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WiMax Delayed for more Testing

sebFlyte writes "The much talked about potential wireless broadband technology, WiMax, has been hit by more delays that may reduce its chances of commercial success and hence widespread application... so those of you wanted to play Halo 2 multiplayer while driving down the freeway may be in for a bit of a wait." A spokesman for Aperto blames the delays on being "optimistically aggressive" on shipping dates.

86 comments

  1. wimax multiplayer gaming by rishistar · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'd much rather be playing Grand Theft Auto 6 while driving down the freeeway.

    --
    Professor Karmadillo Songs of Science
    1. Re:wimax multiplayer gaming by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Looks like your dreams are on shedual then, by the time the make a GTA 4 and GTA 5 It'll proberly be 2015 allready. :p

    2. Re:wimax multiplayer gaming by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      GTA4 = Vice City
      GTA5 = San Andreas

      Both already out.

    3. Re:wimax multiplayer gaming by Em+Ellel · · Score: 1

      I'd much rather be playing Grand Theft Auto 6 while driving down the freeeway.

      I'd much rather you didnt.....

      --
      RelevantElephants: A Somatic WebComic...
    4. Re:wimax multiplayer gaming by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So why don't you? I've been playing for years and have never needed more than an automobile.

  2. This isn't a great surprise... by ZiZ · · Score: 3, Insightful
    The same thing happened with the initial appearance of 802.11b, and then again with 802.11g, and yet they caught on.

    So long as nobody is stupid enough to decide that because they have a WiMax-enabled chipset, they can discard all 802.11(b|g) support...WiMax (or something very similar) will show up when it's good and ready, catch on, and be the Next Big Thing. For a while.

    --
    This flies in the face of science.
    1. Re:This isn't a great surprise... by Not_Wiggins · · Score: 1

      WiMax (or something very similar) will show up when it's good and ready, catch on, and be the Next Big Thing.

      I doubt it'll be WiMax...and that has nothing to do with the technology so much as its nearest competitor: cellular data.

      Seems like we're not too far away from ubiquitous 3G implementations for data transfer... and companies like DoCoMo pushing 4G Research and Development are just around the corner from implementing multi-megabit data transfer. Other techs aren't likely to get the same penetration as cellular networks have already achieved, hence, they'll start off as also-rans.

      I'm looking forward to cell data networks for Internet access... leave the 802.11x for home/LANs.

      --
      Diplomacy is the art of saying, "Nice doggie!" until you can find a rock.
    2. Re:This isn't a great surprise... by Angostura · · Score: 1

      Cellular data isn't really a competitor for WiMax. WiMax is great for static links, not mobile, cellular is a daft way of provisioning static links. It's a nice way of building backhaul or metro meshes.

      I see no signs that the cellular operators are going be offering 3G data tariffs that are anything other than usage based, or heavily capped.

    3. Re:This isn't a great surprise... by Not_Wiggins · · Score: 1

      WiMax is great for static links, not mobile, cellular is a daft way of provisioning static links.

      Just because it would be cellular based, doesn't necessarily mean it would have to be mobile. Why not bring up a site on a 3G/4G connection, and just leave it sitting... much like people do today with other broadband connections?

      I agree that the problem of handling routing would be attrocious in a mobile environment (imagine hosting a webserver from the back of your van... and driving through a metropolitan area, handing over every few blocks... that would make for some fun retries/routing!).

      But, much in the same way WiMax would be good for static links, one could use 3G/4G.

      Still, you make an excellent point: how much will they charge for or cap that usage. 8/

      --
      Diplomacy is the art of saying, "Nice doggie!" until you can find a rock.
    4. Re:This isn't a great surprise... by mspohr · · Score: 2, Insightful

      The cellular companies COULD provide this with 3G but their pricing structure is aimed for premium users. For instance, Cingular currently offers 135K bps GPRS coverage for $79.00 a month... not cheap. They've announced 3G services for "next year" with higher data rates. However, I don't think they will be lowering their prices to the point where the services would be attractive to anyone not on an expense account.

      --
      I don't read your sig. Why are you reading mine?
  3. Pre-WiMax by PopeAlien · · Score: 2

    "2005 was thought to be the year of the WiMax launch. Unfortunately, it will now mostly be the year of pre-WiMax," said Vincent Poulbere, a senior consultant at Ovum.

    So its official! 2005 is the year of the pre-WiMax. What a great way to say vaporware!

  4. Erm. by FireballX301 · · Score: 0

    ...so those of you wanted to play Halo 2 multiplayer while driving down the freeway may be in for a bit of a wait.

    I will personally decapitate anyone I see on the freeway playing Halo 2 while driving. Cell phones are bad enough.

    1. Re:Erm. by nuclear305 · · Score: 4, Funny

      "I will personally decapitate anyone I see on the freeway playing Halo 2 while driving. Cell phones are bad enough."

      Hopefully you'll be conducting such activities from the passenger seat...otherwise I'm sure you see the irony here.

    2. Re:Erm. by moontumbohotmail.com · · Score: 1

      Of course if he's driving it might be easier to decapitate somebody....

    3. Re:Erm. by hobbesx · · Score: 1
      I will personally decapitate anyone I see on the freeway playing Halo 2 while driving. Cell phones are bad enough.

      Wait. You can decapitate people in Halo 2? How would you even know if they're in the same game?

      --
      This rating is Unfair ( ) ( ) Fair (*) Funny
      Sigh... If only. Modding would be so much more fun.
    4. Re:Erm. by TechnologyX · · Score: 1

      I think actually that would be considered a splatter :P

      *Corner of Windshield*
      WiMaxSUcks007 splattered LilPrincess2007

      --
      Slashdot sucks
  5. Crap... by game+kid · · Score: 1

    I thought the new WinMX was delayed. Ah, forget it...

    --
    You can hold down the "B" button for continuous firing.
    1. Re:Crap... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It'll come out sometime after Longhorn and before Duke Nukem Forever...

  6. Halo While Driving? by dhj · · Score: 4, Funny

    That would SUCK.

    Unless of course you had a HUD screen that turns all the traffic around you into Covenant vehicles and incorporates them into the game!

    THAT would ROCK!

    The only tricky part would be implementing checkpoints that let you go back a few minutes rather than die a bloody death.

    --David

    1. Re:Halo While Driving? by Cracell · · Score: 1

      hmm you develop it, I'll buy it Anyways WiMax is gonna rock unless it gets overly regulated which it will oh well, hopefully my dsl provider will give it to me free or for like another 5 bucks a month or so

      --
      Signatures are so 90s
  7. Watch out... by PMJ2kx · · Score: 1

    ...I think those blue and red lights are actually BEHIND you...

  8. Dang! Better get used to it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    Must ... Escape ... From ... This ... Universe ...

  9. Crappy marketroid naming by cortana · · Score: 3, Funny

    They have really fought themselves into a corner with this one. WiMax is, by definition, the maximum amount of Wi that there can be.

    So what will they call the next standard?

    1. Re:Crappy marketroid naming by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      WiApex? WiSupreme? or my personal favorite, SuperWi

    2. Re:Crappy marketroid naming by interiot · · Score: 1

      Marketroids also brought us Maxima and Altima, and this didn't cause any brains to implode or robots to blow up. And these names didn't cause Nissan any hesitation in deciding to release the 2007 GT-R which will be superior in most respects.

    3. Re:Crappy marketroid naming by Antonymous+Flower · · Score: 1

      little W(h)i(te)LiMax? Thanks for the pass!

    4. Re:Crappy marketroid naming by russint · · Score: 1

      WiMax 2?

      --
      ^^
    5. Re:Crappy marketroid naming by hobbesx · · Score: 1

      Take a cue from Nintendo: WiSuperMax, WiUltraMax, and then WiCubeMax (or maybe WiMax^3 would make more sense?)

      --
      This rating is Unfair ( ) ( ) Fair (*) Funny
      Sigh... If only. Modding would be so much more fun.
    6. Re:Crappy marketroid naming by dourk · · Score: 2, Funny

      If they can break Warp 10, they can beat WiMax.

      --
      Wake up.
    7. Re:Crappy marketroid naming by burns210 · · Score: 1

      "WiMax+ Extreme Edition", duh.

    8. Re:Crappy marketroid naming by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      People are going to eventually run into the same problem when higher resolution standards are ready to replace the current HD stuff.

    9. Re:Crappy marketroid naming by starman97 · · Score: 1

      Turbo-WiMax of course

      --
      Starman97@Gmail.com (bring it on spammers)
    10. Re:Crappy marketroid naming by The+One+and+Only · · Score: 1

      WiMax. They'll just redefine WiMax to something else in order to stay consistent.

      --
      In Repressive Burma, it's not just your connection that dies. slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=314547&cid=20819199
    11. Re:Crappy marketroid naming by Vampyre_Dark · · Score: 1

      WinMax++0x

  10. If that's the case by grahamsz · · Score: 1

    Then i'll start taking my chances in farmers markets

    At least until old people get hooked on halo

    1. Re:If that's the case by roseblood · · Score: 2, Interesting

      For those who don't get the reference

      http://www.waxy.org/archive/2003/07/16/santa_mo. sh tml

      This site explains how 86-year-old George Russell Weller killed ten people with his automobile at a farmers market in Santa Monica CA. At least one of the dead was a 10 month old baby and three year old was also injured. Mr Weller decided that he was capable of operating a motor vehicle in a safe fashion. He started the automobile and went about his business. Apparently Mr Weller was not able to operate his automobile quite as well as he though. He "confused" his break and gas pedals. When his "break" pedal did not stop the car he pressed the pedal harder in an effort to stop the car. It accelerated as it crushed and trapped shoppers and vendors. Mr Weller got off with minimal punishment for causing a great loss for so many in the community.

      --
      There are lies, damned lies, and statistics.
  11. Driving, remember that game? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Interesting

    "... so those of you wanted to play Halo 2 multiplayer while driving down the freeway may be in for a bit of a wait."

    Yeah, you'll have to wait for your sanity to return! When you're driving a car you're already playing quite a challenging game in which you only have one life (not Half life 2) and one life alone and there is no save or restore.

  12. WiMax to be renamed... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    ...to WiMax Forever.

    1. Re:WiMax to be renamed... by doormat · · Score: 1

      You bastard! I choked on an apple I was eating when I read that!

      --
      The Doormat

      If you're not outraged, then you're not paying attention.
  13. What is Wimax ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative


    WiMAX is a standards-based wireless technology that provides high-throughput broadband connections over long distances. WiMAX can be used for a number of applications, including "last mile" broadband connections, hotspot and cellular backhaul, and high-speed enterprise connectivity for businesses.

    An implementation of the IEEE 802.16 standard, WiMAX provides metropolitan area network connectivity at speeds of up to 75 Mb/sec. WiMAX systems can be used to transmit signal as far as 30 miles. However, on the average a WiMAX base-station installation will likely cover between three to five miles.

    1. Re:What is Wimax ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Thanks, Intel.com! http://www.intel.com/netcomms/technologies/wimax/

  14. Disappointing by colinramsay · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Anything that delays the deployment of wifi is bad in my books. In the UK we're seeing it proliferate - in transport hubs, trains, cafes. I'd really like to start seeing it used on a city-wide project here.

    1. Re:Disappointing by CyberDave · · Score: 1


      WiFi = IEEE 802.11 family of standards (802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, etc.)

      WiMax = IEEE 802.16 standard

      They're not really the same thing.
      </anal retentive>

  15. Wavesat chips available now by lambkabobwithfeta · · Score: 1

    More of the usual hysteria surrounding WiMAX. Wavesat (.com) claims general availability of their WiMAX chips.

