The IEEE 802.16 standard outlines the air interface specifications for a Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), often referred to as WirelessMAN. This standard serves as a wireless last-mile solution, offering an alternative to ADSL or cable infrastructure for delivering broadband access. It is particularly valuable in rural and remote areas where ADSL or cable access may be impractical due to economic or logistical limitations. Another application is utilizing the standard as a wireless backbone for supporting mobile base stations and WiFi hotspots, a practice known as backhauling.

The original 802.16 standard operates within the 10 – 66 GHz frequency band and requires a line-of-sight connection between transmitting towers. The 802.16a extension, on the other hand, extends the standard’s capabilities to use lower frequencies ranging from 2 – 11 GHz, enabling non-line-of-sight connections.

In 2004, a revision known as 802.16-2004 was introduced to optimize the standard’s use as a wireless last-mile solution, facilitating the delivery of fixed and nomadic DSL services.

The most recent extension, IEEE 802.16e, introduces the capability for handovers between 802.16 base stations, enabling the connection of mobile clients that can roam within the network’s service area. IEEE 802.16e is also referred to as Mobile WiMAX.

Furthermore, IEEE 802.16 is actively developing a new air interface specification to meet the requirements of IMT-Advanced, and this effort is designated as IEEE 802.16m.