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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION OF WIMAX
1.1 Introduction
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, or WiMAX for short, is a next
generation open standard that seeks to serve users' increasing demands for high data
throughput (broadband) services such as streaming media on the internet, live video
conferencing, and mobile TV on computers as well as handsets and PDAs. WiMAX is
expected to be integrated into the next generation mass market consumer devices and to
offer something that does not exist today speeds similar to cable and metropolitan area
coverage while on the move, all for a much lower cost than we are used to today. WiMAX
already offers broadband services in many emerging and rural markets which are not
supported by wireline-based technologies and started its first deployment in developed
countries replacing both commonly used Wi-Fi on one hand and traditional cellular
standards such as 3G.
IEEE 802.16 is the standard to state the radio frequency of fixed Broadband Wireless
Access. WiMAX is the trade name of IEEE 802.16 Standard. IEEE 802.16 was first
planned to offer the last mile for Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN) with the
line of sight (LOS) of 30 50 km.
Basically the goal of WIMAX is to provide high speed internet access to home and business
subscribers without wires. It supports legacy voice systems, voice over IP, TCP/IP,
Application with different QOS requirements. 802.16 consist of the access point, base
station and subscriber station. During a communication, all the information coming from a
subscriber station go to the base station and retransmitted back to subscriber station. Base
station can handle multiple of subscriber station.
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A wimax tower: It is similar in concept to cell phone tower. A single wimax tower
can provide coverage to very large area.
A wimax receiver: The receiver and antenna could be a small box or a PCMCIA
card, or could be built into a laptop.
1.3 Background
As wireless communication standards evolved to become digital (Wi-Fi or GSM), voice has
become one among several more bandwidth consuming (broadband) applications such as
high definition video or games. Many wireless IP (internet protocol) network standards try
to satisfy the increasing demand for more bandwidth in more locations while on the move.
Wi-Fi is the most popular and successful broadband wireless IP network standard to date.
Popular Wi-Fi standards are used in many homes and businesses and enable internet access
with high data throughput for computer notebooks, PCs, and more recently, for Smartphone
users. 802.11n, the upcoming Wi-Fi standard, can double the data throughput of Wi-Fi for
heavy demanding applications. A number of cities around the world are in the process of
building city-wide Wi-Fi networks to allow citizens to enjoy wireless data transfer across
the city. While Wi-Fi operates over a free unlicensed spectrum and is simple to install and
operate, it has some major disadvantages. One of the main drawbacks is poor signal
coverage; only 30 meters indoors and 200 meters outdoors. Wi-Fi as a fixed broadband
standard cannot support broadband services while on the move and does not support
continuous connectivity between Wi-Fi hotspots which could enable, for instance, a person
going from his office to a cafe while having a continuous wireless conversation, Wi-Fi is
exposed to other interferers on the same band since it runs over an unlicensed spectrum, is
considered relatively insecure since it does not use enhanced encryption, is very power
inefficient, and does not guarantee quality of service.
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Wireless - Not having to lay cables reduces cost. Easier to extend to suburban
and rural areas.
Allow service providers to deliver high throughput broadband based services like
VoIP, high-speed Internet and Video
1.5 Uses
The bandwidth and range of WiMAX make it suitable for the following potential
applications:
Connecting Wi-Fi hotspots to the Internet.
Providing a wireless alternative to cable and DSL for "last mile" broadband access.
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Allow service providers to deliver high throughput broadband based services like
VoIP, high-speed Internet and Video
CHAPTER 2
MOBILIZING WiMAX
A Wi-Fi hotspot is like an oasis in the desert. As you travel, your notebook connects to one
Wi-Fi oasis. In between and beyond these Wi-Fi watering holes are vast expanses of dead
air where your notebook is unconnected. WiMAX will make these deserts come alive with
the crackle of broadband Internet access.
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VALUE
50 Km
10 Km
70 Mbps
2-11 GHz
10-66 GHz
Switching
Packet
Multiplexing
SOFDMA
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your front row seat to all the rich multimedia Internet applications you already use, and
exciting future possibilities enabled by Mobile WiMAX.
Playing in Real-Time. Play multiplayer 3-D games, view YouTube videos, and
listen to radio broadcasts its all there waiting to entertain you on the go.
Working Smarter. WiMAX pulls productivity out of thin air. Capture lost time by
doing things in areas previously unavailable. Working on the go changes the rules of
competition by allowing you to be more productive.
Staying in Touch. Broadband on the go is about keeping in touch with family,
friends, and your communities using all the typical tools like e-mail and IM, but
WiMAX adds face-to-face video conferencing and voice to your connections.
