What is WiMAX ?

       Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is the latest trend of broadband wireless technologies that is expected to deliver economic data access to home and corporate users.

         WiMAX offers an alternative to standardized wired technologies such as Cable Modems, DSL, and T1/E1 links. WiMAX is similar to WiFi but the former has better capability to operate at higher speeds for users connected over a large area. In addition, WiMAX can overcome the limitations of traditional wired infrastructure.

         WiMAX was formed in April 2001, in anticipation of the publication of the original 10-66 GHz IEEE 802.16 specifications. WiMAX is to 802.16 as the WiFi Alliance is to 802.11.

WiMAX is:

• A wireless technology optimized for the delivery of IP centric services over a wide area.
• A scaleable wireless platform for constructing alternative and complementary broadband networks.
• A certification that denotes interoperability of equipment built to the IEEE 802.16 or compatible standard. The IEEE 802.16 Working Group develops standards that address two types of usage models:   

                                                A fixed usage model(IEEE 802.16-2004).

                                                A portable usage model(IEEE 802.16e).