What is WiMAX?

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a standards-based wireless technology that provides high-throughput broadband connections over long distances. WiMAX can be used for a number of applications, including "last mile" broadband connections, Hotspots and for an alternative to 3G - a cellular backhaul. The protocol specification is defined in the IEEE 802.16 family.

WiMAX is emerging as the future of broadband communication, providing affordable highspeed, long range, wireless performance, and as an alternative to wired landline networks. WiMAX technology also provides enterprise connectivity for business and remote users to connect to corporate networks and the Internet at far greater ranges than current wireless technology allows. It is predicted that WiMAX will become a widely used technology in 2006 once the 802.16 specifications are ratified.

Intel are already making WiMAX chips for laptops, PDAs and similar mobile appliances whilst Motorola are integrating WiMAX to cell phones.

Aimed not only at consumers in the more remote areas who are not wired for high-speed broadband connectivity, but also as an alternative to users already provided with wired connectivity in towns and cities. The technology will be able to provide VoiP & data as an alternative to the already established 3G mobile networks.

Trials in this technology are in operation proving very successful in areas like connectivity for mobile Internet users, railway carriage broadband access and even live television broadcasting.

What are the benefits of using WiMAX?

Based on a new emerging specification 802.16x, wireless access range is thought of in square kilometres rather than square metres in WiFi.

For further information on Wireless Systems, email wireless@astro.co.uk

Existing broadband wireless or WiFi operators believe WiMAX will enable them to extend their networks more cost effectively, or add new value added services whilst extending their territory coverage.

What speed and coverage can I realistically achieve on WiMAX?

Initial promises by WiMAX groups give theoretical maximums of data rates of 75Mbps and ranges up to 31 Miles. For now, broadband providers are running live WiMAX networks in the 3 to 4 Km range providing end users each with 6Mbps. Specification claims for WiFi have proved to be unrealistic as more practical averages have been shown to give less than half the speeds than the stated ideals. In probability it can be assumed that over the forthcoming years of WiMAX development and new specifications, a similar pattern of idealistic claims may well equate similarly.

Should I wait for WiMAX with a promise of much higher speeds or deploy WiFi today?
WiMax is in its pre-standards phase in 2005. In mid 2006 it will be ratified and fully operational with full manufacturer appliance support. WiFi and WiMAX can be compared with each other with the 3 main considerations: preferred speed, signal ranges and costs. WiMAX can provide better speeds and signal range whilst comparing with very large WiFi networks can provide cheaper infrastructure costs.

For further information on Wireless Systems, email wireless@astro.co.uk