WiMAX Overview

Standardized by the IEEE and currently capable of rates of up to 15 Mbps, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a form of 4G broadband wireless access. WiMAX delivers broadband wireless access to rural areas with with relatively modest investments compared to DSL, fiber, and HFC.

Subscribers can use WiMAX service with either an indoor (typically integral to the WiMAX modem) antenna or with a separate outdoor antenna. Indoor antennas place greater demands on the carrier’s network because of additional losses experienced within a structure.  To support indoor antennas, a carrier typically requires more base stations for ubiquitous coverage or has limited coverage where indoor antennas can be used.

The IEEE is developing a new version of WiMAX known as 802.16m or WiMAX-m that provides for access rates of up to 1 Gbps. The IEEE 802.16m working group produced this  Draft IEEE 802.16m System Description Document, which provides an overview of where the WiMAX broadband wireless standard is going. To increase the bandwidth available to a subscriber, the new IEEE 802.16m WiMAX standard will specify multiple carriers. The WiMAX Forum is dedicated to increasing the acceptance of WiMAX networks by wireless broadband providers and WiMAX broadband service by subscribers.

Clearwire is a major provider of WiMAX services in the US and offers downstream rates of up to 2 Mbps. Serving almost 50 markets, Clearwire offers service for as low as $29.99 per month according to the Clearwire website, which provides information on service plans.

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