The new generation in wireless Internet connectivity, the 802.16 standard, better known as WiMax, spans distances up to 30 miles, filling in the last-mile gaps and bringing connectivity to underserved, remote areas. And whereas Wi-Fi manages only a limited number of connections, WiMax can handle thousands of connections at once.
Recently, Intel has touted implementation of this next step in wireless broadband connectivity as imminent, but it likely will take a year or two before the vendor's WiMax-enabled chips will reach end users.
Most vendors are awaiting the ratification of 802.16e, the mobile version of WiMax. So far, the IEEE, a New York-based standards body, has ratified only the initial, fixed WiMax standard, or 802.16a. The "e" standard is expected to be ratified by May 2005.
"The U.S. market is looking for this next generation of WiMax, which means companies here will have to wait to see products in the marketplace until at least 2006," says Mo Shakouri, VP of business development at Alvarion Ltd. and VP of the WiMax Forum, a nonprofit industry group comprising more than 150 companies, including AT&T and Intel. The group certifies and promotes the compatibility and interoperability of WiMax broadband products. "Internationally, there's more traction for products based on the fixed WiMax standard, which was ratified this year. Solutions based on this initial WiMax 802.16a standard are going to be implemented abroad first, especially in developing nations," Shakouri says.Anne Donker
The Overlake Hospital Medical Center decided that wireless LANs were essential in supporting its strategic mobile health-care initiatives. The following guidelines, derived from Overlake's experience, can assist any company in implementing a successful wireless-technology project:
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