WiMAX

=**Web 2.0 Hot Spot **=

Developed by Mr. Scott Staub
 WiMAX

WiMAX stands for **Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access** or IEEE 802.16. WiMAX is a mix between Wi-Fi and cell phone reception technology. It is a point to multi-point connection. The technology has the potential to cover a large urban area under one umbrella or reach far out into rural areas that do not have Internet connection. WiMAX was used during the Tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to provide Internet and communication to the survivors when other communication structures were destroyed. WiMAX has not been widely used yet, but Baltimore and Portland have implemented the technology. WiMAX requires two components: a tower similar to a cell phone tower and a receiver with an antenna. Line of sight or radio waves are two ways WiMAX can be used. The line of sight service is faster and more stable with greater bandwidth. The tower and receiver need to "see" each other. Radio wave WiMAX is similar to Wi-Fi, but has greater coverage. WiMAX has the potential to replace Cable and DSL for Internet service.

WiMAX Discussion

Watch the short introduction video to get a quick overview of WiMAX. media type="youtube" key="UfnmF-QmnqQ" height="295" width="480" Source: Rocket Boom, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfnmF-QmnqQ (January 19, 2009)


 * Just the Facts:**
 * WiMAX is a broadband, wireless, network/Internet solution.
 * WiMAX stands for **Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access** or IEEE 802.16.
 * WiMAX could become part of the solution for 4G connection.
 * WiMAX is similar to WiFi but has faster speeds, greater coverage, and more broadband potential.
 * WiMAX is a possible wireless solution for a MAN (metropolitan area network). In comparison, WiFi is a good solution for a LAN where as Bluetooth is a solution for a PAN (Personal Area Network). WiMAX standards will blur the line between wireless MANs and LANs.
 * A sending tower and receiver are needed to operate. No phone or cable is needed.
 * WiMAX towers can be connected by high-bandwidth cables, microwave line-of-sight access or low frequency radio waves.
 * The radio waves connection is limited to a 4 to 6 mile radius while the line-of-site transmission has a 30 mile radius which translates to just under 3,000 square miles. In comparision, WiFi only covers a few hundred square yards.
 * WiMAX is a developing solution that can offer cost-effective Internet and data connection for large cities. It is also versatile and offers an inexpensive means to reaching rural areas that do not have cable or DSL.
 * Cities could pay to have free base stations set up in key areas to draw in business and commerce to their city.
 * Another solution would be for telecommunication companies to set up WiMAX transmitters and make people pay for access.
 * Home use for WiMAX would be a cheaper solution than current cable and DSL providers because the host company doesn't have the initial expense of running or leasing cables.
 * An ISP would need to have a base station within 30 miles (preferably 10 miles) of your home. You would upgrade your computer so it would be WiMAX capable or purchase a WiMAX router that would then send data to your home computers via WiFi. An encryption key would be provided to you by the ISP to give you access to the station.
 * WiMAX is designed to support several different methods of data transmission including VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). Long distance and international calls could be made through broadband by passing phone companies entirely.
 * WiMAX operates over the 2.5GHz spectrum.
 * WiMAX does not pose a threat to education, in fact it could become a better solution for the wireless classroom. WiMAX threatens telephone, cable, and DSL providers for market share.
 * Leading innovators and contributors for this technology are Sprint, Intel, Clearwire, and WiMAX forum.
 * Clearwire plans to build a nation-wide network while Sprint plans to use WiMAX to help drive 4G adoption.
 * General Dynamics have developed tactical radios with the WiMAX technology for the military. Embedding WiMAX into battlefield vehicles provides a broad bandwidth and spectrum range to facilitate secure communications between moving vehicles in combat.
 * Currently, the WiMAX network has very limited coverage.
 * 4G WiMAX will deliver 3-5 times the speeds and performances compared to 3G services. Greater speed and lower latency will make data and video transfer on portable devices an attractive feature.
 * WiMAX standards should be finalized by the end of 2009.



WiMAX is the next-generation of wireless technology designed to enable pervasive, high-speed mobile Internet access to the widest array of devices including notebook PCs, handsets, smartphones, and consumer electronics such as gaming devices, cameras, camcorders, music players, and more. As the fourth generation (4G) of wireless technology, WiMAX delivers low-cost, open networks and is the first all IP mobile Internet solution enabling efficient and scalable networks for data, video, and voice. As a major driver in the support and development of WiMAX, Intel has designed embedded WiMAX solutions for a variety of mobile devices supporting the future of high-speed broadband on-the-go. (Source: http://www.intel.com/technology/wimax/). Intel is beginning to build WiMAX into their processors (currently the Centrino® 2 processor). Intel also provides a network adaptor that uses the WiMAX spectrum.
 * Intel's part in WiMAX Technology**

