Wimax One of the first WiMAX-ready networks in the UK For the first time, communications within and between different buildings at the museum is now a reality An economically compelling model for rolling out future WiMAX networks. The benefits of this simple data connection are many.
The museum staff can save vast amounts of time, resources and ultimately money by having broadband connections wherever they go on the museum’s grounds. Additionally, the increased functionality at their fingertips is expected to translate into significantly improved museum operations.Moreover, now they can leverage new Internet applications such as Internet telephony software that uses “voice over Internet protocol” (VoIP) to digitize voice conversations, allowing users to make telephone calls simply by using a PC connected to the Internet. Museum staff can join the information age themselves even as their jobs remain focused on displaying legacy technology. (Alvarion, 2006) The initial proof of concept network was deployed at 3. 5 GHz using a temporary license from OFCOM, the UK communications regulator.OFCOM has graciously given their permission and support for the museum’s trial WiMAX network and plans are in place to make this more permanent installation. Flexibility.
Wireless is more flexible and thus easier to deploy according to the market demand (Capex follows the needs). Although most of the existing wireless technologies suffer from limited range and coverage (usually a few hundred meters around the base station) resulting in very costly combination of technologies (wired and/or wireless), WiMAX technology benefits of a wide coverage and can be deployed as a Point Multipoint .last mile. connection but also as part of the backhaul to the PSTN and Internet access points. The WiMAX role in an access network is illustrated in following scheme.
(Wimax Forum, 2005) With potential range of 30 to 50 kilometers in Line of Site (LOS) conditions, WiMAX offer a huge improvement over all existing broadband wireless technology. With the addition of the capability for the operator to adapt its network configuration to his marketing strategy (coverage, throughput, services, and grade of service)WiMAX provides a very powerful solution to meet the operator’s objective for profitability. (Mitchell, 2006) In Brazil, the BWA equipment market opportunity was a mere US$6 million, dominated by deployments of unlicensed 5. 8 GHz equipment by WISPs and corporate users. However, Maravedis believes that with the upcoming auction, the certification of new equipment, and lower-cost equipment, the annual 3. 5 GHz equipment opportunity will increase from US$1 million in 2005 to US$33 million in 2010. The 2. 5 GHz market opportunity will also become substantial, with shipments projected at US$31 million by 2010.
Overall, the total accumulated equipment market for BWA/WiMAX in Brazil should reach US$300 million by 2010, which makes Brazil a key market for BWA/WiMAX vendors for years to come. With regard to BWA/WiMAX, Maravedis projects an accumulated 768,000 subscribers by 2010 among residential and business users. WiMAX subscribers should represent two-thirds of this figure.
Approximately 70% of the WiMAX subscribers will be mobile customers who are predominately residential, while fixed WiMAX will continue to be driven by large corporations followed by SME customers. (Prado & Fellah, 2006)
