WLAN & WIMAX:
Future of Wireless Networking

What other technologies awaits for wireless networking? WLAN is in place. What technology will compliment in the very near future?

WIMAX- The future wireless networking technology set to hit the market soon and is espoused by Intel. Its standardization is complete and many vendors and operators are locking in on WIMAX.

WIMAX (802.16) stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. WIMAX offers industries particularly WISP a standards-based long-range (up to 50 km) and higher performance solution. Intel is leading research for implementation of WIMAX and will produce the chips for manufacturers of wireless products.

WIMAX is a worldwide certification addressing interoperability across IEEE 802.16 standards-base products. Perceived advantage would be improved user connectivity, higher quality of service, Range, robust carrier-class operation among others.

A white-paper study made by Intel showed that Wi-Fi networks are driving the demand for WIMAX by increasing the proliferation of wireless access, increasing the need for cost-effective backhaul solutions and faster last-mile performance. WIMAX can be used to aggregate Wi-Fi networks as long-distance backhaul solution.

CELLULAR-MOBILE WIFI CONVERGENCE- ABI Research predicted that the number of Wi-Fi-compatible cellular phones will be mushrooming in the market. Wi-Fi-capable phones will also ship in large and growing numbers. The number of embedded Wi-Fi ICs will surpass that of Wi-Fi networking chipsets by 2006, and is forecast to account for more than twice as many units shipped by 2007.

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VOICE-over-WLAN –Wireless LANs usage will continue to grow through 2008, with voice over WLAN (VoWLAN) a particularly promising area of growth. Although e-mail and Web browsing continue to be the most popular WLAN applications, infornetics reports that enterprises are showing interest in more complex applications. A major driver of the technology is the growing availability of VoIP handsets. “The ability to carry voice makes wireless LAN investment more justifiable and mobility makes VoIP more valuable, so it is natural that two technologies are converging toward a powerful mobile voice solution.” (www.commsDesign.com)

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