IEEE Ratifies 802.15.3c, Multi-gigabit Speed Wireless PAN Standard

PISCATAWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The IEEE today announced that its Standards Board has ratified IEEE 802.15.3c-2009, Standard for Information Technology-Telecommunications and Information Exchange between systems-Local and Metropolitan networks-Specific requirements-Part 15.3: Wireless Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY)Specifications for High Rate Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs): Millimeter-wave based Alternative Physical Layer Extension Amendment.

The IEEE 802.15.3 standard defines how to design interoperable WPAN equipment that provides a variety of capabilities including a wide range of data rates, ad-hoc connectivity, video streaming, quality of service, reliability, and security.

The 203-page 802.15.3c amendment, using a 60 GigaHertz Millimeter-wave based Alternative Physical Layer Extension, enables rollout of the first IEEE 802 radios that deliver multi-gigabit throughput for consumer electronics and other applications while ensuring co-existence with legacy and future systems.

"This was an extraordinarily wide-ranging technical challenge that required a concentrated and sustained effort on the part of a variety of participants. When we started in 2005, many of the technologies addressed in 802.15.3c were university research topics and had not been implemented," said Bob Heile, Chair of the IEEE Wireless PAN Working Group. "The performance improvements achieved via IEEE 802.15.3c enables the use of wireless links for new and significant consumer applications. The ratification of this amendment sets the stage for a wave of innovation and the creation of new market opportunities."

Added Paul Nikolich, IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee Chairman: "Everyone involved in the 802.15.3c process deserves congratulations. This is a key data communications milestone and a good example of the consensus building environment 802 provides for its participants. The amendment will enable a dramatic leap forward in WPAN performance."