An article found on computerworld.com entitled, “WiMax in 2010: Too little, too late?” written by Steven J. Vaughan-Nochols discusses the ever so talked about expanding idea of WiMax wireless Internet service provider. WiMax has been in the making for a few years now and efforts are continuing to get it off the ground. WiMax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, it is discussed that cities across the nation will be able to get rid of their current modems and internet hook ups to further be connected to WiMax, which when completed will be able to deliver an internet signal through out an entire city. This high-powered router would be placed high up on a surface allowing it to be able to deliver a signal of almost 31-squared miles. This differs greatly to the current Wi-Fi technologies that can only distribute signal to a few hundred square feet per an access point.
The continually asked question is, what is the main different between WiMax and Wi-Fi technologies and what does this mean for Wi-Fi in the future? Arthur Giftakis who is the vice president of engineering at Towerstream Corp. is quoted for saying, "High-speed mobile services that consumers and business users alike are demanding more and more, [such as the ability to watch sports highlights on a laptop on the train or download apps on a handheld device] WiMax will enable you to do those things faster than previous technologies." This provides for faster and more accessible Internet in spots that before were inaccessible. WiMax refutes the thought of ever being in a hot spot for Wi-Fi as for the most part internet access is available all over the coverage area. This is beneficial towards areas where Wi-Fi internet is often considered slow in places such as San Francisco, Chicago, St. Louis, and Springfield, Ill. WiMax service though will not be considered the same and as fast in all areas, reliance on how high a router is placed will directly correlate to how fast wireless internet will be. So when asked what will happen to Wi-Fi? This does not mean the end for Wi-Fi, certain areas may be considered more suitable for Wi-Fi opposed to WiMax. Edgar Figueroa, Wi-Fi executive director, sees WiMax and Wi-Fi working “hand in glove” rather than the newer technology replacing the older. This is foreseen through the incorporation of Cradlepoint whose Clear Spot router can create a local Wi-Fi network from a WiMax signal, through these costumers can avoid Wi-Fi hotspot fees.
Although the WiMax idea appears presentable and tempting for many to get involved with, I’m not so sure that I’m completely buying it. Yes its true that WiMax appears favorable towards the consumers; certain companies will undermine the idea. Local coffee shops and Wi-Fi hot spots such as Starbucks and McDonald’s will hurt with the integration of WiMax. I also see a cost issue, as of now they’re saying that WiMax will be cheaper than Wi-Fi, not just from a service standpoint but with the idea that WiMax can be plugged in through a simple USB connection opposed to Wi-Fi which requires a router or in wall plug in. I think that in time with the expansion of WiMax, there will be more and more demand which will further lead to other costs being thrown into the mix. I also see WiMax as an internet hackers dream, with signals being surfaced for miles, the accessibility into that main steam to be easier and easier for hackers to get involved with, this in my eyes will further lead to false advertisements being incorporated into the internet signal.
I also hold into question to why WiMax has taken so long to launch? This article also presents the issue that WiMax is not alone in this idea of a well-expanded Internet provider. Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a 4G wireless data transfer technology that promises similar ranges and performance, yet as explained in the article, LTE is driven by a loose collection of telecommunications companies that support the existing Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) standard. With the continued talk of WiMax escalating, LTE is not far behind in its research to this extended Internet service proposal. Some people do see LTE and WiMax as “two technologies running a separate race.” I’m being pessimistic towards the idea of WiMax, as I don’t see it being as successful as people seem to be speculating. I see the understanding idea that weak Wi-Fi areas will benefit from WiMax, I don’t see Wi-Fi being taken over by WiMax, feel free to argue as this is only my opinion.
WiMax seems to be a very interesting concept, but is it really worth the potential cost? I realize that it would be a very convenient thing for somebody to be able to access the internet from literally any point in a city, but with modern technology (smart phones, internet cards, etc.) we can pretty much access it already. Judging by the sounds of the plan, and the fact that it is taking so long to get off the ground it appears that WiMax is a technology that is slightly out of our reach at this point in time. It is probably inevitable that this type of technology will exist in the near future but i feel as though it will cost too much money to implement. I also agree with Harry in the point that it appears as though it will be easy for hackers to ruin the internet service that entire cities rely on.
ReplyDeleteI loved this article; it posed many great arguments and offered much insight to new and possibly better technology coming out. Although WiMax seems to be the future of wireless internet I see so many problems with it just as Harry did. Hackers being one of the biggest, along with the cost issue I really don’t see how WiMax can take off as a wireless internet option. Maybe this is just a pessimistic view of how new technology will work but I can't see how wireless internet can be effective for over thirty miles, I mean I lose internet access in my own building everyday and routers are literally down the hall from me. Maybe WiMax will be the new and improved wireless internet provider, and maybe it will actually put all of our doubts to rest one day, but we will have to wait and see because as of right now I still feel internet as we know it can be very fickle when it comes to reliability.
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