Wireless Master

According to the WiMAX Forum, there are more than 455 WiMAX networks deployed in over 135 countries. For example, in South Africa, Telecoms Regulator ICASA has issued four licenses for commercial WiMAX services to iBurst (which is a wireless Broadband solutions provider), Setech (a state-owned signal distributor), Neotel (a second network operator), and Telkom. All of these are on the 3.5 GHz band.

So what exactly is WiMAX, then? Well, it is a wireless digital communications system, which is also known as IEEE 802.16, and this is intended for wireless metropolitan networks. What you should know about WiMAX is that it can provide Broadband wireless access up to at least 30 miles (50 kilometers) for the fixed stations, and 3-10 miles (5-15 kilometers) for the mobile stations. But in comparison, the Wi-Fi (802.11) wireless local area network is limited to only 100-300 feet (30-100 meters).

With WiMAX, there is less of an issue of interference. WiMAX operates on frequencies that are both licensed and non-licensed. This provides a regulated environment and viable economic model for the wireless carriers. Just like the common Wi-Fi protocol is used, WiMAX too can be used for wireless networking. It is basically a second-generation protocol that allows for bandwidth use that is more efficient, has less interference and avoidance – and it also allows higher data rates over larger distances.

The technical features of the communication protocol are defined by the IEEE 802.16 standard. And what about the WiMAX Forum? Well, it tests the manufacturer’s equipment for compatibility, and WiMAX Forum, in fact, is also a group that is dedicated to encouraging the development and commercialization of this particular technology. If you ever log on to WiMAX.com, you will see that the website offers lots of information for consumers, manufacturers, service providers, analysts and researchers who are interested in the technology, products and services. It is estimated that soon enough, WiMAX will be a very recognized term in the whole world, and will describe wireless Internet access accurately.

In a nutshell, WiMAX is designed in such a way that it should enable high-speed and pervasive Internet access to the widest range of devices like handsets, notebook PCs, smart phones, and consumer electronics like cameras, music players, gaming devices, camcorders, and more. It is the fourth generation of wireless technology, and WiMAX delivers low-cost, open networks, it is the first all-IP mobile Internet solution that gives customers efficient and scalable networks for data, voice, and video. Intel is a major driver in the support and development of WiMAX, and it has designed embedded WiMAX solutions for many mobile devices supporting and encouraging the future of high-speed Broadband while on the move.

And what about mobile WiMAX technology? Well, this is basically the next revolution in wireless technology, and is expected to give high-speed, pervasive Broadband Internet for people who are on the move. WiMAX is based on a set of global standards, and is the only network which is optimized specifically for mobile Broadband Internet. WiMAX will help to bring about the openness of the Internet, as opposed to the closed systems of the previous generation.