WiMAX, the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular type access. It is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, which is also called WirelessMAN. WiMAX allows a user, for example, to browse the Internet on a laptop computer without physically connecting the laptop to a router, hub or switch via an Ethernet cable. The name WiMAX was created by the WiMAX Forum, which was formed in June 2001 to promote conformance and interoperability of the standard. The forum describes WiMAX as "a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL."
Definitions of terms
The terms "fixed WiMAX", "mobile WiMAX", "802.16d" and "802.16e" are frequently used incorrectly.[1] Correct definitions are:
802.16d
Strictly speaking, It has never existed as a standard. The standard is correctly called 802.16-2004. However, since this standard is frequently called 802.16d, that term is also used in this article to assist readability.
802.16e
Just as 802.16d has never existed, a standard called 802.16e hasn't either. It is an amendment to 802.16-2004, and so is not a standard in its own right. It is properly referred to as 802.16e-2005.
Fixed WiMAX
This is a phrase frequently used to refer to systems built using 802.16-2004 ('802.16d') and the OFDM PHY as the air interface technology.
Mobile WiMAX
A phrase frequently used to refer to systems built using 802.16e-2005 and the OFDMA PHY as the air interface technology. "Mobile WiMAX" implementations are therefore frequently used to deliver pure fixed services. The bandwidth and reach of WiMAX make it suitable for the following potential applications:
• Connecting Wi-Fi hotspots with each other and to other parts of the Internet.
• Providing a wireless alternative to cable and DSL for last mile (last km) broadband access.
• Providing high-speed data and telecommunications services.
• Providing a diverse source of Internet connectivity as part of a business continuity plan. That is, if a business has a fixed and a wireless Internet connection, especially from unrelated providers, they are unlikely to be affected by the same service outage.
• Providing nomadic connectivity.
Broadband access
Many companies are closely examining WiMAX for "last mile" connectivity at high data rates. The resulting competition may bring lower pricing for both home and business customers, or bring broadband access to places where it has been economically unavailable. Prior to WiMAX, many operators have been using proprietary fixed wireless technologies for broadband services.

WiMAX access was used to assist with communications in Aceh, Indonesia, after the tsunami in December 2004. All communication infrastructure in the area, other than Ham Radio, was destroyed, making the survivors unable to communicate with people outside the disaster area and vice versa. WiMAX provided broadband access that helped regenerate communication to and from Aceh.