(Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) unites the technologies of wireless and

broadband to provide high-speed internet access across long distances. The name was christened
by WiMAX Forum that promotes interoperability and conformity of the standard. The forum
defines the technology as "a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile
wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL". With the guarantee of WiMAX
Forum the vendors are authorized to sell their WiMAX certified products so they can enjoy
operability with other products of same type. It is a telecommunication protocol capable of
providing internet access to fixed and mobile users. For an outstanding performance like Wi-Fi
networks along with QOS (Quality of Service) and coverage this Wireless Broadband Access
(BAS) technology is assembled around IP (internet protocol). Currently it offers 40 Mbit/s but
expected to offer 1 Gbit/s speed for fixed users.
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) names this wireless digital
communication system 802.16 that refers to MAN (Metropolitan Area Network). For stationary
users a WiMAX station could provide BWA up to 50 kilometers or 30 miles where mobile
stations could have up to 5 to 15 kilometers or 3 to 10 miles, contrary to a Wi-Fi connection
whose access remain within 30 to 100 meters or 100 to 300 feet.
For wireless carriers, WiMAX provided feasible economic and environmentally regulated model
that could function on not only licensed but also non-licensed frequencies. The purpose of
WiMAX is to make sure the provision of interoperate in broadband wireless radio crafted for
users from vendor to vendor.

The Architecture of WiMAX Forum WiMAX

The connectivity of WiMAX network with an IP based network normally selected by the
operator serving as ISP (Internet Service Provider) could be understood by the architecture
proposed by WiMAX Forum. Along with packet switched mobile network, the WiMAX BS is
capable of integration with other architectures. Reference points and some components are
defined between the labels of R1 to R5 and R8:

The Access Service Network (ASN)

The Subscriber Station/Mobile Station (SS/MS)

Base Station (BS)

The Connectivity Service Network (CSN)

Home Agent (HA)

A part of ASN, its Gateway (ASN-GW)

Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA)

NSP (Network Service Provider)

NAP (Network Access Provider)

It is possible to shape the functional architecture not into fixed configurations but into a number
of hardware configurations: the flexible architecture allows BS of different sizes and
static/moving stations of changing scale and functionality.
Potential Applications of WiMAX
Mobile WiMAX is the embodiment of WiMAX that has wide commercial interest nowadays and
employed in a number of countries. Also named Wi-Fi on Steroids the technology is of multiple
purposes such as cellular backhaul, broadband connections and hotspots. Although its functions
resemble to Wi-Fi but it gives longer access range. With greater coverage the service is also costeffective. Some of the applications are as follows:

A variety of devices enable WiMAX to provide portable mobile broadband connectivity

across cities and continents. The markets that have only DSL operators for broadband
provision have seen the growing competition with the advent of WiMAX.
As compared to technologies like 3G, FTTx, HFC, HSDPA and xDSL, WiMAX has low
cost for network development.

A connection that grows with the expansion of business.

For last mile broadband the wireless WiMAC would most probably substitute cable and
DSL or would be instilled for increasing capacity. In developed a developing country,
fixed WiMAX has been taken as a backhaul technology for 2G, 3G and 4G.

It supports QOS and Multicasting technologies that are helpful in triple-play services:
telecommunications (VoIP), data and IPTV.

Connectivity with a WiMAX Network

For connecting with a WiMAX network several devices are available in the market known as SU
(Subscriber Unit) with special focus on portable devices such as smart phones, inbuilt devices in
notebooks and PC peripherals such as USB Dongles or PC cards.
The Gateway
A number of manufacturers provide outdoor and indoor versions of gateway devices. Some of
the complete self-install indoor WiMAX gateways presented by industries are Greenpacket,
Huawei, Motorola, ZyXEL and Airspan: the devices are usually installed near the window for
uninterrupted signals. Such indoor gateways are very helpful but radio losses make it compulsory
for the user to keep his or her seat near the base station (instead of staying near the external unit).
The size of outdoor units is proportionate to a notebook and installed just like a private satellite
dish. For increased range a higher gain directional unit must be used but the task could be
achieved at the xost of mobility.

