20 November 2017

What is WiMAX | Principle | Features | Advantages | Application

Definition of WiMAX :


WiMAX is similar to Wi-Fi technology both create hot-spots. Wi-Fi can cover several hundred meters while WiMAX covers a range of 40-50 km. It provides a wireless alternative to cable, DSL, and broadband access.

WiMAX can be used as a complimentary technology to connect 802.11 hotspots  to the internet. Mobile-Fi is the mobile version of WiMAX. it is used to provide internet access to mobile users at data rates even higher than available in today broadband links.

A wireless broadband solution that offers various WiMAX features with a lot of flexibility in terms of potential service offerings is WiMAX uses.

A Mobile-Fi user can enjoy broadband internet access even while traveling in a moving car or train. WiMAX could potentially be deployed in a variety of spectrum bands: 2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, 3.5GHz, and 5.8GHz.

WiMAX has been supporting IEEE 802.16, WiMAX standard is called IEEE 802.16, it was associated 802.16a / REV d / e standard.

Following Major principles :


  • Spectrum − able to be deployed in both licensed and unlicensed spectra.
  • Topology − supports different Radio Access Network  topologies.
  • IP connectivity − supports a mix of IPv4 and IPv6 network interconnects in application and client servers.
  • Mobility management − possibility to extend the fixed access to broadband multimedia services delivery.
  • Inter working − WiMAX supports independent RAN architecture to enable seamless integration and interworking with 3GPP2, 3GPP, and  WiFi networks.

Application of WiMAX :

  • It is a wireless alternative to many existing wired and late miles coverage deployments such as cable modem, digital subscriber line, T and E-carrier system, and optical carrier technologies.
  • The most important application offered by WiMAX technology is business, Multiplayer interactive gaming, backhaul, consumer connectivity, large area coverage access
  • Using WiMAX technology it can offer broadband wireless access at data rates of multiple Mbit/second to the end-user and within a range of several kilometers. The same radio technology will also offer high-speed data services provided to all nomadic terminal like laptops. PDAs, etc. 
  • IEEE 802.16 -Fixed users
  • IEEE 802.16e - portable user
  • backhaul - Point to point antenna are used to connect base station located across a long distance
  • Last-mile - Residential and business subscriber are connected to the base station using point to multipoint antennas
  • Large area coverage access - WiMAX also offer broadband connectivity in larger areas
Wi-Fi and WiMAX offer complementary solutions with Wi-Fi being suitable for short-range and WiMAX being suitable for long-range outdoor connection.

This article also gives advantages and disadvantages of WiMAX to know more details about WiMAX.

Explore more information:
  1. WiFi technology
  2. Bluetooth technology
  3. Zigbee technology