Mobile devices equipped with WiMax
cards could hit the streets earlier than initially anticipated, research
published today is predicting — but the product may be more limited than
advocates would like.
At least that’s what ABI Research analysts are saying.
As the optional specifications built into the 802.16 standard continue to beef up the sensitivity of receiving equipment, WiMax PC cards and built-in receivers are becoming practical for many devices.
However, this first generation may not be as satisfactory as a fully
mobile WiMax solution, but it still could be an advantage over current systems, according to ABI Research senior analyst Philip Solis.
“There may be WiMax PC cards on the market earlier than many observers
have expected,” Solis said in a statement. “These will result from superior
chipsets permitting the use of WiMax in laptops and similar devices in homes
and offices within the reach of fixed WiMax transmissions. You will not have
full mobility as you will with 802.16e, but you will have some portability.”
He also said at least two smaller companies, TeleCIS and Sequans, have
been designing their chipsets to implement under-utilized options in the
standard.
Laptops, PDAs and other portable devices are considered to be optimal
equipment for the first-generation WiMax cards.
“Generally, these optional specifications have not been implemented by the
largest vendors of WiMax equipment,” Solis said.
What intrigues industry insiders is the potential that WiMax brings to a range of wireless options.
The technology supports high bit rates in uploading and
downloading from a base station up to a distance of 30 miles. It is hoped by
many researchers that WiMax will yield, among other innovations,
high-speed Internet access, VoIP
commercial spaces and schools at a far cheaper cost.
Some wireless carriers and chipmakers have rushed to set WiMax technical
standards, testing equipment and checking interoperability with other
network components in hopes of laying the groundwork for new devices and
services.
As reported by internetnews.com in May, Sprint and
Intel teamed
on products and services based on the emerging 802.16e mobile WiMax wireless broadband
specification.
