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Mobile WiMAX Technology

Mobile WiMAX is poised to deliver the next great leap in wireless network evolution.

Mobile WiMAX¹ is the next revolution in wireless technology that will enable pervasive, high-speed connectivity to meet the ever-increasing demand for broadband Internet on the go. Delivering the next leap in the mobile network evolution with fourth generation (4G) wireless, WiMAX will drive a wide array of devices well beyond what's available today, including notebooks, phones, consumer electronic devices, Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) and more.

The WiMAX future

The only network optimized specifically for mobile broadband Internet, WiMAX is based on a set of global standards covering fixed, portable, and mobile deployments on an open network that will help drive and leverage the openness of the Internet, as opposed to prior generation's, closed systems, such as 3G networks.

The low-cost, all-IP network architecture and backwards compatibility with existing 2G and 3G cellular network deployments makes WiMAX easier and more cost-effective to deploy and operate than current mobile wireless data solutions. As a result, it has already garnered broad support from leading operators—both wired line and wireless—and device manufacturers around the world.

Related information

WiMAX Forum*

Check out the WiMAX Forum* web site: Intel is a founding member and provides executive leadership.

WiMAX gets global nod

WiMAX provides two to three times the performance of 3G solutions today, with the ability to scale to ten times the performance in the future.² As a driving force in collaboration with industry leaders, Intel is working towards further expansion and support of WiMAX through technology advancements such as Intel® WiMAX/WiFi Link 5050 Series, an integrated module solution for notebooks with advanced MIMO antenna technology. Notebooks with Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology will have Intel® WiMAX/WiFi Link 5050 Series as an available option in the latter half of 2008.

Expanding connectivity around the globe

With the ability to carry more data traffic than current wireless networks, WiMAX is intended to meet increasing demands for mobile data. WiMAX will also be the first to combine the following standards-based technologies:

  • Efficient support for many simultaneous users with Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)
  • Increased throughput and range with Multiple Input/Multiple Output (MIMO) smart antenna technology using multiple antennas to carry more data traffic than current networks

Based on the IEEE 802.16e standard, mobile WiMAX is designed to deliver superior data rates and scalability, lower costs, and reduced network complexity. As the first new technology to be added to the International Mobile Telecommuncations-2000 (IMT-2000 also known as 3G) set of standards in nearly a decade, WiMAX is about to revolutionize and mobilize the way we connect around the globe. Learn more about mobile WiMAX by reading these white papers.

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Podcasts: explore your WiMAX

The future of mobility & WiMAX
Intel Senior Fellow, Kevin Kahn, provides insight into WiMAX and the exciting future of mobile and wireless computing. (10:01)

¹ WiMAX connectivity requires a WiMAX-enabled device and subscription to a WiMAX broadband service. WiMAX connectivity may require you to purchase additional software or hardware at extra cost. Availability of WiMAX is limited; check with your service provider for details on availability and network limitations. Broadband performance and results may vary due to environmental factors and other variables. See www.intel.com/go/getwimax/ for more information.

² Up to 5x better performance (compared to 802.11a/g) with Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology enabled notebooks. Faster Wireless N performance requires Intel Centrino 2 processor technology-based notebooks with optional Intel® WiFi Link 5300, and a 450 MBPS wireless router. Actual results may vary based on your specific hardware, connection rate, site conditions, and software configurations. See www.intel.com/performance/mobile/wireless/index.htm for more information. Wireless N standard is not available in all countries. Check with local PC and access point manufacturers for details and availability.