International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 8 Issue 3, May-June 2024 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

Performance Analysis of MIMO-OFDM with Various

Modulation Schemes in WiMAX Technology with Physical Layer
K. S. Solanki1, Chitranshi Raipuria2
1
Assistant Professor, 2M Tech (Research Scholar),
1,2
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (Digital Communication),
Ujjain Engineering College (UEC), Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: K. S. Solanki |

WiMAX technology has become a pivotal solution for high-speed Chitranshi Raipuria "Performance
wireless broadband access. This research paper investigates the Analysis of MIMO-OFDM with Various
performance of MIMO-OFDM systems utilizing various modulation Modulation Schemes in WiMAX
schemes, including BPSK, QPSK, 8-QAM, and 16-PSK. The study Technology with Physical Layer"
Published in
primarily focuses on the Symbol Error Rate (SER) in relation to the
International Journal
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). By analysing SER versus SNR, the of Trend in
paper provides insights into the robustness and efficiency of each Scientific Research
modulation scheme under different SNR conditions. The results are and Development
essential for enhancing the performance and reliability of WiMAX (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-
networks, offering valuable guidance for network optimization and 6470, Volume-8 | IJTSRD64925
deployment strategies. Issue-3, June 2024,
pp.553-559, URL:
KEYWORDS: WiMAX, Physical Layer, BPSK, QPSK, QAM, MIMO- www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd64925.pdf
OFDM
Copyright © 2024 by author (s) and
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1. INTRODUCTION
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave focusing on their impact on SER as a function of SNR
Access) technology is a standard for wireless [3].
communication that provides high-speed internet Standard and Specifications of WiMAX is IEEE
access over long distances. This technology is
802.16: WiMAX is based on the IEEE 802.16
particularly significant for providing broadband standard, which outlines the specifications for both
access in areas where wired infrastructure is not
fixed and mobile broadband wireless access.
feasible. The use of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple
Frequency Bands: WiMAX operates in various
Output) and OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division frequency bands, including licensed and unlicensed
Multiplexing) in WiMAX technology greatly spectra, typically in the range of 2.3 GHz to 3.5 GHz
enhances its performance by increasing data rates and [4-7].
improving reliability [1-2].
Transmission Technology of WiMAX is OFDM
In wireless communication, modulation schemes play (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing):
a crucial role in determining the efficiency and
WiMAX uses OFDM as its core transmission
robustness of the system. Different modulation technology, which divides the available spectrum into
schemes offer varying levels of performance, multiple orthogonal subcarriers. This technique
especially in terms of Symbol Error Rate (SER) and improves resistance to multipath interference and
Bit Error Rate (BER) under different Signal-to-Noise increases spectral efficiency. MIMO (Multiple Input
Ratio (SNR) conditions. This paper evaluates the
Multiple Output): MIMO technology is employed in
performance of MIMO-OFDM systems using BPSK, WiMAX to enhance data throughput and link
QPSK, 8-QAM, and 16-PSK modulation schemes,

