FAQ

admin on September 22, 2009   |   121 comments

.WiMax, also known as IEEE 802.16, is a wireless digital communications system that is intended for wireless "metropolitan area networks". WiMax is designed to extend local WiFi networks across greater distances, such as on a university campus.

The WiFi/802.11 wireless local area, which is the network standard, is limited in most cases to only about 100 to 300 feet; however, Wimax can provide broadband wireless access for up to 30 miles for fixed stations and 3 to 10 miles for mobile stations. WiMax allows for more efficient bandwidth use, interference avoidance, and is intended to allow higher data rates over longer distances.

The IEEE 802.16 standard defines the technical features of the communications protocol. The WiMAX Forum offers a means of testing manufacturer's equipment for compatibility, as well as an industry group dedicated to fostering the development and commercialization of the technology.

In the next five years, Wimax will have an enormous impact on the cellular markets, particularly that of third-world countries, as well as that of the United States. The cost-effectiveness of WiMax to that of preexisting systems is much higher. One application that can be used by cellular companies is WiMax's ability to serve as a high bandwidth "backhaul" for internet or cellular phone traffic from remote areas back to an Internet backbone; WiMax may be an answer to reducing the cost of T1/E1 backhaul as well.

What will wimax services offer to the average consumer ?

WiMAX networks will provide broadband connectivity and mobile Internet anytime, anywhere, for any device and on any network with substantial increasing data speeds for applications to include online gaming, streaming video, video conferencing, VoIP and location based services.

In the U.S., Mobile WiMax services from Sprint and Clearwire will reach more than 150 million consumers by year end 2010. In rural areas, WiMAX technology will establish an affordable and efficient broadband network. The purchase and installation process of WiMAX technology is faster, simpler and cheaper than other offered solutions. Additionally, wimax can provide coverage despite the challenges of geography and the limited footprint of wireline-based solutions. In developing countries, WiMAX technology provides the opportunity to connect people with Internet and VOIP services faster and more affordably than wireline technology.

What is the speed of wimax for end users ?

Users can expect to have broadband access speeds ranging from 1-5 Mbps depending on the service … Read the rest

admin on September 22, 2009   |   21 comments

WiMAX is short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, and it also stands for the IEEE name 802.16. WiMAX has the potential to do to broadband Internet access what cell phones have done to  the traditional wire phone industry. WiMAX will replace cable & DSL services, providing Internet access anywhere you go. WiMAX will also be as painless as WiFi — turning your computer on will automatically connect you to the closest available WiMAX antenna.
In the next five years, Wimax will have an enormous impact on the cellular markets, particularly that of third-world countries, as well as that of the United States (See the Wimax Map). The cost-effectiveness of WiMax to that of preexisting systems is much higher. One application that can be used by cellular companies is WiMax’s ability to serve as a high bandwidth “backhaul” for internet or cellular phone traffic from remote areas back to an Internet backbone; WiMax may be an answer to reducing the cost of T1/E1 backhaul as well.

… Read the rest

admin on September 22, 2009   |   6 comments

What frequencies for wimax technology ?

The WiMAX Forum is working with regulators, operators and equipment manufacturers to expand the frequency allocation to cover all the key spectrum bands that our member companies identify as interesting to potential WiMAX services. The first certified mobile products operate at 2.3 GHz and meet the regulatory requirements of the Korean market. This will be followed by products at 2.5 GHz, a frequency band that is widely used in the global market. WiMAX Forum Certified products for Mobile WiMAX started in December 2007. Certification will continue to add additional profiles. As such, with what we are currently seeing in the market, 3.5 GHz will be added as the next frequency that the WiMAX Forum will certify. This is expected to begin in the second half of 2008. The WiMAX Forum has the ability to respond rapidly to development of additional profiles as additional spectrum is auctioned or markets change.

WiMAX spectrum standardization efforts

The WiMAX Forum continues to see the allocation of spectrum evolve. Underused spectrum is being recalled and reclassified by governments and new allocations are being issued. For the initial Fixed WiMAX Forum Certified™ products the majority of spectrum was in the 3.4 – 3.6 GHz spectrum range. For mobile applications, regulators are allocating spectrum in the 2.3 and 2.5 – 2.6 GHz regions, as well as the 3.4 – 3.6 GHz band. The WiMAX Forum continues to track regional and country-specific policies and promote the availability of technology-neutral spectrum. Members of the WiMAX Forum have access to a database to help identify available spectrum. The WiMAX Forum has formed an agreement with AT4 wireless to provide the WiMAX Forum Spectrum and Regulatory Database, allowing member companies access to real-time data regarding worldwide spectrum licensing and regulatory information.

