Foresights
WiMax
What is it?
WiMAX is a broadband wireless networking technology based on the IEEE 802.16 specification for point-to-multipoint broadband networks across a range of unlicensed frequencies. Between 10 and 66GHz is reserved for point-to-point line-of-sight links, but the 2–10GHz band is where WiMAX will play and where there is most activity and interest. WiMAX is often quoted as delivering up to 70Mbit/s over a range of 30 miles for each base station, but these are optimum values.
The IEEE 802.16 specification is essentially a shopping list of various elements of functionality and was designed with a wide range of deployment and usage scenarios in mind. The 802.16 Working Group is currently now working on a conformance specification that will be a set of tests to demonstrate conformance but this will not be sufficient to determine interoperability between different vendors’ products – a key factor in driving commercial adoption.
 To learn more about WiMax, download our full Foresight PDF file ( 318Kb; opens in a new window).
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