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Frequently Asked Questions

Displaying current, published revision of Frequently Asked Questions, last modified by admin on Jun 19 2009 - 11:03

1. What is WiMAX technology?
WiMAX™ is based upon the IEEE 802.16 standard enabling the delivery of wireless broadband services anytime, anywhere. WiMAX products can accommodate fixed and mobile usage models. The IEEE 802.16 standard was developed tdeliver non-line-of-sight (LoS) connectivity between a subscriber station and base station with typical cell radius of three tten kilometers. All base stations and subscriber stations claiming tbe WiMAX compliant must gthrough a rigorous WiMAX Forum Certified™ testing process.

2. What is the data transfer speed of WiMAX technology for end users?
Users can expect thave broadband access speeds ranging from 1-5 Mbps depending on the service provider offering. Plus, there is a range difference because it depends on a number of factors, including which frequency is being used, distance of the user from the base station or node, whether there is line of site or NLoS tthe base station, and the number of users on the network.

When the WiMAX Forum refers t40 Mbps, it is referring ta single channel in wireless frequency (as part of the network) that is likely shared among multiple users. Individual users will have access tthat amount of capacity, but the likelihood is they will have the ability tachieve downlink speeds of 1-5 Mbps, which is similar tthe cable experience. There is the potential tburst thigher speeds, but that would depend on the operator's plans and business model.

3. What are the key elements of WiMAX technology?
A key differentiator for WiMAX is the interoperability of WiMAX Forum Certified equipment, resulting in mass volume economy of scale and assurance for service providers that when buying equipment from more than one company, the technologies are interoperable. The WiMAX Forum has assembled an alliance of leaders in the communications and computing industries tdrive a common platform for the global deployment of IP-based broadband wireless services. Other key elements include cost, coverage, capacity and standards for all wireless usage models.

  • Standard for all usage models (fixed tmobile): By leveraging the same technology networks, WiMAX technology will become the most cost-effective solution for carriers tdeploy for any usage model including fixed, portable, nomadic and mobile.
  • Wider coverage: The technology behind WiMAX is optimized tprovide excellent non-line-of-sight (NLoS) coverage. NLoS advantages are coverage of wider areas, better predictability of coverage and lower cost as it means fewer base stations and backhaul, simple RF planning, shorter towers and faster CPE install times.
  • Higher capacity: WiMAX technology utilizes Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) over EDGE, GPRS, HSPA tdeliver higher bandwidth efficiency and therefore higher data throughput, with more than one Mbps downstream and higher data rates. Adaptive modulation alsincreases link reliability for carrier-class operation and the possibility tkeep higher order modulation at wider distance extend full capacity over longer distances.
  • Lower cost: A standards based platform for WiMAX technology drives down costs delivering volume economics tWiMAX equipment.

  • 4. Where is WiMAX deployed?
    As of May 2009, WiMAX Forum has tracking 475 network deployments in 140 countries. Please visit WiMAX Maps at www.wimaxmaps.org. WiMAX Maps is an interactive WiMAX deployment mapping database provided by WiMAX Forum and powered by Informa Telecoms & Media’s World Cellular Information Service (WCIS) using the familiar Google Maps API.

    5. What will WiMAX services offer tthe average consumer?
    WiMAX will provide broadband connectivity anywhere, anytime, for any device and on any network. WiMAX will provide high speed internet access where it is currently unavailable, substantially increase data speeds for applications tinclude online gaming, streaming video, videconferencing, VoIP and location based services and drive wireless Internet equipment and access prices ta competitive price point comparable tcable, DSL, and fiber Internet services. A few regional examples include:

