Connectivity Technology Blog

The 2024 Global Forum on Connecting the World from the Skies , held on November 25-26, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and technical experts to discuss the evolving landscape of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). Hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), the event highlighted NTNs' critical role in shaping the future of global connectivity. The conference featured a rich lineup of keynote speeches, panel discussions, tutorial sessions, and an award ceremony. One standout session on Day 1 was the tutorial "Satellite Communications: Current Trends and Key Challenges," delivered by Professor Riccardo De Gaudenzi of the University of Parma. This session explored the vital role satellite networks play in global communication, from video broadcasting to bridging connectivity gaps in underserved regions. Traditionally focused on broadcasting and professional applications, s...

Fibre-to-the-room (FTTR) is a new kind of in-premises networking technology which is based on optical fibre communication. With the benefit of optical fibre, FTTR will provide high-bandwidth and reliable transmission. It is envisaged that the topology and functionalities of FTTR technologies may be different from the current fibre-based technologies in transport and access network, and consequently it is necessary to understand the use cases of FTTR and derive the corresponding network requirements for subsequently developing specifications. Earlier this year, I blogged about the ETSI ISG F5G that aims to study the fixed-network evolution required to match and further enhance the benefits that 5G has brought to mobile networks and communications. The intention of F5G is that it will define improvements with respect to previous solutions and the new characteristics of the fifth-generation fixed network. This will open up new opportunities by comprehensively applying fiber technology to...

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for all matters related to information and communication technologies. Established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, it is one of the oldest international organizations in operation. The ITU promotes the shared global use of the radio spectrum, facilitates international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, assists in developing and coordinating worldwide technical standards, and works to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world.  The ITU recently held a series of Satellite Webinars to share the current technical and regulatory situation, evolution, and trends in the field of satellite communications. They featured discussions and contributions from well-known experts from the satellite and space industries and were open to ITU members and non-members alike! Part 1 - ​Interference to Satellite Systems: preventing or protecting? : From ...

I remember first talking about LiFi back in 2011 , but since then things have come a long way. We discussed it being adopted by IEEE in a post couple of years back . IEEE 802.11 Light Communication (LC) TG which is working on 802.11 bb , is also called the Task Group "bb" (TGbb) and is focused on introducing necessary changes to the base IEEE 802.11 Stds to enable communications in the light medium. Lightbulbs are delivering ultra-high speed #broadband ! @ITU #LiFi standard is the first to enable high-speed indoor Visible Light Communication https://t.co/vWKSYrkTBP pic.twitter.com/YHPW7O7mm3 — ITU (@ITU) September 4, 2020 In another post last year, we discussed that even though a lot of terms like LiFi, VLC, etc., are used interchangeably, they all have subtle differences. Vodafone Deutschland and Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) announced that they are joining forces to interlink the two communication technologies 5G and LiFi, providing their customers wi...