• Technology

For long, the limitations of wireless
networks challenged small business enterprises in terms of long range mobility and left them asking for more. Primarily aimed at wireless connectivity within the office premises, wireless networks could not offer connectivity to the mobile professionals of a business.
These professionals, at times, needed urgent access to the network while being in a presentation or business meeting.

In early 2005, WiMAX came as the solution and since then has been adopted by many carriers worldwide. WiMAX made a big leap over the existing Wi-Fi mechanism, which is eminent in all wireless networks for Small Business Enterprises (SBE).

What are WiMAX and WiBro?
Even before we get into the technical description of WiMAX, it might help to know that WiBro is mobile WiMAX or wireless broadband.

Now let’s understand what a WiMAX is. In simple terms, WiMAX is the big daddy of Wi-Fi. In technical terms, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a communication technology that offers internet connectivity through various transmission modes. The technology originates from the IEEE 802.16 standards, which is also referred to as Broadband Wireless Access.

WiMAX can provide up to 10 Mbps broadband speed sans the cables. Being wireless and offering a large coverage, WiMAX is being used to replace other types of last mile broadband access. Last mile in the telecommunication industry is the last leg of establishing contact with the end user.

WiMAX needs a stationary receiver for decoding signals. Therefore, while on the move, especially at a speed, WiMAX (or for that matter most wireless technologies) suffer. This is where Wibro, a technology developed in South Korea, fits in.

WiBro or ‘Wireless Broadband’ is a service name for IEEE 802.16e. This technology provides support for people moving at a speed of up to 120 km/hr. It is a powerful technology that takes a leaf out from the existing mobile setup, which can telecommunicate at speeds of around 250 km/hr.

Such advancements have made it possible for users to stream videos and even video chat, real time with the least time lag. The technology has been developed in South Korea, which, after America, is one of the most receptive markets for such innovations.

Therefore, small business enterprises looking to optimize their internet connectivity on the go can deploy WiMAX or WiBro. Currently, TATA and Reliance are the two leading providers of WiMAX technology in India.

Subscription follows a similar model of revenue as other broadband connection and companies can deploy higher speed WiMAX for as low as Rs.5,000 per month. Another player, Tikona is offering WiBro connectivity for as low as Rs.250 for connecting four computers.

WiMAX and WiBro Providers in India
The cost advantages that WiMAX and WiBro offer has made them the best contenders for last mile technologies. In fact, many operators without much hoopla have started doling out WiMAX and WiBro technology.

Listed below are the leading providers:
 BSNL
 Aircel
 Reliance
 VSNL (WiMAX service exclusively for businesses)
 Tata Indicom introduced WiMAX as well as WiBro for consumers. Photon and WiMAX internet connections are available for as low as Rs.300.

BSNL had already reached out to 1,000 cities in 2007. Looking at the popularity of WiMAX and WiBro, operators are planning to deploy these two technologies extensively.

What this means for an SME is around-the-clock connectivity across multiple locations, probably a strategic asset that SMEs have needed for a while.

The economical pricing is also an attraction for a setup that has between four and 10 computers. In such setups, businesses require internet connectivity more than internal networking. Even if it comes to sharing documents, applications such as Google Docs or the latest Google Wave can be accessed from anywhere in the world to work collaboratively.

Cost Optimization Assets for Small Businesses: WiMAx and WiBro
As far as internet connectivity is concerned, both
offer that in different situations. Whereas one requires stationary receivers, the other works through mobile receivers deployed in the form of cards or USBs (e.g Tata Photon).

Both offer reliable connectivity without the hassles of wires or physical damage that often results in disconnections. For existing LAN, these technologies can be integrated through the VPN access, giving greater access to business intelligence.

WiMAX deployment should not be confused with LAN. WiMAX is a process of establishing wireless connection with broadband service. It does not link computers internally. Although through various online applications (as mentioned previously—such as Google Wave or Google Docs), it can offer similar functions. These technologies connect to various computers through the internet rather than via routers and switches.

WiMAX and WiBro, by virtue of being the most cost effective in terms of both operational and installation cost, are the best options for SMEs looking for internet connectivity.
Even for SMEs with an established LAN, these technologies may call for deployment when an SME has:
• A mobile workforce
• Intensive collaborative work
• Constant updates
• Time tracking systems
• Extensive business intelligence sharing
• Heavy application usage in terms of frequency and size
• Internet redundancy for times when the wired network crashes

Therefore, if your SME requires speed and around-the-clock connectivity, a hybrid setup of LAN and WiMAX/WiBro can be the best solution. And, the best part is that it they do not hurt the pocket much.

©Entrepreneur May 2011

Tags:
Aircel, BSNL, business, connectivity, Google, internet, networking, optimization, Reliance, speed, Tata Indicom, USB, VSNL, wibro, wimax