2002 Winner: Industrial Research
Company Develops Technology To Improve Network Efficiency
Using nano-electrical mechanical systems technology, BigBangwidth develops products to eliminate network bottlenecks and generate increased bandwidth capacity. Its unique and advanced technology, called BroadLan, promises to dramatically increase the efficiency of data transmission over fiber-optic networks.
How it Works
The heart of BroadLan is a matrix resembling a computer chip. It contains 64 “highly reflective surfaces” that can be remotely manipulated to redirect fibre-optic light beams. BigBangwidth has worked out how to make ultra tiny mirrors and connect them to a chip so they can be moved using a simple Telnet connection, or even a website.
Users can move a mirror on BroadLan with the click of a mouse that turns a fibre-optic pipe in the user’s direction. Once the user’s data is put through, it signs off. With another click of the mouse, the pipe is now available for another user.
What’s Next?
With the NRC/ASTech prize, Brian Moore, founder and CTO, plans to hire a graduate student to join the team developing new technology for the product, BroadLan, which comprises both apparatus and methodology for providing switched communications links.
BigBangwidth has worked closely with academics, industry and government to help establish Edmonton as an international leader of nanotechnology. In addition to its use of and support for the University of Alberta’s nano-fabrication facility, BigBangwidth continues to recruit world-class nanophotonic scientists and increase awareness within the international investment community.
