It will be committed to the back-end
through DSL," he said.
Lower capital investment for the operators would invariably
result in the roll out of cheaper mobile services, he adds.
Still in the early R&D stages, Agrawal expects solutions
based on this technology out in 2008 or 2009 in partnership with a cellular
operator.
Innoviti, a start-up in the consumer wireless products space,
also announced a strategic tie-up with Titan Industries. The companies together
plan to roll out watches and pens with certain built-in wireless features. The
products will be launched in about 12 -18 months, said Agrawal.
To read more on Mobility, log on to: www.www.ciol.com/mobility