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Project Loon - Balloon Powered Internet

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(@trewmte)
Posts: 1877
Noble Member
Topic starter
 

What an interesting project - https://x.company/loon/

Looks just as intriguing as Drone Forensics..

 
Posted : 08/10/2017 9:16 am
RolfGutmann
(@rolfgutmann)
Posts: 1185
Noble Member
 

Thank you trewmte. OneWeb is a comparable LEO satellite-based project.

 
Posted : 08/10/2017 11:15 am
jaclaz
(@jaclaz)
Posts: 5133
Illustrious Member
 

OneWeb is a comparable LEO satellite-based project.

Why "LEO"? 😯

Oneweb is a generic "internet via satellite" project, you need anyway a special receiver (that is thanks to technology much smaller than old dish antennas)
http//oneweb.world/#solution
http//oneweb.world/img/use/OneWebs-User-Terminal.jpg

User terminals will provide high-speed connectivity with no change in latency during satellite handovers to ensure excellent voice quality, gaming and web experience. Our patent‑pending terminals can be self-installed. They are small, affordable and so efficient they can operate with optionally included solar panels, battery packs, and WiFi/LTE/3G and 2G radios to provide coverage directly to cell phones, tablets and laptops

.

The clever idea here is using balloons as opposed to satellites, it is going to be used in Puerto Rico (at least temporarily) and it is "direct" to the device

https://9to5google.com/2017/10/06/alphabet-x-project-loon-puerto-rico/
https://www.wired.com/story/google-closer-to-using-balloons-for-telecom-in-puerto-rico

With the FCC’s special temporary license in Puerto Rico, Alphabet plans to work along the same lines as in Peru. Thirty Loon balloons will float 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) above the earth in the stratosphere, relaying communications between Alphabet’s own ground stations connected to the surviving wireless networks, and users’ handsets.

Each balloon can serve 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles), so the fleet is expected to provide service over all of Puerto Rico and potentially parts of the US Virgin Islands. Alphabet said it would consult with networks in the British Virgin Islands to minimize interference there.

Another issue is that Alphabet’s technology is still set up for Peru, so some handsets in Puerto Rico may need updates to use the balloon-connected service. Alphabet says it is working on temporary over-the-air software fixes for affected devices, which could include handsets from Apple, Samsung, and LG.

jaclaz

 
Posted : 08/10/2017 12:10 pm
RolfGutmann
(@rolfgutmann)
Posts: 1185
Noble Member
 

LEO Low Earth Orbit

 
Posted : 08/10/2017 12:38 pm
jaclaz
(@jaclaz)
Posts: 5133
Illustrious Member
 

LEO Low Earth Orbit

Good, still it is IMHO not "comparable" roll .
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OneWeb_satellite_constellation

The 648 communication satellites will operate in circular low Earth orbit, at approximately 750 miles (1,200 km) altitude,[2] transmitting and receiving in the Ku band of the radio frequency spectrum.

vs. (previous quote from Wired)

Thirty Loon balloons will float 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) above the earth in the stratosphere, relaying communications between Alphabet’s own ground stations connected to the surviving wireless networks, and users’ handsets.

Similarities 😯
satellite != balloon
750 !=12.5
Ku radio band != LTE
dedicated receiver != direct to device
still under preliminary manucfacture != already tested (in Peru) and available

The first (out of anything between 648 and 2440 satellites) Oneweb Satellites launch is planned in 2018
http//www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2017/06/one-web-satellites-serial-production-line-inauguration.html

jaclaz

 
Posted : 08/10/2017 1:24 pm
RolfGutmann
(@rolfgutmann)
Posts: 1185
Noble Member
 

Loon to help PR

https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/07/project-loon-cleared-to-help-restore-wireless-in-puerto-rico/

 
Posted : 09/10/2017 1:44 pm
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