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WiMax Technology Could Blanket the US?
obiwan2u writes "According to an article on WiMaxTrends, the metropolitan area wireless networking technology (MLAN) called WiMax could reach 90% of the mainland US population if about $3 billion was spent on infrastructure. The 802.16 standard specifies a max range of about 30 miles and a max speed of about 70 Mbits/sec, but typical ranges and speeds will typically be smaller. 802.16/WiMax specifies various licensed (3.5Ghz) and unlicensed (5Ghz) frequency ranges but the unlicensed ranges have Wi-Fi like transmitting power restrictions. More background on this technology can be seen at: WiMax starting to make its move and 802.16: Medium distance wireless networking that could change the world?"
I believe the 70Mbps is half-duplex, so we are only really talking 35Mbps. Further, if you calculate the square mile coverage for a signal that has a 30 mile radius you will see that 35Mbps shared is really going to suck.
This would still leave 30 million without access.
It's not like they're able to cover 90% of the country.
It would be presumptuous to conclude that Americans have no right to know what is being done in their name
Haven't we seen enough already of 802.xx hoopla? Isn't it about time someone sits down and make just one good, usable, and extensible standard?
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If this technology becomes affordable enough, it's gonna be the death of mobile phone telcos. Everybody and their mother (with a little capital) would be able to deliver cell phone services in a metropolitan area. The cell phone line could become the new broadband modem at the fraqction of the cost of any type of landline technology. The possibilities are endless.
This, in spite of the clear pecuniary advantages, would never take off in the UK. The reason? Joe Bloggs - the degree of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) syndrome in this country is phenomenal - people object to mobile phone masts 2 miles away, because they're putting out evil rays which make you die - they put wireless companies under more and more pressure until they're forced by court writ to remove the mast, and, guess what, people complain that their phones don't work any more. Fucking idiots.
Also, what's the betting that this chucks out a *lot* more hairy-scary radiation than a mobile phone (cellphone) mast?
I didn't read up all the 802.16?.? stuff, working groups etc., but why are they considering a high data rate standard with just 70 Mbps max?
I mean, we built a 216 Mbps (480 Mbps raw data rate) MIMO-OFDM SoC (+/-802.11a compliant) at the university. 216 Mbps is nothing special for next generation, > x Gbps have been achieved. But our System on a Chip (SoC) seemed to be a low cost solution.
Did anyone read all the workin group notes? Are multiple antennas only considered at the basestation?
Guess the cell phone operators who spent all the billions just 3 years ago must be about to enter headless chicken mode.
They spent more than just for the *LICENSE* than what is required for deployment. Check this out for yourself http://www.cellular-news.com/3G/
Licenses are typically upwards of $4 billion dollars.
Carriers have to spend EXTRA for the deployment.
Ok, I know some of you will say that 3G is not exactly the same as Wi-Max (especially with regards to handing-overs). But a wi0fi voip will work just enough for me to use especially if the calls are unlimited and free.
Heads should start rolling just about now...
Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity