White-Fi
n. Wireless networking that transmits over the unused spaces in the TV spectrum.
Also Seen As
Etymology
Examples
2016
New devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers that know how to detect unused spectrum can use it to transmit wireless broadband signals, also known as “WhiteFi” or “Super Wi-Fi.” These frequencies are especially useful because they can carry a lot of data over long distances and reach indoors.
—Amy Nordrum, “3 Ways To Bridge The Digital Divide,” IEEE Spectrum, April 14, 2016
2015
2014
"We are also exploring new technologies like ‘White-Fi’, which is an evolving technology," he said.
—“Wi-Fi not to be free for all in Hyderabad,” Deccan Chronicle, September 10, 2014
2009 (earliest)
We have built WhiteFi, a UHF white space wireless network that adaptively configures itself to operate in the most efficient part of the available white spaces.
—Paramvir Bahl, et al., “White Space Networking with Wi-Fi like Connectivity” (PDF), SIGCOMM’09, June 08, 2009
Notes
The "white" part of White-Fi comes from the so-called white space spectrum: the unused UHF and VHF bands between 54 and 790 MHz. Officially known as 802.11af, and sometimes also called Super WiFi, the main advantages of White-Fi over regular WiFi are that it can transmit over longer distances and it has better wall penetration, making it a good choice for rural wireless transmissions.
Filed Under