802.16a and WiMAX

802.16a is a standard for wireless metropolitan area networks (WMAN), and utilizes the 2–11 GHz frequency band at speeds up to 280 Mbps. 802.16a will have a maximum operating range of up to 30 miles. 802.16a will provide wireless broadband to portable and fixed users and connect Wi-Fi hotspots to the Internet. WiMAX is an organization to promote 802.16a, similar to the relationship between the Wi-Fi Alliance and the 802.11 family of standards.