WiMax = Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access.

This wireless broadband solution uses the radio frequency 802.16 in any frequency range below 66 GHz. The latest standards of 802.16 have been revised to add 2 -11 GHz to the spectrum which wasn't originally implemented when the standard was first introduced.

What is WiMax good for?

WiMax will allow longer range wireless connections for both telecommunications companies and end users alike. Due to some key differences in how WiMax handles connections and traffic compared to the more common and shorter range WiFi, WiMax will allow stable high throughput traffic without the need of a physical line through rural and hard to reach locations. With WiMax the possibility opens up for a small community without a high quality physical telecommunications network in place, to gain affordable access to broadband Internet.

When will WiMax get here?

Well it already is. WiMax is here and it's here to stay. Major companies are pushing to get this service to the customers as this guide is being written. In fact Intel used WiMax to assist FEMA with telecommunications during the Hurricane Katrina Disaster. Due to the heavy damage, the local telecommunications networks were unable to function effectively, so Intel helped setup a closed WiMax network for FEMA to use to facilitate disaster relief and recovery. This is just one example of it's use. Some ISP's provide WiMax services for mobile users already in the form of "Mobile Broadband" devices which allow laptops to connect wirelessly, with high speeds, anywhere in the networks coverage area.

Will I need WiMax?

Probably not right now, but you might some day. The average consumer probably doesn't need WiMax on their side, but the companies they use will. WiMax appears to be targeted toward both ends of the market. High end business will want WiMax for private networks between facilities. Power users will want WiMax for that "always on, always high speed" Internet connections for their mobile computing devices. New users in rural areas with no access to Internet at all, let alone broadband Internet, will begin to see these services introduced.