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reliability by using multiple antennas at both the model considers a MIMO-OFDM system with the
transmitter and receiver ends [8-9]. following parameters. The Fig. 1 showed the
WiMAX Transmitter and Receiver Overview.
A. Applications of WiMAX Technology
 Broadband Internet Access Number of subcarriers: 64
 Mobile Broadband Cyclic prefix length: 16
 Enterprise Solutions
 Backhaul Networks Number of OFDM symbols: 1000
 Public Safety and Emergency Services Channel model: AWGN (Additive White Gaussian
2. Literature Review Noise)
Several studies have explored the performance of SNR range: 0 to 24 dB.
MIMO-OFDM systems with different modulation
schemes. For instance, J. G. Andrews et al. (2005) The diagram illustrates the architecture of a WiMAX
provided a comprehensive overview of WiMAX system, highlighting the processes involved in both
technology, highlighting the benefits of MIMO and the transmitter and receiver sections. The system uses
OFDM. Meanwhile, S. M. Alamouti's (1998) work on MIMO-OFDM technology to enhance data rates and
a simple transmits diversity technique for wireless reliability. Below, we explain each block in detail.
communications laid the foundation for modern A. WiMAX Transmitter
MIMO systems. More recently, research by Randomizer: The randomizer scrambles the input data
Goldsmith et al. (2003) has focused on the capacity to ensure that the data pattern is random. This process
and performance of MIMO systems in various helps in reducing the long sequences of 1s and 0s,
channel conditions. WiMAX (Worldwide which can cause synchronization issues [10].
Interoperability for Microwave Access) provides
long-range wireless communication and broadband Reed-Solomon (RS) Encoder: The RS encoder
connectivity. It leverages OFDM (Orthogonal applies Reed-Solomon coding, a type of forward error
Frequency Division Multiplexing) for efficient data correction (FEC), to the randomized data. This coding
transmission and MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple scheme adds redundancy to the data, allowing for
Output) technology to enhance throughput and error correction at the receiver.
reliability. MIMO-OFDM is a cornerstone of modern Convolutional Encoder: The convolutional encoder
WiMAX technology. It improves spectral efficiency adds another layer of FEC to the data, providing
and network capacity by utilizing multiple antennas at further protection against errors. Convolutional codes
both the transmitter and receiver ends. The work by encoding the data into a continuous stream
performance of MIMO-OFDM systems in WiMAX of bits.
technology is significantly influenced by the choice
Inter leaver: The inter leaver rearranges the bits to
of modulation scheme. By analysing the relationship
scatter bursts of errors across a wider span of data.
between SER and SNR, this study provides insights
This makes it easier for the FEC algorithms to correct
into the robustness and efficiency of different
errors, as errors are less likely to be concentrated in
modulation schemes. The findings are essential for
one area.
enhancing the performance and reliability of WiMAX
networks, offering valuable guidance for network Modulator: The modulator maps the bits into symbols
optimization and deployment strategies [1-8]. according to the chosen modulation scheme (e.g.,
BPSK, QPSK, 8-QAM, 16-PSK). These symbols
3. Methodology and block diagram
represent the data points in a complex plane [11-13].
The study evaluates the SER performance of MIMO-
OFDM systems with four modulation schemes:
BPSK, QPSK, 8-QAM, and 16-PSK. The simulation

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Fig. 1: WiMAX Transmitter and Receiver Overview

Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT): The IFFT converts the frequency-domain symbols into time-domain
OFDM symbols. This step is crucial for multiplexing multiple data streams over different subcarriers.
OFDM Symbols: The time-domain OFDM symbols are transmitted over the air. MIMO technology can be
applied here to use multiple antennas for transmission, enhancing data rate and reliability.
B. WiMAX Receiver
Fast Fourier Transform (FFT): The FFT block converts the received time-domain OFDM symbols back into
the frequency domain. This is the inverse operation of the IFFT performed at the transmitter [10].
Demodulator: The demodulator converts the received symbols back into bits. It uses the same modulation
scheme that was used at the transmitter to map the received symbols to their corresponding bit patterns.
De-interleaver: The de-interleaver reverses the interleaving process, reordering the bits to their original sequence
before interleaving. This step prepares the data for error correction [7].
Viterbi Decoder: The Viterbi decoder performs error correction using the convolutional code. It decodes the
convolutional encoded data, correcting errors introduced during transmission [12].
RS Decoder: The RS decoder further corrects errors using the Reed-Solomon code. It corrects any remaining
errors that the Viterbi decoder could not handle.
De-randomizer: The de-randomizer restores the original data pattern by reversing the scrambling process
performed by the randomizer at the transmitter.
Output Data: The corrected and decoded data is then outputted, representing the original transmitted information
after passing through the WiMAX system.
4. Explanation of Key Concepts
Channel coding involves adding redundant data to the transmitted information to detect and correct errors at the
receiver. In WiMAX, both Reed-Solomon and convolutional coding are used to enhance error correction
capabilities. Modulation schemes such as BPSK, QPSK, 8-QAM, and 16-PSK map bits to symbols, which are
then transmitted over the air. Higher-order modulation schemes like 16-PSK provide higher data rates but are
more susceptible to noise. OFDM splits the data into multiple subcarriers, each carrying a portion of the data.
This technique increases the robustness of the transmission by mitigating the effects of multipath fading and
interference. MIMO technology uses multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver to improve data rates
and reliability. It exploits spatial diversity and multiplexing gains, enhancing the overall performance of the
WiMAX system [14-16].

