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What is WiMAX?

Our network makes use of secure wireless protocols such as WiMAX 802.16d and also proprietary technologies to guarantee the  security and integrity of its transmissions.

Defined under the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16 standard, WiMAX is a term that refers to Wireless Metropolitan area networks; where wireless Internet connectivity is provided to local area networks, from several blocks of buildings to entire cities.

WiMAX, or "Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access", is recognised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as an open worldwide standard. The WiMAX Forum has determined that only equipment built to operate in specified common bands will be WiMAX certified.

Because WiMAX uses connections based on specific scheduling algorithms that link Base Stations directly to user devices, Quality of Service (QoS) parameters can be guaranteed for each application that requires priority access such as VoIP services.

WiMAX standard

The WiMAX standard has developed into two main standards:

StandradDescription and application

802.16-2004
(known as 802.16d)

  • provides for fixed WiMAX services
  • has been widely deployed in Europe, Asia and Africa
  • is now considered a mature and reliable technology
  • has been deployed for both consumer and business level services
802.16-2005
(known as 802.16e)
  • provides further throughput enhancements while adding the capabilities to support full mobility
  • is known as the 4th Generation (4G) mobile broadband technology
  • is just beginning to be deployed in a number of locations around the world (eg a large deployment by Clearwire in the United States, Yota in Russia, Packet One in Malaysia and UQ Communications in Japan)

Both 802.16d and 802.16e WiMAX provide full support for Quality of Service meaning that real-time traffic such as Voice and Video can be transported across WiMAX links ahead of ‘other’ traffic, providing a mechanism to guarantee the quality of voice and video services delivered over the wireless link.

With more than 455 networks in over 135 countries, WiMAX is today’s catalyst for wireless delivery of Internet, anywhere, at true broadband speeds.

WiMAX's speed, low cost, and mobility are important but so is the support this standard receives around the globe.

WiMAX Forum 

Established in 1991 and with over 500 members, the WiMAX Forum® is an industry-led, not-for-profit organisation formed to certify and promote the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products. Some members include: BT, CISCO, Dell, Ericsson, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Nokia, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony.