Max-Fi - Long-range Wi-Fi technology challenges WiMax

KMC Systems (Netherlands) is working with partner VPNet (UK) to re-deploy a connection service that they claim can meet almost everything WiMax promises. The technical stage is complete and the problem is just how much it costs.

(Artwork: ZDNet)

The technology, called InspiAir, was developed by an Israeli company of the same name - although there were initial deployment contracts, it has not been widely successful. Currently, KMC Systems has the power to exploit commercial InspiAir globally and rename it to Max-Fi. They promoted it as a cost-effective alternative to WiMax, which was considered cheap compared to other types of broadband connections.

'Max-Fi doesn't consume more energy. It is also based on the 802.11 wireless standard and is compatible with existing laptops , 'said John Duffin, VPNet's business development manager. 'At 2 km, access speed reaches 1-2 Mb / sec' . Currently, each Max-Fi AirEZ 4000 access point device supports four 802.11a / b / g radio channels and can allow up to 300 users.

However, criticisms suggest that Max-Fi's success is mainly done in outdoor environments, any Wi-Fi technology can provide long-range connectivity in the open space. However, Max-Fi's Avreal Rabenau, KMC Systems, confirmed that it could completely go beyond standard Wi-Fi in indoor environments. 'This technique does everything like with Wi-Fi, plus the benefit is that its signal can be more than 2 km away. WiMax helps increase bandwidth but our technology can meet 80% of that, and more energy consumption is lower for current devices , 'Ravenau said.

At the Antwerp port of Belgium recently deployed Max-Fi equipment, covering 30 square kilometers with 14 access points. The network is still in an experimental phase, supporting port operations such as surveillance camera systems, VoIP communications, providing Internet access for boats located in berths. According to Rabenau, the total cost for Antwerp infrastructure is about half a million euros, half of which is for hardware. Compared to other telecommunications projects, the ratio is lower.