July 8, 2004
With its eye on a computing future built around wireless Internet connections, Intel opened a microwave darkroom support center in Taipei on July 1. This center will conduct antennae testing for notebook makers in Taiwan and other Asia Pacific countries. Not only is this the only such laboratory in Asia, it is also the only one outside of the US, where Intel has two such centers. Intel's decision to open this center in Taiwan reflects the importance of Taiwan's role as a leading notebook computer manufacturer.
Despite their seemingly minor function, antennae are an important aspect of notebook design and manufacturing due to their essential role in determining the quality of wireless Internet reception.
Established to provide a full range of design support, including design assessment and effectiveness testing, the center will also help shorten the time it takes to get new notebook models on the market. While Intel currently operates two testing centers in the United States, it normally requires one to two weeks time to complete testing of new models designed in Taiwan. By eliminating the need for overseas shipping, the new center will cut that time to just two to three days.
While the center will focus on the testing of notebook computer antennae in the first stage of its operation, Intel intends to expand to the testing of antennae for personal computers in the future. Current trends point to a future in which the plug is pulled on fixed-line Internet hook-ups for personal computers and wireless connections are used instead.
The lure of wireless high-speed network access is irresistible despite existing technological and business obstacles. One of the transmission technologies being promoted is WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), an evolving standard for point-to-multipoint wireless networking which is billed as a cost effective solution that does not require line-of-sight transmission. Rather than replacing existing Wi-Fi and 3G wireless standards and broadband line systems, WiMAX is meant to complement these technologies. Intel plans to begin releasing its first WiMAX compatible products in the first half of 2005 and will introduce the WiMAX standard on its notebook computers in 2006. (Economic Daily News)
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