When you hear the word WiMax, what do you think of? Is it a next generation Wii controller? Is it a new soda? It's hard to tell by the name, but since it's here on DevHardware, it's going to be some type of technology-related term. It's not the new wireless network technology after 802.11N, but will offer wireless Internet to a vast area. Before I dig too deep, the basic idea is a cross between cell phone connections and wireless networks. Have I sparked your curiosity? Read on.
The Basics
WiMax is the short name, and the name I will be calling it, but the technical name is Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. It's goal is to provide wireless data over a large area with the use of fixed point-to-point communication, and mobile communication.
The backbone of this technology is the tower-to-tower communication. It will run on the 802.16d frequency, be used strictly between towers, and not offer any kind of mobile connection. As I'm sure you can guess, the mobile technology is used for connection of mobile devices to the towers. It will operate on 802.16e, a slightly different version of the tower-to-tower communication.
There are two different ways this will be used. The first way is in line with how wireless networking works now. It will broadcast the wireless signal out and anyone with a compatible device will be able to pick it up. This is a great means of getting high speed Internet to rural areas where DSL or cable Internet connections aren't available.
In fact, this technology has been used already. It is great for areas where there is little or no infrastructure in place. When the tsunami hit Indonesia, the country's infrastructure was pretty much wiped out. WiMax came to the rescue, along with millions of people to help rebuild the country. It was a quick and simple temporary replacement for the country. A new network could be thrown up in a few months with just a few servers and a few towers.
The same technology was used in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit and wiped out New Orleans. WiMax doesn't need lots of existing structure to work, which makes it a cheap and quick implementation.
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