WPAN and WLAN Sub-GHz Communications-Technologies, Markets, Applications

Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various Web sites was studied and analyzed; evaluation of publicly available marketing and technical publications was also conducted. Telephone conversations and interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives. In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.

The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the information content.

Target Audience

This report provides the WPAN/WLAN sub-GHz technologies and markets analysis and assessments; it concentrates on the recent developmental trends. The report is useful for service providers, retail operators, vendors, network operators and managers, investors and end users seeking to gain a deeper understanding of WLAN/WPAN opportunities and barriers.

Brief

This report addresses properties and benefits of wireless communications in the sub-GHz ISM bands. Particular, it stresses the importance of such technologies in the development of HANs, Smart Grid, BA&C and other related cases.

The following Sub-GHz technologies, related markets, standards and applications are analyzed:

• ZigBee
• Insteon
• Z-Wave
• EnOcean
• Wavenis
• IEEE 802.15.4g
• IEEE 802.11af
• IEEE 802.11ah.

The major attractions of these sub-GHz technologies include:

• Extended range - they allow 5-10 times longer reaches in comparison with 2.4 GHz band transmissions. This is the result of smaller losses when signal is traveling through various obstacles; besides, the sub-GHz ISM bands are less crowded
• Low power consumption
• Support of multiple applications that allow a relatively slow rate of transmission.

The industry shows all signs of the interest in utilization of sub-GHz ISM bands; such communications offer great opportunities that were not realized until recently.