Internet for all: A Stratospheric dream

For two years now,Google has been working on a project that aims to take the Internet to remote areas by launching balloons into the stratosphere and installing receivers there. Call the idea crazy,because even Google thinks so,as evident in the nameProject Loon

For two years now,Google has been working on a project that aims to take the Internet to remote areas by launching balloons into the stratosphere and installing receivers there. Call the idea crazy,because even Google thinks so,as evident in the nameProject Loon

HOW IT WORKS

Google has put a simple guide on the technology on its website. It reads: Project Loon balloons8230; are carried around the Earth by winds8230; People connect to the balloon network using a special Internet antenna attached to their building.

Signal Bounce:

The signal bounces from balloon to balloon,then to the global Internet back on Earth

Solar panels:

Array of panels that produce 100 watt of energy to power the balloons.

The inflatable part of the balloon is called a balloon envelope. The envelopes are made of polyethylene. Each one is 15 m wide and 12 m tall when fully inflated. A parachute at the top allows for controlled descent.

The Balloon: People connect to the balloon network using a special Internet antenna attached to their building.

Special Network Antenna: Attached to their buildings to connect people to the balloon network.

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Internet service provider: The signal bounces from balloon to balloon,then to the global Internet back on Earth.

How it controls

In the stratosphere,there are slow winds up to 30 kmph that move in different directions.

Winds moving east may be just above winds heading west

The altitude of the balloons can be adjusted by Google. They can be programmed to move in such a way that when one balloon leaves,another one takes its place. Google can also direct the balloons to land at specific points,so that the balloons can be reused and recycled.

CHALLENGES:

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Google Loon relies on radio waves. Balloons use them to link up with the Internet station on Earth. Google faces several challenges as radio spectrum is crowded and it will be difficult to persuade every government to free up spectrum. And will it be able to keep prices down?

Another challenge is negotiating with governments to permit Google balloons to use airspace. While regulations differ from country to country,some nations are likely to object to thousands of balloons floating above their territory.

Compiled by Pranay Parab; Graphic by Dipankar Ghosh amp; Pradeep Yadav