| 4G stands for fourth generation - the fourth in | | | | standards to ensure the compatibility with other |
| the line of major improvements in cellular | | | | WiMax certified products. |
| standards. WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for | | | | WiMax is very similar to WiFi since both provide |
| Microwave Access) is one such standard that | | | | wireless broadband access. The main difference |
| satisfies the requirements in order for a cellular | | | | for users like us is the range of coverage. |
| technology to be considered as 4G. Another 4G | | | | Whereas in WiFi, we have to get into a WiFi |
| standard set to compete with WiMax is the LTE | | | | hotspot because a WiFi router or access point can |
| whose main carrier in the U.S. is Verizon. The | | | | cover only up to 100 meters, WiMax has ranges |
| WiMax standard is also known as the IEEE 802.16 | | | | of 3 - 10 miles for mobile and up to 30 miles or |
| standard. Its main proponent is the WiMax forum, | | | | 50 kms for a fixed station. This means that a |
| made up of different industry leaders pushing for | | | | single WiMax fixed station can virtually cover an |
| the standard such as Cisco, Fujitsu, Intel, | | | | entire city. Hence, it is classified as a WAN (Wide |
| Samsung, Motorola, Nokia, and Sprint Nextel, | | | | Area Network) as opposed to LAN (Local Area |
| among others. Founded in June 2001, the WiMax | | | | Network). There would no longer any need for us |
| Forum is a non-profit organization promoting the | | | | to look for a hotspot before we can get |
| compatibility of high-speed wireless products. The | | | | broadband wireless Internet access. WiMax is now |
| forum also certifies products that meet it | | | | available in 592 networks in 148 countries. |