A

Seminar Report

On

WIMAX TECHNOLOGY

Presented By
ABHISHEK MEHRA
Roll No. 23

Under the guidance of

Prof. VIDYA R. JOSHI
Department Of Computer Engineering & I.T.
Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University College Of
Engineering
Pune-43

2005-2006
 BHARATI VIDYAPEETH DEEMED UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
KATRAJ DHANKAWADI 411043

This is to certify that ABHISHEK MEHRA, of class B.Tech. I.T., Roll No.23, has
successfully completed his seminar work on the topic WIMAX TECHNOLOGY under the
able guidance of Prof.VIDYA R. JOSHI, towards the partial fulfillment of the term
work in the subject of Seminar and Technical Communication, in the academic year of
2005–2006.

Prof. SUHAS H. PATIL Prof. VIDYA R. JOSHI

(H.O.D.) (Guide)
Date :
 Acknowledgements

I, ABHISHEK MEHRA, would like to take this opportunity to

express my sincerest gratitude to all the people who have contributed towards the

successful completion of my seminar.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my H.O.D Prof. SUHAS

H.PATIL and my Seminar Guide Prof.VIDYA R. JOSHI for the invaluable support

and guidance extended to us by them, for nurturing a congenial yet competitive

environment in the department, which motivates all the students to pursue higher goals.

I would also like to extend my thanks to all the teaching and non teaching

staff members of my Department, and to all my colleagues who helped me in the entire

seminar preparation.
 INDEX

TOPIC PAGENO

1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. WHAT IS WIMAX 2
3. HOW WIMAX WORKS 5
4. WIMAX’S TECHNOLOGY FOR LOS AND NLOS ENVIRONMENTS 8
5. ORTHOGONAL FREQUENCY DIVISION MULTIPLEXING 11
6. DEPLOYMENT TOPOLOGIES 13
7. WIMAX FORUM 14
8. MARKET FOR WIMAX 17
9. WIMAX AND TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE 22
10. WIMAX AND EXISTING TECHNOLOGY 25
11. PROGRESS ON WIMAX STANDARD 28
12. INTEL’S ROLE IN WIMAX 30
13. WIMAX SPECTRUM AND REGULATION ISSUES 32
14. WHAT LIES AHEAD 33
15. CONCLUSION 34
16. REFERENCES 38
 1. INTRODUCTION

Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) has been serving enterprises and operators
for years, to the great satisfaction of its users. However, the new IP-based standard
developed by the IEEE 802.16 is likely to accelerate adoption of the technology. It will
expand the scope of usage thanks to: the possibility of operating in licensed and
unlicensed frequency bands, unique performance under Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS)
conditions, Quality of Service (QoS) awareness, extension to nomadicity, and more.
In parallel, the WiMAX forum, backed by industry leaders, will encourage the
widespread adoption of broadband wireless access by establishing a brand for the
technology and pushing interoperability between products.

The purpose of this report is to highlight and assess the value of WiMAX as the
right solution to:
1. Extend the currently limited coverage of public WLAN (hotspots) to citywide
coverage (hot zones)
2. The same technology being usable at home and on the move,
3. Blanket metropolitan areas for mobile data-centric service delivery, offer fixed
broadband access in urban and suburban areas where copper quality is poor or
unbundling difficult,
4. Bridge the digital divide in low-density areas where technical and economic factors
make broadband deployment very challenging.
 2.WHAT IS WIMAX?

2.0 Standards associated to WiMAX:

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is the

common name associated to the IEEE 802.16a/REVd/e standards. These standards are
issued by the IEEE 802.16 subgroup that originally covered the Wireless Local Loop
(WLL) technologies with radio spectrum from 10 to 66 GHz. Recently, these
specifications
were extended below 10 GHz.
1. In January 2003, the IEEE approved 802.16a as an amendment to IEEE 802.16- 2001,
defining (Near) Line-Of- Sight capability.
2. In July 2004, IEEE 802.16REVd, now published under the name IEEE 802.16-2004,
introduces support for indoor CPE (NLOS) through additional radio capabilities such
as antenna beam forming and OFDM sub-channeling.
3. Early 2005, an IEEE 802.16e variant will introduce support for mobility. See Figure 1
for the applications associated with each of these standards. The WiMAX Forum intends
to do for 802.16 what the Wi-Fi Alliance did for 802.11:
4. Harmonize standards and certify interoperability between equipment from different
vendors. Standardized interoperable solutions will result in mass volume and bring down
costs,
5. Promote and establish a brand for the technology.
Think about how you access the Internet today. There are basically three different
options:

1. Broadband access - In your home, you have either a DSL or cable modem. At
the office, your company may be using a T1 or a T3 line.
2. WiFi access - In your home, you may have set up a WiFi router that lets you
surf the Web while you lounge with your laptop. On the road, you can find WiFi
hot spots in restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and libraries.
3. Dial-up access - If you are still using dial-up, chances are that either broadband
access is not available, or you think that broadband access is too expensive.

