WiMAX Broadband Wireless Technology Access

What is WiMAX

WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, is expected to enable true broadband speeds over wireless networks at a cost point to enable mass market adoption. WiMAX is the only wireless standard today that has the ability to deliver true broadband speeds and help make the vision of pervasive connectivity a reality. There are two main applications of WiMAX today: fixed WiMAX applications are point-to-multipoint enabling broadband access to homes and businesses, whereas mobile WiMAX offers the full mobility of cellular networks at true broadband speeds. Both fixed and mobile applications of WiMAX are engineered to help deliver ubiquitous, high-throughput broadband wireless services at a low cost. Mobile WiMAX 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 than today's wide area wireless technologies. Furthermore, many next generation 4G wireless technologies may evolve towards OFDMA and all IP-based networks as an ideal for delivering cost-effective wireless data services. Intel is poised to deliver the key components needed for successful WiMAX networks. It delivered the fixed WiMAX solution, Intel® PRO/Wireless 5116 wireless modem, and is now shipping a fixed/mobile dual-mode solution, Intel® WiMAX Connection 2250. This highly cost-effective solution was designed to support both standards with an easy upgrade path from fixed to mobile and is expected to further accelerate the deployment of WiMAX networks.

Intel's WiMAX Vision

WiMAX is a key component of Intel's broadband wireless strategy to deliver innovative mobile platforms for broadband Internet connectivity anytime, anywhere. There is a substantial unmet need for very high-speed wireless wide area Internet access to both fixed and mobile devices. WiMAX is an advanced technology solution, based on an open standard, designed to meet this need, and to do so in a low-cost, flexible way. WiMAX networks are optimized for high-speed data and should help spur innovation in services, content and new mobile devices. Intel currently plans to integrate WiMAX and WiFi into its notebook platforms based on Intel® Centrino® Mobile Technologies. Pairing the two will help bring users the ultimate in high-speed mobile broadband. Intel believes that WiMAX, with its technical and economic advantages, should help enable mainstream adoption of personal broadband. WiMAX represents a global connectivity opportunity in highly developed mobile market segments and developing countries where this technology may help provide affordable broadband services. Intel envisions a world of pervasive connectivity for all – WiMAX can help deliver on that vision.