The Dongles & Smart Phones

The USB Dongles could be annexed with the notebook whilst on the go for WiMAX
connectivity. Dongles work efficiently in areas that have good coverage due to the inbuilt omnidirectional antennae.
The first WiMAX enabled handset Max 4G was announced by HTC and was available in limited
markets. EVO 4G was the second smart phone with WiMAX released by Sprint Nextel and HTC
in 2010. The device offers video conversation along with EV-Do (3G), WiMAX (4G) and data
and voice sessions.
WiMAX technology works little different than WiFi technology. In wifi computers can be
connected through wireless LAN card to near by access point, wireless router or any Hotspot, it
does not works this way when we talk about connectivity in WiMAX. WiMAX network
connectivity constitutes of two parts, one can define as WiMAX tower or WiMAX booster, it is
known as WiMAX Base station, whereas the other portion is WiMax receiver. Lets talk about
them in little details for better understanding the working.

1. WiMAX base station: As name explains base station is placewhere WiMax signals are
broadcasted. It consists of electronic devices and WiMax Tower. This tower works
exactly like GSM network phones towers standing high up in the air to broadcast radio
signals. WiMAX tower base station can cover up 10Km radius. In theory it suggests to
cover a lot more distance than just 10Km, it can reach some where about 50 km (30
miles), but in fact due to certain geographical limitations it goes as far as 10 km approx. 6
mils. Any wireless connecting device for WiMAX will connect to WiMAX network if
fallen in to the range.
2. WiMAX Receiver: It is device or devices which receives the signals from WiMAX base
station and connects to the WiMAX networks. These devices are usually stand alone
Antenna or PCMCIA slot card for laptops or computers. Connecting to WiMAX base
stations works as similar as connection of Wifi to access point works, the only difference
is that WiMAX covers much wider area.

One WiMAX base stations can be connected to several other base stations using high speed
microwave link, this link is usually known as backhaul. This way WiMAX roaming can be
achieved and connections can be maintained on move.

Wimax support many protocols like ATM, IPv4 Ethernat, VLAN etc, this makes WiMax a rich
choice for full of services from data to voice.
Possible Security issues and risks using WiMax
WiMax is quite discussed broadband technology which is yet be deployed properly in many parts
of the world, it is been used effectively in few parts of world for delivering high speed internet
connectivity over longer distances. This feature is making it popular to internet and
telecommunication services. WiMax was developed because security issues in older technology
WiFi 802.11. WiMax vendors and standard setters realized the importance of the security
therefore, 802.16 working groups was designed considering several mechanisms to protect the
network and the customers privacy from unauthorized access.

Authentication

An important and creative feature incorporated in 802.16 network is that each SS, (subscriber
station) must have X.509 certificate, this certificate will identify the subscriber uniquely,
attackers will not be able to get into the legitimate subscribers list by spoofing their identity
because of X.509 certificate. X.509 hence provides enough security against major threats to
services. However, lacking in base stations and service provider authentication leaves a big loop
whole in the authentication mechanism used by WiMax privacy and key management (PKM),
this expose WiMax subscribers to different confidentiality and availability attacks by
unauthorized users. To protect from such vulnerability, amendments where made in 802.16
standards. Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) was introduced in 802.16e.

Encryption

Introduction of 802.16e and support for the AES provide the strong support of confidentially of
data traffic. 802.16 has same issue just like 802.11 management frames are not encrypted, that
increases the chances for attackers or intruders to collect information about subscribers and
network.

Availability

WiMAX uses licensed Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum, which provides protection from
unauthorized access to some extent. There are tools available which are easy to use for jamming
the spectrum from all planned WiMAX deployments. Along with physical layer denial of
service attacks, intruders can use legacy management frames to disconnect the current legitimate
network connections.

WiMAX Threats

With all efforts to make WiMAX a very secure technology, there are still several potential attacks
which are threats to WiMAX usability few of them are DOS attacks, Rogue Base Stations, Man
in the middle attacks, spoofing of management frames etc. The actual testing of WiMAX security
will come into play when WiMAX provider begins wide scale network deployment. This will
give attackers good chance and better exposure to manipulate the network security, and access
CPE equipment. Until the proper deployment of WiMax technology, Security issues are just
speculations.

Related Articles
As mentioned several times while talking about WiMAX that this technology is not been widely
adopted yet, in some parts of the world this technology is quite unknown where as some
countries use WiMAX technology for residences or SOHO purpose, but it is yet be adopted on
any governmental scale. These are most common applications of WiMAX which can be used for
Broadband Wireless Access (BWA).
1. Residential or Home and Broadband Internet Access:
DSL and cable internet technologies are widely used in residentially and in SOHO. These
technologies have strong hold on market by satisfying and meeting the needs of broadband
internet users. Taking over from these users for WiMAX technology based internet may be not
possible at given time, however internet provided by WiMAX bases station towers can be well
utilized within the rural areas where DSL and Cable internet facilities are not available. Using
WiMAX internet technology brings reliability to the customers as it being the wireless in nature
there are no apparent mediums required to use it. WiMAX base station will simply connect to
customer premises device and that will be all. Deploying WiMAX technology is very useful for
developing countries where setup and reliability of Land line telecommunication infrastructure is
poor.

2. Medium and small size business:

The WiMAX Wireless broadband Access (WBA) can be very well suited to provide the
reliability and can meet the needs of small to medium scale business especially in low density
area, whereas this may not work at its full potential in the area of high density. It has spectral
limitation issues. There is a possibility that bandwidth may not be sufficient enough to provide
access to large clients in high density area. This could bring the cost way up.

3. Backhaul networks for cellular base stations:

Backhaul networks for cellular base stations can be provided by bypassing the PSTN networks,
Public Switched Telephone Network. This cost effective alternative can be achieved by cellular
services by looking into Wireless backhaul. Strong WiMAX technology can be preferable choice
for backhaul for enterprises such as hotspots and point to point backhaul access solutions.
4. Wi-Fi Hotspots.
This can allow users to access internet remotely by roaming out side office and homes. There are
several Hotspots and WiMax backhauls which are providing wireless solutions to wireless
networks.
WiMAX technology is new therefore its products are not as well known as products of
technology Wifi known to every one. This does not mean WiMAX is not popular enough that no
products are yet launched. There are several products for WiMAX subscribers which are
available in market with limitations because not many subscribers demands for it. All the
products which are used for WiMax deployment are installed with WiMAX chip and they are
mostly certified by WiMAX forum, WiMAX forum is one of the pioneers in promoting and
setting standards in WiMAX technology and its deployment.
WiMax products can be categorized into two parts, Indoor products and out door products.

Indoor WiMax products:

WiMAX indoor products which are basically used at the subscribers end.

WiMax indoor subscriber unit(SUI)

This device is indoor wireless subscriber access product which is designed on protocol IEEE
802.61-2004 standards. This device compatible to MPM equipment PMP is point Multipoint.
Device has multiple Ethernet ports interface including (VoIP). SUI have LED installed on its
front side which shows the strength of the signals. This is third generation device (3G). SUI uses
technology called Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and non-line-of-sight
(NLOS) technology enables handling rural and urban obstacles like trees, building even
mountains to keep the connection to the link

WiMAX External antenna

This external antenna is used to improve the signal strengths of WiMax subscribers from base
station. WiMax external antennas are mostly required when subscriber is located in middle of
populated or dense area; it can also be used where high mountains, and tree creates obstacles
within base station and subscriber location. Antenna is connected with wire to indoor subscriber
unit SUI to strengthened the signals

WiMAX Outdoor products

Outdoor Subscriber Unit (SU-O)

This outdoor subscriber unit (SU-O) works exactly like SUI. The only different this product is its
outdoor usability. It forms connection to WiMax base station to provide broadband access to
WiMax subscriber. Its way of functionality is no different than SUI.

