WiFi

WiFi was created in Norway in 1991, and was originally designed for commercial cash register systems. Today, it provides wireless broadband access to any user with wireless connectivity technology, or wireless adapter cards, within a small range. Typically, a WiFi signal has a maximum range of 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors. WiMAX serves several functions in wireless connectivity, but it was largely created to provide last-mile broadband connection to homes and businesses. Instead of using fixed lines like cable or telephone line to bring Internet access into a building, WiMAX uses transmitters, like cell-phone towers, to carry its signal. WiMax technology does not require line-of-sight to the user, so several subscribers can connect to a tower, even if it is blocked by trees or other buildings. This makes WiMax particularly useful and cost-effective for rural homes and other locations set in a geography that would make laying a traditional hardwire difficult and expensive. WiMAX has a much greater range than WiFi, although interpretations of this range vary. While engineers have stated that WiMAX could have a range of up to 30 miles, field tests have resulted in a range radius of between four and eight miles. Still, this represents a range far greater than the few hundred foot radius of WiFi. WiMAX also has some benefits over WiFi in terms of connection quality. When multiple users are connected to a WiFi access point, they are effectively in constant battle for connection, and users can experience varying levels of broadband width. WiMAX technology, however, secures each user with a constant allotment of broadband access. Built into the WiMAX technology is an algorithm that establishes a limit to the number of users per WiMAX access point. When a WiMAX tower is nearing its maximum broadband capacity, it automatically redirects additional users to another WiMAX access point.

Cellular Technologies:WiMAX is a serious threat to 3G because of its broadband capabilities, distance capabilities and ability to support voice effectively with full QoS. This makes it an alternative to cellular in a way that Wi-Fi can never be, so that while operators are integrating Wi-Fi into their offerings with some alacrity, looking to control both the licensed spectrum and the unlicensed hotspots, they will have more problems accommodating WiMAX. But as with Wi-Fi, it will be better for them to cannibalize their own networks than let independents do it for them, especially as economics and performance demands force them to incorporate IP into their systems. Handset makers such as Nokia will be banking on this

as they develop smart phones that support WiMAX as well as 3G.

Relationship With Other Wireless Technologies