South Bend, Notre Dame Seek to be Wireless Tech Hub

Image of next-generation wireless technology test provided by the city of South Bend.

The city of South Bend, University of Notre Dame and St. Joe Valley Metronet have completed a test involving next generation wireless technology. Officials believe the SBXG – Platform for Advanced Wireless Research initiative could help position the city and the Notre Dame Wireless Institute as global leaders.

The technology in focus includes multiple input, multiple output antenna, software defined radio, network drone control and radar drone detection advancements. The city says the collaboration could be a boon. "We’re working to establish South Bend as a global destination for wireless research and innovation, one of the fastest growing industries," Mayor Pete Buttigieg said. "This opportunity offers the potential to deliver long-term job and economic growth to our city."

Notre Dame Wireless Institute Co-Director Nick Laneman calls Monday’s test an exciting step in the collaboration. "The expertise and experience of the university’s faculty coupled with the capabilities and collaboration of both the city and the State of Indiana," he said, "puts us in the unique position to establish a hotbed for the wireless industry and create a city-scale testbed that will transform our workforce for the 21st century."

The test is another step as the partners gear up to apply for the National Science Foundation’s $100 million Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research program, which involves rapid design and deployment of wireless research equipment.

You can connect to more about the project by clicking here.