  • United States: With a robust telecommunications infrastructure already in place, the United States represents a strong market for WiMAX. Mass market Mobile WiMAX services from Clearwire are expected treach 120 million consumers in 80 markets by the end of 2010. WiMAX is alsgaining steam providing rural broadband coverage, with several companies, such as Digital Bridge Communications, launching solutions tbring broadband tthose consumers with naccess tDSL or other broadband technologies
  • India: Basic internet services are not available in most homes in India. Currently broadband penetration in India is four million out of the more than one billion consumers, which is one broadband connection per 300 consumers. There are already several operators offering WiMAX services in India today. For instance, Tata Communications plans tbring a mix of fixed and mobile broadband services thomes and small businesses around the country tmeet the growing need for such services. Tata’s goal is tdevelop a profitable business model with single digit ARPU and affordable devices that can be replicated in other developing countries.
  • Taiwan: Continuing its leadership in the development and deployment of WiMAX operability, Taiwan had six commercial WiMAX licenses awarded in July 2007 for six separate Taiwanese wireless communication providers. In regions like Taiwan, where users are spread out and the wireless traffic is going a long distance, WiMAX technology provides a reliable, inexpensive solution for constant wireless broadband connectivity.
  • South Asia: South Asia will continue tbe home tsome of the fastest growing wireless markets in the world. South Asian markets currently show significant consumer and business interest in both fixed and mobile broadband and this region is witnessing some of the world’s biggest deployments of WiMAX. According tJuniper Research, South Asia will be the driving force behind the growth of Mobile WiMAX, and the APAC region is expected taccount for more than 50% of the total WiMAX deployments by 2013.
  • Africa: As a continent with many rapidly developing nations that have little tnfixed infrastructure, Africa provides an ideal environment for WiMAX. WiMAX technology provides the opportunity tconnect the African people with Internet and VOIP services faster and more affordably than any other option – and governments agree, with almost all African governments awarding spectrum for WiMAX.
  • Latin America: Latin America has demonstrated a significant growth in telephony. Cellular figures are impressive, with the region coming close t400 million subscribers and, according tTeleco, many countries reaching 80% penetration or more. But despite strong cellular uptake there is still an enormous gap in broadband access and penetration. The largest markets in the region are only now reaching 20 million broadband connections. However, in order for supply treach demand, there is a need for a friendly regulatory environment and "fit for purpose" spectrum is a key element in that equation. The WiMAX Forum is working closely with government regulators tallow for the advancement of WiMAX technology.
  • Australia: Operators such as Unwired Australia have already deployed WiMAX technology testablish affordable and efficient broadband networks. WiMAX technology is perfectly suited for Australia’s urban, suburban and rural areas and the purchase and installation process of WiMAX technology is faster, simpler and cheaper than other offered solutions. Additionally, the non-line-of-sight (NLoS) capability means that WiMAX technology can provide coverage despite the challenges of geography and the limited footprint of wireline.

  • There are well over 434 Million WiMAX POPS as of May 2009. The WiMAX Forum forecasts that the technology will reach more than 800 million WiMAX POPS by 2010.

    6. What applications will WiMAX technology bring tconsumers?
    WiMAX technology has already brought broadband access tmillions of users at a cost performance ratithat is far better than any other technology. Even more importantly, unlike other voice-centric cellular technologies, WiMAX was designed tdeliver broadband wireless access in an open Internet architecture.

    There is nsingle application today that will be the "silver bullet" for making mobile broadband take-off with mainstream consumers; however, there are some inventive applications now under development in WiMAX Forum-sponsored applications labs (Taiwan’s Hsinchu Science Park at the M-Taiwan WiMAX Application Lab and The MAXWell Lab applications labs in the United States at the University of Maryland). These applications labs allow WiMAX Forum member companies and university researchers ttest their applications on both of these live WiMAX networks. These new applications provide a glimpse of what is possible today, and signal why WiMAX is at the forefront of enabling the next generation of mobile Internet and communications.

    The U.S. applications labs at the University of Maryland are deploying a WiMAX network tcover both the campus and local transportation systems. This application lab will offer students campus-wide mobile broadband access via WiMAX. From finding your car in the parking lot tinstantaneous access tcampus security, including live videfeeds from the spot where an emergency call is made, WiMAX will bring information tyour fingertips like never before.

    For more information on WiMAX applications for a variety of markets please visit the WiMAX Forum’s white paper library at http://www.wimaxforum.org/resources/documents/marketing/whitepapers.

