Mobile WiMAX has emerged as a leading choice for 4G cellular technology, and now meets the requirements of new smart phones, Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) and notebook PCs. It provides efficient broadband connectivity for multiple services such as data, VoIP and video streaming with carrier-class QoS, supporting the needs of mobile broadband now and for years to come.
Adding WiMAX connectivity to mobile products delivers broadband speeds greater than 1Mbit/s for all these services, while maintaining the form factor and battery life of existing 3G devices. Broadband speeds are opening a number of new categories of devices such as MIDs, ultramobile PCs (UMPCs) and netbooks. WiMAX subsystems packaged in self-contained modules simplify the integration of this wireless technology.
As nationwide WiMAX networks are built and costs continue to decline, even more possibilities become practical. Consumer products ranging from automobiles to appliances could benefit from the use of WiMAX ()Figure 1, below). Several of the existing choices include notebooks, handsets, netbooks, UMPCs, and MIDs.
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| Figure 1: A Mobile WiMAX module must include a WiMAX baseband PHY device, media access control (MAC) chip, RF devices and power amplifiers. |
Notebooks, handsets
The basic form factors for introducing Mobile WiMAX subscriber products were USB adapters and PC cards aimed primarily at notebook PC users. These products have worked well with the first WiMAX base stations in large cities and metro areas, where mobile users wanted broader access than Wi-Fi hotspots could provide.
Since the first USB adapters and PC cards, the mobile wireless market has shifted its focus to mobile handsets and other devices smaller than notebooks. Although there are no standard definitions for various types of mobile handsets, a couple of terms have gained acceptance in the industry: smart phones and VoIP handsets.
Smart phones support e-mail and Internet access in addition to the capability of a basic handset. By including multimode capability— 3G and WiMAX—these phones give customers seamless voice and data service as the WiMAX network is being built out.
At the other end of the handset spectrum is the low-cost VoIP handset, where traditional voice communication is the primary application. WiMAX is the only viable wireless technology for wide-area connectivity and in some cases, these handsets may include a few other basic functions such as messaging or very simple data transfers. The primary market for VoIP handsets is emerging countries, where the wired infrastructure is poor, and most people need voice service before any other application.
Netbooks, UMPCs
Netbooks are small notebooks with 7-inch to 10-inch LCD screens that provide mobile Internet and e-mail access. Typically, they use Windows or Linux OS and can support applications similar to those on notebooks at lower performance levels. Wi-Fi and other connectivity is standard today, and future netbooks will add WiMAX.
Developed by Microsoft and Intel, UMPCs are mini-tablet PCs with touchscreen displays measuring 4inches to 8inches. Most run Windows XP Tablet OS and cost less than $1,000. UMPCs are found in vertical markets such as medical and hospitality.
MIDs
Introduced by Intel, this small portable device is bigger than a smart phone yet smaller than a netbook or UMPC. The goal is to offer the best mobile platform for accessing the Internet and e-mail as well as supporting multimedia applications. Although technically interesting, these devices have yet to reveal whether consumers are willing to carry a third device in addition to a smart phone and notebook PC.
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