10-05-2006, 10:00 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 15,171
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Software-Defined Radio Under Discussion
"The problem of compatibility between wireless devices is being addressed at an international conference this week. Scientists will be discussing what has been dubbed 'Tower of Babel' technology - software that can converge different wireless gadgets into a single device. The aim for Software Defined Radio (SDR) is to be able to translate and understand any kind of radio wave signal, such as 3G or wi-fi. Researchers say SDR gadgets could become commonplace in five to 10 years."
To me, this is the true holy grail: a software radio that may, one day, support competing 3G standards and WiFi and support future protocols via something as simple as a firmware update. (Well, I may have to settle without the future protocol aspect; I'm guessing that if carriers ever carry SDR-enabled devices, they'll want to ensure the devices aren't that upgradeable, as they make a decent amount of money on the sale of a new device. Still, this would be exciting and could usher in a new era of wireless devices -- and more rapid releases across different technologies.)
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10-06-2006, 12:22 AM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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We talked about this a bit at Mobius Thailand - the possibilities are very powerful, especially given how lame so many devices are when they ship missing the 850 band...
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10-06-2006, 03:54 PM
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Thoughts Media Review Team
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 599
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I like this idea but the inference is that we need more powerful processors in order to be able to do realtime analysis of the radio signal and then work out what that signal actually is.
Presumably we will also see an increase in encrypted radio traffic otherwise these radios are going to be able to grab everything and decode everything.
It will help cut down on the number of devices that I carry 
--Philip
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