Superbroadband or UWB were initially designated as a high-data-rate communication technology, but it received little attraction because of direct competition with Wi-Fi. Since then, UWB has evolved from the technological development based on OFDM to pulse radio technology (set out in IEEE 802.15.4a) and from use in data communications to safety and precision...
Superbroadband or UWB were initially designated as a high-data-rate communication technology, but it received little attraction because of direct competition with Wi-Fi. Since then, UWB has evolved from the technological development based on OFDM to pulsed radio technology (set out in IEEE 802.15.4a) and from use in data communications to safe and accurate ranging and telemetry (set out in IEE 802.15.4z). Using high-bandwidth channels and flight time, UWB can determine very precise location information with very low delay and high data security. This makes UWB a perfect solution for a wide range of applications, from secure access to games. One of the most common uses of UWB today is the Automotive Connection Alliance (CCC) defined as the digital key car entrance system. Today, Assa Abloy, Bo, HID Global, Nshipur and Samsung announced the formation of a new coalition called Fira (Fine Ringing) to develop interoperability standards for UWB security and tracking applications.
IEE 802.15.4/4z defines wireless interfaces. Fira defines application needs.
Fira will develop application standards based on the IEEE 802.15.4/4z standard.
Fira will use the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, which defines the features of the UWB wireless interface. Then Fira will set standards for the anchor, the security key, and everything else needed to develop a security interface for a specific application. Fira Alliance will also develop and implement interoperability tests to achieve platform certification. The first application the Union aims to target is security access for applications other than cars. The first safe access norm is expected to be rolled out by 2019. The Alliance also outlines many other potential consumer and industrial goods networking applications, games and health care from smart homes and cities.
UWB application matrix
UWB can provide access control, location-based services, and equipment-to-equipment services in a wide range of... [+] FIRA CONSORTIUM
Interaction between UWB and wireless interface technology as a secure ranging solution.
Fira Alliance will work with other industry organizations to ensure interoperability...[+] TiriAS Research and Fira Alliance.
The Fira Alliance’s approach is unique in that it does not redefine the wireless interface, nor does it attempt to compete with many other existing wireless interfaces. The Alliance’s goal is to work with other wireless interfaces to provide safe and accurate tracking information. The other two interfaces defined by Standard 4 are not mentioned in the bulletin as Thread. The intention of the Coalition is to have Fira work with other wireless interfaces for security and sensor information and to provide seamless interfaces with other wireless interfaces.
As a group, founding members represent many leading companies in industry, consumption, and access technology. Some founding members are also members of other wireless interface coalitions and/or CCs, which may help to ensure consistency and interoperability with other standards.
The alliance has also provided a much-needed new brand name for the technology, Fira. UWB has existed for decades, but has not succeeded in wireless communication. It is hoped that the Fira brand will break the negative connotations associated with the technology.
The unfortunate thing about launching a new alliance is that standards are not yet in place. This means that many, if not all, of the solutions in the current market and/or those introduced around the next year will be non-standard solutions that are limited or may not be compatible with the new standards. In addition, technology suppliers usually work with OEM during the design cycle and upgrade to a certified solution once the standards are approved.
With increasing attention to data and personal security, the use of UWB for security visits is a good complement to the applications of the Internet.