DWC 100 Women: Hedy Lamarr, WiFi

In the golden age of Hollywood, the silver screen shone brightly with stars whose names became synonymous with glamour, beauty, and talent. Among these luminaries was Hedy Lamarr, an actress of unparalleled allure and charisma. But beyond her captivating presence on screen, Hedy Lamarr possessed a brilliance that transcended the confines of Hollywood. Her legacy extends far beyond her film career, touching the lives of billions today through an invention that paved the way for modern WiFi.

Born in 1914 in Vienna, Austria, Hedy Lamarr was more than just a pretty face. From a young age, she demonstrated an insatiable curiosity and a keen intellect. Despite the constraints of her time, which often limited women to traditional roles, Lamarr pursued her passion for science and technology. Her journey took her from the heights of European aristocracy to the heart of Hollywood, where she starred in films that showcased her extraordinary beauty and talent.

Yet, behind the scenes, Hedy Lamarr was quietly working on something revolutionary. The world was engulfed in the chaos of World War II, and Lamarr, along with composer George Antheil, was determined to make a difference. They invented a groundbreaking communication system designed to guide torpedoes using frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology. This system allowed the torpedoes to switch frequencies, making it nearly impossible for enemy forces to jam the signals.

Although their invention was initially overlooked by the U.S. Navy, the technology they developed would later become the foundation for many modern communication systems. Lamarr and Antheil's frequency-hopping technique was a precursor to the spread spectrum technology that is integral to today's WiFi, Bluetooth, and even GPS.

Every time we connect to WiFi, stream a movie, or navigate using GPS, we are beneficiaries of her brilliance. She was a woman ahead of her time, breaking barriers not just in film but in science and technology as well.

As we connect to the internet today, let's take a moment to remember Hedy Lamarr, the Hollywood star who not only dazzled audiences with her beauty but also illuminated the path to a more connected world.