WiMAX >

WiMAX is a new radio transmission technology which is so flexible that it can be used for many different applications. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has created the standard 802.16 for it. The IEEE is the institution which is also responsible for the WLAN-802.11-radio networks and various wire-bound transmission technologies. WLAN has been designed mainly for use inside buildings. In contrast to this WiMAX focuses on the so-called Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks which consist of radio cells with a radius of up to 50 km and data transmission rates of up to 100 Mbit/s.

WiMAX offers interesting solutions for both network operators and end users. Operators of GSM/UMTS-systems or WLAN-hotspots may use WiMAX for connecting their base stations by means of LOS with the nearest relay or the nearest internet router. This makes expensive cable-bound connections unnecessary. For end-users WiMAX is an interesting alternative for DSL which often is scarce or not available at all in areas with underdeveloped infrastructure or in rural areas.

In contrast to these stationary applications Mobile WiMAX is a system which supports mobile users. Integrating WiMAX and mobile telephony may complement or even replace mobile data services like GPRS or UMTS. Mobile WiMAX may be used when moving with a speed of up to 125 km/h and supports data transmission rates of up to 50 Mbit/s.
A handover function assures that the connection will not be interrupted when the user passes from the area covered by one WiMAX base station to that of another. Samsung plaid an important role in furthering the development of WiMAX. Under the name of WiBro (Wireless Broadband) a standard for mobile broadband data services has been developed early on in Korea which was then taken over largely by IEEE for standardising Mobile WiMAX.