Page IV: A key electronics industry group has approved a significant standard for wireless broadband specifications known as "WiMax," giving a boost to a technology proclaimed as a breakthrough for cheap high-speed Internet access.
Supporters of the 802.20 envision megabit-per-second data transfers with ranges of several miles. Initial enthusiasm was behind 802.20, which was designed as a standard for mobile devices, but the shift of industry support to WiMax's 802.16 specifications have put the brakes on 802.20. In fact, some of its major proponents have joined the WiMax Forum, including Navini Networks.
Chipmaker Intel's support for WiMax gave WiMax a significant boost over 802.20. Many observers recall that Intel's support for Wi-Fi propelled the growth of that technology, and they expect similar results for WiMax.
Intel gave the 5-year-old technology a boost when it became a member of the WiMax Forum in 2003, joining Alvarion, Airspan Networks, Nokia, Proxim, Redline and Aperto Networks, among others.
"We envision (wireless) broadband connectivity everywhere, all the time," said Ron Resnick, president of the WiMax Forum and a director of marketing at Intel. Intel is expected to have WiMax-ready chips available by the end of the year. "Through broadband, we feel we can sell more (central processing units)."
Resnick said timing played a major role in Intel's decision to back 802.16 standards, as did direction. WiMax-compliant gear is expected by early next year, but 802.20-based products aren't expected until 2006. Resnick added that 802.20 was more focused on being a cellular competitor, while Intel was looking for more of a data technology.
While 802.20 was designed for mobile devices, WiMax will include mobile features when 802.16e is completed, which is expected by early 2006. WiMax products will initially be for fixed broadband wireless services such as delivering broadband to the home, but WiMax's mobile specification, 802.16e, will allow portable WiMax devices to send and receive data over broadband wireless networks.
Still, it will probably be several years before WiMax will challenge wired services. Broadband wireless services aren't likely to enter the mainstream until 2007, according to a report from two telecommunications consulting firms, BWCS and Senza Fili Consulting.
"This will not be an overnight transformation, and it will be tough (for WiMax) to establish itself," said Michael Cai, an analyst at research firm Parks Associates.
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