An Intel Corp. executive says broadband wireless technologies will help bring the next 5 billion users to the Internet. Speaking at this week’s Wireless Communications Association annual symposium, Sean Maloney, Intel executive vice president and general manager of the Intel Communications Group, said industry efforts to lower costs and increase technology availability will draw the new users from emerging markets such as China, India and Latin America.
M2 Communications reports that Maloney outlined Intel’s plans to reduce costs and boost availability of broadband wireless technologies, including 802.11 WLAN and 802.16 WMAN. 802.16 technology, often referred to as WiMAX, complements WLAN by connecting 802.11 hot spots to the Internet and providing a wireless alternative for last-mile broadband connectivity to businesses and homes.
“The wireless service provider and telecommunication equipment industries are rallying around WiMAX technology because of its tremendous cost advantages to provide last-mile connectivity to large parts of the world that are too expensive to serve with wired technologies,” Maloney says.
Intel envisions delivery of standards-based silicon for both WLAN networking and cost-effective and interoperable 802.16 WMAN hardware. The 802.16 silicon – which is expected to be certified by the WiMAX Forum that oversees the compatibility and interoperability of 802.16 technology – will be developed and deployed by a growing ecosystem of wireless equipment makers and service providers.
“We see a three-phased deployment of 802.16 technology that will begin with fixed outdoor antenna installations, quickly bringing wireless to emerging markets and speeding the installation of broadband services without the need to lay wire or cable,” Maloney explains. “The technology will then rapidly progress to indoor antenna installations, broadening its appeal to carriers seeking simplified installation at user sites. Finally, in the third phase, WiMAX-Certified hardware will be available in portable solutions for users who want to roam within or between service areas.”
WiMAX-certified systems also will be used to connect 802.11 hot spots and enterprises to the Internet. Intel's 802.16 silicon is scheduled to be introduced in the second half of this year.
