WiMAX wireless broadband body created

By Alun Williams

Posted on 10 Apr 2003 at 16:20

Just as you were getting a handle on 802.11, along comes 802.16.

This is a standard that was approved by the IEEE on the 29 January, and it forms the basis for a newly-reinforced wireless networking initiative, WiMAX.

A number of companies - including Intel, Fujitsu, and Nokia - have formed WiMAX as a non-profit organisation. As well as ensuring the compatibility of future 802.16-based wireless devices, its brief is to promote the introduction of such products into the market.

The 'Max' in WiMAX refers to the scale of the possible networking. Data rates of up to 70Mbit/sec are supported and it can cover a maximum range of 50km (31 miles).

The 70Mbit/sec is a theoretical maximum. In practice, as with all such standards, the actual throughput will be less. It is claimed, however, that 802.16 could provide enough bandwidth to simultaneously support 60 businesses with T1-type connectivity. Alternatively, it equates to hundreds of homes with DSL-type connectivity. This is from a single base station.

While described as a 'metropolitan area network' technology, rural areas could be one of the main beneficiaries. The range of 50km will help broadband reach the parts of land currently excluded.

Don't hold your breathe for WiMAX products to appear, however. It is expected that equipment will appear in a matter of years rather months.

You can find more info about the new organisation at www.wimaxforum.org