NYU Tandon Given $2M Grant to Develop 5G Network

Source: http://nyconvergence.com/2012/07/nyu-poly-given-2-mill-grant-to-develop-5g-network.html

Brooklyn’s NYU Tandon Campus researchers have been given $2 million to work towards developing 5G cellular networks, which could make download speeds up to 1,000 times faster than 4G and offer tons of space since it is currently completely unused. The technology isn’t expected to be developed until 2020, according to Crain’s NY BusinessTheodore Rappaport, who was recently appointed as the NYU-Tandon professor in charge of leading research on millimeter-wave spectrum, told Crain’s NY that, “It changes the whole world of what you can do with a smartphone or computer. We’re doing the fundamental research that will enable companies to begin working on the antennas, circuits and architecture. This work is so far ahead that companies on their own can’t justify the expenditure.”

The National Science Foundation awarded the researchers an $800,000 grant, which was matched with $1.2 million from corporate backers and the Empire State Development of Science, Technology & Innovation. The project’s goals will be to establish a new wireless infrastructure that uses smaller, lighter, and less-expensive antennas and relays. By using millimeter-wave spectrum, 5G networks may be able to handle 50 to 100 times more traffic. Corporate partners for the project, including National Instruments and InterDigital, will also contribute research.