… Read the rest

admin on September 22, 2009   |   49 comments

Although the term “4G” has been tossed around a lot in relation to WiMAX, the reality is that the International Telecommunications Union has not yet to define what “4G” actually means. According to most of telecommunication professionals, the main technologies that are associated with this position include WiMAX, Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB). To better understand the nature of the players involved in so-called 4G technologies, Wikipedia provides some helpful definitions for LTE and UMB (for a definition of WiMAX, see above) :

Ultra Mobile Broadband : An ultra fast technology that supports more than an order of magnitude increase in broadband data throughput rates to economically deliver IP-based voice, multimedia, broadband, information technology, entertainment, and consumer electronic services within most kinds of devices. A platform that supports several wireless services within a full mobility environment and thus differentiates itself from Wi-Fi, WiMAX, UWB, etc. Ultra high-speeds that are in the order of 100s of megabits per second; next-generation capabilities, beyond 3G.

Long Term Evolution : 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution) is the name given to a project within the Third Generation Partnership Project to improve the UMTS mobile phone standard to cope with future requirements. Goals include improving efficiency, lowering costs, improving services, making use of new spectrum opportunities, and better integration with other open standards. The LTE project is not a standard, but it will result in the new evolved release 8 of the UMTS standard, including mostly or wholly extensions and modifications of the UMTS system.… Read the rest

admin on September 22, 2009   |   3 comments

Backhaul is the telecommunication process whereby wireless data is transmitted from the end user to the backbone, or hardwired, network. When determining the most appropriate wireless backhaul product for a given network there are many considerations to evaluate such as the necessary network capacity, data speed, frequency, and cost.

The faster the data rate the more expensive the backhaul. Therefore, one must recognize the intended network capacity and assign it a data rate that is fitting for that particular network. When calculating this rate it is usually a good idea to plan ahead and expect a significant increase in traffic for the future. It is more cost effective to purchase a backhaul with the capacity to sustain a slightly larger network now then to have to replace the product when the network becomes too large to handle. However, it is a waste to purchase a backhaul that significantly exceeds the future needs of the network. Thus, one must determine the most fitting data rates specific to the current and future needs of the individual network.

Frequencies types can either be licensed or unlicensed. Unlicensed frequencies are usually quick to install and are less costly. However, the Internet Service Provider has no control over who uses these frequencies, and thus, the signals might encounter interferences before reaching their intended recipient. Licensed frequencies often have greater throughputs, are not susceptible to interferences, and are more reliable. However, it usually takes some time to acquire a licensed frequency, which are government regulated in many countries. Also, due to its increased benefits, licensed frequencies tend to be more expensive (“WiMAX Backhaul Products”). When taking everything into consideration, in order to effectively purchase a backhaul product one must prioritize the current and expected needs of a network in terms of its capacity, speed, strength, and reliability and then find a backhaul product that most appropriately fits those needs at an acceptable cost.… Read the rest

admin on September 22, 2009   |   1 comment

WiMAX Antennas come in various designs in order to most appropriately enhance the performance of a network according its geographical advantages or drawbacks, and its intended functional use. The different types of antennas can be classified into three main categories: omni directional, sector, and panel antennas.

• Omni directional antennas have the ability to send and receive transmissions to and from any direction and are used for point-to-multipoint or multipoint-to-multipoint configurations. These antennas use a great deal of energy in order to broadcast in 360 degrees, which ultimately causes it to have limited range and signal strength. However, they are ideal for networks where there are a high number of users within a short range.
• Sector antennas are used to target specific areas in a more concentrated manner. They can broadcast frequencies in ranges of 60, 90, or 120 degrees from their respective base stations and can be used for point-to-multipoint or multipoint-to-multipoint configurations. These antennas are more energy efficient than omni directional antennas since their beams are more concentrated in one area, which enables them to have greater range and signal strength. Many Internet Service Providers even prefer to use multiple sector antennas to cover a larger scope than to use omni directional antennas because of the sector antenna’s exceptional performance.
• Panel antennas, also occasionally referred to as directional antennas, are most commonly implemented for point-to-point networks. They are often designed as a flat panel of about one square foot in size. They are aimed towards specific areas, can home a WiMAX radio in their casing, and are incredibly useful for relays. Other types of WiMAX antennas include dome, yagi, grid, and rubber antennas.

… Read the rest

admin on September 22, 2009   |   4 comments

In the area of wireless computer networking, a base station is a radio receiver/transmitter that serves as the hub of the local wireless network, and may also be the gateway between a wired network and the wireless network. It typically consists of a low-power transmitter and wireless router. They are made up of three main elements:

1. An antenna (or several antennas) to send and receive radio signals. These are typically between 0.5 and 2.5 metres long
2. A supporting structure such as a mast or building to hold the antenna(s) in the air
3. Equipment to power the base station and radio equipment, which is housed in protective cabinets.

Base stations are connected to each other by cables or wireless technology such as microwave dishes, to create a network.… Read the rest