Wi-Fi Arrays Expected to Dock in Ports and Harbors

WiFi array technology is the new hardware for the new WiFi networks, and there are many reasons why. WiFi arrays can connect far more WiFi users with higher bandwidth and higher range with much less hardware. And that makes lower cost network solutions possible for connecting cities, harbors, ports, schools and businesses.

Xirrus (Thousand Oaks, CA) is one of the few wireless companies in the Wi-Fi array market. And it is also one of only wireless companies that obtained venture capital funding in 2009. Xirrus managed to raise $20 million in December as other companies were left begging.

And that’s no small accomplishment in today’s market. According to Price Waterhouse Cooper, total venture capital funding dropped again in 2009, tumbling down to $18 billion from $28 billion in 2008.

Although school districts and university campuses are presently the business focus of Xirrus, it is only a question of time before its products are used in marine applications. And that’s not only because Xirrus’ WiFi array networks fit the WiFi data requirements for ports and harbors, but they were also designed for the outdoors.

Xirrus’ Wi-Fi technology is cost-effective, weather tough and moves video effortlessly. But these are not the only features. Their WiFi networks can be set up on the go, anywhere. And they can simultaneously support hundreds of video users and can directly connect to satellite networks or wired networks. All of which make WiFi arrays the preferred alternative for marine-based WiFi networks

The need for boaters to have low-cost Internet communication is not the only reason WiFi arrays will end up in ports and harbors. The other reason is the availability of new low-cost wireless sensors. Wireless sensors that used to cost hundreds of dollars can now be purchased for just a few. And this is unleashing the pent up demand for the mass deployment of wireless sensor-on-water and sensor-under-water networks in all rivers, lakes, seas and oceans.

Environmental monitoring companies, defense and security companies, navigation companies, and communication companies as well as energy-over-water and energy-under-water companies need the invaluable data that wireless sensors collect. And they need high-speed, low-cost wireless networks to aggregate and distribute the data these sensors provide.

Pushing the wireless sensor market forward are increased demands for more information, and that’s more detailed information needed to solve more complex problems. Information about the water and weather-over-the-water is needed to assess global warming effects, the feasibility of alternative energy projects and much more. To contend with global warming, more networks are needed to closely monitor thermal changes in the water, but also population changes in aquatic life. For alternative energy, more wireless networks are needed for not only the detailed assessment of water currents, winds and waves, but for the efficient operation of massive tidal, wave and wind energy systems.

In fact, more sensors are needed just about everywhere where water is. And that’s because most of the oceans remain unexplored. Unlike yesteryear, today’s ocean explorers won’t be sailors in wooden boats, but unmanned flotillas of wireless sensors and wireless networks. The sensor data these flotillas will provide will not only allow for the discovery of more alternative natural resources but will prevent the depletion of existing resources. As these flotillas serve on the front lines, the data they relay will also be depended on to give the time critical information needed to prepare for natural disasters, such as tsunamis.

All of this indicates that companies in the forefront of WiFi array networks, like Xirrus, will successfully ride the cresting wave of the WiFi-over-water market. But they won’t be the only ones. Companies that produce long-distance Wi-Fi antennas, Wi-Fi equipped buoys, and wireless sensors will also benefit. And that’s not to mention the maritime WiFi system integration companies that will be central to putting all these networks into place.