WiMAX

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WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a family of wireless communication standards based on the IEEE 802.16 set of standards, which provide multiple physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) options. WiMAX is designed to provide high-throughput broadband connections over long distances, making it suitable for a variety of applications including last mile broadband connections, cellular backhaul, and high-speed enterprise connectivity.

History[edit | edit source]

WiMAX was first introduced in 2001 by the WiMAX Forum, an industry-led, non-profit organization that promotes and certifies the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products. The WiMAX Forum was formed to promote the adoption of IEEE 802.16 standards and to ensure that different manufacturers' equipment would work together.

Technology[edit | edit source]

WiMAX operates on both licensed and unlicensed frequencies, providing a range of up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed stations and 3 to 10 miles (5 to 15 km) for mobile stations. The technology supports data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbps for fixed stations.

Physical Layer[edit | edit source]

The physical layer of WiMAX is based on Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM), which is effective in mitigating multipath interference. WiMAX also supports Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, which enhances performance by using multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver ends.

Media Access Control Layer[edit | edit source]

The MAC layer in WiMAX is designed to support a wide range of data rates and quality of service (QoS) requirements. It uses a scheduling algorithm to allocate bandwidth to different users based on their needs, ensuring efficient use of the available spectrum.

Applications[edit | edit source]

WiMAX is used in various applications, including:

Comparison with Other Technologies[edit | edit source]

WiMAX is often compared to other wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and LTE. While Wi-Fi is typically used for short-range, high-speed data transfer within a limited area, WiMAX is designed for long-range communication. LTE, on the other hand, is a mobile broadband technology that offers higher data rates and lower latency compared to WiMAX.

Deployment[edit | edit source]

WiMAX has been deployed in various regions around the world, including parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. However, its adoption has been limited in some areas due to competition from other technologies like LTE.

Future of WiMAX[edit | edit source]

The future of WiMAX is uncertain as the industry continues to evolve. While some regions continue to use WiMAX, others have transitioned to newer technologies like LTE and 5G.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD