Qualcomm and Wilocity launch industry's first tri-band reference design featuring 802.11ac and 802.11ad

USA: Qualcomm Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Qualcomm Atheros Inc., and Wilocity, a leading developer of 60GHz multi-gigabit wireless chipsets, launched the industry's first tri-band reference design that combines 802.11ac and 802.11ad wireless capabilities on a single module.

Based on Qualcomm VIVE 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Wilocity 802.11ad WiGig wireless technologies, the reference design delivers tri-band Wi-Fi, which allows consumers to connect to 60GHz-enabled devices, docks, displays and storage at multi-gigabit speeds, while maintaining enterprise-wide or whole home coverage with 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi.

Building on the success of the QCA9005 tri-band wireless solution, the latest generation tri-band wireless networking card takes advantage of the new Qualcomm VIVE 802.11ac combined with the recently ratified 802.11ad standard that enables multi-gigabit networking, data syncing, and video and audio streaming, while maintaining its wireless bus extension docking capabilities.

By integrating a solution that combines whole home, gigabit-class Wi-Fi with in-room, multi-gigabit connectivity into their devices, equipment manufacturers will benefit from the ultra-high speed this newest solution offers. The latest generation tri-band wireless networking card will be available in two options: the QCA9006NFC next-generation form factor (NGFF) and the QCA9006WBD half-mini card (HMC) specification.

"We are pleased to offer the next generation tri-band solution that brings the industry's first combination of Qualcomm VIVE 802.11ac and the newly ratified 802.11ad capabilities together on one card," said Vivek Gupta, VP of computing, Qualcomm Atheros. "This latest solution opens the door for consumer electronics manufacturers to integrate the technology on platforms ranging from HDTVs and gaming consoles to notebooks. As a result, end users can now enjoy the speed, improved reliability and range of 802.11ac with the multi-gigabit, in-room input/output and networking achieved through 802.11ad."

The release of this latest tri-band solution exemplifies Qualcomm Atheros' and Wilocity's continued strategy of bringing greater connectivity to devices.

"We are delighted to continue our work with Qualcomm Atheros to deliver innovative 802.11ad solutions, which work side-by-side with 802.11ac Wi-Fi," said Mark Grodzinsky, VP of marketing, Wilocity. "With this tri-band card offering the class of legacy and 60GHz bands, customers will be ensured they are always 'best connected.'"