60 GHz protocols - WirelessHD and WiGig

One of the most popular activities on computer networks is video data streaming, and many wireless protocols operating at the frequency of 60 Gigahertz (Ghz) are designed to better support these uses that require large network bandwidths. Two different industry standards called WirelessHD and WiGig were created around the early 2000s, both leveraging 60Ghz technology to support high-bandwidth wireless connections: WiGig offers 1 to 7 Gbps bandwidth, while WirelessHD supports 10 to 28 Gbps.

Although basic video streaming can also be easily achieved with wi-fi networks and many other wireless protocols (LTE in the lead), streaming in very high definition requires the technically maximum amount possible that the technology is able to offer. The very high frequencies in which these protocols operate (60 Ghz against 2.4 or 5 Ghz) severely limit the range of the connection, often shorter even than Bluetooth and typically limited to a single room (in fact, 60 Ghz does not penetrate the walls effectively.)

What is a 60 GHz protocols?

This category of wireless protocol operate in a signal band (range) around 60 Gigahertz (Ghz). (It should be noted that the range is quite wide: these protocols can communicate at frequencies of no less than 57 Ghz and no more than 64 Ghz.).

These frequencies are significantly highers than those used by other wireless protocols, such as LTE (0.7 Ghz up to 2.6 Ghz) or Wi-Fi (2.4 Ghz or 5 Ghz). This key difference allows 60Ghz systems to have some technical advantages over other protocols such as Wi-Fi but with some limitations.

Pros and cons of 60 Ghz protocols

60Ghz protocols really use these high frequencies to increase the amount of network bandwidth and actual data rates they can support. These protocols are especially suitable for high quality video streaming, as mentioned above, but also for some industrial and professional applications that require very wide data transfer rates. Compared to wi-fi networks that can guarantee transfer speeds between 54 Mbps and at most 1 Gbps in conditions or really optimal, the 60 Ghz protocols guarantee a minimum of 1 Gbps up to several gigabits per second. Although, as mentioned, videos can also be streamed via wi-fi, they often require some compression techniques that can negatively affect the quality of the video;

In exchange for the increased speed, 60Ghz protocols sacrifice range. A typical 60Ghz network protocol can only operate at a maximum distance of about 10 meters or less. Extremely high frequency radio signals are unable to pass through most physical obstructions as well as connections made indoors rarely go beyond a single rooms.

On the other hand, the greatly reduce range of this type of radio connection means that these protocols are unlikely to interfere with other 60 Ghz networks nearby, as well as making them much safer and safe from intrusions or prying eyes.

Government agencies in many countries of the world (including in Italy) do not generally require that the devices that use them be licensed, unlike other signal bands. Being an unlicensed bandwidth spectrum, 60 Ghz represents a significant advantage in terms of cost and rapid availability on the market which translates into as many immediate benefits for consumers. These radio frequencies also tend to consume much more power than other types of wireless connections and thus, makes them unsuitable for many mobile devices.