So what is WiMAX?

WiMAX - World Interoperability for Microwave Access

So what is WiMAX and why is WiMAX such a big issue? We hear about WiMAX as much as we hear about 3G and sometimes even more. So I have seen many people ask - so what is it? Is it next generation of WiFi? What is it going to provide? So let me tackle a few of these questions.

Recommended WiFi before continuing.

WiMAX is also a way of providing wireless connectivity - in a larger area - it is a wireless MAN (metropolitan area network). There are two main applications of WiMAX today: fixed WiMAX applications are point-to-multipoint enabling broadband access to homes and businesses, whereas mobile WiMAX offers the full mobility of cellular networks at true broadband speeds.

Fixed WiMAX allows
1. connecting Wi-Fi hotspots with each other and to other parts of the Internet.
2 providing a wireless alternative to cable and DSL for last mile broadband access (i.e., from the nearest high capacity cable like optic fibre termination to your home/office).

So what is needed in these to be able to use the Internet -
1. when two WiFi hotspots are connected; the user is not at all influenced. He/she uses WiFi with their WiFi card in the WiFi hotspot. Once outside the WiFi hotspot, there is no connection to the network.
2. last mile - A WiMAX CPE (customer premise equipment) at your home/office to connect to your computer. The CPE connects to the WiMAX access point place where the nearest high speed cable ends.

The standard used for this wireless connection between the two WiMAX devices is 802.16. WiMAX is a name of a forum promoting 802.16 standard. (Extra info - Genereally speaking WiMAX means 802.16 standard. In the techical IEEE 802 discussions, they are not the same. WiMAX certified product is not necessarily a 802.16 standard compliant product. WiMAX is a forum independent of IEEE802. IEEE802 standardizes the 802.16 protocol, whereas WiMAX promotes the 802.16 protocol.) Now the mobile WiMAX ...

Mobile WiMAX allows
- mobile connectivity.

This is sort of a big big WiFi. Wherever you be, you can connect to the WiMAX. You need a WiMAX card with you and a WiMAX access point and you are good to go. WiMAX access points are installed throughout by service providers. They are like base stations of the cellular system. Here we are talking about the 2G, 3G, GSM, CDMA kind of systems. They have base stations distributed throughout; the cell phone connects to these base stations and you can make calls, send sms, download music, check emails or browse Internet with your cell phone. Similarly, WiMAX service provider will have access points thought their coverage area and a WiMAX card in the laptop will access it for connection to the Internet. So you have access to the network while on the move. So how is it different from the data communication card given by Airtel and others. The speed! WiMAX is very high speed. Can go upto hundreds of MegaBytes. It is, as they say, broadband connection.

So mobile WiMAX can be seen in two ways -
1. big WiFi hotspot. you are always in the hotspot.
2. a cellular system that provides broadband connection.

That is why WiMAX is so big. They are better than WiFi and 3G.

So will it replace WiFi and 3G? My personal opinion - it might.
Data communications on the move is good. But we cannot forget voice. Can we talk using WiMAX? My answer - if we can talk using skype, then we can definitely talk with WiMAX. you can log on to your skype when you have WiMAX giving you internet connection. That is what is wireless VOIP. Many manufacturers are coming up with WiMAX phone so that you do not need a laptop to log in to your skype like application.
Also read my 3G or 4G?

Intel has a good pictorial presentation with voice explanations.

So what do you say? Do you know a bit about WiMAX now? Do write your comments.