RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:Could this be it?!!!!Thanks, Ski for a post that actually speaks to the capabilities of Edgewater's technology and ties to possible use scenarios by Kroger or other similar company.
The hidden bonus, if your tracking theory is correct, is that each store will likely require a minimum of three access points (although four would be better) in order to triangulate connected customers' positions in the store.
The multiple data streams still don't equate to a need for "high density" wifi in my opinion, but simply high data throughput rates.
In any event, Kroger or someone else, it will be very nice for Edgewater (and us) when they finally make that announcement.
skibum45 wrote: BeenHereBefore, I think you're overlooking the obvious. I agree that a Kroger grocery store might not fit the mold of "high density" like a stadium -- but neither does Port Lafito. To follow this "shopping list" around the store, everyone's cell phone or other wireless device will need to be tracked and likely connected to Wifi. The smart shelf model as proposed in the article MuadDib posted would require accurate location tracking which is something Edgewater claimed their mesh networks can do well as long as multiple access points are used. And while they are using position triggered feedback to improve the customer experience and market their product, you can bet they'll be collecting massive amounts of marketing data.
I also assume that the store's admin applications, security systems, and likely in-store Voice Over Wifi (so employees can communicate more effectively) might all run on the same wireless network in Kroger's ideal world. Edgewater has discussed in the past the advantage they offer of flexible channel configuration -- i.e., the ability to essentially run different virtual networks through common access points by independently configuring channels. And as M8 mentioned, Edgewater has claimed a security advantage which would clearly be important if so many different systems were to run on a single wireless network. (I'm not a tech expert by any stretch so anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any of this)
I'm not saying this smart shelving plan has anything to do with Edgewater, but of all the speculation we've seen on this board over the last six months, I find this Kroger/YFI possibility (with Tutela being in there somewhere) one of the most plausible.