Note: This is the second part of a two series article (please follow this link to go to the first Technology Futurist IDF entry which discussed Intel's dual-core processing architecture plans).

WiMAX, the next frontier

During IDF, Intel put its weight behind WiMAX, the newest broadband wireless technology, via the official launch of its Rosedale chip.  Rosedale, the silver circle with a black square housing shown on the figure to the right, is an SOC (system-on-chip) geared towards networking equipment that will wirelessly connect end-users' homes or offices via a WiMAX-based broadband network.  Intel has already started sampling the Rosedale chip to customers (not incurring any revenues yet, given that field trials are only slated to begin next year).  While Intel is not the first vendor to introduce a WiMAX chip (other players such as Redline Communications already have WiMAX chips that are shipping), the company is certainly allocating a lot of resources to this project.  Intel believes that the wireless broadband market is poised for solid growth in the next three years, and believes that Rosedale can be a viable option to do last-mile fixed access to the home.

Despite that, the chip is not likely to contribute significantly to the company's revenues for quite some time, at least until Intel is able to drive the equipment down (from about $350 to below $200 for client equipment).  Ultimately, the goal is to reach the price point of Wi-Fi gear. 

WiMAX, also known as the IEEE 802.16 standard, is a wireless specification that can deliver two-way Internet access at throughputs of up to 75 megabits per second at long range.  WiMAX proponents claim that it can transmit data for distances up to 30 miles between broadcast towers, covering areas having more than a mile in radius, all of this at a speed exceeding current DSL and cable broadband capabilities.

Intel envisions three WiMAX models: fixed access (alternative to DSL or cable broadband), portable use (within metro zones) and a full mobile system that includes hand-offs as users move between cells (the IEEE 802.16 committee still has some work to do in delivering that mobility management).  The Rosedale design does not include the radio element (Intel plans on working with third-parties on that front) and enterprise functionality (i.e. routing or switching details that will be part of a yet to be finalized specification).