Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) is the IEEE 802.16 standard. WIMAX when rolled out will supposedly offer 100megabits per second data transfer while mobile and 1gigabit data transfer while stationary. Wimax technology is 30 times faster than the third generation and 100 times faster than the wireless data rate. WIMAX claims to be able to offer broadband access at 31 miles instead of the 300 feet of Wi Fi. Grossly faster speed and wider range, what’s not to like.
The most likely early enablers of WIMAX will be the 4G cell phone giants. WIMAX will truly enable the cell phone to replace the computer or the computer to replace the cell phone. WIMAX claims it will be priced competitively to current broadband providers. WIMAX will add a level of convenience to developed nations but for third world countries it will be nothing short of revolutionary. If the WIMAX forum can truly set interoperability standards and insure open architecture, a radically better communications future may be near. One only has to look at how current cellular and wireless tech has played a part in the Iranian situation to extrapolate how difficult it will be in a WIMAX world to subvert the truth and stifle communications. Let’s hope WIMAX is deployed sooner than later.
The most likely early enablers of WIMAX will be the 4G cell phone giants. WIMAX will truly enable the cell phone to replace the computer or the computer to replace the cell phone. WIMAX claims it will be priced competitively to current broadband providers. WIMAX will add a level of convenience to developed nations but for third world countries it will be nothing short of revolutionary. If the WIMAX forum can truly set interoperability standards and insure open architecture, a radically better communications future may be near. One only has to look at how current cellular and wireless tech has played a part in the Iranian situation to extrapolate how difficult it will be in a WIMAX world to subvert the truth and stifle communications. Let’s hope WIMAX is deployed sooner than later.
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