The WiMax Forum has awarded its first certification marks for products that use the 802.16-2004 wireless standard.
The products were manufactured by Aperto Networks, Redline Communications, Sequans and Wavesat. They were tested at the Forum's certification lab in Spain, which opened in July 2005. According to the Forum, another 26 manufacturers have reserved testing slots at the lab.
The 802.16-2004 standard covers fixed WiMax which will support high-speed wireless access over long distances.
"This is a crucial step in the process of developing and certifying both fixed and mobile WiMax networks," said Lindsay Schroth, senior analyst for broadband access technologies at the Yankee Group, in a statement released by the Forum.
Customers who buy certified products can be sure that they will work with other certified kit. However, many equipment vendors were not prepared to wait for the certification process, and have already launched their own pre-certification equipment.
WiMax has been one of the most talked about and anticipated emerging technologies in the computing sector over the last couple of years. However, because of delays and infighting there is now growing concern that it may not live up to its early promise. A standard has still to be agreed for mobile WiMax, 802.16e, for example. This gives rival wireless technologies, such as HSDPA, a good opportunity to seize market share at WiMax's expense.
More details of the first certified products can be seen here.
Talkback
OK - WiMax products are now certified. London has crap transport and a mayor who likes bold solutions to the problems of congestion. Ken - how about using some of that congestion charging money to blanket London in free WiFi, courtesy of a network of WiMax base stations? It would enable millions of people to work from home, and prime the pump to foster all kinds of inward investment and development in the knowledge and service economies. Plus it would really piss off BT. Truly a win-win situation.
Great idea but unfortunately it would seem the real drive behind congestion charging is more about swelling local government coffers than actually reducing congestion. Just ask any London driver and they'll tell you the streets are just as busy now as they've ever been.
However you make a very valid point, in these days of VOIP and cheap broadband I'm sure it would be entirely possible for a huge portion of London's employees to work from home.
Not only would this unclog the roads and reduce pollution but it would also save companies a fortune in office space. What's stopping this happening right now is not technology but dated attitudes from senior management.
As a New Yorker in London, I disagree. London has excellent transport opportunities. Pricey yes, but try getting 8 million people to move well in any other city. This guy Ken has been terrific IMHO, wish we had people like him in the States!
Money from congestion charge should subsidize fares in the city AND provide wireless across the city.
London already has WiMAX operators but the technology has yet to become fully mobile. Currently it is doing a good job of providing a wireless alternative to BT's SDSL and Leased Lines at a fraction of the costs.
Mobile WiMAX will be with us in 2008 when PCMCIA cards are available
Ivan Dunn