WiMAX
From LIS 460 Summer 2007
Contents |
WiMAX
WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability For Microwave Access. It is a wireless digital telecommunications technology based on the IEE 802.16 standard (Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers). The name WiMAX was created by the WiMAX Forum, which was formed in June 2001 to promote conformance and interoperability of the standard. WiMAX is expected to enable true broadband speeds over wireless networks at a cost point to enable mass market adoption. WiMAX is the only wireless standard today that has the ability to deliver true broadband speeds and help make the vision of pervasive connectivity a reality. WiMAX enables the delivery of “last mile” wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL. It can provide access up to 30 miles for fixed stations and up to 10 miles for mobile stations.
Main Applications
Fixed WiMAX
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. Both fixed and mobile applications of WiMAX are engineered to help deliver powerful, high-throughput broadband wireless services at a low cost.
Mobile WiMAX
Mobile WiMAX is based on OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) technology which has inherent advantages in throughput, latency, spectral efficiency, and advanced antennae support; ultimately enabling it to provide higher performance than today's wide area wireless technologies. Many next generation 4G wireless technologies may evolve towards OFDMA and all IP-based networks as an ideal for delivering cost-effective wireless data services.
Uses According to Wikipedia
The bandwidth and reach of WiMAX make it suitable for the following potential applications: • Connecting Wi-Fi hotspots with each other and to other parts of the Internet.
• Providing a wireless alternative to cable and DSL for last mile broadband access.
• Providing high-speed data and telecommunications services.
• Providing a diverse source of Internet connectivity as part of a business continuity plan.
• Providing nomadic connectivity
Advantages over Wi-Fi
• WiMAX specification provides symmetrical bandwidth over many miles and range with stronger encryption and typically less interference. Wi-Fi is short range and suffers from interference as in metropolitan areas where there are many users.
• Wi-Fi Hotspots are typically backhauled over ADSL in most coffee shops therefore Wi-Fi access is typically highly contended and has poor upload speeds between the router and the internet.
• It provides connectivity between network endpoints without the need for direct line of sight.
Wireless Standards
Drawing on hundreds of experts in the telecommunications industry, the IEEE has established a collection of wireless standards that include IEEE 802.15, also known as Bluetooth, for the Personal Area Network (PAN); IEEE 802.11, also known as Wi-Fi, for the Local Area Network (LAN); 802.16 for the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and IEEE 802.20 for the Wide Area Network (WAN).
WiMAX Forum
The WiMAX Forum is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization formed to certify and promote the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE 802.16/ETSI HiperMAN standard. A WiMAX Forum goal is to accelerate the introduction of these systems into the marketplace.
WiMAX Forum 2007 Objectives
Objectives of the Forum: 1. Establish WiMAX as the next-generation wireless broadband Internet technology of choice anytime, anywhere. 2. Ensure the WiMAX Forum is recognized as the organization driving the industry forward. 3. Develop a comprehensive WiMAX Forum membership actively contributing to the growth of ecosystem.
WiMAX in the School Library
WiMAX could be very useful for libraries which are situated in rural areas as they could benefit from receiving WiMAX from neighboring libraries.