WiMAX Certified Base Station

The worlds first WiMAX forum certified base station is Redlines RedMAX AN-100. This
device works and base station for WiMax, it is easy to install and very cost effective for
deployment. Its low latency makes sure that it provides delivery of good quality and sensitive
services, including voice traffic, voice over internet protocol (VoIP), video and data traffic.An100 designed architecture assures over-the-air facility with help of software. It also has dynamic
ability of on-the-fly services.

AN-100 base station can be used in cluster of 60 degree sectors; this supports many unique data
flows and many subscribers simultaneously per sector. It synchronizes its time with GPS system
for spectrums and available channels. Its hardware is easily upgradable in field by software
downloads.

Future Products

There are other products which are important in normal use for general public. These are Wimax
cards for laptops and desktop computers with WiMax chip install in them. Pdas and other

handsets with Wimax ability. This is the future deployment of WiMax products. They are very
rare in market or under testing process. The WiMax chip is not feasible to be install in such
products as it has high cost. We will have to see how soon WiMax technology deployment takes
over older technologies like Wi-Fi and how soon these products comes with WiMax chip built in
with in cost of range for normal user.
In 2006, Action Wireless Broadband Corporation (AWB) was established. A selected part
of the company AWB develops and forms devices for WiMax, that are fixed and solutions for
mobiles. The foundation of AWB is located in Hsinchu Science based Industrial Park. The group
AWB contributes in creating and formulating the maximum to ground breaking design and R&D
for the WiMax technology. The principal goal and mission of the Group is focused on shortening
the digital gaps in todays world of ever so powerful technology related environment.
In partnership with a few of the leading telecommunication vendors and operators in the market,
the AWB has developed a finest of breed WiMax CPE that facilitates the very next generation of
the broadband types at all times. It can be anywhere and at any time, you can gain access to it.
The products that have been manufactured by the ABW of the WiMax equipment have been
successfully distributed to the local and the international markets. By doing so, they have
acclaimed a reasonable amount of praiseworthy acclaim.

What ABW Offers

The company offers a complete range of WiMax equipment. It offers WiMax wave 2 nomadic as
well as fixed CPEs including mobile subscriber products and goods, which further include indoor
CPE, outdoor CPE, a PC card, a USB adapter and a PCI express card. All of which are
supporting 2.3, 2.5 and 3.5GHz frequency of bands, MIMO and has also effectively passed and
cleared the IOT compatible tests and relative procedures with massive base station purveyors.
WiMax Equipment
The equipment that WiMax provides you with is as follows:
1. WiMax 802.16e Wave 2 Indoor CPE
The AWB RG230 puts together Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g), VoIP and Ethernet equipment and
makes available the internet connectivity via WiMAX.
1. WiMAX 802.16e Wave 2 Outdoor CPE
The AWB OD200 is a WiMAX outdoor CPE with indoor and outdoor element. Indoor element
offers internet connectivity through outdoor element.
1. WiMAX 802.16e Wave 2 PC Card

The AWB PC200 is a WiMAX Card Bus Card for laptop users to connect to WiMAX BWA
services. It supports Windows XP and Vista system.
1. WiMAX 802.16e Wave 2 USB Adapter
The AWB US210 is a WiMAX USB adapter for laptop users to connect to WiMAX BWA
services.
1. WiMAX 802.16e Wave 2 PCI Express Card
The AWB EC200 is a WiMAX Express Card for laptop users to connect to WiMAX broadband
wireless access (BWA) services. It supports Windows XPand Vista system.
Worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMax) is a famous wireless broadband
replacement for cable DSL connection. Therefore it is considered as a last mile broadband access
due to its fast and swift access to provide wireless connectivity. WiMax operates in the licensed
radio frequency spectrum which gives its signal more strength and penetration.
WiMax can be used with some of the 4G technologies to convert local area networks into
metropolitan area networks; this would provide wireless connectivity to entire city. It is founded
on the standards of IEEE 802.16. If we try to deploy WiMax at large scale, it is possible to
provide broadband wireless access to both business and home users at economical rates.

