WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. WiMAX Networks work in a very similar way to WiFi. However, there are often confusions between the two different networks. After all, they both relate to wireless connectivity. The difference between the two is that WiMAX is a long range system.
This system can also work at much greater speeds. The distance they operate over is also much greater. A bigger number of users are able to be connected to the network. This particular type of network makes it possible for people in rural areas to have internet facilities now. Most telephone and cable companies do not operate in remote areas. For these people, the answer is finally here and access to the internet is finally within their reach.
There are 2 parts to a system like this. There is a tower which provides the coverage, the receiver and antenna. The receiver is most commonly a PCMCIA card. Many laptops do however come with built in wireless modems today.
Most tower stations connect via a high bandwidth connection. Line of sight is essential for such a network to operate. They are also able to connect to other towers enabling a wider area of coverage, particularly to very remote areas where internet access is not available through other channels.
Where a non line of sight service is used, a small antenna is attached to your computer. This then in turn connects to the tower. A lower frequency is used. Line of sight is where a permanent fixture by way of a dish is installed. The dish points straight to the tower. » Read more: Understanding WiMAX Networks And How They Work
