There have been countless developments in the world of connectivity, all happening with the end result of getting consumers connected to the best possible network with least amount of resources. In this post, we’ll take a look at WI-MAX, its history, capabilities, advantages and disadvantages.

WI-MAX is an internet and data connectivity technology that allows users to connect to the internet from their devices wirelessly. WI-MAX uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, a technology that is also used in transmitting television and radio signals.

WI-MAX is able to offer consumers speeds of up to 70 megabits per second, and can cover a large area while providing reliability and security with each connection. WI-MAX can be compared to broadband, with the exception of installation that has to do with miles and miles of wires.

Here are a couple of advantages of WI-MAX:

1. WI-MAX has a much larger reach compared to broadband and wi-fi, given the fact that it’s deployed by towers that look are similar to the ones used for cell phones. Each tower may be able to cover a radius of 3000 miles, meaning that more customers will have a steady internet supply. At the same time, WI-MAX signal strength remains constant even after the 3000 mile radius, meaning that you get a more reliable internet and data connection.

2. WI-MAX has the needed speed to help you access richer content and be more productive online. This is because it’s an upgrade of your average 3G connectivity, which can only manage speeds of up to 20 megabits per second.

3. WI-MAX is perfect for mobiles and tablets, since you’re able to access it more readily compared to wi-fi and broadband. If you’re traveling, you’ll be able to connect to the internet even when in a moving vehicle given its range, making it more convenient for individuals who are always on the move.

4. WI-MAX offers more broadband choices to a range of customers, from the individual who lives too far to get connected to a wired connection, to a person who lives in an urban setting that makes it hard to have clear signal access due to buildings.

WI-MAX disadvantages

1. Wireless connections are bound to be disrupted by extreme weather, making it a poor choice for people living in areas that experience erratic weather.

2. You’ll need a line of sight (between the corresponding towers) if you live in a remote area.

3. WI-MAX is power-intensive, so it uses up a lot of electricity when compared to Wi-Fi or conventional wired broadband.

4. WI-MAX might be more expensive as far as operational and installation costs are concerned.

5. Bandwidth is shared, slowing down the internet connection if there are lots of subscribers in a particular area.

WI-MAX is available in most major cities across the country as well as suburbs. Mobile WI-MAX technology supports most smartphones produced by major companies such as Apple and Samsung. This connectivity option just might be the thing that’s needed to bridge the digital divide existing in most countries today given its wide-reaching properties, speed and overall reliability.

Darren Newberg is a computer scientist and technology consultant. He enjoys blogging on the subject, sharing his knowledge on consumer and tech-related blogs. For more information on wirelress 4G click here www.clearwirelessinternet4G.com.