WiMAX vs. Alternative Wireless Technologies
18. How does WiMAX technology compare tWi-Fi technology?
WiMAX and Wi-Fi are complementary. It is important to note 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 to incorporate WiMAX technology on the same chipset at minimal additional cost. Intel’s first WiMAX notebook-embedded modem is estimated to be 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 LTE 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 to the 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 bands with deployments in every region. WiMAX is here now.
Conversely, LTE currently has zero deployments. LTE networks are a completely new upgrade as they require new infrastructure and new spectrum. LTE networks will also require new client devices and service providers will need to purchase new radio access network (RAN) equipment in addition to upgrading their core networks to handle additional IP-based traffic. LTE will take time troll out, with deployments forecast to reach 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 to transport 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 to supply 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 to supplementing 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 do not offer broadband mobility in their current service packages.
