WiMax - Part 3: WiMax and LTE

In this section we will conclude the three-part series by predicting the winner in the competition between WiMax and LTE.

Network Administration - In this section we will conclude the three-part series by predicting the winner in the competition between WiMax and LTE.

WiMax - Part 1: WiMax overview
WiMax - Part 2: WiMax and LTE

In the previous two articles of this series, we introduced WiMax and LTE, the two giants are competing in the 3G media market. In this final section, we will compare and contrast these two standards from the technical and commercial aspects. First, let's review these two standards.

WiMax

WiMax, the name known as the IEEE 802.16 standard, is a 3G broadband access standard developed and maintained by IEEE. As its name suggests, WiMax can be considered an extension of WiFi to mobile communications markets. Like the 802.11n WiFi version, WiMax also supports Multiple Input / Multiple Output antennas (MIMO), which is a key technique for supporting multiple users simultaneously. Like WiFi, the main support and recommendation company of WiMax is Intel. However unlike WiFi; WiMax is designed for hundreds of users on each base station (BS), users can move from one base station to another through a communication cycle, the range of each base station is calculated in kilometers. not meters like in WiFi.

LTE

WiMax - Part 3: WiMax and LTE Picture 1 WiMax - Part 3: WiMax and LTE Picture 1 LTE (Long Term Evolution) is also a wireless broadband access standard, although it was developed and maintained by the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project). 3GPP is an organization responsible for the development, maintenance and recommendation of GSM standards. LTE is the latest standard in the GSM family of standards, this is the standard developed from the GSM base, an all-IP switching architecture. Starting with the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) standard and incorporating the Enhanced Data Rates standards for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), the GSM standards are progressing slowly but confidently towards all architecture. -IP.

Convergence

LTE has made the GSM standards towards what is considered a computer networking standard, and WiMax makes traditional computer networks geared towards what has been considered as mobile phone standards. So you can see that the two standards are being formed from different platforms (with different strengths and weaknesses) and are converging on a common platform.

As you might guess, the supporters behind each technology area reflect the history of each standard. The person behind WiMax, as we mentioned above is Intel. Intel has a huge history in the computer field and is also a supporter for WiFi. In contrast, supporters for LTE are communication service companies and mobile phone manufacturers (like Ericsson). To a greater degree, this is because people like to work with what they can inherit. Intel, as a result of history, may inherit the traditional computer network and therefore has turned to WiMax. Meanwhile Ericsson, like other companies, inherits GSM technologies and targets LTE standards.

Consumers

Not only engineering companies like to work with what they can inherit. This type of thinking also affects consumer decisions. The name WiMax is somewhat similar to WiFi, the technology that many users think is part of the home network world. This makes them immediately think that WiMax is something that has been used to connect computer networks. LTE does not have this advantage, closely associated with GSM through supporters and communication service companies like AT&T. Therefore customers will immediately think that LTE is something that has been used to network their mobile phones; Although this link is not as strong as the link between WiMax and WiFi.

So there are two customer prejudices for these two 3G standards. My personal opinion is that the more widely accepted standard (thus winning) will be the standard with the most positive image for consumers. At this time, a prejudice cannot create an image. Need to say that there is only one opportunity to make a good first impression. But a good advertising campaign for a good standard and in addition a good release strategy can make a difference, competing against an opponent has a strong first impression. also difficult.

That is the situation we are experiencing. Both standards have many strengths, are impressive in supporting standards and have great plans for product promotion. However, in our opinion, this competition will fall on the opponent to get a better first impression.

Winner

So which technology has a positive effect? This is where the debate takes place. While LTE has the impression of mobility, the WiMax has an impression of computing capabilities. The question we are trying to answer is whether consumers want a phone connected to the Internet or do they want a computer that can be carried like a phone? The answer is very difficult. iPhone has shown, there is a significant market share of users who want them to be able to carry a computer like a phone. This view has been underscored by the fact that many handset makers have responded to the iPhone's success by introducing more computer-like handsets (and some manufacturers even Do this before iPhone). However, does this market share dominate? This is still very difficult to say here.