Wireless Technology

Our wireless work focuses on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband and satellite technologies that keep people and devices connected.

Wireless focus

Not every connection runs over a cellular network. Wi-Fi carries much of the world’s data indoors, Bluetooth links billions of accessories, and satellites are extending coverage to places networks have never reached. We follow the inventions that make these connections faster, more reliable and more efficient, and make them available through fair licensing.

Wireless innovation in everyday life

The wireless technologies we focus on show up in daily life, often without anyone noticing. Here are a few of the ways they make a difference.

Smarter Wi-Fi

Multi-link operation and better coordination for faster, steadier Wi-Fi at home and at work.

Wireless Audio

Low-energy Bluetooth that delivers high-quality sound to earbuds and hearing aids.

Precise Positioning

Ultra-wideband radios that find devices to within centimeters.

Satellite Links

Non-terrestrial networks that extend service to oceans, deserts and remote regions.

Smart Homes

Reliable, low-power connections for lights, locks, sensors and appliances.

Integrated Sensing

Radio signals that detect motion and presence as well as carry data.

Featured

Integrated Sensing: When Networks Learn to See

Tomorrow’s wireless networks may do more than carry data. Integrated sensing and communication lets the same radio signals detect motion, shape and position, opening the door to safer roads, smarter buildings and new kinds of services. This article looks at how the technology works and where it is heading.

Explore our wireless focus areas in depth

Learn more about the research areas shaping wireless connectivity.

Sustainability in wireless

Billions of wireless devices run on batteries. Many of the inventions we focus on help them do more with less energy:

Low-energy radios that extend battery life
Smarter scheduling that reduces wasted transmissions
Wake-up features that let devices sleep longer
Efficient protocols for large smart-home networks

Efficient wireless technology is better for device makers, for users and for the planet.

Our wireless focus

Our wireless work spans three connected areas.

Following what’s next in wireless

We track wireless research and identify the inventions most likely to matter.

Monitoring next-generation Wi-Fi and Bluetooth research
Following ultra-wideband and sensing innovation
Tracking satellite and non-terrestrial connectivity

The standards behind wireless

The wireless inventions we focus on are found in widely adopted Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, positioning and satellite standards.

Wi-Fi 7Wireless LAN

Wi-Fi 6Wireless LAN

Bluetooth LEShort range

UWBPositioning

NTNSatellite