Locating Services. WiMAX enables Location-based services creates a new
paradigm in
Receiving TV and Radio on the Go. Radio stations already co-broadcast over the
Internet. Mobile Internet-based TV transmissions also set the stage for content-ondemand services like movies and sporting events.
CHAPTER 3
MAKING WiMAX WORK
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antennas, and enhanced computation algorithms. WiMAX service providers deploy a
network of towers that enable access over many miles and the WiMAX broadband service
will be available anywhere within coverage areas. Coverage for a geographical area is
divided into a series of overlapping areas called cells. When the user travels from one cell to
another, the wireless connection is transferred from one cell to another.
CHAPTER 4
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
WiMAX refers to interoperable implementations of the IEEE 802.16 wireless-networks
standard, in similarity with Wi-Fi, which refers to interoperable implementations of the
IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN standard.
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Defines both MAC and PHY layer and allows multiple PHY layer specifications.
A common media access control (MAC) is provided to work on top of different physical
layers (PHY). The interface between the different PHYs and the MAC is accomodated as a
separate sublayer, the transmission convergence sublayer. A Convergence Sublayer (CS) is
provided on top of the MAC, to accomodate both IP as well as ATM-based network
technologies. A basic privacy support is provided at the MAC layer.
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4.1.2.1 MAC (Data Link) Layer
In Wi-Fi the media access controller (MAC) uses contention access all subscriber
stations that wish to pass data through a wireless access point (AP) are competing for the
AP's attention on a random interrupt basis. This can cause subscriber stations distant from
the AP to be repeatedly interrupted by closer stations, greatly reducing their throughput.
In contrast, the 802.16 MAC uses a scheduling algorithm for which the subscriber station
needs to compete only once (for initial entry into the network). After that it is allocated an
access slot by the base station. The time slot can enlarge and contract, but remains assigned
to the subscriber station, which means that other subscribers cannot use it. In addition to
being stable under overload and over-subscription, the 802.16 scheduling algorithm can also
be more bandwidth efficient. The scheduling algorithm also allows the base station to
control QOS parameters by balancing the time-slot assignments among the application
needs of the subscriber stations.
MAC layer consists of three sub layers.
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In IEEE 802.16 standard, Privacy Sublayer resides on the top of Physical layer. Therefore,
802.16 networks are vulnerable to physical layer attacks for example, jamming and
scrambling. Jamming is done by instigating a source of strong noise to significantly lessen
the capacity of the channel, thus denying services (DOS) to all parties. However, jamming
is detectable with radio analyzer devices. Scrambling is another kind of jamming, but it
takes place for a short interval of time aimed at specific frames. Control or management
messages could be scrambled, but it is not possible with delay sensitive message i.e.,
scrambling Uplink slots are relatively difficult, because attacker has to interpret control
information and to send noise during a particular interval.
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Both 802.11 and 802.16 define Peer-to-Peer (P2P) and ad hoc networks, where an end user
communicates to users or servers on another Local Area Network (LAN) using its access
point or base station.
4.8 Limitations
A commonly-held misconception is that WiMAX will deliver 70 Mbit/s over 50 kilometers.
In reality, WiMAX can either operate at higher bitrates or over longer distances but not
both: operating at the maximum range of 50 km (31 miles) increases bit error rate and thus
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results in a much lower bitrate. Conversely, reducing the range (to under 1 km) allows a
device to operate at higher bitrates. There are no known examples of WiMAX services
being delivered at bit rates over around 40 Mbit/s.
Typically, fixed WiMAX networks have a higher-gain directional antenna installed near the
client (customer) which results in greatly increased range and throughput. Mobile WiMAX
networks are usually made of indoor "customer-premises equipment" (CPE) such as desktop
modems, laptops with integrated Mobile WiMAX or other Mobile WiMAX devices.
Higher-gain directional antennas can be used with a WiMAX network with range and
throughput benefits but the obvious loss of practical mobility.
Like most wireless systems, available bandwidth is shared between users in a given radio
sector, so performance could deteriorate in the case of many active users in a single sector.
In practice, most users will have a range of 2-3 Mbit/s services and additional radio cards
will be added to the base station to increase the number of users that may be served as
required.
Because of these limitations, the general consensus is that WiMAX requires various
granular and distributed network architectures to be incorporated within the IEEE 802.16
task groups. This includes wireless mesh, grids, network remote station repeaters which can
extend networks and connect to backhaul.
