No more copper: Gelsinger

Intel's chief technology officer Pat Gelsinger has pointed to key areas that will enable the penetration and technological advancement of wireless technology in the next few years.

Speaking at San Jose's Intel Developer Forum, Gelsinger outlined plans to solve the limitations of wireless, which involves "proactive and seamless communication". The idea of convergence is the theme of this year's IDF circuit and involves the gradual integration of PC technology into communications devices, and vice versa.

Gelsinger highlighted Intel technologies that allow wireless networks to overcome bandwidth problems using Intel processors and 'smart antennas' to decrease minimise the effects of varying download speeds inherent current 802.11-based networks. On the user front, Gelsinger also unveiled the 'Universal Communicator' design concept, which allows seamless switching from wireless systems including GSM, GPRS and 802.11.

Building on last year's 'Radio Free Intel' focus, Gelsinger ambitiously calls these advancements the 'Radio Renaissance', which will effectively remove the reliance on copper in wired networks.

"Simply put, no more copper," said Gelinger.

The death of copper, however, doesn't mean the death of wired networks. Gelsinger was quick to add that optical networking would be the new, wired standard, and Intel is also continuing research into optical fibre.

Currently, Intel is also focused heavily on obtaining spectrum licenses for long distance 802.16 WiMAX technology and other emerging standards. According to Gelsinger, the US FCC regulatory body "has been wonderful over the last few years." However the global situation, particularly developing countries, are much slower in freeing up the airwaves.

David Kidd travelled to Intel's Developer Forum courtesy of Intel.