WiMAX

Example: "The city provides wireless public Internet access using a WiMAX signal."

WiMAX, also known as "IEEE 802.16," is a broadband wireless access (BWA) standard similar to Wi-Fi. However, unlike Wi-Fi, which only has a range of several hundred feet, a WiMAX signal can be broadcast up to 30 miles. Therefore, WiMAX can be used to provide Internet access to large areas, such as corporate buildings or entire cities, with a single wireless station. While WiMAX isn't expected to replace Wi-Fi in small settings, it will provide a new, more efficient way of covering large regions.

First Published: 2009
Last Updated: August 17, 2009