I try to keep a record of my observations of wireless things happening around the world, in particular in Malaysia. My interests are broadband wireless access (BWA), 3G cellular communications, wireless sensor networks and vehicular ad-hoc network (VANET).

Friday, December 21, 2007

HAPS is coming to Malaysia

According to thestar, a communications network provider QucomHaps Malaysia Sdn Bhd says it will deliver wireless broadband access via a high-altitude platform station (HAPS) service in the country in early 2009.

A High Altitude Platform Station or HAPS is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which is to remain relatively stationary at high altitude.

They can be used as communications platforms, for weather surveys, traffic reports etc. Because of their relative short distance from earth compared to satellites (20 km compared to up to 40,000 km of Geostationary satellite) they could even be used to provide mobile telecommunication, without the need for ground based base stations, and without the long delays associated with satellite communication.

The concept of HAPS has been there for quite some time but has never really take up commercially. I still remember when I visited Yokosuka Research Park a few years ago, the researchers there had shown me their works on HAPS.

Among the challenges, a HAP would have to be kept in a relatively fixed location and orientation, particularly if it is desired to use fixed–position antennae, so systems to maintain orientation will have to be designed and powered. Modulation schemes, spectrum utilization, technology and standards for inter–HAP links, etc. must all be designed.

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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's only noise and no substance from Qucomhaps!!!!

Anonymous said...

when is the demo taking place?

Anonymous said...

imagine the cost maintaining a high altitude vehicle, like those hindenburg airship?!? all wireless technology has to consider cost how these people can recover the investment - of course except government project of course or research grand lah. - impossible to realize but then again this bolehland everything can happen to siphone money out from government project. do you know how much is the fine impose on Site Acquisition in KLValley? MYR50k per site!! phewyoo.... imagine 100 site up without proper permit?! some body is going to have a reach eid-mubarak this year man.