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Various wireless technologies are in the works to replace the current WiFi schemes. One interesting technology is WiMax, (Worldwide Interoperability For Microwave Access). Why is WiMax important? Windows Mobile devices such as PocketPC phones and Smartphones may be equipped with WiMax chips in the not to distant future. Samsung has announced a dual GSM/WiMax phone.

According to NTT DoCoMo, WiMax can cover an area of up to 50 km in radius with a single base station, and offers data rates as high as 75 Mbps. Performance in early trials suggests that actual WiMax performance will fall below these targets, but will still be far superior to Wi-Fi.



Motorola and Softbank yesterday revealed plans to test a WiMax wide area wireless networking service in Tokyo. The two companies are the latest to join Japan's rapidly growing WiMax sector in which at least four trials have been announced or are underway. Motorola will provide a complete trial system including access points, a back-end access network, and prototype WiMax mobile handheld devices. Softbank will use this to measure the effectiveness of WiMax as a wireless broadband technology.

The company will assess range, throughput and ability to seamlessly hand over mobile connections between WiMax base stations and other wireless protocols. The five-month trial will begin in September. WiMax provides wireless Internet access in a similar manner to Wi-Fi, but over a wider area and at higher speeds.

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WiMax Overview