WiMAX

What is WiMAX ?

An implementation of the IEEE 802.16 standard, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a standards based wireless technology providing metropolitan area network connectivity of high-throughput, broadband data and toll-quality voice services in networks covering long distances and wide ranges. WiMAX enables scalable, carrier-class solutions to support thousands of users with a single base station, while providing differentiated service levels.The WiMAX technology will enable real wireless mobility. In other words, it will give us the freedom to use our laptops or PDAs to access the Internet or transmit voice with greater capacity and better quality of service than other current options.

Where it Can be Used ?

WiMAX can be used for a number of applications including last mile broadband access, hotspot and cellular backhaul for carrier infrastructure, and high speed enterprise connectivity. WiMAX is designed to provide E1-level bandwidth to businesses and the Equivalent of cable/DSL access for home users. WiMAX will enable carrier-class solutions to scale to support thousands of users.

When did WiMAX came into being ?

WiMAX, came into being in 2003 with the founding of the WiMAX Forum™, an industry-led, non-profit organization made up of equipment manufacturers, component suppliers and service providers. The WiMAX Forum promotes industry-wide adoption of the IEEE 802.16 and ETSI/HiperMAN wireless MAN air interface standards and certification and establishes the conformance, interoperability and compatibility of fixed, portable and mobile IP-based broadband wireless products and services. Today the Forum has more than 200 members including Intel at the helm, Alcatel, AT&T, BT, Lucent, Fujitsu, Siemens and Alvarion.

What is the Range Of WiMAX ?

The answer to this question probably generates more confusion than any other single aspect of WiMAX. It is common to see statements in the media describing WiMAX multipoint coverage extending 30 miles. In a strict technical sense (in some spectrum ranges) this is correct, with even greater ranges being possible in point to point links. In practice (and especially in the license-free bands) this is wildly overstated especially where non line of sight (NLOS) reception is concerned.

Future of WiMAX ?

The WiMAX Forum today announced it projects more than 133 million WiMAX users globally by 2012. The forecast is based on the results of an independently commissioned research study to be published in April 2008. Additional data from the study estimates that approximately 70 percent of the forecasted WiMAX users by 2012 will utilize mobile and portable WiMAX devices to access broadband Internet service.