On Oct 26, 2005, at 10:50 AM, Chris Buechler wrote:

>> Something that has always puzzled me about this sort of question is
>> why one *needs* drivers for something that is somewhat specialized.
>> Why doesn't an Ethernet to WiMAX/Laser/whatever bridge suffice?
>>
>>
>
> Because you wouldn't carry something the size of a typical DSL/cable
> modem around with you with your laptop to access the WiMax network.
> For fixed-point access, it makes more sense and maybe we'll see
> something to that extent if WiMax ever comes to market.  A bridge to
> Ethernet would be nice, but the configuration and technicalities may
> make that infeasible.  Jim would know more there.

Its technically possible, and such devices will exist, eventually.    
But at the start of the market, 'miniPCI' cards will be offered
so existing equipment providers will be able to "add" WiMax (in a  
similar way to how they added WiFi) to a device.

Nobody knows if WiMax will succeed.   Many think it will, and are  
betting large sums of money on it.  I think it will fall flat on its  
face.

> To those talking about AP's, WiMax != wifi.  Huge difference.

well... yeah.