Qualcomm promises improved WLAN performance with StreamBoost technology

IDG News Service - Qualcomm Atheros is rolling out StreamBoost, a technology that will be used in Wi-Fi routers and gateways to improve the performance of movies and games streamed over wireless home networks.

While the new 802.11ac standard was designed to address increasingly crowded wireless networks, StreamBoost combined with 802.11ac will improve performance further by managing and shaping traffic, Qualcomm said oFriday.

High-performance PC vendor Alienware and D-Link Systems will demonstrate routers based on 802.11ac and StreamBoost at next week's International CES trade show in Las Vegas.

To improve performance over time, StreamBoost-compatible products incorporate an opt-in, cloud-based service that allows new applications and devices to be identified and optimally managed as they are added to a network, according to Qualcomm.

StreamBoost-compatible products will also come with an interface that allows users to see all the devices connected to their home network, the applications they are using and the real-time bandwidth usage of each application and device.

This year's CES will be special for Qualcomm since CEO Paul Jacobs is the pre-show keynote speaker for the first time. On Thursday, the company posted a video sneak peek, and promised it will demonstrate a few firsts.

The keynote will take place Monday, and CES will officially open its doors Tuesday.

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