The main problems with broadband access are that it is pretty expensive and it doesn't
reach all areas. The main problem with WiFi access is that hot spots are very small, so
coverage is sparse.

WiMAX has the potential to do to broadband Internet access what cell

phoneshave done to phone access. In the same way that many people have given up their
"land lines" in favor of cell phones, WiMAX could replace cable and DSL
rvices,providing universal Internet access just about anywhere you go. WiMAX will also
be as painless as WiFi -- turning your computer on will automatically connect you to the
closest av This technology provide:

 The high speed of broadband service

 Wireless rather than wired access, so it would be a lot less expensive than cable or
DSL and much easier to extend to suburban and rural areas
 Broad coverage like the cell phone network instead of small WiFi hotspots .

2.1 WiMAX, the reality beyond the hype

As mentioned above, WiMAX can offer very high data rates and extended coverage.
However,
1. 75 Mbit/s capacity for the base station is achievable with a 20 MHz channel in
bestpropagation conditions. But regulators will often allow only smaller channels (10
mhzor less) reducing the maximum bandwidth.
2. Even though 50 km is achievable under optimal conditions and with a reduced data
rate (a few Mbit/s), the typical coverage will be around 5 km with indoor CPE (NLOS)
and around 15 km with a CPE connected to an external antenna
 3. HOW WIMAX WORKS?

Photo courtesy Intel

WiMAX transmitting tower

In practical terms, WiMAX would operate similar to WiFi but at higher speeds, over
greater distances and for a greater number of users. WiMAX could potentially erase the
suburban and rural blackout areas that currently have no broadband Internet access
because phone and cable companies have not yet run the necessary wires to those remote
locations.

A WiMAX system consists of two parts:

 A WiMAX tower, similar in concept to a cell-phone tower - A single WiMAX

tower can provide coverage to a very large area -- as big as 3,000 square miles
(~8,000 square km).
 A WiMAX receiver - The receiver and antenna could be a small box or PCMCIA
card, or they could be built into a laptop the way WiFi access is today.

A WiMAX tower station can connect directly to the Internet using a high-bandwidth,
wired connection (for example, a T3 line). It can also connect to another WiMAX tower
using a line-of-sight, microwave link. This connection to a second tower (often referred
to as a backhaul), along with the ability of a single tower to cover up to 3,000 square
miles, is what allows WiMAX to provide coverage to remote rural areas.
What this points out is that WiMAX actually can provide two forms of wireless service:

 There is the non-line-of-sight, WiFi sort of service, where a small antenna on

your computer connects to the tower. In this mode, WiMAX uses a lower
frequency range -- 2 GHz to 11 GHz (similar to WiFi). Lower-wavelength
transmissions are not as easily disrupted by physical obstructions -- they are better
able to diffract, or bend, around obstacles.
 There is line-of-sight service, where a fixed dish antenna points straight at the
WiMAX tower from a rooftop or pole. The line-of-sight connection is stronger
and more stable, so it's able to send a lot of data with fewer errors. Line-of-sight
transmissions use higher frequencies, with ranges reaching a possible 66 GHz.
At higher frequencies, there is less interference and lots more bandwidth.
WiFi-style access will be limited to a 4-to-6 mile radius (perhaps 25 square miles or 65
square km of coverage, which is similar in range to a cell-phone zone). Through the
stronger line-of-sight antennas, the WiMAX transmitting station would send data to
WiMAX-enabled computers or routers set up within the transmitter's 30-mile radius
(3,600 square miles or 9,300 square km of coverage). This is what allows WiMAX to
achieve its maximum range.
 4. WIMAX’S TECHNOLOGY FOR LOS AND NLOS
ENVIRONMENTS
4.0.Abstract
While many technologies currently available for fixed broadband wireless can only
provide line of sight (LOS) coverage, the technology behind WiMAX has been optimized
to provide excellent non line of sight (NLOS) coverage. WiMAX’s advanced technology
provides the best of both worlds – large coverage distances of up to 50 kilometers under
LOS conditions and typical cell radii of up to 5 miles/8 km under NLOS conditions.
4.1.NLOS versus LOS Propagation
The radio channel of a wireless communication system is often described as being either
LOS or NLOS. In a LOS link, a signal travels over a direct and unobstructed path from
the transmitter to the receiver. A LOS link requires that most of the first Fresnel zone is
free of any obstruction, see Figure 1 if this criteria is not met then there is a significant
reduction in signal strength, see [Ref 1].
The Fresnel clearance required depends on the operating frequency and the distance
between the transmitter and receiver locations.
In a NLOS link, a signal reaches the receiver through reflections, scattering, and
diffractions. The signals arriving at the receiver consists of components from the direct
path, multiple reflected paths, scattered energy, and diffracted propagation paths. These
signals have different delay spreads, attenuation, polarizations, and stability relative to
the direct path.

The multi path phenomena can also cause the polarization of the signal to be changed.
Thus using polarization as a means of frequency re-use, as is normally done in LOS
deployments can be problematic in NLOS applications.
How a radio system uses these multi path signals to an advantage is the key to providing
service in NLOS conditions. A product that merely increases power to penetrate
obstructions (sometimes called “near line of sight”) is not NLOS technology because this
approach still relies on a strong direct path without using energy present in the indirect
signals. Both LOS and NLOS coverage conditions are governed by the propagation
characteristics of their environment, path loss, and radio link budget.
There are several advantages that make NLOS deployments desirable. For instance, strict
planning requirements and antenna height restrictions often do not allow the antenna to
be positioned for LOS. For large-scale contiguous cellular deployments, where frequency
re-use is critical, lowering the antenna is advantageous to reduce the co channel
interference between adjacent cell sites. This often forces the base stations to operate in
NLOS conditions. LOS systems cannot reduce antenna heights because doing so would
impact the required direct view path from the CPE to the Base Station.
NLOS technology also reduces installation expenses by making under-the-eaves CPE
installation a reality and easing the difficulty of locating adequate CPE mounting
locations. The technology also reduces the need for pre installation site surveys and
improves the accuracy of NLOS planning tools.

4.2. NLOS Technology Solutions

WiMAX technology, solves or mitigates the problems resulting from NLOS conditions
by using:
• OFDM technology.
 5. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
Intel inCommunications
Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a multi-carrier
transmission technique that has been recently recognized as an excellent method for high
speed bi-directional wireless data communication. Its history dates back to the 1960s, but
it has recently become popular because economical integrated circuits that can perform
the high speed digital operations necessary have become available. OFDM effectively
squeezes
multiple modulated carriers tightly together, reducing the required bandwidth but keeping
the modulated signals orthogonal so they do not interfere with each other. Today, the
technology is used in such systems as asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) as well
as wireless systems such as IEEE 802.11a/g (Wi-Fi*) and IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX*). It is
also used for wireless digital audio and video broadcasting. It is based on frequency
division multiplexing (FDM), which is a technology that uses multiple frequencies to
simultaneously transmit multiple signals in parallel. Each signal has its own frequency
range (subcarrier) which is then modulated by data. Each sub-carrier is separated by a
guard band to ensure that they do not overlap. These sub-carriers are then demodulated at
the receiver by using filters to separate the bands.

OFDM is similar to FDM but much more spectrally efficient by spacing the sub-channels
much closer together (until they are actually overlapping). This is done by finding
frequencies that are orthogonal, which means that they are perpendicular in a
mathematical sense, allowing the spectrum of each sub-channel to overlap another
without interfering with it.
In Figure , the effect of this is seen as the required bandwidth is greatly reduced by
removing guard bands and allowing signals to overlap. In order to demodulate the signal,
a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is needed. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) chips are
commercially available, making this a relatively easy operation phase shift keying (PSK)
or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) is typically employed to increase the data
throughput. So in this case, a data stream would be split into n (192) parallel data
streams, each at 1/n (1/192) of the original rate.
 6. DEPLOYMENT TOPOLOGIES

In emerging countries, the main focus of broadband deployment is on urban

and sub-urban areas, and will remain so in the near future. The low POTS 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. WiMax is of
interest for large enterprises with several locations in the same metropolitan area. WiMax
will permit Operator's bypass under license conditions: building a metropolitan private
network of IP lines at a very low cost (no civil works). The comparison to leased lines
rental fee is in favor of Wimax even for two sites only.

Several topology and backhauling options are to be supported on the WiMAX base
stations: wireline backhauling (typically over Ethernet), microwave Point-to-Point
connection, as well as WiMAX backhaul. With the latter option, the base station has the
capability to backhaul itself. This can be achieved by reserving part of the bandwidth
normally used for the end-user traffic and using it for backhauling purposes.
 7. WIMAX FORUM

The WiMAX Forum is a non-profit corporation formed to help promote and

certify the compatibility and interoperability of BWA (Broadband Wireless Access)
equipment. The single global interoperable standard for broadband wireless access is
based on Wi-LAN's W-OFDM technology and the IEEE 802.16 / ETSI HiperMAN
standards. The Forum's efforts are intended to help accelerate the introduction of
standards-based broadband wireless equipment into the marketplace, speeding up last-
mile broadband deployment worldwide.

WiMAX Forum Certified equipment is expected to provide up to 50-kilometers of range

and allow users to receive broadband connectivity without requiring a direct line of sight
with the base station. The equipment is also expected to provide shared data rates up to
70 Mbps, which is enough bandwidth to simultaneously support more than 60 businesses
with T1-type connectivity and hundreds of homes with DSL-type connectivity with a
single base station.

WiMAX Benefits:

1.Network operators - equipment interoperability across vendors + lower cost = lower

risk; fill broadband access gaps for residential and business

2.End-users - faster and cheaper access that is more widely available; more choice for
broadband access

3.Component makers - creates volume opportunity for silicon suppliers; fewer

product variations and higher volumes

4.Equipment makers - can innovate more rapidly

Wi-LAN and WiMAXAs a founding member of the Forum, Wi-LAN has played a
critical role in the development of the standard by leading the technical working group of
WiMAX Forum and IEEE 802.16 Task Group d. Wi-LAN is also a board member of
WiMAX Forum.
Wi-LAN has announced its plan to produce a WiMAX Forum Certified system in
conjunction with Fujitsu Microelectronics America. Availability of engineering samples
of the Wi-LAN/Fujitsu System-on-Chip (SoC) are planned for the fall of 2004, and the
complete system is expected to be available for WiMAX Forum conformance and
interoperability testing by the end of 2005.

Fujitsu and Wi-LAN WiMAX System-on-Chip (SoC)

Fujitsu and Wi-LAN have been working closely on WiMAX technology since late 2002.
Wi-LAN has combined its system expertise and Orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplexing (OFDM) technology with FMA’s chip design capabilities in a development
program that created a new SoC from Fujitsu. The highly integrated, high-performance
solution incorporates embedded processors and mixed signal technology in a device that
will enable systems developers like Wi-LAN to provide cost-effective WiMAX Forum
Certified™ equipment.

Libra MX™

Wi-LAN’s Libra MX, the world’s first fourth-generation OFDM broadband wireless
product, gives WiMAX performance today, and guaranteed migration to WiMAX-
certified systems when they become available. It allows carriers to build a foundation for
WiMAX now, and achieve rapid ROI by delivering advanced services like VoIP, data
and video over expanded wireless networks immediately.

Continuity Program: Benefit from WiMAX Performance Today

The core of the Continuity Program is Wi-LAN’s commitment that any current LIBRA
Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) will operate side by side, in the same network, the
same cell and even the same sector with future WiMAX compliant CPE’s. The
Continuity Program will minimize network and revenue disruption and protect
customers’ investment in current technology when networks are transitioned to WiMAX
compliant equipment. You can confidently invest in LIBRA for your network today and
migrate to WiMAX in the future.
WiMAX Forum / 802.16 History

In 2001 IEEE released the IEEE 802.16 standard, which was to be the first of several
broadband WirelessMAN standards. Since then the IEEE has continued to add to that
base standard through a set of amendments, each with a different focus.

In early 2002, Wi-LAN joined Nokia, Ensemble, Harris and CrossSpan, and became a
founding member of the 2-11GHz group within WiMAX Forum. As a result, WiMAX
Forum's charter was modified to promote a single global interoperable standard for
broadband wireless access based on Wi-LAN's W-OFDM technology and the IEEE
802.16 / ETSI HiperMAN standards in the 2-11Ghz bands.

In September 2003 during the 27th session of the IEEE 802.16 Working Group, a new
project, 802.16-REVd, was approved that would result in some changes for IEEE &
WiMAX followers and insiders alike. Prior to this, the complete IEEE 802.16 standard
was comprised of three documents within the IEEE 802.16 group of standards; "IEEE Std
802.16-2001", "IEEE Std 802.16c-2002", and "IEEE Std 802.16a-2003". The standard
commonly known as "16a" is in fact an amendment to the "IEEE 802.16-2001" and is not
a stand alone document. IEEE 802.16-REVd (a combination of the previous three
documents) was ratified and was published in September 2004.

IEEE 802.16e is an amendment to IEEE 802.16-2004, which will address adding

mobility to the 802.16 standard.

The WiMAX Forum has over 200 member companies and is poised to begin certification
of WiMAX products in 2005.
 8. MARKET FOR WIMAX

WiMAX will boost today's highly fragmented BWA market thanks to

standardization and interoperability, state-of-the-art radio efficiency with NLOS
capability, and strong support from the radio equipment manufacturers and chipset
industries. WiMAX will also target the data-centric mobility market with the introduction
of lower powerconsumption chipsets. The strong support from some of the most
important chipsets manufacturers such as Intel is a key enabler for the success of
WiMAX, since it will lead to wide availability of affordable WiMAX-enabled terminals
(e.g., laptops, PDAs, etc.).

8.0.WiMAX product availability

Mass deployment of WiMAX products is planned in two main steps:

1. mid-2005, availability of the 802.16REVd chipset, allowing the development of
costoptimized CPE operating indoors (NLOS),
2. in 2006, availability of 802.16e chipsets embedded in laptops and later on in other
mobile devices, enabling Portable Internet.
We believe that current pre- WiMAX products and initial 802.16a WiMAX products
available in early 2005, operating similarly to current proprietary equipment (LOS, not
cost-optimized CPE) and at similar cost, will not be widely deployed, because the
operator needs to go and install the antenna at the customer premise, which is
uneconomical for residential customer as proved in the early days of ADSL installation.
This said, 802.16a will certainly be used for at least two years on the market window of
backhauling of operators sites: wireless transmission of WiFi hotspot traffic to the nearest
ISP point of presence, or data leased lines concentration, or 3G new small site
backhauling

8.1. WiMAX, a complement to fixed and

mobile access

WiMAX integrates perfectly into existing fixed and mobile networks, complementing
them when needed. This section gives a more detailed analysis of WiMAX integration
into fixed and the mobile markets.

8.2. WiMAX for fixed wireless access

Nationwide broadband access has become a priority in many countries. In mostdeveloped
countries, the average broadband coverage will reach 90% in the coming years. Still, in
some rural areas of such countries, broadband coverage will not exceed 50%. The service
gap can be categorized by two characteristics: the type of area (rural or urban) and the
level of national development (see Table 1).In developed countries, DSL service
deployment has been massive in urban and sub-urban deployments, whereas coverage of
remote areas - smaller towns and rural areas - is lagging behind. Hurdles to overcome are
the poor line quality of the installed copper base, the large distances to the central offices
or cabinets, or the low population density. In this context, WiMAX, with its QoS support,
longer reach, and data rates similar to DSL, is naturally positioned as a viable first mile
option to offer broadband access to residential users.
8.3 WiMAX for Portable Internet

8.3.0 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 (hotzones). 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.
8.3.1.From nomadicity to Portable Internet

While nomadicity offers connectivity within the coverage area of a single base station,
Portable Internet implies session continuity throughout the network. In addition a new
generation of networks with multi-access (3G, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, DSL, FTTU, etc.) enable
end-users to enjoy an "Always Best Connected" experience when accessing their
applications via the best available network at home, on the pause, or on the move. See
above. WiMAX becomes an additional radio access solution in the global network
architecture.

8.4. The WiMAX CPE

In most case, a simple plug and play terminal, similar to a DSL modem, provides
connectivity. See Figure. For customers located several kilometers from the WiMAX
base station, a self-install outdoor antenna may be required to improve transmission
quality. To serve isolated customers, a directive antenna pointing to the WiMAX
base station may be required. For customers requesting voice in addition to
broadband services, specific CPE will allow the connection of standard or VoIP phones.
Ultimately, WiMAX chipset will be embedded in data-centric devices.

8.5 .Operator's business case

WiMAX is of interest for incumbent, alternate, and mobile operators. Some business
cases are possible.
1. The incumbent operators can use the wireless technology as a complement to DSL,
allowing them to offer DSL-like services in remote, lowdensity areas that cannot be
served with DSL.
2. For alternate operators, the wireless technology is the solution for a competitive high-
speed Internet and voice offering bypassing the landline facilities, with applicability in
urban or sub-urban areas.
3. The larger opportunity will come with the Portable Internet usage, complementing
fixed
and mobile solution in urban and suburban areas. Therefore it will enhance the business
case by giving access to a large potential of end users.

8.6.WiMAX, the obvious choice for

Operators

By integrating WiMAX into their networks, mobile operators can boost their service with
high bandwidth, when necessary, the same applications (messaging, agenda, location-
based services, …) being offered on both networks with a single billing and subscriber
profile. Mobile operators can also reuse existing radio sites and backhauling equipment to
facilitate the deployment of WiMAX. Fixed operators, incumbent or alternate, will offer
nomadic and Portable Internet usage as an addition to their fixed access offering to
complement their DSL and Wi-Fi bundle. For those having deployed WiMAX for fixed
access, this is also a natural evolution of their offering.
 9. WIMAX TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE

9.0.WiMAX, more flexibility and security

Unlike WLAN, WiMAX provides a media access control (MAC) layer

that uses a grant-request 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:
1. terminal authentication by exchanging certificates to prevent rogue devices,
2. user authentication using the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP),
3. 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.