    7. What types of upgrades will operators have tdtdeploy WiMAX services?
    A single upgrade move tWiMAX technology’s all IP architecture is a direct step t4G. It can provide a less costly long term approach compared tLTE and HSPA+ and alsprovides a significant Time tMarket advantage. LTE is not a simple 3G upgrade as LTE represents a major upgrade from CDMA-Based HSPA (or EV-DO); it is not and never was a "simple" software upgrade.

    The WiMAX Forum

    8. What is the purpose of the WiMAX Forum?
    Founded in June 2001, the WiMAX Forum is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization formed tcertify and promote WiMAX products based upon the harmonized IEEE 802.16/ETSI HiperMAN standard. Focused on global adoption of WiMAX, the WiMAX Forum was chartered testablish certification processes that achieve interoperability, publish technical specifications based on recognized standards, promote the technology and pursue a favorable regulatory environment.

    9. What companies are involved with the WiMAX Forum?
    The WiMAX Forum membership represents the entire ecosystem of companies necessary for bringing WiMAX Forum Certified products tmarket, including equipment manufacturers, operators, system integrators, silicon and component makers, test equipment manufacturers, test labs, content and application providers. For a full list of member companies, visit http://www.wimaxforum.org/about/member-roster.

    WIMAX Forum Certification

    10. What is WiMAX Forum Certified?
    Certified products are based upon a single global standard (802.16) enabling complete interoperability worldwide. WiMAX Forum Certified products have been through rigorous certification testing in order treduce investment uncertainties and guarantee interoperability for all parties in the access network value chain, from technology providers tservice providers tend users.

    WiMAX has already established itself in the 3.5 GHz band with deployments in every region. WiMAX is being deployed in the 2.5 GHz in countries such as the U.S., Japan, Taiwan, Russia and Mexico, and new 2.5 GHz WiMAX spectrum allocations are expected soon. WiMAX has been deployed in the 2.3 GHz in South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore with future deployments anticipated in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and Canada. Most recently, India approved auctions for 2.3 and 2.5GHz. In the U.K., WiMAX is deployed in the 3.5 GHz band.

    11. What is involved in WiMAX Forum Certification testing?
    Tmeet the minimum mandatory requirements for WiMAX Forum Certification, products have tpass multiple tests. These tests are defined under the auspices of the WiMAX Forum Certification Working Group (CWG). Vendors submit products for certification tapproved WiMAX Forum Designated Certification Laboratories (WFDCL). If all tests are not passed, vendors have the opportunity tmake updates ttheir products and resubmit for final approval. For more information on the certification process, please read the WiMAX Forum’s Certification overview http://wimaxforum.org/certification/certification-overview.

    12. What are the benefits of WiMAX Forum Certified products?
    Designed for carrier-class deployments WiMAX Forum Certified systems deliver high-capacity service throughput (up t36 Mbps in a 10MHz channel) and provide a range of up tfive kilometers in non-line-of-sight conditions. The systems are scalable for up tthousands of users and because they are interoperable, service providers will be able tpurchase equipment from more than one vendor, thereby reducing the overall risk and creating a price-competitive marketplace.

    The availability of WiMAX Forum Certified equipment will accelerate the adoption rate of WiMAX technology by promoting the continued introduction intthe market of a broad selection of interoperable devices from many vendors at affordable prices ensuring consumers interoperability between devices and networks guaranteeing service anytime, anywhere at a lower price point.

    13. What are the benefits of WiMAX Forum Certified products for vendors, operators and subscribers?

    • Vendors: Products are interoperable prior tcommercialization, reducing vendor costs and effort. Vendors can easily meet operator requirements for interoperability, and address the global market with their product line. Certified equipment leads tintegrated, low cost components. Additionally, vendors can focus on specific products rather than end-to-end product lines.
    • Operators: With WiMAX Forum certified products, operators can more easily support subscriber devices, including out of network roaming devices. Choice among vendors leads tmore flexibility when planning infrastructure and selecting subscriber devices and contained equipment costs make WiMAX business case more attractive. For operators, backwards compatibility and new features allow operators tcombine continuity of service with advanced performance.
    • Subscribers: The WiMAX Forum Certified Seal gives consumers the confidence that products will work out of the box. Subscribers can use a variety of devices depending on location and desired application and large vendor selection means more devices at contained costs.

