You say you want a revolution?

The industry's top communications providers are positioning themselves in what will be the "biggest game" to be played in the world of wireless technology.

As you know Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) is a leading technology being used today for accessing the Internet from a computer without the need for a wired or cabled connection.

We see "wireless computer users" at Internet wireless "hot-spots" and in the local coffee shops busily typing away on their keyboards or mouse-clicking while sipping from a mug containing their favorite beverage.

These folks are most likely cruising the Internet by means of Wi-Fi, which uses the 802.11b/g standard.

One of the drawbacks of Wi-Fi wireless technology is its limited range of around 300 feet. If you wanted a larger coverage area, you needed to add more Wi-Fi antennas.

The latest talk today in the high-tech industry is "WiMax," which stands for "Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access."

WiMax is a wireless broadband signaling technology using the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.16 standard that was designed to extend Wi-Fi networks across greater distances.

WiMax also allows for more efficient bandwidth use, is less susceptible to interference and allows higher data rates over longer distances.

The 802.16 standard is theoretically capable of transmitting packet-switched data up to 70 Mbps per second as far as 31 miles using a "fixed" direct-line-of-sight transmission system. Near-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions will reduce this range. "Mobile" WiMax systems will allow anywhere from 3 to 10 miles of coverage, which is vastly superior to what the 802.11 Wi-Fi provides.

WiMax is seen by communication providers as the "holy-grail" solution for providing high-speed multiple broadband connections to what is commonly known in the telecom industry as the "last-mile."

The last mile, (which could actually be more or less than just one mile) refers to those who have cabled telecommunications services at the geographically furthest outer range of the serving central office. This has always proved to be the most difficult (and costly) area for communications service providers to reach and maintain.

A WiMax wireless solution eliminates the need to bury expensive cables (copper or fiber) in order to provide high-speed multi-channel broadband services.

The use of WiMax technology will not be just for those "last-mile" situations,

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Telephone services you would love to see on the market?
We want to hear your view. Write now!