(Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, Inc., www.wimaxforum.org) An organization founded in 2001 that promotes certain IEEE 802.16 wireless broadband standards and provides certification for compliant devices. WiMAX/802.16 allows ISPs and carriers to offer last mile connectivity to homes and businesses without having to route wires. In addition, Mobile WiMAX provides high-speed data for users on the go, even in fast trains, and is expected to compete with the cellular carriers' 4G LTE service (see IMT-Advanced).
WiMAX's focus is the WirelessMAN-OFDMA physical layer air interface in the 2.3, 2.5 and 3.5 GHz bands. For more on the IEEE specifications, see 802.16.
WiMAX Femtocells
The WiMAX Forum also promotes the use of femtocells to improve coverage indoors. WiMAX femto access points (WFAPs) are small base stations with a limited range that connect to the organization's network and pass data to the WiMAX carrier's network via the Internet. See femtocell.
Google, Clearwire and WiMAX
In 2008, Sprint and Clearwire merged to develop Internet access to mobile devices using WiMAX, rather than the traditional CDMA and GSM cellular technologies. Google also invested in the Clearwire WiMAX venture. See 802.16 and Wi-Fi.