    14. How will WiMAX Forum Certified products benefit enterprises and residential users?

    • Enterprises: The ease of deployment for WiMAX Forum Certified systems can benefit enterprises by bringing new competition intthe marketplace and lowering prices, as well as reaching out tlocations not served by wireline Internet access. This is especially relevant for industries like gas, mining, agriculture, transportation, construction and others that operate in remote locations.
    • Residential users: For residential customers in suburban and rural areas (where DSL or cable modem service is not available), WiMAX technology can provide the ability tfinally have the broadband access they need. This is particularly true in developing countries, where traditional telecom infrastructure is not readily accessible.

    15. When will WiMAX Forum Certified products be commercially available?
    In January 2006, the WiMAX Forum announced the first commercial products tachieve the designation of WiMAX Forum Certified. There are currently more than 100 WiMAX Forum Certified products (802.16e-2005 products and 802.16d products). The WiMAX Forum predicts 1000+ certified products by 2011.

    16. What companies offer products that have received the WiMAX Forum Certified™ designation?
    For more details on WiMAX Forum certified products and companies please visit the WiMAX Forum’s product showcase at http://www.wimaxforum.org/productshowcase.

    17. Where are the WiMAX Forum Certification labs located?
    Globally there are six certification labs in operation. They are located in:

    • Spain - AT4wireless in Malaga
    • Korea - Telecommunications Technology Association
    • Taiwan – Bureau Veritas ADT, Taoyuan Branch
    • China - China Academy of Telecommunications Research in Beijing
    • Taiwan - (Telecom Technology Center / Compliance Certification Services in Taipei
    • U.S. - AT4wireless in Virginia, USA

    Brazil, and Malaysia labs are being pursued in 2009.

    WiMAX vs. Alternative Wireless Technologies

    18. How does WiMAX technology compare tWi-Fi technology?
    WiMAX and Wi-Fi are complementary. It is important tnote that since chipsets that use Wi-Fi are similar tWiMAX chipsets, both can be embedded intone chip. This means that devices utilizing Wi-Fi, including call phones and laptops, will easily be able tincorporate WiMAX technology on the same chipset at minimal additional cost. Intel’s first WiMAX notebook-embedded modem is estimated tbe half the cost of 3G modems and deliver three times the performance. In the future, any device that could potentially benefit from connectivity can become a WiMAX enabled device. This includes digital cameras, digital music players and even your home security system.

    19. How does WiMAX technology compare tLTE technology?
    WiMAX is included in the IMT-2000 family of mobile wireless interface standards and is supported by a broad, open and innovative ecosystem including the member companies in the WiMAX Forum. This open ecosystem brings the flexibility of the computing industry model tthe mobile world. This includes an open IPR model led by the Open Patent Alliance. Additionally, WiMAX has already established itself in the 2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, and 3.5GHz bandswith deployments in every region. WiMAX is here now.

    Conversely, LTE currently has zerdeployments. LTE networks are a completely new upgrade as they require new infrastructure and new spectrum. LTE networks will alsrequire new client devices and service providers will need tpurchase new radiaccess network (RAN) equipment in addition tupgrading their core networks thandle additional IP-based traffic. LTE will take time troll out, with deployments forecast treach limited adoption by 2012. For a LTE and WiMAX Comparison at a Glance, please visit http://www.wimaxforum.org/sites/wimaxforum.org/files/industry_news/2009/....

    20. What is the difference between High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and WiMAX technology?
    WiMAX technology is an all-IP based architecture specifically designed and optimized for data traffic, whereas 3G has a voice-centric architecture that is being used ttransport data. This allows much greater scalability for WiMAX, which consistently performs at an average 2.5 times the speed of HSDPA platforms (depending on equipment and operating conditions). HSDPA cannibalizes voice spectrum bandwidth tsupply data services, which can affect call quality and availability..

    21. What is a femtocell and will it be a viable model for WiMAX?
    A femtocell is a portable base station about the size of a coffee pot that has a range of a few hundred feet. It is a useful tool for filling holes in current cellular footprints and providing better in-home service much like a Wi-Fi access point. Unlike Wi-Fi, this model would operate on licensed spectrum with the femtocell device leased by the operator.