9.1. WiMAX, a very efficient radio solution

WiMAX must be able to provide a reliable service over long distances to customers using
indoor terminals or PC cards (like today's WLAN cards) .These requirements, with
limited transmit power to comply with health requirements, will limit the link budget.
Subchannelling in uplink and smart antennas at the base station has to overcome these
constraints. The WiMAX system relies on a new radio physical (PHY) layer and
appropriate MAC layer to support all demands driven by the target applications. The
PHY layer modulation is based on OFDMA, in combination with a centralized MAC
layer for optimized resource allocation and support of QoS for different types of services
(VoIP, real-time and non real-time services, best effort). The OFDMA PHY layer is well
adapted to the NLOS propagation environment in the 2 - 11 GHz frequency range. It is
inherently robust when it comes to handling the significant delay spread caused by the
typical NLOS reflections. Together with adaptive modulation, which is applied to each
subscriber individually according to the radio channel capability, OFDMA can provide a
high spectral efficiency of about 3 - 4 bit/s/Hz. However, in contrast to single carrier
modulation, the OFDMA signal has an increased peak: average ratio and increased
frequency accuracy requirements. Therefore, selection of appropriate power amplifiers
and frequency recovery concepts are crucial. WiMAX provides flexibility in terms of
channelization, carrier frequency, and duplex mode (TDD and FDD) to meet a variety of
requirements for available spectrum resources and targeted services. An important and
very challenging function of the WiMAX system is the support of various advanced
antenna techniques, which are essential to provide high spectral efficiency, capacity,
system performance, and reliability:
1. beam forming using smart antennas provides additional gain to bridge long distances
or to increase indoor coverage; it reduces inter-cell interference and improves frequency
reuse,
2. transmit diversity and MIMO techniques using multiple antennas take advantage of
multipath reflections to improve reliability and capacity.

9.2. System performance

Table 2 gives typical cell size and throughput at 3.5 GHz in various configuration and
environments.
 10. WIMAX AND EXISTING TECHNOLOGIES

10.0. WiMAX different from Wi-Fi?

Although the fundamental technology is the same, over time we can add levels of
sophistication to WiMAX. Wi-Fi channels occupy a fixed width of the spectrum. But
with WiMAX, we're going to enable the traffic lanes – or channels – to get smaller and
narrower. This helps service providers seeking to offer wireless last-mile DSL or cable-
type service because they can provide a narrower channel that uses less bandwidth and
serve more users. You can take what used to be a fixed Wi-Fi lane and make a bunch
more lanes.
The other big difference between Wi-Fi and WiMAX – starting right away – is that we're
going to use licensed spectrum to deliver WiMAX. To date, all Wi-Fi technology has
been delivered in unlicensed spectrum. WiMAX will use one of the unlicensed
frequencies, but we're also supporting two other frequencies that are licensed. What that
means is that you can turn up the output power and broadcast longer distances. So where
Wi-Fi is something that is measured in hundreds of feet, usually WiMAX will have a
very good value proposition and bandwidth up to several miles.

Also WiMAX is designed to be a carrier-grade technology, which requires a higher level

of reliability and quality of service than are now available in typical Wi-Fi
implementations.

Those fundamental differences make WiMAX more of a metropolitan area access

technology versus hotspot.

10.1. Wimax and 3G

3G has been built on the foundation of a voice network. And the 3G community is adding
data capability to it. Our objective for WiMAX 802.16e is to be a high speed data service
that can be used to extend and complement 3G service. We know of several 3G service
providers that are worried that as data use grows they will not have enough spectrum for
both their voice customers and their data customers. So they're interested in WiMAX as a
complementary data service technology that they can deploy with their 3G voice service.
So essentially, WiMAX is very targeted for wireless data, not wireless voice.

There's another big difference between WiMAX and cellular technologies in general.
Cellular grew up – more or less – where the whole system was architected from the
network and base station all the way out to the client – typically the phone – and different
vendors' equipment didn't necessarily work together. Eventually there were a lot of
separate networks. Roaming agreements have been put in place, so that more so and more
so you can work on other people's networks, although you'll be charged extra for it. With
WiMAX we're working to get that type of interoperability and more - from Day One.
That means if you buy a client made out of silicon by Intel, you could use it on several
different networks even if the base stations are provided by different companies.

