WiMax, the New Wireless Standard
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Introducing a new wireless standard, called by some “WiFi on steroids,” the IEEE 802:16 standard is the next level of wireless broadband Internet connectivity. The standard is fast being adopted and is being integrated into the next generation of mobile phone technology with Samsung, Intel, and Nokia developing the necessary hardware to run on the new standard.
3G (third generation) mobile technology introduced "always on" Internet access for mobile devices. WiFi brought hot spots where congregations of Internet users logged on. WiMax will allow even larger areas to become accessible to cheap broadband Internet connections at high frequencies.
In this article we will look at some features of WiMax, how well it's being adopted, and also whether it will replace or complement 3G technology as the vehicle of choice for "always on" Internet connections for phones. We'll also look at what kinds of features will exist in WiMax enabled devices, and also what possibility WiMax has of catching on since 3G (and CDMA with its enabled devices) have really only begun gaining widespread appeal in the past three years.
Basic Features
WiMax, which stands for 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, hot spots, and high-speed enterprise connectivity for businesses. It is the IEEE 802.16e network standard, and Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN) that connects hot spots to the Internet at data rates of up to 70 mbps and also provides connection for DSL, cable, and broadband. Line of sight to base stations is not required and it has a range of about 30 miles.
WiMax has the potential to provide cheap high speed Internet access to millions of people and, as the costs begin to fall, telecommunications companies in the United States. Korean telecommunications companies are expected to begin adopting it on their platforms by 2007. The adoption of WiMax will lead to wireless metropolitan area network connections and the disappearance of hot spot hopping in favor of now truly mobile connections (on the go) for PDA and notebook users. Several other standards are compatible with WiMax, which will make it possible to integrate those other standards with it, which will ensure backwards compatibility with other standards.
WiMax is not a mobile phone standard per se. However, there has been a wave of convergence in the mobile phone industry. Telecommunications hardware makers are incorporating multiple features into cell phones effectively turning them into PDA/phones that simply do everything. I call them "bricks" due to their size. It is very possible that WiMax could be the default standard for next generation handheld device users by, say, 2010. This is one reason why telecom companies all over the world and manufacturers of end user devices are aiming vigorously to adopt the standard.
Aside from the convenience of WiMax, it is also expected to be cheaper and to increase levels of customer satisfaction which will lead to more customer retention (lower customer turnover) and higher profits over time. Users will demand WiMax enabled devices from end user device manufacturers and computer OEMs due to the convenience (high speed Internet connections on the go) that it will offer. In response to these expected demands they have started manufacturing WiMax enabled devices.
Next: Is 3G out the door? >>
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