WiMAX is the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, this is telecommunications technology that is aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways. This can be point ot point, links to full mobile cellular type access. It is based on a standard called IEEE 802.16 also known as WirelessMan. The Term WiMAX was created by the WiMax forum which was established in 2001. This technology is set to replace cable and DSL broadband and WIFI broadband as the wider networks provided make it a lot easier to get online.

WiMAX has a number of potential uses, these are:

WIMAX is seen as the next new standard, for connectivity at high data rates. And many companies are now investigating the uses and benefits of using the WiMAX network. This resulting competition will bring lower pricing for both home and business customers or bring broadband access to places where it has been economically unavailable. Prior to WiMAX, many operators have been using proprietary fixed wireless technologies for broadband services. This is set to end.

WiMAX demonstrated its capabailities when it was used to assist with communications in Aceh, Indonesia, after the 2004 Tsunami. WiMAX was also used by Intel to assist in their communications efforts in the areas affected by Hurrican Katrina.

So Whats better WIFI or WiMAX??

Both systems have a connection to wireless connectivity and the Internet, comparisons and confusion between the two are frequent. Despite this, the two standards are aimed at different applications.

Due to the ease and low cost with which Wi-Fi can be deployed, it is sometimes used to provide Internet access to third parties within a single room or building available to the provider, often informally, and sometimes as part of a business relationship. For example, many coffee shops, hotels, and transportation hubs contain Wi-Fi access points providing access to the Internet for customers. As the WiMAX coverage grows WIFI will become obsolete.

More than 49 companies have now announced more than 120 Mobile WiMAX devices 2008. And this figure does not include the base stations necessary to connect with Mobile WiMAX devices. The 2.3 and 2.5 GHz bands are twice as popular as the 3.5 GHz band for device announcements that specify frequency support.

There are frequent surveys of equipment vendor plans that are taken by WiMAX Forum. The surveys ask companies to estimate the number of products to be submitted in the coming years. The results, which are kept confidential, allow for certification profile planning based on market demand. These surveys have however suggested that there will be significant demand for Mobile WiMAX products.

The WiMAX Forum has estimated that 100 products (base stations or subscriber devices) will achieve the WiMAX Forum Certified mark during 2008. A further 32 products have achieved the certification in the last two years and no products have been certified in the first two months of 2008. The group further estimates that more than 900 products will have been certified by 2011. The pace is gathering

Core to the trade association's existence is its certification program. Equipment vendors must demonstrate that their base stations or subscriber devices conform to the technical requirements of the air protocol and radio. Interoperability of multiple devices on a single base station is also required to achieve the WiMAX Forum Certified mark. The testing is accomplished through a series of test procedures performed by an approved testing lab.

Currently certified products are based on the 802.16-2004 standard for fixed wireless access and operate in the 3.5 GHz frequency band. Only five products passed certification requirements during 2007, which makes 100 approvals seem like a monumental feat. The first WiMAX Forum Certified products for Mobile WiMAX (based on 802.16e-2005) are expected by June in both the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz frequency bands.

The WiMAX Forum has announced that it expects there will be 133 million WiMAX users around the world by 2012. This forecast is based on the results of commissioned research study published in April 2008. Additional data from the study estimates that approximately 70 percent of the forecasted WiMAX users by 2012 will utilize mobile and portable WiMAX devices to access broadband Internet services. The future of WiMAX is very bright!