Federal grant awarded for innovative large-area WIFI network
The Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) intends to solve connectivity issues in times of crisis, as well as deliver coverage to remote communities in Australia.
A demonstration of the project was recently held at Wattamolla Beach. Image: The Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN)
The Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN), jointly led by the University of Technology (UTS) and the University of Sydney, has been awarded $1.5 million in federal funding.
The project is designed to connect sites or entire communities using Large Area Wifi, particularly when traditional communication services are unavailable, providing coverage of up two square kilometres and supporting up to 100 simultaneous users.
This service can also be used to connect regional, remote and First Nations communities, promoting digital inclusion and accessibility for all.
UTS Distinguished Professor Jay Guo, the CIN Technical Director, said, “The Large Area WiFi project leverages CIN’s world-leading capabilities in the connectivity space, wireless communications and UTS’s world-class expertise in antennas and telecommunications engineering in particular.”
The earlier success of the previous CIN-funded pilot project serves as a great exemplar of how Australian universities, industry and governments can work together to tackle our national challenges and meet the needs of our communities.
Distinguished Professor Jay Guo
The Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) will now work on the next phase with industry partners Pivotel, an Australian provider of regional communication solutions, and Roobuck, an Australian company specialising in the manufacture of safety and productivity in the mining and industrial sectors.
“We are confident that the TDRI grant will propel the technology to the next level, to deliver meaningful societal impact.”