WiMAX technology is still in the early stages of implementation. Coverage is limited and costs estimates really are not available yet, though it appears monthly subscriptions for the service will be cheaper than Cable and DSL, however the cost of hardware is unclear or who provides the hardware (tower base station and receivers). A possible solution for schools would be to place a base station tower on the school's campus or install a tower station at each school's site for campuses that are spread out over the district. Using line-of-site microwaves, the towers would be able to transmit data over the network at greater speeds than Cable or DSL. Each tower could also be equipped to transmit radio signals up to 6 miles away clearly blanketing most school campuses with wireless coverage. Early on, schools may need to purchase access points that convert the WiMAX signal to a WiFi signal so laptops and wireless devices can have access to the network and provide Internet for classroom applications. The school district would begin to replace older laptops and computers with newer equipment that supports the WiMAX standard thus eliminating the need for the WiFi access points altogether thus eliminating this bottleneck and increasing the speed and broadband potential of the LAN.
 * Is WiMAX a solution for school districts?**

I see WiMAX becoming a viable solution to WiFi's bandwidth issues. At our school we have experienced noticeable slow downs and network drops as more and more students share an access point. This new technology offers a much larger broadband which will increase download and upload speeds. WiMAX also requires less hardware. One base station will cover an entire school building and in some school districts, the entire campus. Fiber optics or cable will not be needed between buildings plus districts will not need to purchase WiFi access points for every wing or classroom. There are problems associated with WiMAX. Implementation costs are not known at this time and most companies are still working out implementation plans and cost schedules. Hopefully telecommunication companies such as Sprint and the Clearwater group can offer the technology at a lower rate. I could also see state and federal grant money initiated by lawmakers coming in to play to make it affordable for schools.

>  **WiMAX Could Boost Government Security** In an emergency, communication is crucial for government officials as they try to determine the cause of the problem, find out who may be injured and coordinate rescue efforts or cleanup operations. A gas-line explosion or terrorist attack could sever the cables that connect leaders and officials with their vital information networks. WiMAX could be used to set up a back-up (or even primary) communications system that would be difficult to destroy with a single, pinpoint attack. A cluster of WiMAX transmitters would be set up in range of a key command center but as far from each other as possible. Each transmitter would be in a bunker hardened against bombs and other attacks. No single attack could destroy all of the transmitters, so the officials in the command center would remain in communication at all times. (Source: []) 
 * Costs and Problems Associated with WiMAX**
 * WiMAX routers such as D-Link unveiled it's WiMAX and WiFi router in 2007.
 * D-Link claims the new router supports wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) and multiple physical layer (PHY) protocols. It also sports adaptive modulation (64QAM, 16QAM, QPSK) with up to 5 b/s/Hz spectral efficiency, and 1K fast Fourier transform (FFT) and channel bandwidth up to 20 MHz. Security implementation is based on AES-CCM (advanced encryption standard). Efficient MAC secure data unit (SDU) fragmentation/packing maximizes bandwidth utilization (source: http://www.tmcnet.com/wifirevolution/articles/3163-d-link-unveils-its-first-wimax-router.htm).
 * Clearwire plans to release its WiMAX router in early 2009 designed for their "Clear" Mobile WiMax home service. The company rolled out their "Clear" service this year in Portland, Oregon. Home Internet service plans start at $20 per month, while mobile Internet plans start at $30 per month, or customers can purchase a convenient day pass for $10. Internet combined with a phone plan cost $49.99. The Internet and a PC card would cost $69.99. Home and Mobile discount plans are available.
 * Price for WiMAX routers are $120+ (WiFi routers are similarly priced)
 * No training of staff and teachers would be necessary. They would have access to network and Internet resources as before but with faster and greater bandwidth connections. This should be an easy sell to the end user.
 * Previous widespread wireless broadband coverage plans have failed in the past. There is a much better chance of success for WiMAX because mobile broadband needs are well established in the consumer market.
 * Base tower stations are very expensive to build--roughly $15,000 to $50,000. Prices continue to drop as companies begin to compete against each other (two years ago a tower was priced at $125,000). It would be beneficial for schools and WiMAX providers to work together to develop a financial plan. Towers could be built at or near schools that could be used for school and general public use.
 * Line-of-Site signals can be difficult to establish. Line-of-Sight towers are needed to maximize the distance of WiMAX.
 * Much of the WiMAX infrastructure (towers, routers, etc.) are not in place yet and will be expensive to build. In the current economic climate, it is uncertain who will take on the financial risks. WiMAX standards are just now being finalized which should help to make the equipment cheaper and easier to obtain.

How WiMAX Works: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wimax.htm The WiMAX Forum: http://www.wimaxforum.org/ WiMAX.com's FAQ: http://www.wimax.com/education/faq [|Sprint Leads Transformation to 4G Services, Plans WiMAX Handset] [|Intel Provides Update on Global WiMAX Developments] [|Clearwire introduces Mobile WiMAX "Clear" service to Portland, Oregon]--Jan. 6, 2009 [|A Look at WiMAX, problems and pluses]--March 15, 2006 [|WiMAX turns the screw on 3G]--February 14, 2005 [|WiMAX ISP as Low Cost Broadband?]
 * Sources and Articles of Interest:**

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