Creating a wireless network out of FastLane transponders
Zipcar and Meadow Networks founder Robin Chase imagines a national, open-source wireless network built atop the millions of toll transponders and other wireless devices that already sit in people's cars.
Talking to an audience of developers working on Massachusetts transportation data, Chase said the government should use some of the billions of dollars now being invested in "smart grid" technologies to make far better use of the devices and networks already in place along the nation's highways.
Each of the devices could be turned into a mini wireless access point connected to highway networks that already access to create "a mesh network" for "wireless coast to coast," she said.
Right now, she said, your typical EZPass transponder is in use maybe 30 seconds a month - as commuters pass through toll plazas. "We have a device, we have a wireless network, and it is so under capacity," she said.
Comments
One problem, that would
One problem, that would require power. Most transponders use minimal power because, as is stated, they are used on average 30 seconds a month (or less.) Powering a wireless transmitter for WIFI internet on the other hand requires a power source. Have you ever turned the wifi feature on your cellphone? It sucks up quite a bit of extra energy.
Maybe they should focus on private companies. Convince Garmin and the others that they should include an optional chip inside new GPS units. Also convince GM and Toyota they should do the same in cars.
Right now without a power source you are just as likely to be able to transmit wifi over my fast lane transponder as you are from my Charlie Card.
Also wifi signals do not travel far. Cars near homes on rural roads would not be close enough to bounce the signal. Constantly dense traffic areas like highways are too hard for it to matter as the only people close enough to use the wifi are other motorists. Many main streets are dense enough to pass the signal during rush hour but if everyone is driving home from work who is using the wifi? People without wifi access would need it most when the network capacity would not be present. Good idea but falling short.
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wireless network
Cars do have a good power source. While running, there is more than enough to supply any wi-fi device. And using clever power management techniques, a wi-fi device could be powered for many hours without drawing down too much on a car battery when the engine is off.
Wi-fi technology is improving quickly with multiple antennas bringing increased range and data rates. With simple antennas, a range of 100-200 meters is possible. A vehicle traveling 45 mph passing a fixed roadside access point might be within direct contact for 10-20 seconds. More than enough time to transfer dozens of megabytes. Depending on driving conditions, the same vehicle would be within range of dozens to hundreds of other vehicles.
There are many applications which could be built on a network that provides intermittent connectivity. EZ Pass does work this way with fleeting connectivity only at the tollbooths. Prove a bit better connectivity and a bit more bandwidth and much much more could be accomplished.
That requires you to plug
That requires you to plug into my car. People already have a cell phone, GPS, Ipod plugged into the lighter. I want less wires, not more. If my transponder demands to be be plugged in guess what, I'm tossing it and going back to cash.
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I don't see how it's even
I don't see how it's even remotely possible to create a wireless network using EZPass/FastLane transponders, which are just RFID chips.
Good to see that Robin Chase
Good to see that Robin Chase is still around. Still a bummer about what happened at Zipcar.
That's not how they work
Maybe Robin should stop pretending that she understands technology because her company has a website. The EZ-Pass "transponders" are RFID chips - inert until activated by the overhead panels blasting your car with the energy required to get the chip to bounce back some info.
Furthermore, the mobile wireless mesh ideas aren't new. They've been around since the most trivial of computerized wireless interfaces, and probably before.