# Are Wi-Power and WiMAX the same thing? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 27, 2011, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-wi-power-and-wimax-the-same-thing/586964 "2011-06-27T00:40:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2011, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-wi-power-and-wimax-the-same-thing/586964/1 "2011-06-27T00:40:32Z")
WiMAX is marketing for microwave to the home or, more verbosely, an Internet connection provided by a microwave transceiver bolted onto your house and talking to a larger, more powerful transceiver on the top of some nearby hill. Conveniently, WiMAX may or may not be the only marketing term for this. I’m about 90% sure Wi-Power ([no **NOT THAT ONE**](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiPower)) is WiMAX in a different dialect. However, since marketers also write company websites, I can’t be sure because marketers are all adherents of negative theology, describing their product by what it isn’t (as it is what it is): Not dialup, not DSL, not satellite. Therefore, the website I’m looking at doesn’t mention microwaves and they certainly don’t mention WiMAX, as that would be invoking the infidel’s false god. So, is Wi-Power the same as WiMAX or not? ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2011, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-wi-power-and-wimax-the-same-thing/586964/2 "2011-06-27T01:04:02Z")
This Wi-power diagram specifies a 5.2 ghz link. [http://www.wi-power.com/technology.html](http://www.wi-power.com/technology.html) Wi-Max does not use that frequency spec. > **[WiMAX](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiMAX)** > > Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is a family of wireless broadband communication standards based on the IEEE 802.16 set of standards, which provide physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) options. > The WiMAX Forum was formed in June 2001 to promote conformity and interoperability, including the definition of system profiles for commercial vendors. The forum describes WiMAX as "a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband acc... Wi-Power per it’s note that it is Motorola tech based is probably some variant of the MESH technology they use [http://www.motorola.com/Business/US-EN/Business+Product+and+Services/Wireless+Broadband+Networks/Mesh+Networks/Mesh+Wide+Area+Network+AP+7181](http://www.motorola.com/Business/US-EN/Business+Product+and+Services/Wireless+Broadband+Networks/Mesh+Networks/Mesh+Wide+Area+Network+AP+7181) ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2011, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-wi-power-and-wimax-the-same-thing/586964/3 "2011-06-27T01:09:43Z")
Nnevermind. \*\*astro \*\*did much better than I did. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2011, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-wi-power-and-wimax-the-same-thing/586964/4 "2011-06-27T01:19:34Z")
Here [http://www.wi-power.com/beyond.pdf](http://www.wi-power.com/beyond.pdf) > [@](#): > > TransWorld Network, Corp. (TWN) found that reliable and affordable broadband services are still not widely available in many parts of rural communities. TWN has therefore established business relationshipswith electric power associations and cooperatives across the US in order to provide broadband services to customers in underserved, rural areas. One such collaboration is with the Sulpher Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SSVEC) in Arizona. With the installation of Motorola’s MOTOwi4 Canopy wirelessbroadband network, SSVEC members can now receive high-speed, fixed wireless broadband Internet solutions. Canopy access points and backhauls were deployed within the footprint of the power cooperative. > > The flexibility of the Canopy portfolio allows TWN to overcome difficult topographical challenges, such as forests and mountains. Remote access points have been installed on power poles, buildings, cellular towers and other structures. In addition, TWN is building a redundant backbone network using existing cellular and other towers. Total product offerings for SSVEC members include long distance telephone, conference calling services, web meeting services as well as dial-up and broadband Internet access services, web hosting and ancillary services. Customers have the added benefit of a toll-free help desk number. The partnership brings customers improved system performance and lower prices. Colin Wood, TWN chief executive officer, says cooperative members experience “improved system performance and lower prices” tech here > **[404 B & C Communications](https://www.bandccomm.com/404.htm)** > > 404 Page > [@](#): > > MOTOwi4™ WIRELESS BROADBAND SOLUTIONS > > The wi4 Fixed Point-to-Multipoint Canopy solutions are part of the MOTOwi4 portfolio - a comprehensive portfolio of wireless broadband solutions and services that provides high-speed connectivity, enabling a broad range of applications in a host of environments. The MOTOwi4 portfolio also includes wi4 WiMAX, wi4 Mesh and wi4 Indoor solutions for public and private networks. ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2011, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-wi-power-and-wimax-the-same-thing/586964/5 "2011-06-27T01:30:12Z")
Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2011, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-wi-power-and-wimax-the-same-thing/586964/6 "2011-06-27T15:06:19Z")
> [@Derleth](#): > > WiMAX is marketing for microwave to the home or, more verbosely, an Internet connection provided by a microwave transceiver bolted onto your house and talking to a larger, more powerful transceiver on the top of some nearby hill. Why the hell would I want to connect my microwave to the Internet? So I could make popcorn from the office? Refrigerator, maybe so it could auto-fill grocery lists and orders, but a microwave? What? Oh. So, why the hell would I want a microwave split between my roof and the neighboring hill? Like I’m going to throw popcorn in the air and catch what comes down!