WiMax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave AccessWiMAX is the trade name of “IEEE 802.16 standard”.Wimax offer high speed data rateThe name "WiMAX" was created by the WiMAX Forum, formed in June 2001 Wimax support TDD and FDD

WiMAX is an IP based, wireless broadband access technology A telecommunications technology that provides wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission modes, from point-to-multipoint links to portable and fully mobile

internet accessProvides performance similar to 802.11/Wi-Fi networks Provides good Coverage and QOS (quality of service) for cellular networks.

•A subscriber sends the wireless traffic at the speed 2M-155Mbps from fixed antenna

•The base station receives the traffic signal from multiple sites and sends to the switching center through wired or wireless using 802.16 protocol.

•The switching center sends the traffic to the ISP or PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)

Theoretical maximum speed of 75 Mbps per channelReal world application max out at 45 Mbps per channelDue to shared access, users can expect 5 Mbps download speedsThe current active 802.16 standards include:

802.16d (or 802.16-2004 - Fixed WiMAX) 802.16e (or 802.16-2005 Mobile WiMAX)However, the IEEE is also working on an extension of the 802.16e version called 802.16m, which will offer improved throughput and capability. 

•10 – 66 GHz frequency ranges are used for LOS point-to-point links.

•2 to 11 GHz spectrum was introduced for point-to-multipoint and NLOS links.

NLOS (non line of sight): l

Data is transmitted from tower to subscriber .Use a lower frequency range (2-11GHz)

LOS (line of sight): Data is transmitted from one tower to another tower .Use a higher frequency range (66GHz)

WiMax Range 4-5 miles with NLOS capable frequenciesRanges up to 10 miles are very likely in LOS applications10+ miles possible, but not desirable for heavily loaded networks3,000 square miles from a WiMAX tower

WiMax is able to provide service to an entire city. Provides mobility to user with access to the Internet.WiMax can provide an alternative to cable and DSL.

Especially useful when cables are not available.

WiMax will allow users portable access to the internet.

Easier to extend to rural and urban areasFaster than broadband services

1. Residential or Home and Broadband Internet Access:

2. Medium and small size business:

3. Backhaul networks for cellular base stations:

4. WiFi Hotspots.

Signal degradation due to:Terrain, density/height of tree cover, bodies of water, large buildings, and climate.

The bit error rate increases as the user travels away from the base station tower.Bandwidth is shared by users

Affect access speedsIncreased users Increased traffic

WiMax is better suited as a MAN.Less equipment needed to setup large coverage

WiFi is best used as a LAN.Many repeater devicesneeded to extend range.

Advantages over WiFiGreater range Improved security

WiMax is Full-Duplex WiFi is Half-Duplex

WiMAX has the potential to replace a number of existing telecommunications infrastructures. Fixed Wireless and mobile variantsWiMax has potential to replace cellular networks

Provide service to areas without traditional internet service: rural and remote areasAT&T Alascom is offering WiMAX broadband technology in Alaska. Deployments have been launched in Anchorage & Juneau areas. Rapid Systems uses WiMAX in the Tampa Bay metro area on the 3.5 GHz band. Towerstream offers WiMAX-based internet service to businesses in 9 US cities, including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Providence, San Francisco and Seattle

Future Scope is considered to be a next generation technology because this technology is aimed at replacing most of the present wireless technologies like wifi, Bluetooth, microwave and mobile phone technologies. This technology would give rise to a broad consumer market for wireless digital devices. WiMAX is a technology which considered as the first step toward 4G

4G Higher data rates than previous generation 3G

3GHSPAUMTS

A 3G mobile technology which is also being developed into a 4G technology.

CDMA2000is a hybrid 2.5G / 3G technology that use CDMA

• WiMAX is a technology in its infancy. It supplies solutions for backhaul connectivity for existing wireless hotspots and also offers end-user access in the unlicensed portion of the wireless spectrum. Local regulations may prevent WiMAX from reaching its full potential in the unlicensed spectrum. 

• Its LOS soluions lie in the licenced portion of the spectrum and these will be able to supply remote areas with Internet connectivity in a cost-effective manner providing that the licensing authorities do not overcharge providers for the licences.