|
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, Inc.) based on the IEEE 802.16 standard is described by the WiMAX Forum as “a standards based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL.” Big words that simply mean it is a wireless broadband technology. With a range of up to 30 miles, it is expected to enable true broadband speeds over wireless networks at reasonably low cost.
There are two flavours for WiMAX. 802.16d is used for fixed systems and 802.16e adds the mobility component. Fixed WiMAX applications will basically bring broadband to homes and businesses and will serve as an alternative to current DSL broadband. Mobile WiMAX, on the other hand, will function just like current cellular networks but at much higher broadband speeds. Users will be able to access high speed services while on the move. Both fixed and mobile applications of WiMAX are engineered to help deliver ubiquitous, high-throughput broadband wireless services at a low cost.
The development of Wimax has not been without some drama. Companies like Nokia left the Wimax forum at one point but rejoined soon after. Lately, Korea through its vendor, Samsung developed its own standard, WiBro which they hoped to make the international alternative to 3.5 to 4G systems. Luckily a full competing standards war similar to that which took place between VHS and Betamax video formats back in the eighties was averted. WiBro has joined WiMAX and agreed to harmonize with the 802.16e version of the standard.
Mobile WiMAX has inherent advantages in throughput, latency, spectral efficiency, and advanced antennae support; ultimately enabling it to provide higher performance than today’s wide area wireless technologies such as 3G.
WiMAX is often mistaken with WiFi as both are wireless technologies. However, WiMAX is very different from WiFi in the way it works. WiFi operates on the 802.11 Wireless LAN standard and is meant to operate over very much smaller areas than Wimax. WiFi is only effective over short ranges and is suited for localised areas like homes, offices and cafes. Wimax , because of its longer range, is meant to cover entire cities and rural areas.
The WiMAX specification improves upon many of the limitations of the WiFi standard by providing increased bandwidth and range and stronger encryption. It provides connectivity between network endpoints without need for direct line of sight in favourable circumstances.
WiMAX and WiFi are not competitors.
Wimax is best used as a means of point to point transmission over large areas. From there, distribution can be through WiFi or other wireless network like cable and DSL. The bandwidth and reach of WiMAX make it suitable to connect WiFi hotspots with each other and to other parts of the Internet.
It is not the undisputed king of the hill either. There are many competing technologies. In October 2005, the first commercial OFDM network (flash) developed by Flarion Technologies went live in T-Mobile Slovakia. At the same time, T-Mobile deployed a major UMTS-TDD system in the Czech Republic, aiming to deliver comparable speeds to early WiMAX. Next, the first HSDPA upgrades to the UMTS networks went live and the first 1xEV-DO Revision is not far behind. In other words, there are other technologies that can give Wimax a run for the money.
US telecommunications giant, Qualcomm concentrated on the 802.20 standard, hoping to get its intellectual property into this standard. After all, 802.20 was originally meant to be the mobile broadband standard with 802.16 being a wireless local loop replacement. However, the IEEE standards committee recently decided to suspend work on the 802.20 standard giving a new ray of hope to the deployment of WiMAX.
Earlier this year, Pakistani carrier, Wahid Telecom with potentially 1 million subscribers deployed the first commercial Mobile WiMAX for a large-scale test. Motorola supplied the 802.16e equipment for the test.
For end users, Intel is coming up with new chipsets called Rosedale II that supports WiMAX using 802.16e standards. In coming years, notebooks will have Wimax built into them very much like current notebooks that have WiFi capabilities.
Overall, the proposition is clear, WiMAX is here to stay.
 Emily is quite happy to be working in wireless-friendly Singapore. Contact her at
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
|
