What is the Difference Between WiMAX and WiMAX 2?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

WiMAX and WiMAX 2 are both wireless broadband technologies that belong to the IEEE 802.16 family, providing high data rates and low latency. However, there are some key differences between the two:

  1. Speed: WiMAX has maximum speeds of around 70 Mbps for downlink, while WiMAX 2 can reach up to 300 Mbps. WiMAX 2 is expected to offer even higher speeds, around 1000 Mbps, with less mobility or no mobility.
  2. Bandwidth: The bandwidth of WiMAX ranges between 1.25 MHz to 20 MHz, while that of WiMAX 2 ranges from 5 MHz.
  3. Latency: WiMAX 2 has lower latency compared to WiMAX, which is beneficial for VoIP capabilities.
  4. Backward Compatibility: WiMAX 2 is building upon the IEEE 802.16m standard and is backward compatible with WiMAX.
  5. Launch Date: WiMAX is already launched, while WiMAX 2 was expected to be launched later in 2011 or early 2012.

In summary, WiMAX 2 is a more advanced and faster technology compared to WiMAX, with lower latency and backward compatibility. It is designed to provide high-speed wireless broadband access for various applications and devices.

Comparative Table: WiMAX vs WiMAX 2

WiMAX and WiMAX 2 are both wireless broadband communication standards based on the IEEE 802.16 set of standards. However, there are some differences between them. Here is a table comparing the two:

Feature WiMAX WiMAX 2
Data Rates Initially provided data rates of 30 to 40 Mbps Offers up to 1 Gbps data rates for fixed stations
Standards Defined under IEEE 802.16 standards Defined under updated IEEE 802.16m standard
Spectrum Uses licensed or unlicensed spectrum Uses licensed or unlicensed spectrum
Network Type Designed for Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) applications Designed for Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) applications
Range Network can reach about 50-90 km Network can reach about 50-90 km
Connection-Oriented No Yes
Quality of Service No guaranteed QoS Guarantees QoS

Please note that the information in the table is based on the available search results, which primarily focus on the differences between WiMAX and Wi-Fi, rather than between WiMAX and WiMAX 2. However, it is clear that WiMAX 2 offers improved data rates and is connection-oriented, which sets it apart from the original WiMAX standard.