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 Today sees the start of the first ever PlugFest to test the interoperability of WiGig devices from members of the Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig). The ground-breaking WiGig PlugFest will run for three days and establish the interoperability of different products from several of the WiGig Alliance’s membership. As such it signals the imminent transition of ultra-fast 60 GHz WiGig networking from a detailed technology specification into commercial products shippable into the marketplace.

The PlugFest is being organized in collaboration with MET Labs and assisted by UL CCS, two of the world’s leading independent compliance, testing and certification houses. Key test instrumentation for the PlugFest is being provided by Agilent Technologies, the leader in test and measurement and the only commercial provider of signal creation and modulation analysis SW and HW solutions for the WiGig Standard. Agilent representatives have chaired the WGA Interoperability Working Group (IWG) for the last two years. All three companies are members of the WiGig Alliance.

This week’s PlugFest follows the publication in April of the WiGig’s certification-ready multi-Gigabit wireless specification. The latest version 1.1 specification addresses enhancements identified by member companies during the product development process. Now, at the initial PlugFest, WiGig members are testing their WiGig-based products to ensure interoperability within the ecosystem, and provide end users with a guarantee of highly reliable solutions at product launch later next year.

“We are proud to demonstrate our commitment to the industry and our customers through the upcoming test event that sets the stage for an interoperable WiGig ecosystem,” said Dr. Ali Sadri, WiGig Alliance President and Chairman. “At the inception of the WiGig Alliance back in 2009 we envisioned the realization of innovative and interoperable multi-Gigabit wireless connectivity among PCs, consumer electronics and hand-held devices. We are now close to making this a commercial reality.”

“We are pleased to provide baseband, RF and mmWave signal generation and analysis capability to support the PlugFest and its participants,” said Ron Nersesian, President, Agilent’s Electronic Measurement Group. “We are delighted that our early investments and continued commitment in this technology and WiGig Alliance along with our leadership in wide bandwidth modulation, analysis and millimeter applications is enabling the 60 GHz industry to design and develop products more rapidly.”

“This Plugfest is instrumental in speeding the widespread commercialization and adoption of super-fast 60 GHz networked devices across many applications. The throughput provisioned by WiGig wireless communication will enable a host of new capabilities and services for consumers, and will deliver new levels of ease of use, convenience and overall performance,” observed Craig Mathias, a Principal with the wireless and mobile advisory firm Farpoint Group.

“We are honored to be one of the test laboratories invited to host this inaugural WiGig PlugFest,” commented MET President Rob Frier. “We have a wealth of experience in areas such as audio visual, consumer electronics and wireless networking, and we look forward to working with the WiGig members on achieving this important milestone in the course of bringing the 60 GHz technology to market.”

First release of certified WiGig products is scheduled for late 2012 or early 2013. 

The WiGig Alliance was formed to establish a global ecosystem of high-speed and easy-to-use wireless devices that seamlessly work together to connect people in the digital age. WiGig technology enables multi-gigabit wireless communications among consumer electronics, handheld devices and PCs, and drives industry convergence to a single radio using the readily available, unlicensed 60 GHz spectrum. The organization brings together the world’s leading manufacturers of semiconductors, personal computers, consumer electronics and handheld devices. For more information, please visit www.wigig.org.  

Wireless Design & Development