Wi-Fi speeds are about to triple

The ultra-slow Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop could soon be getting a big boost. Qualcomm announced plans for new technology that it says could triple Wi-Fi speeds in homes, offices and on public networks.

The company's new approach, which follows seven years of research, allows networks to transmit data to multiple groups of users simultaneously using algorithms that adapt on the fly to changes in usage. The technology is known as "MU-MIMO," which stands for "multi-user, multiple input, multiple output."

Qualcomm plans to sell MU-MIMO-enabled chips to manufacturers of wireless routers and access points, as well as to companies that make smartphones, tablets and other consumer electronics. When both the network and its users are employing the technology, Qualcomm claims it will boost speeds by two to three times.

"Using MU-MIMO is like using the carpool lane: the Wi-Fi Highway doesn't change, but grouping up with other users lets you go much faster while de-congesting the other lanes," the company said.