The Evolution of WiGig: From Concept to Commercialization

WiGig, also known as Wireless Gigabit, is a wireless communication technology that enables high-speed data transfer over short distances. It was first introduced in 2009 by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a non-profit organization that promotes Wi-Fi technology. Since then, WiGig has evolved from a concept to a commercialized technology that is being used in various applications.

Overview

WiGig operates in the 60 GHz frequency band and uses beamforming technology to transmit data at speeds of up to 7 Gbps. It is designed to complement Wi-Fi technology, which operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands and is used for longer-range communication. WiGig is ideal for applications that require high-speed data transfer over short distances, such as wireless docking, virtual reality, and wireless display.

WiGig has gone through several stages of development since its introduction. In the early stages, it was mainly used for research and development purposes. However, as the technology matured, it started to gain traction in the market. Today, WiGig is being used in various applications, including wireless docking, virtual reality, and wireless display.

Key Players in the Evolution of WiGig

Several companies have played a significant role in the evolution of WiGig. These include:

• Intel: Intel was one of the first companies to embrace WiGig technology. It introduced the first WiGig-enabled laptop in 2013 and has since integrated WiGig into its chipsets.
• Qualcomm: Qualcomm has also been a major player in the WiGig market. It introduced the first WiGig-enabled smartphone in 2017 and has since integrated WiGig into its Snapdragon chipsets.
• Peraso: Peraso is a Canadian company that specializes in WiGig technology. It has developed several WiGig chipsets and has partnered with several companies to bring WiGig-enabled products to market.
• Wilocity: Wilocity was a startup that was acquired by Qualcomm in 2014. It was one of the pioneers of WiGig technology and developed several WiGig chipsets.

Market Challenges

Despite its potential, WiGig has faced several challenges in the market. One of the main challenges has been the limited range of the technology. WiGig operates in the 60 GHz frequency band, which has a shorter range than the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands used by Wi-Fi. This has limited the applications of WiGig to short-range communication.

Another challenge has been the lack of standardization. WiGig is a relatively new technology, and there are still no industry-wide standards for it. This has led to compatibility issues between different WiGig-enabled devices.

Market Opportunities

Despite the challenges, WiGig has several market opportunities. One of the main opportunities is in the wireless docking market. WiGig can enable wireless docking between laptops and desktop monitors, eliminating the need for cables and connectors. This can improve productivity and reduce clutter in the workspace.

Another opportunity is in the virtual reality market. WiGig can enable wireless communication between virtual reality headsets and gaming consoles, providing a more immersive gaming experience. This can also improve the mobility of virtual reality systems, allowing users to move around freely without being tethered to a computer.

Future of WiGig

The future of WiGig looks promising. The technology is expected to continue to evolve and improve, with faster speeds and longer ranges. The Wi-Fi Alliance is also working on developing industry-wide standards for WiGig, which will improve compatibility between different devices.

One of the main areas of growth for WiGig is expected to be in the enterprise market. WiGig can enable wireless docking and display in the workplace, improving productivity and reducing clutter. It can also enable wireless communication between devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, providing a seamless and connected experience.

Conclusion

WiGig has come a long way since its introduction in 2009. It has evolved from a concept to a commercialized technology that is being used in various applications. Despite the challenges, WiGig has several market opportunities, and its future looks promising. As the technology continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see more WiGig-enabled products in the market, providing faster speeds and more seamless connectivity.