Introduction to WiMax

WiMax stands for Worldwide Interoperability forinternet access to personal and business users across
Microwave Access and is a system that offers boththe globe.
fixed and mobile internet access to users. WiMax• WiMax is the optimal substitute for cable
technology combines the best of broadband andinternet, digital subscriber line (DSL), and long distance
wireless internet. Because of its mobility and highbroadband access.
speed, WiMax is the ideal solution for offering high• WiMax is the perfect alternative for data
speed wireless internet to homes, colleges, internettransfer, telecommunications such as Voice over
cafes, college campuses and airports etc. WiMax isInternet Protocol and Internet Protocol Television
becoming increasingly popular because of the lowservices.
investment required to set up a WiMax network in• Since WiMax is much more reliable than other
contrast to global system for mobile communicationsoptions of internet connectivity, most companies and
(GSM), digital subscriber line (DSL), cable internet andbusinesses include it as part and parcel of their
fibre-optics amongst other alternatives.business continuity plan.
It is because of this low investment requirement that• WiMax network also offers an easy solution for
WiMax is now being offered in places whichmachine to machine communications.
previously had no internet connectivity. CompaniesWiMax Glossary
offering WiMax to customers have a wider range ofFollowing are some of the technical terms related to
services since they can also offer Voice overWiMax and what they stand for;
Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Internet Protocol• The IEEE 802.16 wireless network standard,
Television (IPTV) without any additional investment.endorsed by the WiMax forum is one of the many
WiMax is expected to replace mobile technologiestechnical names of WiMax including but not limited to
including code division multiple access (CDMA), andfixed WiMax, mobile WiMax, IEEE 802.16d and IEEE
global system for mobile communications (GSM).802.16e.
Moreover, fixed WiMax is the best alternative as a• 802.16-2004 popularly referred to as 802.16d
wireless backhaul technology for second generationrefers to fixed WiMax since it cannot provide support
(2G), third generation (3G) and fourth generationfor mobility.
(4G) in countries across the world.• 802.16e-2005 also referred to as 802.16e is a
Functions of WiMaxslight modification to 802.16-2004. It was the first
The broad bandwidth and mobility of WiMax makes itstandard to offer mobility across long distances and,
the best option for the following applications;thus, is appropriately referred to as mobile WiMax.
• WiMax offers highly mobile portable broadband