How WiMax differs from LTE functionality wise ?

Question

As per my understanding WiMax do interconnect with LTE as other 3GPP technologies, as other technologies i.e. 3GPP or 3GPP2 has migration plan from their respective technologies to LTE in phases do WiMax service provider also has similar plan or do they have any technology hurdle.

Answer 1

Its a big topic but in summary -

1. On the access network WiMax and LTE both are OFDMA but on the core its different.

2. WiMax is complete new standard including new core network nodes, which means a lot of work to migrate and inter operate with older technologies. LTE also adds new nodes, but the natural progression is there and inter-operability is clearly defined even with non-3gpp access. Some of the protocols are defined as upgrades to earlier versions, the terminologies remain almost the same.

3. None of the major telecom operators (read AT&T, Verizon, VodaFone etc...) are part of the WiMax forum. Where as LTE is driven by the operator.

4. In summary if we say WiMax is a new standard where as LTE is a extension of UMTS with access as OFDMA.

See the following figures for the network architecture...

WiMax Architecture

LTE Architecture