InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[Eneerg]

Next step after Wi-Fi is here, study says

A more robust standard for high-speed broadband wireless delivery to laptops and desktops will augment the burgeoning Wi-Fi market beginning in late 2004, says a report from analysts Visant.

The position of the standard, 802.16a, today parallels that of WLAN technology in the late 1990s, when the market finally grew as 802.11 price against performance gains converted WLAN from a niche to mass market. 802.16a is about to reach similar price and performance points, a the study finds.

“Under the current conditions, 802.16a could emulate 802.11’s rise several years from now,” says study author Andy Fuertes. “Many chip and equipment vendors ignored the chance to get into the 802.11 market early … WiMAX offers these technology companies a fresh start.”

802.16a is considered the next step beyond Wi-Fi because it is optimised for broadband operation, fixed and later mobile, in the wide area network (WAN). It already includes some advances that are slated for introduction into the 802.11 standard, including enhanced security, higher data rates, and better utilisation of the spectrum.

The study, finds WiMAX and Wi-Fi complementary as the two technologies address different segments of the market and are optimised for different tasks; local as opposed to metropolitan area networking. Last kilometre access will be the first application for 802.16a but mobility will follow via 802.16e.

The opportunity for 802.16a equipment is forecast to reach a value of approximately US$1 billion ($1.55 billion) in 2008, the study finds, with growth accelerating late in the period.

23 May 2003