WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. It is a technology that replaces fiber optic cable to bring Internet to your home. Instead, perform the connect to the web wirelessly through radio waves using frequencies from 2.5 to 5.8 GHz.
The range of wireless Internet provided by WiMAX reaches up to 70 kilometers. Therefore, it is ideal for rural areas or places where cable installations cannot be carried out. If you want to know more about it, below, we will explain how WiMAX works, what its advantages and disadvantages are and which Internet operators in Spain have this technology.
How does WiMAX work?
The mechanics are simple, you must have an antenna from the company that offers the service in your home to be able to receive the microwave signals that provide Internet access. Likewise, said company must have a signal repeater installed near your home so that the connection to the web is stable and fast.
On the other hand, it is best that the antenna in your house points directly to the company's repeater so that the microwaves arrive without obstacles. The most advisable thing in this case is that the route is free of interference such as buildings, wooded areas, etc.
Now, in order to connect to the Internet, the antenna will have a cable that you will have to connect to the router in your home to manage navigation like any other Internet service. That is, you can create your own home Wi-Fi network.
As for the browsing speed, it can reach up to 100 Mbps, but because it is a wireless signal, the speeds are usually asymmetrical. This means that the download speed will be higher than the upload speed and stability could drop during times of congestion (when many people are connected to the service).
Advantages and disadvantages of WiMAX
Its main advantage is that it is present in remote areas and you do not have to pay for a complex installation. All you have to do is configure the antenna in your home and connect it to the router to enable the connection. Likewise, the speed is acceptable for wireless transmission, perhaps not ideal for playing online, but it is enough to work and consume all types of content via streaming.
Regarding the disadvantages, the most notable is that the antenna in your home needs to point directly towards the repeater of the company that offers WiMAX, since, if there are many obstacles, the connection will be extremely unstable. It should also be noted that if there are multiple users connected to a WiMAX network, Internet performance and speed will be affected.
Logically, the speed is not comparable to that offered by fiber optics, which is capable of providing 1 GB/s connection or more.
What companies offer WiMax in Spain?
Some companies that offer WiMax in Spain are Ahí+ (available throughout Spain), Netllar (with almost national coverage), Embou (Aragón), Galicia Fibra (Galicia), Infotelecom (Menorca) and Ipv6 Informática (Murcia), among others.
The price of the plans will depend on the package you purchase, but these range between 16 and 30 euros per month. It is important to mention that only Ahí+ currently has national coverage.
