IEEE approves fixed broadband wireless standard

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers standards association [IEEE-SA] has approved standard 802.16, paving the way for deployment of high-speed last mile wireless metropolitan area networks in the 10-66 GHz range.

The long-awaited standard, which will be published next month, creates a platform for widespread deployment of fixed broadband wireless operations by setting interoperability specifications that cover the medium access control layer [MAC] and supports all physical layer specifications. Extensions to the 2 to 11 GHz bands are expected to be completed next summer.

--Jim Barthold, senior writer