Looking into the Crystal Ball at 4G Technology—Part One: WiMAX

While Mobile Broadband is rapidly becoming a mainstream technology, faster access speeds are always on the horizon. So what does the future hold for fourth-generation (4G) technology?

Piero DePaoli's two-part Perspective series will take a closer look at two 4G technologies that are gaining momentum. Today's column will focus on WiMAX—next month we'll look into LTE.

What Exactly Is WiMAX?
By now, you've likely heard about WiMAX and the forthcoming Clearwire WiMAX network that is expected to span the U.S., delivering 4G coverage to both rural and urban markets. As this nationwide network build-out advances, you're certain to hear plenty more. WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is proving to be a worthy contender in the 4G technology race. This wireless broadband technology is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, enabling the delivery of wireless broadband services for both fixed and mobile usage.

• Mobile WiMAX offers exponentially greater range and throughput than Wi-Fi and superior building penetration compared to 3G mobile data.
• Fixed WiMAX offers cost-effective point-to-point and point-to-multipoint solutions, similar to today's fixed broadband offerings—except without wires.

So how is WiMAX different than current broadband offerings?

• Wi-Fi. Like Wi-Fi, WiMAX is a wireless global standard. Although the frequencies around the world vary (WiMAX operates over the 2.3, 2.5 and 3.5 GHz bands), it works the same the world over. The major difference is coverage. WiMAX offers far greater range than Wi-Fi, with coverage measured in miles, whereas Wi-Fi is measured in meters.
• 3G mobile data/broadband. WiMAX offers mobile broadband roaming similar to 3G. However, there are several differences: WiMAX is expected to provide higher speed, greater coverage and superior price/performance thanks to highly efficient Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signaling. Moreover, WiMAX is a global IEEE standard that has the potential to unify access and ensure interoperability for users who currently face 3G technology barriers as they travel across geographic and carrier boundaries.
• Cable/DSL. The fact that we're comparing a wireless technology to fixed broadband options speaks to WiMAX's versatility. It's the only wireless technology that has the coverage and bandwidth to handle fixed and mobile applications. WiMAX provides enough bandwidth to simultaneously support hundreds of businesses at T-1 speeds and thousands of residences at DSL speeds.

Is WiMAX the Real Deal?
With its versatility, price/performance advantages and QoS capabilities, WiMAX may change the way enterprise users and consumers think about fixed, portable and mobile access.

Will WiMAX live up to its potential? Time will tell. However, one thing is clear today: Industry heavyweights are taking WiMAX seriously.

Intel Capital, Google, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks are collectively investing more than US$3.2 billion in the new Sprint/Clearwire WiMAX business, which controls more than 80 percent of the 2.5 GHz spectrum in the U.S. and is rolling out a nationwide mobile network starting this fall. In addition, these companies are making considerable R&D investments in their own WiMAX-optimized products and services.

To date, the WiMAX Forum includes more than 520 member companies with a vested interest in the success of WiMAX. iPass joined the WiMAX Forum in July, 2007—we are spending the bulk of our efforts in the Roaming Working Group to ensure that the iPass authentication platform interoperates with forthcoming WiMAX networks.

iPass and WiMAX
iPass believes WiMAX offers real potential to provide industry-wide innovation and significant customer value. It also offers a unique opportunity to advance the entire wireless broadband industry to one of open access, where operators do not limit connectivity to a small set of devices which are locked to that carrier.

That said, iPass has always been and will remain vendor-, network- and technology-agnostic. Our software-based platform allows us to embrace a broad array of networks and to add substantial value in helping customers control their diverse global connections, devices, security policies and mobility costs. Wi-Fi, 3G mobile data/mobile broadband and other technologies will continue to thrive, and in many situations, they will complement both mobile WiMAX and LTE.

It's likely that mobile WiMAX and LTE will each succeed, dominating different regions and competing vibrantly in some as well. For example, WiMAX has great potential in developing markets where there is little or no infrastructure. It's also a very attractive option for those who live and work in rural or hard-to-reach areas where providers haven't yet deployed 3G, cable, DSL or fiber.

The future of wireless mobility may at this time lack absolute clarity. The good news is that with iPass, you maintain the flexibility to choose among and unify multiple technologies and access options.

To learn more about WiMAX, read our 4G Ahead! white paper or visit www.WiMAXforum.org.