WiMAX, an approximate acronym of Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a
telecommunications technology that provides for the wireless transmission of data using a variety
of transmission modes, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular-type access. The
technology provides up to 70 Mb/sec symmetric broadband speed without the need for cables. The name
"WiMAX" was created by the WiMAX Forum, which was formed in June 2001 to promote conformity and
interoperability of the standard. The forum describes WiMAX as "a standards-based technology
enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL"

The bandwidth and range of WiMAX make it suitable for the following potential applications:

·         Connecting Wi-Fi hotspots to the Internet.
  * Providing a wireless alternative to cable and DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) for "last mile"
broadband access.
  * Providing data and telecommunications services.
  * Providing a source of Internet connectivity as part of a business continuity plan. That is, if
a business has a fixed and a wireless Internet connection, especially from unrelated providers,
they are unlikely to be affected by the same service outage.
  * Providing portable connectivity.

Many companies are closely examining WiMAX for last mile connectivity. The resulting competition
may bring lower pricing for both home and business customers or bring broadband access to places
where it has been economically unavailable.

The last mile is the final leg of delivering connectivity from a communications provider to a
customer. Usually referred to by the telecommunications and cable television industries, it is
typically seen as an expensive challenge because "fanning out" wires and cables is a considerable
physical undertaking. In countries employing the metric (as opposed to the imperial) measurement
system, the phrase last kilometre is sometimes used. Because the last mile of a network to the user
is also the first mile from the user to the world, "first mile" is sometimes used.

WiMAX Forum


The WiMAX Forum® is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization formed to certify and promote the
compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE
802.16/ETSI HiperMAN standard. A WiMAX Forum goal is to accelerate the introduction of these
systems into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum Certified™ products are fully interoperable and support
broadband fixed, portable and mobile services. Along these lines, the WiMAX Forum works closely
with service providers and regulators to ensure that WiMAX Forum Certified systems meet customer
and government requirements.


The WiMAX Forum is a non profit organization formed to promote the adoption of WiMax compatible
products and services. A major role for the organization is to certify the interoperability of
WiMAX products. Those that pass conformance and interoperability testing achieve the "WiMAX Forum
Certified" designation and can display this mark on their products and marketing materials. Some
vendors claim that their equipment is "WiMAX-ready", "WiMAX-compliant", or "pre-WiMAX", if they are
not officially WiMAX Forum Certified.
Another role of the WiMax Forum is to promote the spread of knowledge about WiMax. In order to do
so, it has a certified training program that is currently offered in English and French. It also
offers a series of member events and endorses some industry events.


A Hot-spot, or Hot spot or HotSpot is a venue that offers internet access over a wireless LAN. It
should not be confused with a Hot-zone, which is a internet-sharing wireless wide area network


Wi-Fi is the trade name for the popular wireless technology used in home networks, mobile phones,
video games and other electronic devices that require some form of wireless networking capability.
In particular, it covers the various IEEE 802.11 technologies (including 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g,
and 802.11a).

Wi-Fi technologies are supported by nearly every modern personal computer operating system, most
advanced game consoles and laptops, and many printers and other peripherals.

A wireless LAN or WLAN or wireless local area network is the linking of two or more computers or
devices using spread-spectrum or OFDM modulation technology based to enable communication between
devices in a limited area. This gives users the mobility to move around within a broad coverage
area and still be connected to the network.

For the home user, wireless has become popular due to ease of installation, and location freedom
with the gaining popularity of laptops. Public businesses such as coffee shops or malls have begun
to offer wireless access to their customers; some are even provided as a free service