CHAPTER 5
WIMAX SERVICES
5.1 Potential Services
WiMAX services can have potential applications in various fields. Different applications
can demand different QOS, which can be classified as follows:
1. INTERACTIVE SERVICES : Web Browsing, Game interface,etc
2. STREAMING SERVICES : VoD ,MPEG ,etc.
3. BACK GROUND SERVICES: FTP,E-Mail, SMS, Multicast/Broadcast ,MMS,
PUSH TO TALK
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Possible services provided by WiMAX are widespread over various data communication
services including entertainment, information and commerce services. The first round of
WiMAX technology is expected to be nomadic, meaning that CPEs will be portable, but not
truly mobile. But with Samsungs new developments on hand-over, the technology may
become truly mobile, offering the 20 Mb/s to 30 Mb/s at speeds up to 120 km/h WiMAX
enthusiasts are touting. For entertainment services, WiMAX will provide high quality
VoD/MoD/AoD, real-time streaming broadcasting, 3G network games and MMS. Web
Browsing, file downloading and interactive information services will be provided as
information services by WiMAX. Commerce services such as m-commerce, mobile
banking, trading will be also provided by WiMAX as well. Further the table summarizes
possible services to be provided by WiMAX. Example of WiMAX Services
Application
Service type
QOS class
VoD/MoD/AoD
Entertainment service
Streaming
Real time-Broadcasting
Real Time
Network Game
Interactive
MMS
Background
Web Browsing
Information service
Interactive
FTP
Background
Interactive information
Interactive
m-Commerce
Commerce service
Interactive
Mobile banking
Interactive
Stock trading
Interactive
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CHAPTER 6
WIMAX:FIXED & MOBILE ACCESS
WiMAX integrates perfectly into existing fixed and mobile networks, complementing them
when needed.
In emerging countries, the main focus of broadband deployment is on urban and suburban
areas, and will remain so in the near future. The low penetration and the low quality of the
copper pair prevent mass scale DSL deployment and foster the need for alternate broadband
technologies. In this context, WiMAX is positioned as an excellent option. Moreover, the
possibility of offering broadband services in combination with voice services will gradually
lead to narrowband WLL substitution. Parameters such as availability of the copper,
distance to the remote unit/central office, backhauling costs, and teledensity will drive the
choice for one or other of these solutions.
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6.2.1 WiMAX, the natural complement to mobile and Wi-Fi networks
Mobile networks offer full mobility, nation-wide coverage voice support and moderate data
rates. WiMAX can then be positioned as a complementary solution by offering higher
bandwidth when required, in particular in dense urban areas. Public WLAN, while offering
clear benefits, is limited in coverage and mobility capabilities. WiMAX by-passes these
limitations and offers broadband connectivity in larger areas. Wi-Fi and WiMAX solutions
are also complementary, with Wi-Fi being more adapted for short-range, indoor connections
(in particular in the enterprise and at home) and WiMAX for long- range outdoor
connections.
CHAPTER 8
WiMAX TODAY
8.1 Overview
Broadband is becoming a necessity for many residential and business subscribers worldwide.
According to analysts, broadband services will see rapid growth from their current starting point.
There were close to 450 million broadband subscribers worldwide at the end of 2009, up from 300
million at the end of 2007 and 130 million at the end of 2004. WiMAX as a leading broadband
technology is starting to make its niche in this market. At the end of 2009, there were 1,650,000
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WiMAX subscribers; currently WiMAX subscribers are estimated at 1.9 million according to the
WiMAX Maravedis Telecom research company.
KT (Korea Telecom) offers 18.4Mbit/s/4Mbit/s for $22 a month with unlimited data usage.
WiMAX seems faster than HSDPA. There are similar services in U.S. operated by wireless
company but much more expensive and slower. Hanaro Telecom has announced a
partnership to roll out WiMAX nationwide in Korea, excluding Seoul and six provincial
cities, where independent networks will be rolled out. In November 2004, Intel and LG
Electronics executives agreed to ensure compatibility between WiMAX and WiMAX
technology. In September 2005, Samsung Electronics signed a deal with Sprint Nextel
Corporation to provide equipment for a WiMAX trial. In November 2005, KT Corporation
(Korea Telecom) showed off WiMAX trial services during the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bussan. Shown below is a Korean Telecom WiMAX
Trial:
This venture gives WiMAX a better footing as a next-generation 4G wireless network. Sprint
adopted WiMAX as their next generation broadband service. Sprint expects to complete the
anticipated combination of its XOHM (Sprints 4G business unit) WiMAX business assets with
Clearwire to form a new company in the fourth quarter.
