WiMax
WiMax is a wireless communication platform that uses a microwave link to provide Internet access across a wide area, possibly as big as 3,000 square miles. It uses a microwave base station with a range of about 50 km and it is capable of providing 70 Mbps and higher connectivity using licensed and un-licensed frequency bands of 2 – 11 GHz and 10 – 66 GHz.
In many ways it can be considered as a large area WiFi reducing the need to move from hot spot to hot spot when trying to use a laptop on the move. For mobile applications it competes with LTE (4G) which is more-or-less a plug-and-play extension of the existing 3G system in the UK meaning operators have increased speeds without the need to install a completely new platform. For fixed connectivity the wide area coverage of WiMax has proven to be effective for establishing connectivity in disaster zones and it has become more popular in emerging markets where established cable connections are not available.
This article was created by --BRE. It was taken from The future of electricity in domestic buildings, a review, by Andrew Williams, published in November 2014.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bluetooth.
- CAT5.
- Ethernet
- Extranet
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- ICT and Automation (ICTA) Scoping Study Report.
- Information and communications technology.
- Internet of things.
- Local area network.
- Smart buildings.
- Smart cities.
- Smart technology.
- The future of electricity in domestic buildings.
- WiFi.
- ZigBee.
[edit] External references
- Intel. Welcome to Your Internet Future – Mobile Broadband brought to you by WiMAX.
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.