As we learnt in the previous pages, that WiMax was formed to complement Bluetooth and WiFi technologies, let us look at the differences in each of these:

 

Parameters	WiMax	WLAN	Bluetooth
Frequency	2 ~V 11 GHz	2.4 GHz	Varies
Range	~31 miles	~100 metres	~10 metres
Data Transfer Rate	70mbps	11 ~V 55mbps	20 ~V 55mbps
Users	1000s	> 10	> 10

Table 1 ~V Difference between WiMax, WLAN and Bluetooth [Javvin.Com]

The 802.11 is based on a distributed architecture, whereas, WiMax is based on a centrally controlled architecture. In this the scheduler residing in the Base station (BS) has the complete control of the wireless media access. WiMax can support multiple connections conforming to a set of QoS parameters and provides the packet classifier ability to map the connections to many user applications and interfaces.

WiFi and WiMax may end up complementing each other, but a new technology, IEEE 802.20, might give them both a run for their money. IEEE 802.20 standard like the 802.16 is aimed at wireless high-speed connectivity to mobile consumer devices like cellular phones, PDAs and laptops. It will operate in the 500 MHz ~V 3.5 GHz and is led by Flarion Technologies and ArrayComm.