New Wimax chip set for launch
Intel is expected to unveil next week a second-generation chip implementing Wimax technology that could lead to low-cost wireless broadband services in UK cities.
The first-generation Rosedale1 chip supports only the 802.16d flavour of Wimax, which is intended for fixed links.
Rosedale2 draws less power (a peak 2W as against 5W) and is capable of supporting the 802.16e ?mobile? flavour of Wimax, though this will require a firmware upgrade.
Paul Senior, vice-president of marketing and product management at Wimax specialist Airspan, said it does not already support 16e because the standard is new and there are too few products around for full interoperability tests. "Anyone can implement Wimax. The problem is to be able to make products that work with other people?s products," he said.