  16. Certification by eggboard · · Score: 2, Informative

    You can't have WiMax without a plan for certification. WiMax, like Wi-Fi, is a sticker that says, "this device has been tested and passed." A recent plugfest to check out interoperability and other characteristics for pre-WiMax gear was canceled, hence part of the delay.

    Basically, the 802.16 standards on which WiMax will be a strong subset are done, and it's about figuring out what needs to be in final shipping silicon. No two WiMax devices may be identical, either. There will be profiles so that different features may be enabled in different devices.

    And don't expect WiMax mobile to be any time soon, unlike the description that leads into this story -- that's 2006 or 2007, more likely. The first WiMax flavor is fixed point-to-multipoint.

    --
    Freelance tech journalist for the Economist, MIT Technology Review, Macworld, and others
  17. What's WiMax for? by mveloso · · Score: 2, Insightful

    If you wanted to start your own VoIP telco, you could:

    * install a big 802.11b mesh network,
    * provision it with a few WiMAX backhauls (two or three),
    * sell 802.11b VoIP phones,
    * profit

    WiMAX is pretty neat, but I'm not sure yet how it differs from other high-bandwidth wireless solutions. It's standard-based and works in the free spectrum, but doesn't 802.16a? Or is 802.16d just the newest version of 802.16a?

    1. Re:What's WiMax for? by Wesley+Felter · · Score: 1

      802.16d morphed into 802.16revD, which is just a new revision.

    2. Re:What's WiMax for? by ArbiterOne · · Score: 1

      Clearly you are incorrect. Logic and basic common sense dictates that one cannot proceed to the step "Profit" without first having the "???" step.

  18. Oh no! by Turmio · · Score: 2, Funny

    I can't bear this! I have to wait before I'll be able to play Halo 2 while shuffling the iPod playlist and watching some great movie on DVD and, of course, having a critical business conversation while driving down the freeway. So unfair!

  19. Go read the docs and you'll see by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0


    if things are far enough along to get excited and maybe buy something.
    http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/802/16/index.html

  20. Marketing by cyberfunk2 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    "optimistically aggressive" -- You've just gotta love the marketing spin people put on: Well.. it doesnt quite work yet right.

    I suppose thats why the engineers arnt allowed to speak to the press. Of course, then nothing would ever be quite done enough for release, so I guess it's a balance, eh ?

    1. Re:Marketing by EmbeddedJanitor · · Score: 1
      "fail to gain marketshare"

      If WiMax fails to gain market share then by implication there is a competing technology. This measn that no WiMax is probably not a big loss for users (we can just use the competing stuff), but ist is a bit of a blow for the people who've put their money into WiMax.

      --
      Engineering is the art of compromise.
  21. Argh by doombob · · Score: 1

    I must say that I am slightly annoyed by this. My company has been developing WiFi based high speed solutions (for rural areas) with equipment that you can add WiMax modules to when they come along. We could have received a much cheaper solution if we had focused mainly on WiFi solutions without worrying about integration. I know all about the long run, but we need to build revenue with what we have now just to get the equipment.

    For more information, check out Connectronics and Strix Systems

  22. Company properly named? by Stormwatch · · Score: 1

    "Aperto", in Portuguese, means "strait" - A position of difficulty, perplexity, distress, or need.

    1. Re:Company properly named? by FlamerPope · · Score: 1

      Actually, it also means a connection between two bodies of water - such as the Strait of Gibraltar, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. That definition makes more sense for a connectivity company.

      --
      "If they send someone here, I'll arrange the usual 'accident.'" -- Alice, "Dilbert"
  23. they dont want another Bluetooth by pablo_max · · Score: 0

    What they are trying to do in avoid what happened with Bluetooth. Interoperability between products has been a huge problem with Bluetooth since its conception. Mainly the test cases designed by the SIG did not really come close to maintaining a high degree of interoperability between different makes and models. It didn't help that the tests that were there were only CAT B tests (self declared) and did not require you to test against another manufacturer's product.
    What was good about 802.11 b/g, was that for the most part it worked. People want to plug it in and have it work. We all know this. There are so many wireless techs out there, that in order for one to really stand out, it MUST actually work.

  24. WiMaxXP by cbreaker · · Score: 1

    Everyone else is doing it.

    --
    - It's not the Macs I hate. It's Digg users. -
  25. No by Have+Blue · · Score: 1

    Burnout 3 while driving.

  26. doppler by Kohath · · Score: 1

    There's probably a significant Doppler issue with using WiMax on the move.

  27. Wireless broadband already available by chandip · · Score: 1

    I have been using wireless broadband from iBurst http://www.iburst.com.au/ for the last few months in Australia. Works great on the train or while driving down the freeway. Only drawback is that the coverage is a bit patchy at the moment.

    --
    the sig
  28. Halo 2 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So we like Microsoft products today?

  29. Faster WiFi? by dourk · · Score: 1

    Before WiMax comes out, will there be any faster WiFi speeds released, other than the channel sharing ones out now?

    --
    Wake up.
    1. Re:Faster WiFi? by Blittzed · · Score: 1

      In one word or less, no. Any speed enhancements you see in Wi-fi will be proprietary ones from manufacturers. "Wi-fi" and "Wi-max" are based on standards developed by the IEEE, so it wouldn't make sense for them to create two standards that do exactly the same thing. The whole point of developing Wi-max is because Wi-Fi just won't scale enough to be used in a broadband environment. Wi-fi was never intended to be used for anything other than local area networks Sure, Wi-fi has been forced into the role through mesh and other ideas, but doing this pretty much stuffs the spectrum up for other Wi-fi users.

      --
      "They looked deep into my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined"
  30. How can it compete with mobile UMTS or EVDO? by rufusdufus · · Score: 1

    Cingular's UMTS network is already live in several cities at 1500k mand mobile; Verizons EVDO network goes live Feb 1 in several cities also ar 1500k and mobile. What does WIMAX bring to the table for consumers thats so great given its not mobile and its pricepoint is still quite high?

  31. hmm, well... by N3wsByt3 · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Anyway, you make a strong case against circumcision. :-)

    But then again, it can take a very long time for reason to supercede superstition and religious dogmas, as we all know.

    Alas, I would say.

    --
    --- "To pee or not to pee, that is the question." ---
  32. Readable version by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
  33. Mobile 802.16 by MEGAMAID · · Score: 1

    You'll be waiting even longer if you want to use WiMax for a connection in a moving car. The WiMax (802.16) standard is for portable broaband access, connections that you can take with you but don't work so well while moving (ref).

    802.16e is looking at adding mobility to WiMax but what you'll really need for access while mobile is 802.20 - (MBWA) - Mobile Broadband Wireless Access. This standard is specifically for broadband access while moving.

    --

    Waking Up - There must be a better way to start the day.
  34. Re:How can it compete with mobile UMTS or EVDO? by MEGAMAID · · Score: 1

    What does WIMAX bring to the table for consumers thats so great given its not mobile and its pricepoint is still quite high?

    WiMax should bring a lower cost to the existing pre-WiMax gear. You're comparing the cost of the pre-WiMax stuff. The reason why the standard is so important is that it allows for multiple manufactures all producing the same equipment, increased competition hopefully = lower prices. It also means that they can invest more money in production equipment and processes knowing that the technology should be around for a while.

    --

    Waking Up - There must be a better way to start the day.
  35. Re:How can it compete with mobile UMTS or EVDO? by Wesley+Felter · · Score: 1

    WiMax has much more capacity than 3G. For example, ISPs will use WiMax to offer T1 replacement service (1.5Mbps symmetric guaranteed bandwidth); can the cellular carriers do that?

  36. WiNinja by Trejkaz · · Score: 1

    Because ninjas flip out beyond the max.