    Femtocells could provide a good answer tsupplementing WiMAX coverage in the home or at a place of business. Many cable companies are already exploring the use of these products, since most cable companies dnot offer broadband mobility in their current service packages.

    Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

    22. What is the WiMAX Forum’s position on IPR and WiMAX technology?
    WiMAX Forum member companies have been the first tbring standardized solutions tthe marketplace for wireless broadband, making broadband services more cost-effective tdeploy on a wide scale. As of September 2006, there were more than 1,500 patents distributed among 330 companies on WiMAX technologies. Of the 23 companies that hold more than 10 patents, 74 percent are WiMAX Forum members. As additional products become WiMAX Forum Certified and additional patent holders join the WiMAX Forum, we believe that we will be able tachieve our goal of interoperability between OEMs and carriers.

    The WiMAX Forum has an IPR policy that is published and widely supported by the industry today. It is publicly posted on the WiMAX Forum website at: http://www.wimaxforum.org/join/Governing_Documents/. The IPR approach initiated by the WiMAX Forum provides for a reasonable and non-discriminatory licensing model.

    23. Does the Open Patent Alliance (OPA) complement the WiMAX Forum IPR policy?
    The current Open Patent Alliance (OPA) model supported by WiMAX Forum is open, transparent, predictable and nondiscriminatory with an objective of delivering a fair royalty rate tall. OPA accelerates the ability for vendors tlicense WiMAX technology by providing a single source for essential patents. This IPR model has been proven with other technologies tbe able tdeliver competitive, innovative, and low cost IPR solutions. It’s alsrecognized as a model that encourages the development of interoperable, lower cost products and services that take advantage of the high-bandwidth networks that WiMAX technology provides, thus ensuring economies of scale while keeping entry costs low for consumers. For more information on the Open Patent Alliance, please visit http://www.openpatentalliance.com/.

    Industry Standards, Spectrum and Regulation

    24. What is IMT-2000 and define its current relationship with WiMAX technologies?
    In 1999 the International Telecommunications Union – Radicommunications (ITU-R) defined a set of standards called IMT-2000, commonly known as 3G technologies. The IMT-2000 provides a framework for worldwide wireless access by linking the diverse systems of terrestrial and satellite based networks.

    The IEEE submitted a formal proposal tthe ITU-R tmake a subset of the 802.16 (WiMAX) standard a member of the IMT-2000 family, as defined by ITU-R recommendations. The WiMAX Forum provided substantial supporting material in order tmake WiMAX a member of the IMT-2000 family. The WiMAX Forum was instrumental in the development of the supporting material necessary tinclude WiMAX in the IMT-2000 family.

    25. What frequencies does WiMAX technology operate on?
    The WiMAX Forum currently supports continued rapid WiMAX user adoption in the 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, and 3.5 GHz frequency bands, with additional spectrum bands tcome. The WiMAX Forum is working with operators and equipment manufacturers texpand the frequency allocation tcover all the key spectrum bands that our member companies identify as interesting tpotential WiMAX service providers such as 700 MHz. For mobile applications, initial profiles have been developed for 2.3, 2.5, and 3.5 GHz. These are taddress the current market demands by operators.

    The WiMAX Forum has the ability trespond rapidly tdevelopment of additional profiles as additional spectrum is auctioned or markets change.

    26. What is the status of WiMAX spectrum availability?
    The WiMAX Forum continues tsee progress in the assignment of spectrum tWiMAX deployments. Underused spectrum is being refarmed by regulatory authorities and new assignments are being issued. For the initial WiMAX Forum Certified™ products the majority of assignments are in the 3.4 – 3.6 GHz spectrum range. We alssee market demand for license-exempt spectrum in the 5 GHz region. For mobile applications, we see many regulators making mobile spectrum allocations and assignments available in the 2.3 – 2.4  GHz and 2.5 – 2.6 GHz regions, as well as the 3.4 – 3.6  GHz band. There is now increasing market demand and regulatory activity relating tfrequencies around 700/800MHz. The WiMAX Forum continues ttrack regional and country-specific policies and promote the availability of technology-neutral spectrum.

