The wireless fidelity research lab at the Defense Security Technology Accelerator will receive $2.7 million as part of the Defense Appropriations bill if President Bush chooses to sign it.
The lab, which is run by the Partnership for Defense Innovation in Fayetteville, received $1 million last year.
Congressman Robin Hayes (R-N.C.) announced the new funding earlier this summer.
“Supporting defense research creates improved equipment for our military but it also creates jobs and opportunities for Fayetteville, area businesses, and the surrounding communities,” Hayes said in a statement. “Most importantly, this research has immense implications for our soldiers communicating in the battlefield.”
The lab is working with private companies and the military to develop network technology for images, video and data that is based on wireless fidelity, or WiFi.
The DSTA, which is a project of the Partnership for Defense Innovation in Cumberland County, has set aside one of its four labs for research into WiFi development. Several of its current tenants also work on communications related technology.
The DSTA was established to help develop technology for U.S. military forces, including Special Forces that are based at nearby Fort Bragg, and also to help commercialize technology developed by the Pentagon. It also receives funding from the North Carolina General Assembly.
At least three companies at the DSTA are focused on communications.
