WORLDWIDE MARKET RESEARCH REPORT - CISE

EC/IST FP6 Project No 026920
Work Package: 6
Type of document: Report
Date: 20.12.2007
File name: OP_WP6_D37_V1.0.doc Version: 1.0
Title: Worldwide Market Research Report 42 / 356
4.5.3 Wireless networks
4.5.3.1 WiFi and WiMAX description
WiFi (short for "wireless fidelity") groups certain types of wireless local area network (WLAN)
that use specifications in the 802.11 family. The term WiFi was created by an organization
called the WiFi Alliance, which oversees tests that certify product interoperability. The fastest
WiFi connection can transmit up to 54 megabits per second under optimal conditions.
WiMAX is a standards-based technology born to enable the delivery of last mile wireless
broadband access as an alternative to wired broadband like cable and DSL. WiMAX
provides fixed, nomadic, portable and, with the version 802.16e, mobile wireless broadband
connectivity without the need for direct line-of-sight with a base station. In a typical cell
radius deployment of three to ten kilometers, WiMAX Forum Certified systems should be
able to handle up to 70 megabits per second, for fixed and portable access applications.
WiMAX operates on the same general principles as WiFi, it sends data from one computer to
another via radio signals. A computer (either a desktop or a laptop) equipped with WiMAX
would receive data from the WiMAX transmitting station (generally using encrypted data
keys to prevent unauthorized users from stealing access).
The biggest difference between WiFi and WiMAX isn't speed; it's distance. WiMAX
outdistances WiFi by miles. WiFi's range is about 30 m. WiMAX will blanket a radius of more
than 50 km with wireless access. The increased range is due to the frequencies used and
the power of the transmitter. Of course, at that distance, terrain, weather and large buildings
will act to reduce the maximum range in some circumstances, but the potential is there to
cover huge tracts of land.
Therefore WiMax was designed to provide (MAN) Metropolitan Area Access, to homes and
businesses whereas WiFi was, and still will be used for the foreseeable future, in LAN
environments.