WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a wireless broadband technology designed to offer high-speed Internet access over long distances, especially in areas where laying fiber or cable is difficult or costly. Introduced as a “last mile” solution, WiMAX aimed to deliver broadband wirelessly to homes and businesses, including rural and suburban locations.
WiMAX operates on licensed radio frequencies and can cover distances of several kilometers from a base station. Typical achievable download speeds are up to 70 Mbps, with upload speeds reaching around 20 Mbps. While not as fast as modern fiber or cable, this wireless approach provides a crucial option where terrestrial wired networks are unavailable.
Latency on WiMAX networks typically falls between 30 and 50 milliseconds, higher than fiber or cable but low enough to support common internet activities such as streaming, browsing, and even video calls. However, this latency may be less suitable for highly interactive applications like competitive online gaming.
A major strength of WiMAX lies in its ability to deploy broadband rapidly without extensive construction, using base antennas and customer premise equipment with directional antennas. This can make it a cost-efficient choice for underserved regions and smaller communities.
Despite these advantages, WiMAX faces competition from expanding 4G and 5G mobile networks, which have gained broader adoption and offer similar or better speeds and latency.
In conclusion, WiMAX remains a viable wireless broadband option, particularly in rural or developing areas, where other infrastructures may be lacking, offering reasonable speeds and latency for everyday Internet needs.
In conclusion, while WiMAX never became a dominant worldwide standard, it remains an interesting solution in areas without fiber or cable access. For communities underserved by traditional broadband, WiMAX has provided a valuable bridge to the digital world.