What is WiMAX?

What is WiMAX?

• WiMAX is an industry trade organization formed by leading communications component
and equipment companies to promote and certify compatibility and interoperability of
broadband wireless access equipment that conforms to the IEEE* 802.16 and ETSI*
HIPERMAN standards.
• The 802.16a standard is a wireless metropolitan area network (MAN) technology that will
provide a wireless alternative to cable, DSL and T1/E1 for last mile broadband access. It
will also be used as complimentary technology to connect 802.11 hot spots to the Internet.
• WiMAX will accelerate and increase the success of future interoperability testing by
providing tools for conformance testing. Tools can be used during the equipment maker's
system development process to ensure conformance with the standards-based product
roadmap as it evolves.
• Members include leading Operators, Equipment and Component makers (see list at end)
• WiMAX was formed in April 2001, in anticipation of the publication of the original 10-66
GHz IEEE 802.16 specifications. WiMAX is to 802.16 as the Wi-Fi Alliance is to 802.11.

WiMAX Goals

• A standard by itself is not enough to enable mass adoption. WiMAX has stepped forward
to help solve barriers to adoption, such as interoperability and cost of deployment. WiMAX
will help ignite the wireless MAN industry, by defining and conducting interoperability
testing and labeling vendor systems with a "WiMAX Certified™" label once testing hasbeen completed successfully.