A “Last Mile” wireless alternative to cable and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
It provides quad services such as phone, video, voice, data and cable TV.
WiMAX, meaning Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunications technology that provides for the wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission modes, from point-to-point links to portable internet access.
The name “WiMAX” was created by the WiMAX Forum, which was formed in June 2001 to promote conformity and interoperability of the standard. Among the board of directors of WiMAX forum are Intel, Sprint, Samsung, BT, Motorola, FujiTsu and ZTE.
The technology is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard (also called Broadband Wireless Access) which was established by IEEE Standards Board in 1999, aims to prepare formal specifications for the global deployment of broadband Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks.
- WiMAX provides up to 75 Mb/s symmetric broadband speed without the need for cables.
- WiMAX can provide broadband wireless access (BWA) up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed stations, and 3 - 10 miles (5 - 15 km) for mobile stations.
- WiMAX operates on both licensed and non-licensed frequencies, providing a regulated environment and viable economic model for wireless carriers.
- WiMAX supports fixed, nomadic, portability, simple mobility and full mobility connections.
- The devices that can operate along with WiMAX chipset are laptop, PCMCIA, PDA and smart phone (integrated or external).
- WiMAX supports a wide range of the frequencies up to 66 GHz; less interference.
WiMAX Standards:
“Main Standard”(“802.16-2001” alias “802.16a” ): limited access
“Fixed WiMAX”(“802.16-2004” alias “802.16d”) : It supports directional antenna base equipment - Static Connection – No Mobility
“Mobile WiMAX”(”802.16-2005” alias “802.16e”):It introduced the small chips embedded in the motherboard - Mobility
The major WiMAX devices are made from CPE, OSM, Access points and microwave backhaul and base station’s using the microwave backhaul.
WiMAX over Wi-Fi
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WiMAX can be used for wireless networking in much the same way as the more common Wi-Fi protocol (adv over: higher data rates over longer distances 5 km to 5o km against 30m -100m).
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WiMAX is the next step of Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a base band and WiMAX is a broadband.
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Wi-Fi comes WLAN that covers less distance as compared to WiMAX
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WiMAX Forum
The WiMAX Forum® is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization formed to certify and promote the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE 802.16/ETSI HiperMAN standard. A WiMAX Forum goal is to accelerate the introduction of these systems into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum Certified™ products are fully interoperable and support broadband fixed, portable and mobile services. Along these lines, the WiMAX Forum works closely with service providers and regulators to ensure that WiMAX Forum Certified systems meet customer and government requirements
WiMAX Forum offers a means of testing manufacturer’s equipment for compatibility, as well as an industry group dedicated to fostering the development and commercialization of the technology.