Wayne State University researchers are helping create the wireless networking future in metropolitan Detroit with the help of national initiatives. Hongwei Zhang, assistant professor of computer science in WSU's College of Engineering, and Patrick Gossman, deputy CIO for special projects in WSU's Division of Computing and Information Technology, received a three-year, $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to build an experimental wireless networking infrastructure for research, education and application exploration. The network will comprise multiple sectors, or cells, using WiMAX (worldwide interoperability for microwave access), a communication technology for wirelessly delivering high-speed Internet service to large geographical areas. WiMAX offers far superior range compared to conventional Wi-Fi networks. "This project will enable the development of wireless vehicular cyber-physical systems (CPS) toward safe, efficient and clean transportation," Zhang said. "It also will enable integrative research and education in wireless CPS through a multilevel, multicomponent education practice."

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/03/20/wsu-researchers-federal-grants-will-enable-wireless-innovation/
http://www.physorg.com/wire-news/93714170/wayne-state-creating-detroits-innovative-wireless-networking-and.html
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-03/wsu--wsc032012.php