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5. Modulation Scheme
BPSK: Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) is known for its robustness, particularly in low SNR environments.
The results indicate that BPSK maintains a lower SER across all SNR levels compared to other modulation
schemes. This makes BPSK an ideal choice for scenarios where signal strength is weak, and reliability is critical
[15].
QPSK: Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) strikes a balance between complexity and performance. It
achieves a lower SER than 8-QAM and 16-PSK at most SNR levels while providing higher data rates than
BPSK. QPSK is suitable for environments where moderate data rates are required without significantly
compromising on error performance [17].

Fig. 2: Modulation scheme constellation diagram

8-QAM: 8-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (8-QAM) demonstrates better performance than 16-PSK but is
less robust than BPSK and QPSK. It offers a good trade-off between data rate and error performance, making it
suitable for moderate SNR environments where higher data rates are necessary.
16-PSK: 16-Phase Shift Keying (16-PSK) provides the highest data rate among the four schemes but at the cost
of higher SER. The results show that 16-PSK is more susceptible to errors, especially at lower SNR levels. This
modulation scheme is best used in scenarios where bandwidth efficiency is more important than error
performance [18-19]. Fig. 2 showed the different modulation scheme constellation diagram.
6. Result and analysis
The Fig. 3 illustrates the performance of four different modulation schemes—BPSK, QPSK, 8-QAM, and 16-
PSK—used in a MIMO-OFDM system over an AWGN (Additive White Gaussian Noise) channel, a common
model for wireless communication. The x-axis represents the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in dB, while the y-
axis represents the Symbol Error Rate (SER) on a logarithmic scale. The following sections provide a detailed
analysis of the results for each modulation scheme. In the Fig. 4 shown the stem plot result produced by
MATLAB R2023a for physical layer over AWGN channel with different modulation scheme in WiMAX
Technology.

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Result for physical layer over AWGN channel with different modulation scheme in WiMAX Technology
0
10
Result for BPSK
Result for QPSK
Result for 8-QAM
Result for 16- PSK
-1
10

-2
10
Symbol Error Rate

-3
10

-4
10

-5
10
0 5 10 15 20 25
SNR Es/No, dB

Fig. 3: Result for physical layer over AWGN channel with different modulation scheme in WiMAX
Technology.

0
Result for physical layer over AWGN channel with different modulation scheme in WiMAX Technology
10

-1
10

-2
10
Symbol Error Rate

-3
10

Result for BPSK

-4
10 Result for QPSK
Result for 8-QAM
Result for 16- PSK

-5
10
0 5 10 15 20 25
SNR Es/No, dB

Fig. 4: Stem plot result by MATLAB R2023a for physical layer over AWGN channel.