10.2. What will users be able to do via WiMAX that they can't do with existing
technologies?

There are areas of the world - especially in emerging markets and rural areas – where
deploying wired broadband infrastructure is not cost effective. WiMAX is very cost
effective technology to quickly deploy in the regions which otherwise would not have
broadband access. So WiMAX helps spread broadband to more users .
Another benefit of WiMAX is the ability to get higher connection speeds farther away
from the transmitter. Right now you can get a really high speed connection in Wi-Fi close
to the transmitter. The other option is that you can get a pretty slow Internet connection
using a cellular technology, which spans a greater distance. WiMAX fits between those
two offerings. You'll get speeds similar to close-up Wi-Fi connections out to several
miles. .
WiMAX will also be much easier to install, which makes it more cost-effective for
service providers and hopefully some of those savings will accrue to users. For example,
with 802.16-2004, service providers will be able to offer users last mile access with an
external antenna mount. Shortly thereafter we expect to offer that same service so people
can put that antenna inside on their desk near their window. Either way, it's easier to
install than Wi-Fi, which requires precise alignment between access points. Our goal here
is to enable self installation.
When 802.16e comes out in 2006, the improvements become more obvious. This is
where we're adding scalability and multi-access capabilities to the fixed OFDM
technology. We'll make the channels scalable and the lanes different sizes to extend
broadband wireless access across a larger geography. As I mentioned earlier, fixed
wireless access is known as OFDM, and the industry term for this scalable technology is
SOFDMA – or Scalable OFDM Multi-Access. From the technical side, it's a pretty big
change. So it's very similar in concept to today's more evolved, multi-access cellular
technologies.
 11. PROGRESS ON WIMAX STANDARD

The core 802.16 specification was an air interface standard for

broadband wireless access systems using point-to-multipoint infrastructure designs and
operating at radio frequencies between 10 GHz and 66 GHz. That standard wasn't
complete in many peoples' minds. It applied only to line-of-sight deployment in the
licensed spectrum, didn't offer any conformance guidelines, and ignored ongoing
development of the similar European HiperMAN standard.

The 802.16a collection of amendments takes into account the emergence of licensed and
license-exempt broadband wireless networks operating between 2 GHz and 11 GHz, with
support for non-line-of-sight architectures that could not be supported in higher
frequency ranges. The 802.16a version adds three new PHY-layer specifications: a
single-carrier layer, a 256-point FFT OFDM (fast Fourier transform orthogonal
frequency division multiplexing) layer, and a 2048-point FFT OFDMA layer. The 256-
point waveform is employed by both WiMAX and the European Telecommunications
Standards Institute (ETSI)'s HiperMAN standard, ensuring worldwide interoperability.

The amended standard allows WiMAX deployment in varying channel capacities to

address the different amounts of spectrum that carriers own from market to market and in
different parts of the world. The inclusion of time division duplexing (TDD) and
frequency division duplexing (FDD) adds to WiMAX's international potential.1 The
802.16a version also makes enhancements to the Media Access Control (MAC) layer,
and adds quality of service features.
While 802.16a does much to improve on the original standard, the core standard has had
enough amendments attached to it that the IEEE is now redrafting the specification. The
new standard, referred to as 802.16 Revision D, was approved as an IEEE standard in
June 2004. The new core specification will include everything that has changed about the
standard thus far. Then in 2005, the IEEE plans to produce 802.16e, the amendment
introducing mobility.
 12. INTEL’S ROLE IN WIMAX

The wireless industry is evolving from a web of independent

networks into a single, integrated wireless network with multiple standards. The
expectation is that Wi-Fi, WiMAX and 3G will coexist and that their coexistence is going
to enable a host of exciting new applications and business models.

Intel is developing standardized, high-performance silicon to address all of the multiple

broadband wireless technologies, as well as a range of products for modular
communications networks that will be crucial in the deployment of broadband wireless.
The first 802.16-enabled chips are scheduled for shipment in the second half of 2004.
WiMAX capability built into notebook computers is targeted for 2006, followed by
handsets targeted for 2007.

Intel foresees significant WiMAX opportunities over the next five years, similar to those
that emerged with Wi-Fi. Intel anticipates first a progression from fixed 802.16 wireless
networks to base stations employing the emerging 802.16e specification for broadband
wireless portability. Farther off on the horizon is seamless mobility.

Intel has formally announced its first WiMAX product, a system-on-a-chip capable of
receiving wireless broadband signals both inside and outside customer premises.

The ProWireless 5116 is fully compliant with the 802.16-2004 standard, Intel said, and is
the first product of its kind to be "optimised for cost-effective modems and residential
gateways", the chip-maker said. Products based on the part are expected to ship by the
end of the year, having first gained interoperability certification from industry body the
WiMAX Forum, which today conveniently announced just such a certification
programme.

Formerly known by its codename, 'Rosedale', the 5116 is designed to maintain broadband
connections between fixed antennae. Future versions of the product are expected to
support the 802.16e specification, which adds support for mobile end-user kit. Last week,
Intel pledged to "solve in silicon" the inherent incompatibilities between the 802.16e and
802.16-2004 specifications.

