ABI claims Wi-Fi far from dead

Fixed wireless broadband is on the rise, and WiMax, the standardized version of fixed wireless broadband, will be available in some areas this year. With a theoretical range of 30 miles and a throughput of 72 Mbps, 802.16e-based chipsets are expected in laptops and other mobile devices by late 2006. With such range, throughput and mobility, will WiMax eclipse Wi-Fi? Should businesses kiss their wireless LANs goodbye? Philip Solis, a senior analyst with the Oyster Bay, N.Y.-based research firm ABI Research, thinks not.