google plans cloud based wifi network

For a company like Google, which can grow only if users have access to easy, fast and cheap web connections, one of the biggest problems is the poor internet infrastructure across the world. The company is trying to solve this problem by creating its own internet infrastructure, including building a Wi-Fi network that will be managed through cloud-computing technologies.

According to a report in GigaOM, a website that covers technology news, Google has partnered with Ruckus Wireless to create a cloud-based WiFi network for small and medium size companies. The network can launch as early as "this summer".

According to the report, Google and Ruckus are building a Wi-Fi infrastructure that will allow any small installation - like a pizza shop or a dentist's office - to join the network and connect to hundreds or even hundreds of thousands other small businesses to offer people a universal Wi-Fi zone. The businesses will have to buy their own Wi-Fi gear - probably made by Ruckus - and bandwidth to connect to the Google's network. But once they are connected, the Wi-Fi access on their network would be remotely controlled by Google's cloud service.

Joining the network will be free for businesses.

For businesses, this would give them two benefits: One, they would be able to get a better analysis of how their Wi-Fi is used. Two, their consumers will not have to connect again and again to different businesses. Once they connect to the Wi-Fi in the coffee shop that is part of the Google network, their smartphones will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi when they enter the Pizza shop, which too is using Google's Wi-Fi network.

If successful, Google can create nation-wide or even global Wi-Fi network.

While initially, the bandwidth for Google's Wi-Fi network will be supplied by businesses, it is possible that in future Google may merge the network with a few technologies it is testing. Google is working on enabling internet access in remote areas through high-altitude balloons and drones. If successfully, the company may beam bandwidth for its Wi-Fi network through strategically placed balloons or drones.

Google also offers 1Gbps fibre connections in several US cities. The company may also use the bandwidth from its fibre lines for the cloud-based Wi-Fi network in future.  source: toi