Extending Wi-Fi signals, especially for IoT devices, can be expensive and difficult to install. But a new technology coming out of MIT called RFocus could change this with its no-power, beamforming capabilities.
The researchers recognized the need to improve Wi-Fi strength but also acknowledged the limited options designers have to improve Wi-Fi presently. However, each option presents major drawbacks:
1) Designers can extend Wi-Fi with repeaters, but these devices can be expensive to implement and can potentially create security flaws in the network.
2) Designers can deploy RF antennas on receiving devices to improve their reception capabilities, but this option may not be possible for the majority of Wi-Fi devices that already feature integrated antennas or PCB-type antennas.
3) Designers can choose an entirely different technology, such as 5G, which private owners will be able to deploy, effectively creating their own private cell network. However, such technologies are yet...
learn more
