WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) brings all the benefits of broadband landline connections to the wireless world. Broadband wireless equipment based on the IEEE 802.16 intended for wireless metropolitan area networks (MANs) is broadly referred to as "WiMAX." Like WiFi, WiMAX enables users to take advantage of high speed wireless data transfer. But unlike WiFi, WiMAX offers true broadband wireless access over longer distances with guaranteed quality of service. There are no interference and geographic issues as with WiFi. In fact, users need not seek out a 'hotspot' to gain a connection. Scenarios such as wirelessly watching a full-motion movie on a laptop while riding on a train are now possible.

• IEEE 802.16e Mobile WiMAX
• WiMAX Forum Overview
• WiMAX Certification

WiMAX is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard and on ETSI HiperMAN™. Fixed WiMAX is based on an older version of IEEE 802.16 standard, (802.16-2004 previously known as Revision D, or 802.16d), ratified in July 2004. IEEE standards only specify the Physical (PHY) and Media Access Control (MAC) layers. Optimized for dynamic mobile radio channels, mobile WiMAX is based on the IEEE 802.16e amendment and provides support for handoffs and roaming. It uses Scalable Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Access (SOFDMA), a multi-carrier modulation technique that uses sub-channelization. Service providers that deploy 802.16e can also use the network to provide fixed service.

The WiMAX Forum is an industry-led non-profit corporation created to promote and certify compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products. History has shown that one of the greatest obstacles to successful technology adoption is a lack of standards, and this was especially true when it came to wireless. The WiMAX Forum developed a certification program that ensured compatibility among products. Prior to this program, every solution was customized and non-interoperable with others. Certification creates a more competitive industry, lower costs, and faster growth for wireless solutions worldwide.

The WiMAX Forum's near-term goals include the following:

• Promote and accelerate global WiMAX deployments
• Make WiMAX service the platform of choice and the worldwide market segment leader for broadband wireless
• Deliver a framework for a high performance end-to-end IP network architecture supporting fixed, portable, and mobile users
• Ensure WiMAX Forum Certified™ products are trusted by service providers worldwide
• Develop WiMAX profiles based upon an IEEE 802.16 and ETSI interoperable client serving a global market
• Increase user demand by enabling competitive new applications and service models
• Promote a favorable IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) policy
• Deliver the framework for deployment of personal broadband on a global scale by leveraging the contributions of the majority of players within the ecosystem

For more information on the WiMAX Forum, go to www.wimaxforum.org.

As the exclusive organization dedicated to certifying the interoperability of BWA products, the WiMAX Forum will define and conduct conformance and interoperability testing to ensure that different vendor systems work seamlessly with one another. Vendors systems that pass conformance and interoperability testing will receive the "WiMAX Forum Certified" designation. WiMAX Forum Certified products will be based upon a single global standard (802.16) enabling complete interoperability worldwide.

WiMAX Forum Certified products that have been through the certification process will reduce investment uncertainties for all parties in the access network value chain, from technology providers to service providers to end users. For network operators, this interoperability yields more options, the flexibility of deploying broadband wireless systems from multiple vendors, and the knowledge that all products deployed, if certified, will interoperate seamlessly, thereby reducing the overall investment risk and creating a price-competitive marketplace.

Vendors claiming their equipment is "WiMAX-like," WiMAX-compliant," etc. are not WiMAX Forum Certified, which means that their equipment is not interoperable with other vendors' equipment. Equipment that is WiMAX Forum Certified is the only equipment proven interoperable with other vendors' equipment that is also WiMAX Forum Certified. For network operators, this interoperability yields more options, the flexibility of deploying broadband wireless systems from multiple vendors, and the knowledge that all products deployed, if certified, will interoperate seamlessly.