Efficiency of Wireless Transmissions Through Various Mediums
William Matthew Fortunato, Christopher Ray Walker · 2007
As the IEEE 802.H, Wi-Fi, family of standards has become an inexpensive, reliable, and widespread means of wireless communication between computers, new applications of the technology have been envisioned. One such application is the use of an IEEE 802.11 system as a platform for the transmission of wireless streaming video in security systems. Our line of research attempts to determine how well such a system can transmit data for live viewing, and later processing, in real-world conditions. In the experimental process, we used off-the-shelf components, and subjected them to microwave interference while broadcasting streaming video through various distances and materials. Our investigation into the robustness of Wi-Fi video transmission has shown that the standard, while fine for ordinary use, needs to be made more robust for streaming live data. Based on our studies, it is our recommendation that future researchers should find a method to circumvent the channel sharing features inherent to IEEE 802.11, which may require obtaining FCC approval. Wi-Fi is a capable, inexpensive and widely available platform, but researchers should look into modifying the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standards to better suit their needs for wireless video streaming.