Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity. It is a wireless-based transmission of Internet signals in a form of a radio wave at spot frequency of 2.4 or 5 GHz at a high speed of 11 million bits per second within a range of 100 meters. Within this range, all Wi-Fi enabled computers will be able to access the Internet without any wires, thereby setting up a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The cost effective Wi-Fi technology is being installed in airports, libraries and business organizations. The real significance of Wi-Fi based WLAN technology is its free network movement.

WiMax

WiMax stands for Wireless Interoperability Microwave Access. A faster version of Wi-Fi, WiMax is a wireless technology that offers a faster broadband connection at longer distances of up to 50 kms. The radius of WiMax coverage is measured in square kilometres unlike Wi-Fi, which is measured in square metres.

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a telecommunications protocol that provides fixed and mobile Internet access. WiMAX has the potential to do to broadband Internet access what cell phones have done to phone access. In the same way that many people have given up their “land lines” in favor of cell phones, WiMAX could replace cable and DSL services, providing universal Internet access just about anywhere we go. WiMAX will also be as painless as WiFi as turning a computer on will automatically connect to the closest available WiMAX antenna.

• WiMax delivers low cost, open networks and is the first of all IP mobile internet solution enabling efficient and scalable networks for data, video and voice transmission thus is counted in 4G.
• WiMax is IP based, wireless broadband access technology that provides performance similar to the Wi-Fi networks.

Broadband Wireless Spectrum

Airwaves that enable access to faster internet data at download rates as high as 6-10 MBPS via the wireless medium. Basically, customers can access streaming videos. Technologies such as WiMax, Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and Flash-OFDMA support such networks. In India, spectrum winners are expected to use LTE and WiMax. The benefits are improved and faster internet connectivity on the move. To help people in remote and hilly areas, where wire line broadband is out of reach. E-governance and m-commerce will be easier.

Long-Term Evolution (LTE)

LTE is a 4G technology yet to be introduced globally on which companies like Qualcomm plan to offer services. LTE offers speeds up to 100 MBPS, ideal for high-intensity business web access.

LTE v/s WiMax

Please note that Both WiMAX and LTE are 4G cellular broadband networks. The WiMAX provides speed up to 128 mbps of downloading and for uploading it provides the speed of 56 mbps. However, LTE showed an early implementation speed up to 100 mbps downloading and 50 mbps uploading. WiMax is also categorised with improved coverage in Non Line Of Sight (NLOS) environments.

Right now there is an epic battle going on between LTE and WiMAX for 4G supremacy, however, neither of these technologies has emerged as victorious over the other.  Please note that WiMAX is developed by the IEEE, while LTE is a proprietory model developed by mobile carriers and equipment vendors. WiMAX is open standard and cheaper instrument.

It seems as though both technologies will become viable 4G access technologies, while WiMAX still maintains its position as an ideal backhaul technology as well.  Now, some will claim that either WiMAX or LTE must win from an access perspective, but more and more, that does not seem to be the case.

However, WiMax loses some of its sheen because of the high device costs and absence of VoIP. 3G networks also promise faster data speeds. Exorbitant WiMax fees may make winners price the services at a premium.  Seamless connectivity challenges with CDMA devices may prove to be a disadvantage.