DALLAS-Although it is often thought of as a single wireless standard, WiMax actually addresses multiple areas of the telecommunications market, according to a new report from Parks Associates called “Untethering Broadband: WiMax, 802.20 and Others.”
The standard offers two major value propositions, including broadband access and nomadic/portable broadband, according to the report.
“Using the term WiMax in a homogeneous fashion has created a lot of hype and confusion in the industry,” according to Yuanzhe (Michael) Cai, senior analyst with Parks Associates.
Cai said it is important to distinguish between the two varieties of WiMax: IEEE 802.16REVd, which is expected to be ratified later this year, and IEEE 802.16e, which is the mobile extension that won’t be ratified until next year.
“Calling the former Fixed WiMax and the latter Nomadic WiMax may help lessen the problem,” said Cai.
802.16REVd benefits the industry in the form of cost reduction during its first stage of outdoor installation, said the report.
“Major service providers are unlikely to be intrigued until 802.16REVd reaches the second stage of indoor installation with plug-and-play CPEs,” Cai said. “Believe it or not, 802.16e is positioned to compete against mobile broadband wireless technologies such as cellular, the proposed 802.20 and proprietary technologies.”