    --
    Karma: It's all a bunch of tree-huggin' hippy crap!
  37. Re:How can it compete with mobile UMTS or EVDO? by MEGAMAID · · Score: 1

    Yes they can, but with that technology it chews through their spectrum and they can only have a limited number of subscribers per base station.

    --

    Waking Up - There must be a better way to start the day.
  38. Thats what they said about 802.11 B/G by raventh1 · · Score: 1

    I say whatever. If they delay it, it will be a better product, and if it is faster, no one will care that it is delayed if it is a better product. Compare broken and confusing dvd(+-)r market when it started out. People didn't want to adopt because there were/are competing standards. If they want success, they'll make everything work together, and not have any compatibility problems, and keep it to ONE standard. If it takes delays then it takes delays, but there is a current technology standin until they do it, so don't fucking rush it.

  39. Re:How can it compete with mobile UMTS or EVDO? by Magnus · · Score: 0

    WIMAX is no different in the BW sense than 3G with HSDPA. It is a shared bandwidth.
    But since HSDPA will have 3.6 Mbps from Q4-05/Q1-06 in real life and 14 Mbps soon to follow it is hard to see an excellent bussiness case for WIMAX.

    One technology is flaky PC tech stuff, the other sturdy telecom grade.

  40. Re:How can it compete with mobile UMTS or EVDO? by MEGAMAID · · Score: 1

    One technology is flaky PC tech stuff, the other sturdy telecom grade.

    Of course it is at the moment, because it's in development and the standard hasn't even been finished yet. The pre-WiMax stuff has been flaky to a degree(flaky PC tech stuff - whatever you're refering to there) but that is to be expected and I don't doubt that this will improve.

    --

    Waking Up - There must be a better way to start the day.
  41. Re:How can it compete with mobile UMTS or EVDO? by Magnus · · Score: 0

    With "Flaky PC tech stuff" I mean that there is a vast difference in how well it will work.
    As an example I take the absurd difficulties in making a video connection from PC to PC.
    The amount of drivers, programs (incompatible) etc you have to get right is absurd.

    With 3G I make a video call from Singapore to my sister in Sweden without any hassle.
    You buy a phone and it will just work.

    Compared again to my strugles to maintain a WIFI connection in my apartment (not working very well at all). Signal strength, driver quality etc makes it impossible to guarantee connection. All of a sudden the connection is down and a restart is required to get it working again.

    That is PC quality as compared to telecom quality.
    The same will be the case with WIMAX.

    So I would definitely prefer HSDPA over WIMAX any day, because it will work.

  42. Re:How can it compete with mobile UMTS or EVDO? by MEGAMAID · · Score: 1

    I'm trying to work out whether you are fucking stupid, or just a troll?

    First off, a video to video connection is a stupid comparison. It has little to do with the type of internet connection you have. What the fuck has WiMax got to do with your inability to setup video conferencing? And you do realise how little bandwidth you need to send a 64x64 video signal at 3fps on your 3G mobile, it's nothing like the speeds that should be available with WiMax.

    WiFi is nothing like WiMax except that they are both forms of wireless communication, as you can't even get a WiFi router to work in an appartment i'm gessing that you're going to have difficulty understanding that WiMax is typically for basestation to subscriber internet access. Think similar to a mobile phone connection in the case of 802.16e.

    WiMax setups will be run by telecommunications companies, at least in the case of licensed spectrum. How shared RF ranges will work remains to be seen.

    --

    Waking Up - There must be a better way to start the day.
  43. WiMAX Forum denies delay rumors! by af_robot · · Score: 1

    Media reports indicate that certification for WiMAX products may be delayed for six months, but a spokesperson for the WiMAX Forum said the reports are inaccurate.
    Another prime mover of the technology, Intel Corp., also said it was not aware of any such postponements.

    Some media outlets had reported there would be a delay in WiMAX rollouts due to a lack of readiness of the customer premise equipment, as well as the lab and team to do the certification testing.

    WiMAX Forum spokeswoman Kendra Petrone described the report as inaccurate.
    Source: RCR Wireless News