Broadband Wireless:The New Era in Communications

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Abstract
There’s no doubt the world is going wireless – faster and more broadly than anyone might have expected. In
this visionary paper, Intel demonstrates this new reality and predicts that billions of people will gain high-speed
Internet access – wirelessly – within the next decade.
The premise for this vision is clear: all high-speed wireless technologies (3G, Wi-Fi*, WiMAX and Ultra-
Wideband) will coexist, working in tandem to meet service provider and customer needs for truly mobile
computing and communications across the globe. No single technology will become dominant or ubiquitous –
they all meet unique user requirements in a wirelessly connected world. In fact, the most robust wireless
solutions will use a combination of technologies to enable increased mobility and eventually seamless roaming.



The Road to Wireless
The transition to wireless really started during the Internet
revolution. What began as an exchange mechanism for electronic
data has sparked worldwide demand for anytime/anywhere
computing and communications.
The advent of Wi-Fi technology and hotspots is only beginning to
meet this need. Offering portable Internet access, hotspots
provide connections to users within a limited range of an access
point. Although hotspots extend the reach of the Internet, they still
tether users at a fixed location. Meanwhile, many users want
mobile access – the ability to retain their high-bandwidth Internet
connection even as they freely move about their lives.



What Is Broadband Wireless?
So what is “broadband wireless” anyway? Intel defines it as a
continuum of co-existing, overlapping technologies that enable
wireless high-speed communications. Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 3G and
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies each are necessary to form
the global wireless infrastructure needed to deliver high-speed
communications and Internet access worldwide.
While Wi-Fi is ideal for isolated “islands” of connectivity, WiMAX
and 3G are needed for long distance wireless “canopies.”
Meanwhile, WiMAX and 3G are both required because their
optimum platforms differ: WiMAX works best for computing
platforms, such as laptops, while 3G is best for mobile devices
like PDAs and cell phones. UWB offers very short range
connectivity, perfect for the home entertainment environment or
wireless USB. In short, each technology is important for different
reasons. (See corresponding chart and technology sidebar.)



The Mobility Goal: Always Best-Connected
As computing and communications converge on broadband
wireless platforms and technologies, demand will soar for true
mobility. When that happens, Intel and other industry leaders
must be ready to deliver the technologies, infrastructure, devices
and services that enable users to stay connected through the
best available technology even as they move about their lives –
across the room, across the street, and across the globe.



Enabling the Revolution
Fuel for the broadband wireless revolution is coming from
consumers and businesses worldwide who increasingly expect to
enjoy wireless computing and communications anytime, anywhere.
It will require a virtual plethora of solutions – technologies,
components, platforms, infrastructure and services – to meet this
demand. Not since the early days of the Internet era have there
been so many new revenue-generating opportunities



Technology Leadership
Intel is working to create an end-to-end wireless architecture that
fulfills the customer experience for seamless and simple wireless
connectivity. Intel will drive this result through platform integration
of advanced Intel wireless communications technologies, such as
seen with the integration of Intel PRO/Wireless WLAN Controllers
in the Intel Centrino mobile technology platform. Intel will continue
to work with a growing community of developers to develop
building blocks and will deliver expertise in associated RF
technologies to ensure that the always-best connected vision
becomes a reality.