Connecting to the Internet wirelessly has become common thanks to advances in cell phone technology. Third-generation (3G) wireless technology allows for simultaneous data and voice use. Fourth generation (4G) is currently being developed and will dramatically increase connection speeds.
3G
Third-generation, or 3G, is a family of wireless technologies that allow for relatively high-speed data connections. While no where near as fast as a dedicated line, speeds as fast as 14 mb/s (megabits per second) are attainable, though typically, 1.5 mb/s is much more common.
4G
Fourth-generation, or 4G, wireless technology is an advancement over 3G capabilities that would allow for speeds as high as 1 gigabit per second to a fixed location. While many technologies are moving in this direction, as of December 2009, nothing is in commercial use.
What is WiMax?
WiMax is a wireless technology defined by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.) It is commonly used in Europe and North America for mobile Internet connectivity. While it currently falls under the 3G umbrella, it has the potential to reach 4G speeds in the future.
Current Usage of WiMax
Currently, WiMax is almost exclusively used only for data connections. While it can technically be used for voice, a lack of supporting phones and limited network coverage tends to limit it to use by Internet service providers.
Limits of WiMax
WiMax, in its current form, is theoretically limited to about 45 mb/s. Fixed use in the home is usually limited to around 10 mb/s. Mobile speeds are much slower, around 3 to 6 mb/s. Theoretically, distance can go as 50 km, but actual usage is closer to 10 km.
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