Wi-Max Update

Wi-Max is a wireless technology that is much-anticipated to reduce the costs of wide-area network connections.

For example, educational, medical, and industrial organizations can use this technology to extend their LAN to other buildings.  Local governments also want to use Wi-Max to connect computer networks between buildings.  

Furthermore, WiMAX for mobile and portable computing is down the road.

There are several brands of Wi-Max ready and pre Wi-Max equipment available on the market today using OFDM technology.

What's the status of WiMAX certification? 

Phase 1 Testing in the WiMAX certification process is considered "Validation" Testing.  When a set of manufacturers has their equipment ready for testing, the equipment is grouped together and goes through the process as a "Wave".  The first wave (of equipment) of validation testing (Phase 1) has been completed.

Phase 2 testing is "Compliance".  It has begun for the Wave 1 equipment..  Phase 3 (Interoperability) testing for Wave 1 equipment is scheduled to be completed in December.

Unfortunately, only 3.5GHz equipment (unavailable in the U.S.) from a few vendors is included in Wave 1. 

Wave 2 could begin as early as January and include 3.5GHz equipment not included in Wave 1.  They are also planning (not finalized) on including the first set of 5.8 GHz solutions in Wave 2.  

Upon conclusion of the three phase process for Wave 2, we would have the first true Wi-Max compliant solutions available in the U.S. (if they do in fact include 5.8 GHz in Wave 2). 

Mobile WiMAX standards have not yet been finalized and no testing has yet been planned.

If you’d like assistance in evaluating, designing or implementing wireless technology, contact us at (888) 752-1015 or www.racom.net.