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Qualcomm chip puts 60GHz wireless gigabit into Dell Ultrabook

WiGig delivered through Wi-Fi kit

Wireless chip maker Wilocity has confirmed not only that Dell’s Latitude 6430u Ultrabook will incorporate WiGig, the 60GHz gigabit wireless spec, but that the machine uses its tri-band tech courtesy of a chipset from Qualcomm’s Atheros subsidiary.

WiGig, which is based on the IEEE 802.11ad specification and tacks on some cable-replacement extras, is implemented here in a chipset capable of running data through the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands as well as 60GHz. Handy that, since 60GHz communications while fast nonetheless can’t make it through walls and other obstructions.

To make use of the Latitude laptop’s 60GHz capability, owners will need WiGig adaptors for their peripherals, and in their routers if they want to use it as a data network technology too.

Alas there’s not yet any sign of such products from third-parties, so Dell is going to make do with an adaptor of its own that will provide a 60GHz bridge to wired peripherals. Think of it as a classic laptop dock or port replicator that you don’t have to physically connect to the computer. ®

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