The need for WiMax Deployment

It is evident that this technology offers many benefits over other wireless and wired technologies
due its reliable broadband connectivity. However still we observe it is not deployed as a major
communication by some of the countries of the world. The reason is that people and nations still
consider it an expensive and difficult to operate technology. Its widespread deployment is still
limited to the large scale government projects. The reason is that it is assumed that it requires
huge investment and all other benefits related to its use are neglected. In my view it can be really
beneficial for the areas which are under developed and which lack the basic telecommunication
infrastructure. WiMax technology can be deployed in the areas easily where it is almost
impossible to take wired broadband connections. It is really simple to operate that even a single
WiMax base station is all that is needed to provide connectivity to SOHO

The Deployment of WiMax in Dense Areas

As a vivacious wireless technology it can support the small and medium sized enterprises located
in the dense areas. However the deployment in some cases is limited due the spectral
inefficiency. It is difficult for the WiMax signals to carry on in the regions with very low density.
On the contrary the importance of it cannot be overlooked, because it is possible to increase the
range of WiMax. The multipurpose WiMax antennas are employed on different WiMax towers to
increase the range and strength of WiMax. An example of licensed radio spectrum frequency
which provides sufficient penetration in the areas with low density is 2.5GHz.This popular
WiMax technology is able to cater emergency deployment needs in areas where the existing
communication link has been broken down. For example it served the communication needs of
people affected by Katrina typhoon in Florida in 2005.

The Frequency considerations in WiMax Deployment

The frequency range of WiMax is usually between 10GHz to 66GHz. However this is not
sufficient to provide fast broadband connectivity in some areas, where it is difficult to make use
of direct line of sight mechanism. This constriction can be defeated by using 802.16a standard
which enables to use a frequency range of 2GHz and up to 11GHz. 802.16e enables the radio
signals to move through the physical setup because it provides adjusted modulation to the
signals. The wide spectrum ranging from 2GHz to 66GHz is sufficient to allow the favorable
marketing and sales potential. The WiMax frequency can be extended to lower frequency ranges
like 700 MHz. this deployment proved to be really beneficial for the auction in 2008 in USA.
Another frequency range of about 1.7 GHz and 2.1GHz also received highest bids in 2006. The
reason was that the licensees want to use it for improving existing GSM and UMTS coverage.
Before deploying the WiMax for commercial purposes one must take into account the available
frequency spectrum to avail the most favorable sales and utility prospective
WiMax have lots of features to its name. Lots of limitations were found as the use of
Wifi technology grew around the world, to overcome these limitations and to invent
better and more efficient wireless technology was realized which turned out to be
WiMax. WiMax have lots of features which helped in increase usability of WiMAX
around the world. It is still not been used to its full potential thats why there may
be more features which may not be known as yet, more and more exploration is
required to get WiMax technology to its full use, however we know some of its
significant features which are important enough to mention.

Long Rang

Connectivity from long range is much highlighted feature of WiMax. Theoretically it is believed
that WiMax technology provides range up 30 mils (50 Km). However in practical experience it is
observed that it provides range up to 10 km which is still huge break through in long range
connectivity. Users can connect to WiMax base station using SUI from their homes.

