WiMax

1
WiMax
2
WiMAX

• Worldwide Interoperability Microwave Access
• What exactly is WiMAX?
• WiMAX is standards-based wireless technology that
  provides high-throughput broadband connections
  over long distances.
• An implementation of the IEEE 802.16 standard.
• Makes use of the radio spectrum that is
  unlicensed and free
• An emerging disruptive technology.
• Promises to bring wireless high-speed Internet
  connections and Internet phone service to entire
  metropolitan areas. Will bridge the last mile
  to the customer
• ISP providers could setup WiMAX service to
  compete with DSL or cable.

3
WiMax Capabilities

• WiMAX will provide fixed, nomadic, portable and,
  eventually, mobile wireless broadband
  connectivity without the need for direct
  line-of-sight with the base station.
• WiMAX will deliver capacities up to 75 Mbps per
  channel, for fixed and portable applications.
• This is enough bandwidth to simultaneously
  support hundreds of business with T-1 speed and
  thousands of customers with DSL speed
  connectivity.

4
WiMAX makes High-Speed Internet Possible

• WiMAX brings high-speed Internet to markets where
  is was previously unavailable or impractical.
• Emerging countries (3rd world) countries can
  benefit from WiMax potentials.
• Wired solutions are expensive and most emerging
  countries have limited capital.
• In many countries, the infrastructure is limited
  or non-existent.
• Geographic concerns

5
Taking WiFi to the Max

• Huge hot-spots.
• WiMAX is a lot like WiFi
• WiMAX will have the capability to reach out up to
  30 miles.
• Typical deployments will be from 3 to 10 miles.
• Last Mile broadband connections.
• Last mile refers to the expensive gap between a
  home or office building and the broadband
  networks central offices

6
Bridging the Last Mile

• Solving this problem is not new.
• Sprint tried and failed.
• Many TV satellite provides attempted to provide
  high-speed wireless and failed.
• Naysayers questioned whether WiMAX will become as
  successful as promoters claim.
• Proponents claim standardization of WiMAX will
  drive down costs and lure companies to develop
  WiMAX products and services.

7
Intel and WiMAX

• Intel is a major player in WiMAX, driving the
  standardization of the technology.
• On Sept. 7, 2004 Intel disclosed technical
  details of its wireless broadband chip for WiMAX
• This chip, called the Rosedale chip, is designed
  for cost-effective customer premise equipment
  (CPE) that supports IEEE 802.16-2004
• CPEs are placed at a home or business to
  transmit and receive the broadband signals
  providing Internet connectivity
• Intel has begun sending sample Rosedale products
  to key customers.
• Intel continues to work with carriers and
  equipment manufacturers worldwide on early WiMAX
  trials

8
WiMAX Testing

• Several large commercial companies are showing
  interest in WiMAX technology
• Portland State University and Oregon Health
  Science are deploying a network that combines
  WiMAX and WiFi gear.
• WiMAX radios are being placed on rooftops to
  provide wireless access to laptops and other WiFi
  relay antennas dotted around the city.
• This equipment, which can handle both voice and
  video, will be tested for six months by the
  universities and fire department.
• After testing is complete, the plan is to make
  the network available to anyone desiring to have
  the technology.

9
WiMAX deployment

• Three stages are planned for the deployment of
  WiMAX
• Phase one is planned for the first half of 2005
• Will bring fixed wireless solutions using outdoor
  installed antennas.
• This will provide quick solutions for emerging
  countries and areas of highest returns
• Phase two is planned for the second half of 2005
• Phase two involves fixed wireless using indoor
  installed antennas
• This is an appealing solution to carriers that
  desire simple, low cost installation for consumers

10
Wireless deployment cont.

• Phase three is planned for 2006
• This phase will introduce ultra-low power
  portable products allowing users to stay
  connected while roaming between wireless service
  areas.
• This service, called Mobile-Fi is planned for the
  licensed spectrum.

11
WiMAX Problems

• Cellular companies already rolling out 3G
  technology that allows their customers to get
  high-speed connections on their mobile phones and
  laptops.
• Should WiMAX be able to compete with 3G, problems
  loom with spectrum shortages.
• As devices begin chattering away over the same
  radio frequencies, they may begin to bump into
  each other
• WiMAX modems may be too pricey for many
  customer.
• Tech giants are still battling over the exact
  standards for Mobile-Fi

12
The WiMAX Forum

• The WiMAX Forum presently has over 230 members
• These members include equipment manufacturers,
  operators, system integrators, silicon
  component makers, and application providers.
• The WiMAX Forum has been leading the effort to
  adopt standards.
• Standards-based products lead to
  economies-of-scale, which in turn will drive down
  prices and deliver performance levels
  unachievable by proprietary approaches.
• In January 2005, the WiMAX forum announced that
  it will begin accepting vendor equipment for
  certification through independent lab testing in
  July 2005
• A WiMAX forum certification assures that the
  WiMAX equipment meets the established 802.16-2004
  standards and will integrate with equipment from
  certified vendors.