| Introduction | | | | point-to-multipoint architecture, it is an ideal |
| What is WiMAX? Simply put WiMAX is, Worldwide | | | | solution for delivering broadband to places where |
| Interoperability for Microwave Access, a | | | | it would not be viable to establish wired |
| technology standard that enables high speed | | | | connections. Rural areas and high rises are |
| wireless internet. In other words, WiMAX | | | | examples for this situation. Currently this last mile |
| combines the high speed of a broadband | | | | part of the connectivity is the biggest stumbling |
| connection with the convenience of mobile | | | | block to broadband providers, in terms of cost |
| internet connectivity. WiMAX provides wireless | | | | and manpower requirements. WiMAX can bring |
| broadband access up to a radius of 50 kilometers | | | | down the costs and subsequently make internet |
| (30 miles) for fixed receivers and 5-15 kilometers | | | | connectivity cheaper to the end user.Another |
| (3-10 miles) for mobile receivers. | | | | advantage over some other wireless technologies |
| How does WiMAX work? | | | | is that WiMAX does not need a direct line of sight |
| WiMAX needs setting up of a tower to establish | | | | between the source and the receptor. It also has |
| microwave connections with the users. This | | | | a comparatively high shared data rate at 70Mbps, |
| operates in the same way as a cell phone tower. | | | | which is good enough to reach about a thousand |
| In the case of WiMAX, the tower is connected to | | | | homes. WiMAX is also an excellent saver of time. |
| internet through a high speed cable like a T3 line. | | | | As it does not need cables to connect with the |
| The difference from broadband is that here the | | | | receptors, it is possible to establish connection to |
| bandwidth does not have to be divided using | | | | an entire campus or even city in a matter of a |
| wires.WiMAX is in a way an advanced version of | | | | few days.WiMAX also allows for greater |
| WiFi, a similar technology. Whereas WiFi allows a | | | | convergence of diverse applications such as fixed |
| network within a radius of 30-100 meters | | | | and mobile telephony, apart from entertainment |
| (100-300 feet), WiMAX connectivity can be | | | | sectors like television. |
| extended over a radius of up to 50 kilometers. | | | | Challenges |
| This high speed data transfer over a much larger | | | | That said, WiMAX need not come to eliminate |
| area is made possible by lessening interference | | | | wired connectivity altogether. In areas where |
| using the IEEE 802.16 Air Interface Standard. | | | | wired broadband is already established, DSL still |
| Currently WiMAX operates on both licensed and | | | | reigns supreme. Thus it is more likely that WiMAX |
| non-licensed frequencies. | | | | will develop as a complementary to wired |
| Advantage and Applications | | | | connectivity. Secondly, the real potential of |
| As it is possible to use WiMAX over longer | | | | WiMAX is in the possibility of bringing diverse |
| distances, this technology may come in handy in | | | | services such as telephony, mobile television and |
| creating city wide networks. It is also better | | | | broadband internet under its umbrella. This |
| suited than WiFi for large area public places like | | | | requires that players from these different fields |
| airports, college and university campuses and large | | | | work together to provide single point service to |
| office set ups. It also provides for greater mobility | | | | the end user. Consumer billing and mutual |
| to users. This way WiMAX may be a good option | | | | settlement systems have to be extremely |
| for people on the move using gadgets like laptops, | | | | efficient to handle these requirements. |
| iPods and PDAs. As WiMAX follows a | | | | |