Mobility

Another significant feature of WiMax technology is the connectivity on move. This technology
amaze the world hence increasing the use of WiMax in some parts of the world dramatically.
Especially to the urban places where cables and other network equipments are not feasible to
install. Using its long range feature it provides connectivity on such area where other means of
high speed Internet are not available.

The other major mobility feature of WiMax technology is that connecting devices (Laptops, PDA
etc) can move in certain area and still be connected to the network.

Interfacing

WiMax radio signals are broadcasted to its subscribers from base stations. Base stations are area
where all necessary hardware is installed to provide WiMax with in its range. Since one Base
station covers limited range so connecting multiple base stations to each other increase that much
range for connectivity. Connecting multiple base stations to each other is not big task and can be
perform in few hours.

Accessibility

Accessing WiMax base station is not a difficult task, its long range capability provides
connectivity at home from base stations within the range. To get high speed internet its only
required to be because subscriber to WiMax service providers. They will provide you appropriate
hardware to become of the subscriber. Installing the hardware is very easy; it is just plug and
play. Hardware mostly connects through USB ports or Ethernet and connection can be made by
clicking just a button.

There may be several other features which will surely come up as the growth of WiMax
technology increases.

The wireless communication has already brought revolution in the field of telecommunication
technology. However further development would entirely change our world of communications.
There would be a time when rich and poor share the same wireless connectivity and this is would
be time of WiMax.

Next Generation Technology

WiMax technology is considered to be a next generation technology because this technology is
aimed at replacing most of the present wireless technologies like wifi, Bluetooth, microwave and
mobile phone technologies. This technology would give rise to a broad consumer market for
wireless digital devices. This wireless connection does not only provide compatibility with
exiting devices but in the near future it would help in further inventions. The world would
witness many inventions which are now even hard to imagine. WiMax is a technology which
considered as the first step toward 4G. Today WiMax is operating as second generation and third
generation technology but in near future it would be substantial 4G technology.
Future in Emerging Markets
WiMax is the next generation high speed internet connection which can be accessed with any
digital portable device like palm top, laptop and smart phones. It can be forecasted that the
number of subscribers for this technology would reach to 70million. So far it has captured the
market of Korea with the help of its sister WiBro. This connection operates at range of
frequencies this is the reason why further development in this technology would not stop or
hamper. The future of WiMax forum is also attached to the growth of this technology. This
technology is bread and butter for many. Therefore the further development in this technology
would generate more jobs. The WiMax forum is working hard to create more awareness about
the benefits of this technology. We can say hat their efforts are somewhat successful because now
there are more than 170 vendors attached to this technology. WiMax standard is based on the
802.16 standards and it has many forms like the fixed wireless technology and the mobile
WiMax technology. The wireless market is shifting to basic service connections to providing
multimedia services. Companies like Telcos are already enjoying huge profits using this
blessing.
WiMax as a Broadband Technology
Besides limitations like limited bandwidth over large geographical area it would emerge as the
best broadband wireless connection. Wired technologies have already been rejected due to their
difficult management and expense. Wireless broadband connections are now in the hearts and

pockets of the mobile users. This technology would make the communication world ubiquitous
for us. It is also a part of almost all new digital devices. The user just has to subscribe and pay
and the fast broad band connection would be available. The WiMax can be deployed at variable
frequencies. WiMax is using 2 GHz to 11 GHz and up to 63 GHz frequency for its operation.
However this is not the limit. The speed and efficiency of this connection can be increased. It is
already providing multimedia services to ultimate users like video streaming, video
conferencing, voice chat and voice over the internet. The broadband infrastructure of this
technology is really simple as compared to the others of its type. Its current broadband speed is
34 Mbps and 1 GB. This speed would further increase with the development in the infrastructure.
The line of sight connection provides fast internet connections even in remote areas. Imagine a
world where a natural disaster has destroyed everything. This is the only network technology
which would help us recover from it quickly. WiMax has already helped revived the
communication needs in tsunami. The future of WiMax is very dazzling ahead.