    Members of the WiMAX Forum have access ta database thelp identify available spectrum. The WiMAX Forum has formed an agreement with AT4 Wireless tprovide the WiMAX Forum Spectrum and Regulatory Database, allowing member companies access tregularly updated data regarding worldwide spectrum licensing and regulatory information. The database focuses on all the key frequency bands for WiMAX Forum Certified equipment™, including 2.3, 2.6, 3.5, 3.7 and 5.8 GHz. Various user services including Reports, Maps, e-mail alerts and a newsletter are available on an opt-in basis.

    27. Where can I find out more about spectrum adoptions worldwide
    The WiMAX Forum Spectrum and Regulatory Database provide full technical, licensing, and regulatory information by country. Access tthe full database is included with Principal membership in the Forum and is available tregular member companies by subscription. In 2008 additional features were added tthe WiMAX Forum Spectrum and Regulatory Database tfurther enhance the tool. The updates provide WiMAX Forum member companies worldwide spectrum licensing and regulatory requirements as well as some additional new features tbe implemented by AT4 wireless. These include the following:

    • There is now a personal user profile feature, which allows WiMAX Forum members tsubscribe and unsubscribe tservices that enable them treceive specific messages and/or newsletters via email.
    • Subscribers receive a notification via e-mail stating whenever there has been an update in the country.
    • Subscribers receive a monthly newsletter informing about the latest news concerning WiMAX technology in the worldwide market (public consultants, licensing auctions, new regulation, etc).
    • Additional information on regional organizations is alsbe included in the database.

    A trial version of the WiMAX Forum Spectrum and Regulatory database is available at www.wimaxforum.org/members/spectrum_database.

    28. What is the WiMAX Forum doing tallow for roaming among compatible networks?
    The WiMAX Forum has a Global Roaming Program that allows operators and vendors teasily obtain the information required testablish WiMAX roaming services. The program is live and can be accessed through a link on the WiMAX Forum public web site at www.wimaxroaming.org.

    Roaming capabilities are vital for mobility as roaming allows subscribers taccess WiMAX and other services while traveling outside their home network geographical coverage area. The WIMAX Forum Global Roaming program includes several documents for WiMAX Forum member companies implementing roaming services, including technical specifications, a test plan, a roaming contract template and a guide tfollow when implementing roaming.

    29. What are the next steps with IEEE?
    IEEE 802.16m air interface is the next major landmark in the WiMAX standard’s evolution beyond IEEE 802.16e-2005. WiMAX Forum will adopt IEEE 802.16m once the standard is completed, which is expected toccur in the first half of 2010. The IEEE 802.16 Working Group has defined its expected parameters for IEEE 802.16m and all products based upon IEEE 802.16e-2005 will be forward compatible tthe future 802.16m IEEE standard.

    In addition tits work with the IEEE, WiMAX Forum is committed tcontributing tthe longer-term work of the International Telecommunications Union, both with enhancements tIMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced. As such, we will be submitting IEEE 802.16m in conjunction with the future WiMAX Forum Mobile System Profiles (including both TDD and FDD schemes) for inclusion in IMT-Advanced.

    30. What is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)?
    OFDM is a digital encoding and modulation technology. It has been used successfully in wireline access applications, such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modems and cable modems as well as WiFi. Products from WiMAX Forum member companies are using OFDM-based 802.16 systems tovercome the challenges of NLoS propagation. OFDM achieves high data rate and efficiency by using multiple overlapping carrier signals instead of just one. All future technologies for 4G will be based upon OFDM technology.

    Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) is enhanced OFDM and used in Mobile WiMAX technology and the IEEE 802.16e-2005 standard, and it is the foundation for the next-generations of mobile broadband tcome. It is a multi-user version of Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM). The difference between the twtechnologies is that OFDMA assigns subsets of sub-carriers tindividual users allowing simultaneous low data rate transmission from several users.

    WiMAX Forum Resources and Links

    Source URL: http://wimaxforum.org/resources/frequently-asked-questions

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