Enabling devices to communicate quickly and cost effectively in challenging environments, NeulNET marks the next global growth area for wireless and was awarded the Emerging Technology category of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Innovation Awards at last night’s ceremony.
Developed by mobile wireless data service provider Neul, the disruptive technology is the first and only system that meets Federal Communications Commission white space radio specification to provide reliable, secure wireless connectivity to satisfy the burgeoning market for data communications. Successfully demonstrating the deployment of trial networks in three continents, the Cambridge start-up has increased network capacity and reduced costs by virtualising many of the complex software components into the cloud. Subsequently changing the economics of network deployment and operation, the Neul TV white space system has been exclusively used in the Cambridge White Space Consortium trials, the largest trial in the world. The system is also currently being deployed in Singapore to support the machine-to-machine (M2M) applications and commercial networks rolled out this year.
Preparing for the predicted 50 billion connected M2M devices due through smart metering rural broadband, transportation and beyond, Neul’s award-winning approach to wireless networking has been essential in the development of the open network standard “Weightless,” designed to kick start the “internet of things” via the use of white space communications.
Upon receiving the award, Paul Egan, Business Development Manager, Neul, commented: “It’s fantastic to be recognised by the IET for what we believe is going to be a powerful innovation. We hope that in 2013, white space becomes an established standard as we have a bold vision to democratise wide area networks.”
The IET judging panel for the Emerging Technologies category commented “White space networks undoubtedly represent the next global growth area for wireless. Targeting the area of M2M communications for example, is an exciting and challenging opportunity because machines do not communicate like humans and a new paradigm is required for dedicated M2M networks. The judges were also pleased to see that a Special interest Group has been formed to develop and promote a ubiquitous M2M standard they call “weightless”, from a Neul developed framework and noted that technical trials have indicated that NeulTV white space systems do not interfere with TVs or wireless microphones”.
The 2012 IET Innovation Awards ceremony was presented by world champion and Olympic swimmer Mark Foster. The IET Innovation Awards celebrate the most innovative organisations bringing local, economic and social benefits through a wide variety of science, engineering and technology disciplines. The ceremony was made possible by the generous support of sponsors ABB, Accenture, Altran, D Young & Co LLP, Lloyd’s Register, Mathworks, National Grid and NPL.