WiFi is a wireless internet connection that has been around for several years now. For most individuals, it is the only form of wireless internet connection they have ever used, let alone heard of. However, there are other wireless internet options available to you. This includes WiMax. However, the two wireless internet connections are different in many different ways, so it is important to be able to identify the two different internet connections when using one or the other.
Each option listed is completely different from what WiMax offers. To start, WiFi used in conjunction with LAN. This helps WiFi create a wireless network capable of sharing large amounts of information, including software. On the opposite end of the spectrum, WiMax is a newer wireless internet connection. This is also known as a wireless broadband internet connection. With this internet connection you are able to transfer not only large amounts of data, but also voice and video information at fast rates of speed. This makes having a wireless broadband connection vital when sharing and streaming large amounts of video files. It is also helpful while using a VoIP to make phone calls all over the world.
WiFi has a signal of a few hundred feet from the housing wireless router. This allows any wireless based device access to the wireless signal created by the router. On the other hand, WiMax is programmed to provide wireless Internet connections at an extremely long distance. This is helpful for large businesses, where a large amount of space must be covered in order to access the internet on all company computers and it isn’t very practical to have multiple wireless routers on hand. WiMax has many different uses, and because of this there are many different connection options. This means, WiMax may connect to to a wired internet connection in several different ways. The several different access points allows you to create a wireless connection for mobile devices.
WiMax is a technology that helps a user’s connection between wireless base stations. This means you are able to move between wireless stations without losing your wireless internet connection. This is not the case with WiFi. When you move between wireless routers you need to reconnect to each router, enter in a new password and select the new wireless internet connection from the list of wireless networks. This slows you down if you are moving around an office complex and always need an Internet connection. If you are downloading content to your computer or mobile device this is disastrous.
A WiFi connection connects to a fixed Ethernet connection, so it allows you to constantly send the same amount of data over the internet connection. This is not always true with WiMax, as the power of the internet connection varies, so the amount of data capable of transferring over the internet connection also varies.
WiFi is a much more developed method of connecting to the internet. This means it is more cost effective as the equipment does not cost as much to purchase as WiMax hardware. It is also easier to install and set up for home users, so if you’re looking for a standard wireless internet connection without a lot of hassle, WiFi is perfect for you. WiMax is more designed and geared towards large businesses. These internet connections allow an individual to roam more in their large building and still stay connected to the Internet, which is helpful when downloading large files and programs, or when a phone is connected to a VoIP service.
When selecting a wireless Internet service, both WiFi and WiMax have its own list of pros and cons. Most of the decision comes down to what kind of facility you are looking to equip with an internet connection and what hardware you want to use with the wireless Internet service (are you using standard computers and mobile devices, or do you need access with larger video hardware). Once you think over these questions, it is possible to come up with the best possible Internet connection.
==== About the Author ====
Peter Tarkington is a computer technician and content contributor for WirelessInternet.org, a site which tracks advances in wireless internet access and lists its current providers.
