Qualcomm's FlashLinq Peer-to-Peer Targets Proximal Communications

Qualcomm is introducing "FlashLinq" technology that helps mobile users easily discover and establish peer-to-peer communications with others in close proximity. The idea is to let users continuously connect, disconnect and communicate directly with other mobile users at broadband speeds based on their physical proximity.


Qualcomm describes FlashLinq as a synchronous TDD OFDMA technology operating on dedicated licensed spectrum and distinguished by its high discovery range (up to a kilometer), discovery capacity (thousands of nearby devices) and distributed interference management. Users would communicate in a peer-to-peer link, without any intermediary radios, towers or switches. The company believes this technology will be complementary to the services offered by mobile operators.


"FlashLinq's direct discovery and distributed communications allows operators to naturally extend their cellular networks. The technology can efficiently support new and enhanced services in areas such as direct local advertising, geo-social networking and machine-to-machine communications," stated Ed Knapp, senior vice president of business development and engineering for Qualcomm. Qualcomm plans to collaborate with SK Telecom to trial FlashLinq in South Korea and explore potential commercial uses.
http://www.qualcomm.com