Wireless devices are very popular and are used in different ways and for different purposes. Examples of use would be the AM and FM radio, cordless phones, cell phones, satellite communications and communication WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability of Microwave Access) and Wi-Fi. These techniques use a wireless frequency spectrum authorized or which does not require a license.
Among the hottest technologies in the market, Wi-Fi and WiMAX are showing a huge increase in deployment of products and services. This article will highlight the difference between the two technologies according to how they relate to standards development and positioning of the solution.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is spoken for some time in the form of 802.11b WLAN solutions that have evolved to include both 802.11a and 802.11g. The essential difference between the 802.11 technology is the wireless spectrum used and the bandwidth supported. In industry, the 802.11 protocols are sometimes referred to technologies covered areas, such as in wireless solutions for buildings. Generally, the Wi-Fi base station (access point) with many clients (PC, laptop, PDA) has a limited area of coverage but relatively high-bandwidth (up to 108 Mbps and beyond).
WiMAX
Relatively new technology based on IEEE 802.16, WiMAX is an international standard for wireless broadband access according to a project that involves the evolution towards mobile. The WiMAX Forum is driving the definition of standards to determine compliance and interoperability in order to deploy a fixed wireless and high quality.
Some other aspects that characterize the WiMAX are:
- Using VLAN tags, works much like Ethernet (Layer 2)
- Is having broad support from industry
- May use licensed or unlicensed frequencies
- Can be considered as an alternative last mile access (T1/DSL/Cavo, etc.)
- It has a capacity of 10 Mbps per channel
- Arrives to cover an area of over 8 km although not a direct view
Usually, when organizations have the need to provide WLAN access have focused on a solution outside Wi-Fi (802.11 a / b / g) in a secure and protected. In addition, a wireless bridge was used to connect to campus facilities and direct view and through point to point connections. The advent of technology, however WIMA offers new opportunities:
* Fixed Wireless Connectivity
- Seek to core networks for a distributed Wi-Fi (eg, hotspot)
- Interconnection of multi-building campus
- Multiple wireless connections obtained through an economic
* Portability of wireless
- Hotspot coverage in large urban areas
* Wireless Connectivity mobile
- Mobility and roaming capabilities while on the move
- Emergency Services
- Parcel Delivery
- Staff working on the farm field
WiMAX Certified products began to appear on the market in late 2005. As usually happens with most part of emerging technologies, vendors claim that their products comply with industry standards, but it is worthy to test interoperability in person when you intend to use solutions of different manufacturers.
In conclusion, the WiMAX technology represents a quantum leap in the ability to spread wireless connectivity with acceptable speed, allowing you to have access to information technology “business class”. This is leading to a significant deployment of wireless access technologies outdoors.