Sunday, November 1, 2009

Wi-Fi and WiMAX, Part 2

As mentioned in the previous post, WiMAX has some issues to deal with before it becomes widespread. One of these issues is compatibility with current computers. For this issue, consider the following:

These two technologies are like two sides of the same coin.
WiMAX sends a signal out that covers large areas, but doesn't have the penetration to go through walls. Wi-Fi is a local area connection (LAN) network which covers smaller areas well, but doesn't have the signal quality to cover large spaces. In order to successfully install a WiMAX network, each building needs a Wi-Fi receiver to send the signal within each building. Without them, network users will get little to no connectivity.

Additionally, security is an issue with WiMAX. Even if people are able to get onto the wide area network (WAN), there is a limited amount of security available to protect those users. This broad signal is open, which limits the amount of security allotted to protect users from viruses, malware and other virtual attacks. By connecting through a Bountiful Wi-Fi access point, users are protected by the robust security afforded through this virtual local area network (VLAN).

In summary, WiMAX alone is not the solution that some make it out to be, but with the addition of Bountiful Wi-Fi's high-powered wireless equipment, WiMAX can serve a great public need for widespread wireless coverage for businesses and homes around the world.
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