Wireless Master

Do you want to know about WiMAX? Then you should read this article carefully. Firstly, you should know that WiMAX provides much more than the performance of 3G solutions today. It has an ability to give much better performance in the future. Intel, in fact, is working tirelessly for the further expansion and support of WiMAX through technology advancements. WiMAX has the ability to carry more data traffic than the current wireless networks, and thus it is expected to meet the increasing demands for mobile data. It is the first to combine these two standards-based technologies – efficient support for many simultaneous users with Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), and increased output and range with Multiple Input / Multiple Output (MIMO) smart antenna technology using multiple antennas to carry more data traffic than current networks.

Mobile WiMAX is based on the IEEE 802.16a standard, and it aims to deliver superior data rates and scalability, reduced costs, and lesser network complexity. WiMAX is the first new technology to be added to the International Mobile Telecommunications – 2000 (IMT-2000, also called 3G) set of standards in almost 10 years. Thus we may safely say that WiMAX is all set to revolutionize and mobilize the way we connect with each other and with the Internet, around the globe.

How do we access the Internet today? Basically through Broadband (DSL / cable modem at home, and T1 or T3 line in the office), Wi-Fi access (a Wi-Fi router which allows us to surf the Web through our laptop while on the move, by using Wi-Fi hotspots), and also through Dial-Up. But of course, all these options pose serious problems. For instance, the main disadvantage of Broadband is that sometimes, it is prohibitively expensive, and sometimes, it may not even reach all the areas. Wi-Fi also is not without its share of problems – sometimes the hotspots are very small, so the coverage provided is quite sparse. But WiMAX is a new technology that solves all these problems.

The great thing about WiMAX is that it gives high speed, wireless and not wired access (this makes it a lot less expensive than DSL or Cable, and plus it becomes much easier to extend it to the rural and suburban areas), and it also gives broad coverage (kind of like the cell phone network, instead of the small Wi-Fi hotspots). WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, and is also called IEEE 802.16.

So what’s the big deal about WiMAX then? Well, it can potentially do away with Broadband Internet access altogether, just like what cell phones have done to regular phones. WiMAX might soon replace DSL and cable services altogether, and people would be provided universal Internet access wherever, whenever – when they are on the move. Plus, WiMAX services are efficient and cost-effective, and it’s as hassle-free and painless as Wi-Fi – turning on the computer would automatically connect one to the closest available WiMAX antenna.