Linux 5.13 will remove the relevant code for WiMAX support
In Linux 5.11, the Linux kernel downgraded the code related to WiMAX network support to the “staging” area in the kernel and plans to completely remove it in the future. Today, it is officially confirmed that WiMAX support will be removed with the release of Linux 5.13.
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a family of wireless broadband communication standards based on the IEEE 802.16 set of standards, which provide multiple physical layer (PHY) and Media Access Control (MAC) options.
The name “WiMAX” was created by the WiMAX Forum, which was formed in June 2001 to promote conformity and interoperability of the standard, including the definition of predefined system profiles for commercial vendors. The forum describes WiMAX as “a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL”. IEEE 802.16m or WirelessMAN-Advanced was a candidate for 4G, in competition with the LTE Advanced standard.
Via: Wiki
At that time, IEEE 802.16/WiMAX was a promising technology with broad prospects. But today, not many people around the world are adopting this technology. Even the WiMAX Forum’s own certification product registration form has been removed for some time.
Although Intel did not participate in maintenance as hard as before, the WiMAX infrastructure and Intel i2400m driver have been in the mainline Linux kernel for many years. After staying in the staging area of the kernel for several months, WiMAX still has not been further maintained, so the official decision to delete the relevant code from the Linux kernel.
