Definition

• the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) is a telecommunications technology that provides enables the delivery of last mile (the final leg of delivering connectivity from a communications provider to a customer) wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL
• based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, which is also called WirelessMAN which is a Wireless network set up as a Metropolitan Area Network
• can provide broadband wireless access for up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed stations, and 3 - 10 miles (5 - 15 km) for mobile stations

Details

• currently Pakistan has the largest WiMax operation in the world
• How it works: must have 2 components
• A WiMax tower, similar in concept to a cell-phone tower - A single WiMAX tower can provide coverage to a very large area -- as big as 3,000 square miles (~8,000 square km).
• A WiMax receiver - The receiver and antenna could be a small box or PCMCIA card, or they could be built into a laptop the way WiFi access is today.
• Forms of Wireless Service
• non line-of-sight--lower frequency range, ability of waves to diffract is increased
  
• line-of-sight--antenna points straight at the WiMAX tower from a rooftop or pole, higher frequencies
  
• Uses
• Connecting Wi-Fi hotspots with other parts of the Internet.
• Providing a wireless alternative to cable and DSL
• Providing data and telecommunications services.
• Providing portable connectivity.

Resources

• http://www.reference.com/search?q=WiMAX
• http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Last_mile
• http://www.wimax.com/education/wimax/wimax_overview
• http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wimax1.htm