| Technology never ceases to impress. Each time you | | | | positioned as a vast metropolitan area network, |
| blink an eye or turn your head it seems like a new | | | | providing broadband wireless access up to 30 miles |
| uber cool technological development is on the horizon. | | | | for fixed stations and 3-10 miles for mobile stations. |
| Remember when cell phones were the size of your | | | | Compare that to today's standard WiFi (802.11) |
| head? Now they are ultra petite and can easily fit | | | | wireless local area network which works only within |
| inside your skinny jeans pockets. Remember when | | | | 100-300 feet of the central source. The difference is |
| you first logged into the internet via dial up, listening | | | | remarkable. The new wireless standard will work with |
| expectantly to the crackling phone lines? Even though | | | | 4G, the latest generation of wireless comms |
| these technologies are actually relatively new, it seems | | | | technology in order to provide better, faster, more |
| like they've been around forever, because they've | | | | reliable internet to people everywhere. |
| become so entrenched into our every day lives. | | | | Basically, it's like WiFi, but on steroids. Data transfer |
| They've become taken for granted and now we | | | | rates will be improved substantially, which means that |
| expect even better, greater new fangled technology | | | | people can actually take their work on the road and |
| to appear each and every minute. So, the question is, | | | | not worry about uploading or downloading large files or |
| just what new amazing technological feats are in store | | | | heavy multimedia use. The connection will be on par |
| for us on the horizon? | | | | with that of a wired connection, i.e. DSL or cable |
| The answer to that is simple, at least when we're | | | | broadband. |
| talking about the field of wireless communications: | | | | The possibilities are thrilling. Internet users will be able to |
| WiMax and 4G. These two new developments are | | | | use voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) to substitute |
| working in tandem to usher in new age of flexibility, | | | | regular landline phones, Internet Protocol Television |
| versatility and quality when it comes to wireless | | | | (IPTV) to substitute cable TV, and much, much more. |
| communications. Basically, these are new standards of | | | | Mobile gaming and mobile media viewing will become |
| communicating. WiMax transmission networks will | | | | so much easier. In fact, mobile WiMax could simply |
| improve how we work, play and live in this modern | | | | replace current cell phone operating standards like |
| age where internet rules supreme. | | | | HSDPA, EvDo and EvDv. |
| But lest we get ahead of ourselves, let's take a step | | | | This is the so called last mile in terms of broadband. It's |
| back and take a look at just how and what fourth | | | | certainly a game changer. It could be used to wire |
| generation wireless standards and WiMax deployment | | | | entire cities so that everyone can easily be connected |
| actually can do. Worldwide Interoperability for | | | | without a hitch. The only requirements for this setup |
| Microwave Access is a new industry designated | | | | are signal towers and a wired high speed connection; |
| standard for broadband wireless access. Also known | | | | the infrastructure is already being put in place. |
| as IEEE 802.16, WiMax has been designed to be | | | | |