Meanwhile, the 5116 has already won the support of equipment makers, with the likes of
Airspan, Alvarion, Aperto, Gemtek, Huawei, Proxim, Redline, Siemens and ZTE voicing
their enthusiasm for Intel's new wireless chip. So too did a range of carriers, all looking
to use WiMAX to extend the reach of their broadband offerings.

The WiMAX Forum's interoperability certification programme will operate out of its
Malaga, Spain facility, and will open for business in July. It will take in the European
Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) HiperMAN specification. All South
Korean operators backing the local WiMAX-like WiBro system are now members of the
Forum, which should ultimately ensure interoperability between these two technologies
too.

The first WiMAX Forum Certified products are expected in the November/December
timeframe, the Forum said. The Forum will initially certify equipment based on two
profiles: Time Division Duplexing (TDD) and Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) in
the 3.5GHz frequency band with 3.5MHz channelisation. Based on market demand and
vendor product submissions, more profiles will be added in 2006, it said. The Forum
promised all future enhancements to the baseline profiles will support backward
compatibility.
 13. WIMAX SPECTRUM AND REGULATION ISSUES

WiMAX-compliant equipment will be allowed to operate in both

licensed and unlicensed bands. The minimum channel bandwidth for WiMAX usage is
1.75 MHz per channel, while 10 MHz is considered as an optimum. Although 2.4 GHz
and 5 GHz non-licensed bands are largely available, their usage could be limited to trials
because of the risks of interference preventing QoS commitments. The 2.5 and 3.5 GHz
licensed bands will be the most common bands for WiMAX applications. It should be
noted that the 5 GHz band is also partially licensed in some countries. Most countries
have already allocated licensed spectrum, generally to alternate operators. Nevertheless
large quantities of spectrum are still in process of allocation, and some countries have not
even defined any WiMAX licensed bands yet. WiMAX is designed to accommodate
either Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD), which is more suited to enterprise traffic, or
Time Division
Duplexing (TDD), which is more adapted to asymmetrical traffic. Cohabitation of FDD
and TDD techniques is possible within the same bands, provided guard bands are
implemented.
 14. WHAT LIES AHEAD

Intel is working through the WiMAX Forum to facilitate the

deployment of broadband networks based on the 802.16 standard. The WiMAX Forum
consists of more than 100 members, including leading equipment manufacturers, service
providers and systems integrators. The organization will help ensure the compatibility
and interoperability of WiMAX broadband wireless access equipment.

Actual products are not that far off. In June 2004, Intel and Proxim Corporation
announced a collaboration to develop and deliver 802.16 solutions for fixed and portable
broadband wireless access. The agreement includes the development of base station and
subscriber unit access points. As part of the agreement, the companies will codevelop a
reference design for WiMAX customer premise equipment. This reference design will
enable subscriber station designers to bring products to market faster, helping proliferate
the use of 802.16 for both licensed and unlicensed networks. Proxim plans to deliver its
fixed WiMAX-certified broadband wireless solution in early 2005 and portable WiMAX-
certified solutions in late 2005.

Intel has also announced it is working with telecommunications equipment companies

Airspan Networks, Alvarion, Aperto Networks and Redline Communications on
WiMAX equipment using Intel silicon. Telecom carriers working with Intel include
British Telecom, Iberbanda (Spain), PCCW (Hong Kong) and Reliance Infocomm
(India).
 15. CONCLUSION

The latest developments in the IEEE 802.16 group are driving a

broadband wireless access revolution 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. Initially, WiMAX will bridge the digital divide and thanks to competitive
equipment prices, the scope of
WiMAX deployment will broaden to cover markets where the low POTS penetration,
high DSL unbundling costs, or poor copper quality have acted as a brake on extensive
high-speed Internet and voice over broadband. WiMAX will reach its peak by making
Portable Internet a reality. 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 endusers 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. Alcatel, the worldwide broadband market
leader with a market share in excess of 37%, is committed offer complete support across
the entire investment and operational cycle required for successful deployment of
WiMAX services.
 16. REFERENCES

16.1 REFERED GENERALS:

1. IEEE 802.16.3c-01/29r4, “Channel Models for Fixed Wireless Applications,”

2. WiMAX: The Critical Wireless Standard, BluePrint WiFi Report,October 2003

3. WiMAX/802.16 and 802.20, ABI Research, Q4 200, Last Mile Wireless High Speed
Market, Skylight Research,March 2004

16.2.VISITED SITES:

1. www.How Stuff Works .com

2. www.WIMAX FORUM.com
3. www.wimaxforum.org