What is WiMAX and what a WiMAX technology could bring to you. The WiMAX Forum has defined WiMAX as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. In June 2001, WiMAX Forum has formed IEEE 802.16 standard called WirelessMAN.
Ideally, WiMAX technology has a bandwidth of 70 Mbps in range of 112 kilometers (70 miles). WiMAX works on frequency spectrum of 2.3–2.5 GHz and 3.4–3.5 GHz ranges. The biggest difference between WirelessMAN (WiMAX) and Wireless LAN is the range.Wireless LAN is a Local Area Network. LAN is a small computer network that covers a home, an office or a building.
Wireless MAN is a Metropolitan Area Network. MAN network is connected with much bigger range. The MAN is a large computer network that covers the whole city.
There was a very interesting example of WiMAX usage in Indonesia. On December 2004, tsunami destroyed all communication infrastructures in Aceh. The whole area was cut off. WiMAX broadband access helped people to reestablish the communication with the outside world.
The WiMAX solution has two types of subscriber units:
- Indoor units
- Outdoor units
Indoor units have much lower range compared to the outdoor units. They are more expensive than WLAN (Wi-Fi) and have a higher operating cost. Outdoor units require professional installation (they are more expensive), but they allow a much wider range.
