Boeing hails in-flight Wi-Fi “breakthrough”
Engineers at Boeing have devised a new method to test wireless signals in aircraft cabins, potentially securing more reliable in-flight connectivity for passengers.
Hailed as a “breakthrough” by the US planemaker, the new process uses new measurement technology and analysis tools to detect radio signal quality. This enables engineers to more efficiently measure how strong a signal is and how far it spreads, potentially offering more powerful signal penetration throughout an aircraft cabin.
“Every day we work to ensure that Boeing passengers are travelling on the safest and most advanced airplanes in the world,” said Dennis O’Donoghue, vice president of Boeing Test & Evaluation. “This is a perfect example of how our innovations in safety can make the entire flying experience better.”
Passengers using in-flight Wi-Fi commonly complain about signal and connectivity issues, as a wireless signal inside an aircraft can deviate randomly when people move around. Boeing’s new test process uses new technology to identify strong and weak signal areas and balance them by adjusting the connectivity system accordingly.