Does WiMax need to be built in? Can I get a WiMax card or whatever?

Well I'm hearing so much about this new WiMax and I really don't know a lot about it.. What does a laptop have to have in order to be compatible with WiMax?

Also will WiMax be anything like current WiFi where you can simply set up a WiMax router in your house etc. or will it be only used by WiMax service providers who charge you for the use?

Basically as it currently stands with WiFi, just about anywhere in a city or town you can probably find yourself a free connection with a bit of searching. Will a WiMax laptop be able to access a connection for free? Or will it be similar to mobile broadband in which you pay for your service?

Thanks

 

You can get a WiMAX card later, it doesn't have to be built-in. Siemens and other brands had announced their WiMAX Expresscards, some are actually available already.

 

WiMax is the next generation of high speed data service. It is offered by Sprint, and yes you have to pay for it and have the necessary hardware.

Unlike wireless routers that people have in their house, wimax is actually broadcast from cell towers- just like the current broadband cards/services offered by Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, etc.

Check Sprint.com for availability as it is just now being rolled out to the first cities to get coverage.

 

I think aerodrome really gave a brief and simple but very good explanation about it. At my workplace we actually just got the WiMax service; (this is like day 4 or so) and it's pretty good IMO...the antenna device is mounted on the side of the rooftop facing the direction of the cell tower...then that's connected to another small device inside our server room; (about the size of an AC Adapter for a notebook computer) via a special type of ethernet cable.

Now this is how it's set up for businesses; for domestic/residential connectivity I am not sure as I have not done much inquiry but I believe the user will have some type of Modem-like device hooked up to their desktop computer and that will provide the Internet service...as for connecting notebooks I believe there's a usb or pcmcia express card that connects to those.

 

Hey Makavelli -

You have the right idea. I'm working with XOHM, so I can clarify - for the Home package, you do need a XOHM ready modem, and for the On-The-Go package, you will need a XOHM ready mobile device like the Nokia N810, or for laptops, an attached XOHM ExpressCard (the XOHM USB is coming soon).

 

Ok cool...I did a little more research and from what I was told the home user would have a WiMax Modem at home which would then connect to a wired or wireless router so it can be used w/ both desktops and laptops. (So in essence it's the same type of config. as a typical DSL setup.)

And for the mobile part, NoLimit should know what he's talking about. ^ ^ ^

 

im much interested in the original question aswell. to make it more specific:

can i seperately buy and install an Intel® WiMAX/WiFi Link 5350 into my normal 3G ready laptop? (specifically the Sony Vaio Z series) OR needs the laptop to be prepared for this? (for example needs different kind of antennas or so)

wimax is available in my hometown - and offers cheap full flatrates with 2Mbit. its cheaper than umts, especially as those flatrates are capped at 5Gb and then limit your speed to gprs level

edit:
oh yes, forgot to say - i know there are usb recievers available - but i would much more prefer to have an integrated solution!

 

What's the latency on Wi-Max?


Not as bad as satellite I hope

 

reports from users i read about my local carrier here in germany claimed between 50 and 100ms. so its ok for surfing - but mighty be too slow for gaming.

 

While performance varies, both GearLog and Gary Kim averaged latency response times of around 100 ms.

Both articles also indicate average latency responses for cellular networks to be in the 200-250 millseconds range.

gearlog.com/2008/09/xohm_wimax_speed_test_results.php
ipcarrier.blogspot.com/2008/10/xohm-latency-performance-stands-out.html

 

hi there
thanx for information
but i'm looking for card
i want to buy Wi-Fi/WiMax combo card for Notebooks for my laptop dell 500
plz i want help ,
if anyone know how can i buy that card plz send me message in my mail : [email protected]
thank for all
realy i need help

 

I suggest you go here....

http://www.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/wireless/wimax/wifi/index.htm

This will give you all the info that you need. After that, just visit RadioShack or Bestbuy or Ebay. [ ]