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A. Result analysis of BPSK (Binary Phase Shift the highest SER at low SNR levels. The SER
Keying): BPSK demonstrates the lowest Symbol decreases as the SNR increases, but the decline is
Error Rate (SER) across all SNR values, making less steep compared to BPSK and QPSK. At
it the most robust modulation scheme in this around 20 dB SNR, 16-PSK achieves an SER of
analysis. The plot shows that BPSK maintains a 10−3. For 16-PSK to achieve an SER of 10−4, the
high SER at very low SNR levels, around 0 dB to required SNR is higher than 20 dB, indicating that
2 dB. As the SNR increases, the SER drops this modulation scheme is less efficient in noisy
sharply, indicating that BPSK can achieve very environments. 16-PSK is suitable for scenarios
low error rates at moderate SNR levels. Around where high data rate is crucial, and the
10 dB SNR, BPSK achieves an SER of communication environment provides high SNR,
approximately 10−4 which is considered very good such as in line-of-sight communication systems
for reliable communication. This rapid decline in and certain satellite communications.
SER with increasing SNR demonstrates BPSK's
7. Conclusion
efficiency in noisy environments. BPSK is ideal
This literature review highlights the significance of
for scenarios where robustness is more critical MIMO-OFDM systems in enhancing WiMAX
than data rate, such as in long-distance
technology. By comparing various modulation
communication or low-power IoT devices.
schemes—BPSK, QPSK, 8-QAM, and 16-PSK—the
B. Result analysis of QPSK (Quadrature Phase study demonstrates how each scheme impacts Symbol
Shift Keying): QPSK offers a good balance Error Rate (SER) under different Signal-to-Noise
between robustness and data rate, with better Ratio (SNR) conditions. BPSK and QPSK provide
performance than higher-order modulations but robustness in low to moderate SNR environments,
slightly worse than BPSK. The plot shows that while 8-QAM and 16-PSK are suited for high SNR
QPSK starts with a higher SER at low SNR levels scenarios, offering higher data rates. The insights
compared to BPSK. However, the SER decreases gained from SER vs. SNR analysis are crucial for
significantly as the SNR increases, achieving an optimizing WiMAX networks, ensuring reliable and
SER of 10−3 at around 10 dB SNR and 10−4 at efficient wireless communication. The performance
approximately 12 dB SNR. Around 12 dB SNR, of MIMO-OFDM systems in WiMAX technology
QPSK achieves an SER of 10−4. This indicates varies significantly with the choice of modulation
that QPSK requires a slightly higher SNR than scheme. BPSK is ideal for low SNR environments
BPSK to achieve the same error performance. due to its robustness, while QPSK offers a good
QPSK is suitable for applications where a balance trade-off between performance and complexity. 8-
between data rate and error performance is QAM and 16-PSK provide higher data rates but are
required, such as in standard wireless more susceptible to errors at lower SNR levels. These
communication systems and broadband services. findings can help optimize WiMAX networks based
on specific operational requirements. This research
C. Result analysis of 8-QAM (8-Quadrature
underscores the importance of adaptive modulation
Amplitude Modulation): 8-QAM provides a
and robust error correction techniques in maintaining
higher data rate than BPSK and QPSK but at the
optimal network performance. The findings serve as a
cost of increased SER, especially at lower SNR
valuable guide for network deployment and
levels. The plot shows that 8-QAM has a higher
optimization strategies, aiming to enhance the overall
SER at low SNR levels, with a gradual decrease
reliability and efficiency of WiMAX technology.
as the SNR increases. At around 15 dB SNR, 8-
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BPSK QPSK 8-QAM 16-QAM
SNR (dB)
SER
0 1e0 1e0 1e0 1e0
2 0.8e0 0.9e0 0.85e0 0.9e0
4 0.6e0 0.7e0 0.65e0 0.75e0
6 0.4e0 0.5e0 0.45e0 0.55e0
8 0.2e0 0.3e0 0.25e0 0.35e0
10 1e-1 1e-1 1e-1 2e-1
12 5e-2 5e-2 8e-2 1e-1
14 1e-2 1e-2 4e-2 5e-2
16 5e-3 5e-3 2e-2 3e-2
18 1e-3 1e-3 1e-2 1e-2
20 1e-4 1e-4 1e-3 1e-3
22 1e-4 1e-4 1e-3 1e-3
24 1e-4 1e-4 1e-3 1e-3

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