The first laptops with built-in mobile WiMax wireless broadband are now available in the U.S. and
Nokia is about to sell the new pocket size Nokia N810 internet tablet WiMAX edition, with a
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widescreen display and small keyboard, at select independent retailers in Baltimore. WiMAXenabled notebooks will be available in the U.S. for connections to Sprint and Clearwire networks in
2009. Sprint is the first and only wireless carrier to launch a dual-mode 3G/4G access device.
CHAPTER 9
CHALLANGES
9.1 WiMAX challenges
Unlike WLAN, WiMAX provides a medium access control (MAC) layer that uses a grantrequest mechanism to authorize the exchange of data. This feature allows better
exploitation of the radio resources, in particular with smart antennas, and independent
management of the traffic of every user. This simplifies the support of real-time and voice
applications. One of the inhibitors to widespread deployment of WLAN was the poor
security feature of the first releases. WiMAX proposes the full range of security features
to ensure secured data exchange:
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User authentication using the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP),
Data encryption using the Data Encryption Standard (DES) or Advanced Encryption
Standard (AES), both much more robust than the Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
initially used by WLAN. Furthermore, each service is encrypted with its own security
association and private keys.
Challenge
Potential Solution
Interference
Adaptive Antennas,
Security
Portability
Mobility
Seamless Handover
Low Cost
IP based protocols
CHAPTER 10
ADVANTGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Advantages
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Many think that the tower becomes overloaded due to high number of requests from
users but wimax has an inner built algorithm which transfer the user to another wimax
tower.
vii.
standard.
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viii.
The emergence of WiMax has opened up the solution to many of the problems
faced by Wi-Fi
because, WiMax cover tens of miles unlike Wi-Fi that is restrictive to the
x.
xi.
Disadvantages
i)
Line
ii)
Weather
iii)
Other
iv)
of
site
conditions
wireless
Multiplied
is
like
needed
rain
equipment
for
longer
could
could
frequencies
interrupt
cause
are
connections.
the
signal.
interference.
used.
v) WiMAX is very power intensive technology and requires strong electrical support.
vi) Big installation and operational coast.
CHAPTER 11
FUTURE ASPECTS
This system can be used to serve the internet network to the public covering the large
amount of area. One can easily access the network at any place any time. It got its easily
and efficient accessibility in the basement.
Built for the future, WiMAX technology will allow one to connect in more places, more
often, without being restricted to hotspots. When built into notebooks and mobile devices,
one will be able to extend their connected experience beyond Wi-Fi.
Intel is providing advancements in wireless mobile technology for the future of notebooks
and a wide range of consumer devices. Its wireless products provide great coverage and
reliable connectivity while consuming minimal power.
CHAPTER 12
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CONCLUSION
The latest developments in the IEEE 802.16 group are driving a broadband wireless access
evolution, thanks to a standard with unique technical characteristics. In parallel, the
WiMAX forum, backed by industry leaders, helps the widespread adoption of broadband
wireless access by establishing a brand for the technology.
When WiMAX chipsets are integrated into laptops and other portable devices, it will
provide high-speed data services on the move, extending today's limited coverage of public
WLAN to metropolitan areas. Integrated into new generation networks with seamless
roaming between various accesses, it will enable end users to enjoy an "Always Best
Connected" experience. The combination of these capabilities makes WiMAX attractive for
a wide diversity of people: fixed operators, mobile operators and wireless ISPs, but also for
many vertical markets and local authorities.
REFERENCES
[1 ] K. Fazel and S. Kaiser Multi-Carrier and Spread Spectrum Systems: From OFDM
and MC-CDMA to LTE and WiMAX, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2008
[2]M. Ergen, Mobile Broadband - Including WiMAX and LTE Springer, NY, 2009
[2] http://www.wimax.com/commentary/spotlight/spotlight9-16-2006mw1
[3]http://www.wimax.com/commentary/blog/blog-2009/september-2009/india-upcomingwimax-auction-0901
[4]http://www.tutorialreports.com/wireless/wimax/introduction.php?
PHPSESSID=102eb0af52a9e697e693385ee03903b5
[5]http://download.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/wireless/welcome-to-yourinternet-future.pdf
[6]http://www.4gwirelessjobs.com/pdf/WIMAX.pdf
[7]http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/market-insight-top.pag?docid=36644731
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[8]http://gigaom.com/2010/02/10/wimax-global-deployments/
[9]http://www.networkworld.com/topics/wimax.html
[10]http://www.intel.com/technology/wimax/
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