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-topoint
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 standard. A WiMAX Forum goal is to
accelerate the introduction of these systems into the marketplace. 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.
WiMAX Forum CertifiedTM 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.
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. 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