Qualcomm StreamBoost enhances 802.11ac performance
D-Link and Alienware first to demonstrate Wi-Fi routers incorporating the traffic shaping and device management system
Published: 7 January, 2013
Faster Wi-Fi will be a highlight of this week's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Qualcommm has become a major player in this space since acquiring Atheros two years ago, and its latest offering, StreamBoost, promises to boost WLan performance.
StreamBoost is designed to be incorporated into Wi-Fi routers and gateways to enhance various high end applications, notably video streaming. It offers additional boosts, on top of those promised by the new gigabit 802.11ac standard, by adding traffic management and shaping capabilities. It further improves video quality via an opt-in, cloud-based service which identifies new applications and devices and manages them in an efficient way when they join the network.
StreamBoost-compatible products will provide end users with an interface to view all the devices connected to their home network as well as the apps they are using, and the real time bandwidth usage for each gadget and app.
The first vendors to demonstrate routers including 11ac plus StreamBoost are D-Link Systems and specialist PC firm Alienware, both of which will show products at CES. Consumer devices are expected to ship this spring.
"StreamBoost provides users with advanced control over their home networks to enable the first truly smart, connected homes," said Frank Azor, general manager, Alienware. "This technology will provide gamers with a more reliable and better performing online gaming experience, whether there are two, 12 or 20 devices using the network simultaneously."
Qualcomm says that the average home network currently links seven devices to the internet and this number is growing, creating problems of congestion and unreliable performance for video, gaming and surfing.
There will be more CES news from Qualcomm on January 7, when CEO Paul Jacobs delivers the pre-show keynote speech for the first time.
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