Will WiMAX displace the existing landline and wireless technologies (e.g. WiFi)?
WiMAX and WiFi will coexist and become increasingly complementary technologies for their respective applications. WiMAX is typically not thought of as a replacement for WiFi. Rather, WiMAX complements WiFi by extending its reach and providing a “WiFilike” user experience on a larger geographical scale. WiFi technology was designed and optimized for Local Area Networks (LANs), whereas WiMAX was designed and optimized for Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). In the 2006 -2008 timeframe, it is expected that both 802.16 and 802.11 capabilities 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.
