 - 802.16a is a wireless communications specification for metropolitan area networks (MANs). It was approved in January 2003 and released in April 2003 as part of a set of standards known as 802.16 or WiMAX. The 802.16 standards complement the older 802.11 (WiFi) family of specifications.
The 802.16a standard was developed for wireless MANs operating on licensed and unlicensed radio-frequency (RF) bands between 2 GHz and 11 GHz, at data speeds of up to 75 megabits per second (Mbps), with low latency and efficient use of spectrum space. Security is enhanced by encryption features. Forward error correction (FEC) and space/time coding optimize accuracy under marginal signal conditions. The maximum range can be extended to approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) with some sacrifice in throughput. The 802.16a specification is ideally suited for advanced communications methods such as voice over IP (VoIP) and prioritized data traffic.
 |
Learn more about WiMax, 3G and Wireless Broadband |
| WiMAX tutorial: This tutorial explains WiMAX technology, applications and terminology. It also provides an overview of WiMAX services, performance, security and devices. |
| 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G: 3G wireless overview and history lesson. |
| Definitions: CDMA, TDMA and GSM: Definitions: CDMA, TDMA and GSM |
| 3G wireless: The long and winding road: In this tip, Lisa Phifer sorts out the cellular alphabet soup and looks at the complex history behind today's 3G wireless. |
| Mobile and Wireless Protocols: This Mobile and Wireless Protocols Guide explains the various mobile protocols and offers tips and advice for selecting and using them in your organization. |
| WiMax or LTE: Which is the future of wireless?: 4G wireless vendors are developing a competitive marketplace for the future by choosing two different technologies -- WiMax and LTE. |
| Using 3G phones for laptop Internet access: Learn how to use a 3G phone for laptop Internet access. |
| CDMA2000: A 3G mobile technology: CDMA2000 is a 3G mobile technology that includes 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev 0, EV-DO Rev A and EV-DO Rev B, and it competes with GSM technologies. |
| CDMA technology: An understanding of CDMA technology is critical for mobile managers when they are trying to select the best cellular solution for their enterprise mobile strategy. |
| Mobile Radio Systems: This chapter is an intro to the various mobile radio systems. It provides a foundation for comparing competing mobile radio access systems for supporting mobile broadband services. |
| WiMAX tutorial: This tutorial explains WiMAX technology, applications and terminology. It also provides an overview of WiMAX services, performance, security and devices. |
| Smartphone user review: Apple iPhone 3G: After much anticipation, Apple released its updated iPhone on Friday, offering a device that operates on a 3G network. |
| LAST UPDATED: |
07 Oct 2004
|
 |
Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com
|
|
More resources from around the web:
|
 |
 |
| |
RELATED CONTENT
 |
Clearwire's mobile WiMAX service
The hype surrounding Clearwire's 4G mobile WiMAX service has many mobile managers confused. In this tip, we explore the current limitations of...
|
|
CDMA technology
An understanding of CDMA technology is critical for mobile managers when they are trying to select the best cellular solution for their enterprise...
|
|
CDMA2000: A 3G mobile technology
CDMA2000 is a 3G mobile technology that includes 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev 0, EV-DO Rev A and EV-DO Rev B, and it competes with GSM technologies.
|
|
|
|
| |
RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
| Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary |
|
4G
(SearchMobileComputing.com)
4G is the short term for fourth-generation wireless, the stage of broadband mobile communications that will supercede the third generation (3G) of...
|
|
BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network)
(SearchMobileComputing.com)
BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) is a mobile communications system created to transmit broadband wireless voice and data communications almost...
|
|
|
Show me everything on 
