Published on February 25, 2005

What Is WiMAX?

Next-Generation Wireless Network Will Be Faster, Broader

Source: HowStuffWorks.com and WXII12.com

Think about how you access the Internet today. There are basically three different options:
Broadband access -- In your home, you have either a DSL or cable modem. At the office, your company may be using a T1 or a T3 line.

Wi-Fi access - In your home, you may have set up a Wi-Fi router that lets you surf the Web while you lounge on the deck with your laptop. On the road, you can find Wi-Fi hot spots in restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and libraries.

Dial-up access - If you are still using dial-up, chances are that either broadband isn't available or you think it's too expensive.

The main problems with broadband access are that it is pretty pricey and it doesn't reach all areas. The main problem with Wi-Fi access is that hot spots are very small, so coverage is sparse.

What if there were a new technology that solved all of these problems? This new technology would provide:

The high speed of broadband service
Wireless rather than wired access, so it would be a lot less expensive than cable or DSL and much easier to extend to suburban and rural areas
Broad coverage like the cell phone network, instead of the tiny little hotspots of Wi-Fi

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