Buckle up, Wi-Fi speeds are about to triple. That’s the latest word from Qualcomm.
The company claims that new router technology, the result of seven years of research, will allow networks to communicate with more than one computer at a time. Dubbed MU-MIMO, short for multi-user, multiple input, multiple output, the technology is expected to boost Wi-Fi speeds in homes, offices and public networks by up to three times, CNN Money says.
“Using MU-MIMO is like using the carpool lane: The Wi-Fi highway doesn’t change, but grouping up with other users lets you go much faster while de-congesting the other lanes,” the company said.
There is a catch. To reap the full benefits of the new technology, there must be compatible devices on both ends of the Wi-Fi network. So both the network and its users have to utilize the technology.
According to IGN.com, “Qualcomm says the tech is already supported for Snapdragon 805 and 801 mobile processors, but the company will begin selling MU-MIMO chips to router, smartphone, tablet, automotive, and smart TV manufacturers later this year.”
Other devices on MU-MIMO networks that don’t utilize the technology will likely gain some benefit, but not the tripling of Wi-Fi speeds.
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