In the world of Internet access, wireless Internet is growing faster than ever.  Not only are the normal Internet users switching to wireless Internet but so are the businesses mainly because of the cost and ease of use.  People are using free wireless hotspots all over the world in numerous cafes, hotels, and even some restaurants.  In fact, people are not only looking for free wireless Internet access, they are demanding it.  There are even some cities which are investing in large scale wireless networks that will give free wireless Internet access to all residents and visitors in places such as parks, beaches, and even on the buses.  In the age of technology, it doesn’t even seem plausible at times that there wouldn’t be free wireless Internet access everywhere you go.  

This wireless technology is called WiFi.  WiFi is used to create what is called a LAN – Local Area Network.  Developed in Norway in 1991, it was first developed for the use of commercial cash register systems, but now it allows the users of the Internet to connect wirelessly wherever they go.  It is not only used for the Internet but for the connections of TVs and DVD players.  Not only is it inexpensive and easy to use, but it allows commercial venues to provide this wireless access to customers within a smaller service area.  So far WiFi has been tops in providing this wireless Internet access as long as it is in close proximity to a WiFi access point, but there may be someone new looking to expand that quickly.  

WiMax is looking to be the new kid on the block and is trying very hard to expand the wireless availability and quality of the connection itself.  WiMax is not just a more refined form of WiFi, although it does say that it will provide wireless connectivity to a greater area of customers, but it is a whole technology that will supposedly take the world by storm.  WiMax will work at higher broadband levels to possibly make WiFi completely irrelevant.  WiMax is going to be more costly but it is considered to be what we will be using mostly in the future.  

A WiFi signal right now only has a maximum range of 150 feet indoors and up to 300 feet if you are outside.  WiMax has a much greater range, which is said to be possible up to 30 miles.  Most field tests that have been done show the range at 4 to 8 miles right now, but that is still significantly greater than the 300 feet of WiFi.  WiMax will also serve several functions although it will be mainly used for wireless Internet activity.  

WiMax is different in the way that it is set up as well.  It will not be using fixed lines like your telephone or cable line.  Instead it will use transmitters, similar to cellular phone towers that will carry its signal for a much greater distance.  WiMax users will have the luxury of subscribing to a particular tower and being able to use it even if there are several buildings or tree
s in the way.  Since it does not require you to actually see the tower itself, you will not have problems using WiMax even if you are a few miles away from it.  This works out especially well for people who live in far out towns who simply haven’t had the option to get wireless connectivity or even Internet access because of the expense of traditional hardwire connectivity.    

WiMax is also much more effective when it comes to the quality of the connection.  WiFi has the main disadvantage of having less quality when there are many people connected to one particular WiFi access point.  It is almost as if they are fighting for the connection and the users all suffer when it comes to the levels of broadband width.  With WiMax, each user is secured a constant allotment of broadband access so there is no virtual fighting over service.  WiMax gives a limit to the number of users so that when it is near the maximum broadband use it automatically brings the next user to another WiMax access point, making sure that everyone has a quality connection.  

There are some downfalls to WiMax as of right now.  Currently the smaller businesses already have WiFi up and running and at a very low cost it will be harder to get them to agree to change to something that will cost them significantly more money in the beginning.  The personnel already know how to manage the WiFi access and they understand the technology involved.  This may not pertain to larger businesses, but it is the smaller businesses that primarily give WiFi access to the consumers.  Where WiMax is really going to excel is in places like actual cities and other government sponsored deployments.  If a city chooses to work primarily with WiMax then the residential homes and businesses will be able to become subscribers without much of a hassle, but it will cost more.  If they are willing to do it then WiMax will most likely take the place of the DSL and cable technology mainly because people enjoy getting the bundled packages that are usually involved with their television, phone, and Internet.  

Currently WiMax is currently being worked on still in its infancy but plans to be unveiled in 2008.  There is no clear time table as to when WiMax will be available to a residential household because currently WiMax needs what is called a spectrum.  A spectrum isn’t available to everyone and right now only exists in unlicensed areas.  WiFi is of course fighting the debut of WiMax but some people think that they don’t have anything to worry about yet.  WiFi is still inexpensive and relatively easy to use which makes it more popular, as of right now.  It will be several years before WiMax is inexpensive enough for smaller commercial businesses and residential homes to be able to afford access to WiMax.
 

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