WiMAX : How it works ?

We have seen various wireless technologies like mobile phones, Bluetooth, Infrared and most importantly WLAN (commonly known as Wi-fi). As the technology is evolving everyday, there is a new term in this field, WiMAX, abbreviation of Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access.

This technology is based on IEEE 802.16 standard and is also known as wireless MAN. The name was created by WiMAX forum, which was formed in June 2001 to promote conformity and interoperability of this standard.

 Currently, Pakistan has the largest fully functional WiMAX network around the world. Wateen telecom installed the network throughout Pakistan using Motorola hardware. Initially the company launched services in 17 cities around Pakistan.

How the Technology works ?

 

This technology works little different than Wi-Fi technology. In Wi-Fi, computers are connected through WLAN card to nearby access point, wireless router or any hotspot whereas WiMAX network connectivity constitutes of two parts - Base station & receiver.

WiMAX Base Station : Signals are broadcasted from a tower at base station exactly like mobile network towers broadcast radio signals. One base station tower can cover upto 10km radius. In theory, it is said to cover about 50km but certain geographical conditions restrict its coverage area.

WiMAX Receiver : It is device which receives signals from WiMAX base station and connects to the network. These devices are usually antenna or PCMCIA slot card for laptop or computers. Connection is similar to Wi-Fi except the fact that the former covers more area.

One WiMAX base station can be connected to several other base stations using high speed microwave link, this link is usually known as backhaul. This way roaming can be achieved and connections can be maintained on move.

Protocols supported over this technology are ATM, IPv4 Ethernet, VLAN etc. which make this technology a rich choice full of services from data to voice.