The future of communication is in the air, according to mmWave technology experts. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has been researching and implementing this new form of communication for about two decades now, but it’s only recently that they have finally made some headway with their research. Let’s take a closer look at the possibilities and the pros and cons of incorporating mmWave into your electronics.
Advantages of mmWave Tech
Versatility
It can be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces, such as casinos or stadiums. This means that it has the potential to expand beyond just personal use for smartphones. There are already talks of using this kind of communication for drones and other appliances.
Speed
This technology offers faster data speeds than what is currently available. It is much faster than current communication methods, such as WiFi or Bluetooth, making it perfect for video games, movies, and apps.
Less Interference
mmWave technology has lower latency than current methods of communication. An antenna positioner, such as one from MilliBox, can help to ensure that the device you are communicating with is always in the range of your antenna, so there should be no interference between devices.
Disadvantages of mmWave Tech
Not Widely Available Yet
Not many companies are currently invested in producing mmWave compatible products. This means that the current consumer market does not have access to it yet, limiting its potential use cases. It is possible this could change within the next few years as more people become aware of its existence and begin investing in it themselves. However, for now, mmWave technology might be limited. The lack of compatible devices means there will likely be a long waiting period before mmWave becomes standard.
Limited Use
mmWave technology is powerful, but because the wavelengths are so short, they can be blocked by any objects—including things like plants and buildings. This means that while they work well in open areas, in more metropolitan areas, their usefulness becomes more limited. However, because the antennas for these are smaller than other types of antenna, antennas can be set up strategically to avoid interruptions and take advantage of high speed transmission.
It’s important to remember when considering whether or not to incorporate mmWave technologies into your electronics that you need to consider everything about your consumer audience before making a decision either way. This includes their access to this technology, what other options are available to them, and how it will affect the customer experience.