Rapidly deployable Large Area WiFi solution boosted by federal grant awarded to Pivotel, Connectivity Innovation Network and Roobuck
Pivotel, Australia’s leading provider of regional, rural and remote communication solutions, the Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) and Roobuck have been jointly awarded a grant of $1.5 million under the Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation (TDRI) program, to support the next phase of the pilot Large Area WiFi project.
The innovative project is a world-first and is the result of multidisciplinary collaboration between industry and academia to answer the challenge of ubiquitous connectivity through WiFi over a very large area. Previously funded by CIN in November 2022, the project delivered rapidly deployable voice and data services with increased WiFi coverage, including novel WiFi protocol and antenna designs, with resilient satellite backhaul.
The Large Area WiFi solution is designed to connect operational sites, or entire communities when unforeseen events render traditional communication services unavailable by delivering coverage to an area of up to two square kilometres and catering for up to 100 simultaneous users at speeds of up to 10Mbps per user. The service is equally suited to underserved communities in regional, rural and remote areas where the challenges of having no or poor connectivity to support digital services are well known.
The solution utilises Pivotel’s satellite backhaul services, including LEO sat constellations OneWeb and Starlink, as well as NBN Co's Sky Muster, with the possibility of LTE network integration. An SD-WAN solution supports network bonding and Multi-Path Transport Protocol for essential data transmission. An innovative WiFi protocol designed by the University of Sydney addresses the hidden node problem and enhances long-range high data rates, while the unique high-gain and wide-beam antenna designed by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) enables high performance over a large area.
Peter Bolger, CEO of Pivotel, said, “This grant is recognition of Pivotel’s long-held ambition to deliver solutions that address the connectivity challenges faced by regional and remote Australians and make a difference to their lives. For more than 20 years, we have worked tirelessly with our partners to develop innovative communication solutions and the TDRI program allows us to continue delivering critical services that benefit Australian communities. We are proud that this project will allow people and organisations to stay safe and connected during the most challenging moments.”
UTS Distinguished Professor Jay Guo, the CIN Technical Director, said, “The Large Area WiFi project leverages CIN’s world-leading capabilities in the connectivity space, wireless communications and antennas in particular. The earlier success of the previous CIN-funded pilot project serves as a great exemplar of how Australian universities, industry and governments can work together to tackle our national challenges and meet the needs of our communities. We are confident that the TDRI grant will propel the technology to the next level, to deliver meaningful societal impact.”
For more information on the Large Area WiFi project, visit:
www.connectivityinnovationnetwork.com/lawifi-final-demonstration.
It was also recently announced the Large Area WiFi Team are finalists in the NSW iAwards!
About Pivotel
Pivotel is an Australian-owned and operated provider of regional, rural and remote communication solutions for people, organisations and assets. Pivotel develops and deploys solutions that are at the leading edge of technology, giving the world accessible communication solutions that connect people with vital assets, information and each other. With operations across Australia, New Zealand and beyond, Pivotel allows people to stay in touch, and be confident that they can safely live, work and play, everywhere. Learn more at www.pivotel.com.au.
About the Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN)
Launched in late 2021, the Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) is a ground-breaking New South Wales Government initiative developed by the NSW Telco Authority in consultation with the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer. Jointly led by the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney, the Connectivity Innovation Network brings together nationally and globally recognised expertise, researchers, and industry to solve connectivity challenges and deliver improved digital outcomes for NSW citizens.
About Roobuck
Roobuck is an Australian company specialising in the design and manufacture of safety and productivity equipment for the mining and industrial sectors. They are known for their innovative and high-quality products, including LED cap lamps, industrial lights, and wireless communication systems, which are designed to enhance safety and efficiency in challenging environments. Find out more at www.roobuck.com.au.
