IEEE Approves Next Generation WiMAX Standard

Don't go betting against WiMAX just yet. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has gone and approved IEEE 802.16m, which is the standard for the next generation of WiMAX. Also known as WirelessMAN-Advanced for WiMAX-2, the new standard could possibly deliver speeds of more than 300Mbps, as demonstrated by Samsung last year at the CEATAC trade show in Tokyo, although it's designed to deliver around 100Mbps to end users.

"We are delighted that IEEE has recognized the completion of this comprehensive technical effort that has involved hundreds of creative and diligent professionals from over twenty countries during the last four years," said Dr. Roger Marks, Chair of the IEEE 802.16 Working Group. "Our organization was able to efficiently harmonize these innovative technologies into a clear set of specifications guiding the future development of the mobile broadband marketplace."


IEEE 802.16m incorporates innovative communications technologies like multi-user MIMO, multicarrier operation, and cooperative communications. It also supports femto-cells, self-organizing networks, and relays.

At the same time, WiMAX is being overshadowed by Long-Term Evolution (LTE) 4G networks, which is finding more support among wireless carriers.