WiMAX, is a digital communications system that provides fixed and fully mobile internet access. It is also known as Broadband Wireless Access and currently provides up to 40 Mbps. WiMAX can provide broadband wireless access up to 50 km for fixed stations, and 5 - 15 km for mobile stations. In contrast, the WiFi/802.11 wireless local area network standard is limited in most cases to only 100 - 300 feet (30 - 100m).
WiMAX operates on both licensed and non-licensed frequencies. WiMAX is a second-generation protocol that allows for more efficient bandwidth use, interference avoidance, and is intended to allow higher data rates over longer distances.
Applications of WiMAX
- Provides portable mobile broadband connectivity across cities and countries through a variety of devices.
- Provides a wireless alternative to cable and DSL for last mile broadband access.
- Provides data, telecommunications (VoIP) and IPTV services.
- It is highly recommended to be used for post disaster communications.
WiMAX access was used to assist with communications in Aceh, Indonesia, after the tsunami in December 2004.
WiMAX Equipments
WiMax Gateway
WiMAX gateway devices are available as both indoor and outdoor versions from several manufacturers. Many of the WiMAX gateways that are offered by manufactures such as Zytel, Motorola, and GreenPacket are stand-alone self-install indoor units. Such devices typically sit near the customer's window with the best WiMAX signal, and provide:
- A integrated Wi-Fi access point to provide the WiMAX Internet connectivity to multiple devices throughout the home or business.
- Ethernet ports to connect directly to your computer.
- One or two PSTN telephone jacks to connect your land-line phone and take advantage of VoIP.
Indoor gateways are convenient, but subscriber may need to be significantly closer to the WiMAX base station. Outdoor units are roughly the size of a laptop PC, and their installation is comparable to the installation of a residential satellite dish. A higher-gain directional outdoor unit will generally result in greatly increased range and throughput but with the obvious loss of practical mobility of the unit.
WiMAX Dongles
There are a variety of USB dongles on the market which provide connectivity to a WiMAX network. Generally these devices are connected to a notebook or net book whilst on the move. Dongles typically have omnidirectional antennae and are best used in areas of good coverage.
