WiMAX (IEEE 802.16) Overview

Study Notes

Bluetooth operates under the IEEE 802.15.1 standard, designed for short-range communication and low power consumption.
Functions as a cable replacement technology, enabling connections among devices like laptops, peripherals, and smartphones.
Utilizes the 2.4 GHz unlicensed radio band, employing time-division multiplexing (TDM) with time slots of 625 microseconds.
Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) is used to minimize interference, rotating through 79 channels in a defined pseudo-random sequence.
Offers data rates up to 4 Mbps for quick data transfer.
Facilitates ad hoc networking with no need for infrastructure, allowing devices to self-organize into piconets with up to eight devices.
Operates within a personal area network (PAN) radius of less than 10 meters, suitable for devices like mice, keyboards, and headphones.
Communication within piconets involves a master device coordinating and granting send permissions to slave devices.

WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access and is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard.
Intended to provide wireless broadband services with a range up to 31 miles and transmission speeds exceeding 100 Mbps.
Acts as a wireless alternative to traditional broadband services such as cable, DSL, and T1/E1 connections.
Functions similarly to Wi-Fi but delivers higher speeds over greater distances to serve more users, addressing gaps in broadband availability in rural and suburban areas.
A WiMAX system consists of two main components: a tower that can cover areas up to 3,000 square miles (~8,000 square km) and a receiver, which could be a portable device or integrated into laptops.
The WiMAX tower connects to the Internet via a high-bandwidth wired connection, resembling cellular technology in infrastructure.
Implements a secure, dedicated wireless connection using low-frequency microwaves for data transmission.