WiMAX
- WiMax or World Interoperability for Microwave Access operates on an FCC licensed frequency so there is less potential for interference. It is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard.
- Instead of using radios attached to utility poles WIMAX works by transmitting signals to and from towers and other vertical assets.
- The WiMAX signal power is stronger than Wifi, so penetration through vegetation and walls is less of a problem.
- WIMAX is not just an outdoor network but penetrates interior rooms including those above the second floor.
- The 802.16 standard is theoretically capable of transmitting data up to 70Mbits per second as far as 37 miles.
- WiMAX will give consumers an always-on connection within the coverage area.
- WiMAX supports a truly open-access mechanism whereby consumers can connect to the network on any WiMAX-supported device. U.S. cellular networks are closed systems in which carriers control the types of devices that can be used to access the service.
- Download speeds are expected to be multiples faster than 3G networks offered by cellular carriers.
- Sprint and Clearwire are working together to roll out a nationwide network that's expected to offer average data speeds of between 2Mbps and 4Mbps to 100 million people in the United States by the end of 2008.
- WiMAX is a key component of Intel's broadband wireless strategy to deliver innovative mobile platforms for broadband Internet connectivity anytime, anywhere. Intel plans to ship its next-generation processor technology that will support Wi-Fi and WiMax in the second half of 2008. Processors will be used in notebooks and handheld computers, as well as in devices still in development.
- Mobile WiMAX, which will be deployed in Grand Rapids, is based on OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) technology which has inherent advantages in throughput, latency, spectral efficiency, and advanced antennae support; ultimately enabling it to provide higher performance.