Will WiMAX compete with Wi-Fi?
WiMAX and Wi-Fi will coexist and become increasingly complementary technologies for their respective applications. WiMAX typically is not thought of as a replacement for Wi-Fi. Rather, WiMAX complements Wi-Fi by extending its reach and providing a “Wi-Fi like user experience on a larger geographical scale. Wi-Fi technology was designed and optimized for Local Area Networks (LAN), whereas WiMAX was designed and optimized for Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN). In the 2006-2008 timeframe, it is expected that both 802.16 and 802.11 will be available in end user devices from laptops to PDAs, as both will deliver wireless connectivity directly to the end user at home, in the office and on the move. Will the WiMAX Forum work with the Wi-Fi Alliance WiMAX Forum members are working with other industry groups, including the Wi-Fi Alliance, to enable seamless handoffs between multiple wireless standards, furthering the development of a cohesive wireless ecosystem. How about the competition with 3G
