How Much Will WiMAX and LTE Converge?
By Robert Syputa, Senior Analyst Contact the author at robert@maravedis-bwa.com One recent topic of discussion is how much WiMAX and 3G-LTE will converge and how much they will compete. Both are based on increasingly similar sets of technologies. As capabilities to deliver higher bandwidth and higher mobility evolve, both have increasing overlap in markets. Looking at the technology roadmaps, we see WiMAXm, IEEE 802.16m, adopting many similar technologies as LTE. Conversely, LTE is being developed as a more universal broadband and mobile system that will use much of the same technology in 802.16e and likely for 802.16m. And despite some differences, there is increasing overlap such as in advanced methods of MIMO-AAS and adaptive modulation. With IPR contributions into both efforts often originating from the same companies, the IPR increasingly is shared as well. This shifts the differences more towards time-to-market and other business issues such as the effectiveness of development ec
