What is WiMAX?

What is WiMAX and what a WiMAX technology could bring to you.
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 in 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 Local Area Network. LAN is a small computer network that covers a home, an office or a building.
Wireless MAN is Metropolitan Area Network. MAN network is connected with much bigger range. MAN is a large computer network that covers the whole city.

WiMAX technology has many applications:

1) Interconnection of WLAN hotspots.

2) WLAN hotspots connection to the Internet.

3) Wireless alternative for the last mile broadband access (like the cable in DSL in wired world).

4) High speed data and communication services.

5) Internet Backup link.

There was a very interesting example of WiMAX usage in Indonesia. In 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.

WiMAX solution has two types of subscriber units:

- Indoor units

- Outdoor units

Indoor units have much lower range comparing to outdoor units. They are more expensive than WLAN (Wi-Fi) and have a higher operational coast.
Outdoor units require professional installation (they are more expensive), but they allow much wider range.