When we talk about Internet connection to the whole world, WiFi, fiber optic or even ADSL comes to mind, however, there is another method of Internet connection that is still quite unknown to many people and is known as WiMAX Next, we are going to show what WiMAX is, how it works, main advantages of this technology and what coverage we can find in our country.
What is WiMAX?
They are the acronym for WorldWide Interoperability for Microwave Access, or what comes to be the same as World Interoperability for microwave access. For everyone to understand, it is an Internet connection method that allows wireless connections through a technology that can resemble WiFi, but that unlike uses microwaves based on IEEE 802.16x communication standards. Specifically, radio waves at frequencies from 2.5 to 5.8 GHZ.
The concept can remind us of WiFi, since it is a wireless connection, although in this case microwaves are used, but the truth is that its service can become an alternative to current cable connections, so it becomes in a great alternative especially in rural areas where the cable may not arrive.
The maximum speed that WiMAX offers us is 1Gb / s for fixed locations and up to 365 Mbit / s for mobile clients. Of course, it is important to know that this wireless technology has certain limitations in terms of scope. In this case, it allows wireless Internet up to 70-80km maximum from the repeater. A distance, which on the other hand far exceeds the range of WiFi.
There are two main types of this technology:
- Fixed WiMAX (802.16d-2004) : point to multi-point technology, while mobile is a multi-point multi-point technology, which resembles that of a cellular infrastructure.
- Mobile WiMAX (802.16e-2005), is based on OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access) technology that offers inherent advantages in terms of latency, efficiency in the use of the radio frequency spectrum and advanced antenna support, which ultimately translates into superior performance than current broad-area wireless network technologies.
How does it work
This technology needs a series of elements for its correct operation:
- Repeater
- Intermediate connection points (optional)
- Antenna
- Wiring to our router or device
In this sense, the repeater acts as the famous turrets to provide mobile phone coverage. They are usually located in places at high altitude to avoid objects that can be interposed with the objective where you want to get the waves to allow connection to the Internet. Therefore, it is responsible for emitting microwave signals.
If it is necessary to circumvent any element that may impede the maximum range of the waves emitted from the repeater, then it may be necessary to install intermediate connection points to facilitate the microwave to reach the target.
On the facade of our house we will have to install a small antenna that will be oriented towards the repeater or intermediate connection point of the company that will provide the service. The antenna will be installed by the company itself, as well as the necessary wiring until it reaches the router or directly to our computer. Once the entire installation is done, it is important to know that we can create our own WiFi at home to connect from other devices.
Main advantages of this technology
Among the main advantages offered by this technology, it should be noted:
- Speed and simplicity of installation
- Ease of operation and mobility: we can connect from any place where coverage arrives without major problem.
- Great scalability: allows simultaneous use of multiple users simultaneously.
- No need to have fixed at home or installation
- It does not usually have installation costs
- Good security: it usually has great security measures, information encryption, etc.
- VoIP: WiMAX provides several added services such as the use of VoIP calls.
- Internet connection in places where other technologies may not arrive.
Operators and prices
It is difficult to list each and every one of the operators that offer this type of connection in our country, but it is estimated that they could be around a thousand. One of the largest presences in the entire Spanish territory is Eurona, Jetnet is one of the most popular in the Andalusian community, along with WiNet or Nostracom, while in the north we can find Tngo or in the Valencian Tecavicas community, Aeoromax, Wimax or Netllar Portal.
In terms of price, obviously we will also depend on the area and the operator that offers the service, but above all, the price varies depending on the connection speed that can be offered in each area. To get an idea, the price of a 5/1 Mbps WiMAX Internet connection can be around € 30 / month, taxes included.