Don’t fret if you just got your wi-fi network set up and you’re just now hearing about WiMAX. The brand name for 802.16 is exciting because the specifications for WiMAX show that it is a super-sized, pumped-up version of wi-fi. For instance, the distance a wi-fi signal can travel is about that of a football field (100 yard radius). WiMAX should be able to carry for more than a marathon (30 mile radius). With respect to all-important speed, the faster version of wi-fi, 802.11g, moves data at 55 Mbps while WiMAX can reach speeds of 75 Mbps. So, why don’t we just scrap our wi-fi networks and get WiMAX instead? First of all, there’s quite a way to go before the equipment will achieve affordable retail pricing. Secondly, since many developers are looking for WiMAX’s primary use to be point-to-point internet, it may be further in development before the focus lands on untethered mobile access similar to the flexibility of wi-fi. With WiMAX’s distance capability, it also seems likely that the early implementations of WiMAX will be found linking rural areas to high-speed internet. Responsive will let you know when WiMAX will make a difference in the small business marketplace.
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