WIMAX is a wireless technology that provides broadband connectivity over long distances in a variety of ways. It uses towers to transmit high-speed internet access to receivers within a range of up to 50 km. WIMAX has several advantages over existing wireless technologies like WiFi and 3G, such as higher speeds, broader coverage areas, and lower infrastructure costs. While WIMAX adoption is still in early stages, it promises to deliver wireless broadband to more users at lower prices than current options.
2. Contents
Introduction
Working of WIMAX
IEEE 802.16 standard
802.16 Architecture
IEEE 802.16 Specifications
Features of WIMAX
Advantages of WIMAX over WIFI
WIMAX vs. 3G
ISSUES in WIMAX vs. 3G
FUTURE OF WIMAX
3. What is WIMAX?
WIMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for
Microwave Access
WiMAX refers to broadband wireless networks that are based
on the IEEE 802.16 standard, which ensures compatibility
and interoperability between broadband wireless access
equipment
WiMAX, which will have a range of up to 31 miles, is
primarily aimed at making broadband network access widely
available without the expense of stringing wires (as in cable-
access broadband) or the distance limitations of Digital
Subscriber Line.
4. THINK OF INTERNET
There are three possible ways to access
internet.
• Broadband access
Uses DSL or cable modem at home and T1 or
T3 line at office
• WIFI
Uses WIFI routers at home and hotspots on the
road
• Dial Up Connection
5. NEW TECHNOLOGY
Broadband access is too expensive and WiFi
coverage is very sparse.
The new technology promises
• High speed of broadband service
• Wireless rather than wired access
• Broad Coverage
6. Fundamental WiMAX Concepts
Base Station (BS) The BS is the node that logically connects
wireless subscriber devices to operator networks. The BS
maintains communications with subscriber devices and
governs access to the operator networks.
Subscriber Station (SS). The SS is a stationary WiMAX-
capable radio system that communicates with a base station,
although it may also connect to a relay station in multi-hop
relay network operations.
8. Fundamental WiMAX Concepts
Mobile Station (MS). An MS is an SS
that is intended to be used while in
motion at up to vehicular speeds.
Compared with fixed (stationary) SSs,
MSs typically are battery operated and
therefore employ enhanced power
management.
10. Fundamental WiMAX Concepts
Relay Station (RS). RSs are SS
configured to forward traffic to other
RSs or SSs in a multi-hop Security Zone
The RS may be in a fixed location (e.g.,
attached to a building) or mobile (e.g.,
placed in an automobile). The air
interface between an RS and an SS is
identical to the air interface between a
BS and an SS.
11. Fundamental WiMAX Concepts
Operator Network – The operator network encompasses
infrastructure network functions that provide radio access and
IP connectivity services to WiMAX subscribers. These functions
are defined in WiMAX Forum technical specifications as the
access service network (radio access) and the connectivity
service network (IP connectivity). WiMAX devices
communicate using two wireless message types: management
messages and data messages. Data messages transport data
across the WiMAX network. Management messages are used
to maintain communications between an SS/MS and BS, e.g.,
establishing communication parameters, exchanging security
settings, and performing system registration events (initial
network entry, handoffs, etc.)
12. A WIMAX system consists of
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 Personal Computer Memory card, or they could
be built into a laptop the way WiFi access is today
16. WIMAX Scenario
Consider a scenario where a WiMax-enabled computer
is 10 miles away from the WiMax base station.
A special encryption code is given to computer to gain
access to base station
The base station would beam data from the Internet
required for computer (at speeds potentially higher
than today's cable modems)
17. WIMAX Scenario
The user would pay the provider monthly fee for using
the service. The cost for this service could be much
lower than current high-speed Internet-subscription
fees because the provider never had to run cables
The WiMAX protocol is designed to accommodate
several different methods of data transmission, one of
which is Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
If WiMAX-compatible computers become very common,
the use of VoIP could increase dramatically. Almost
anyone with a laptop could make VoIP calls
20. RANGE
Optimized for up to 50 Km
Designed to handle many users spread out
over kilometres
Designed to tolerate greater multi-path
delay spread (signal reflections) up to 10.0μ
seconds
PHY and MAC designed with multi-mile range
in mind
21. BENEFITS OF WIMAX
Speed
• Faster than broadband service
Wireless
• Not having to lay cables reduces cost
• Easier to extend to suburban and rural areas
Broad Coverage
• Much wider coverage than WiFi hotspots
22. Benefits to Customers
Range of technology and service level choices from both
fixed and wireless broadband operators
DSL-like services at DSL prices but with portability
Rapidly declining fixed broadband prices
No more DSL “installation” fees from incumbent
23. Advantages of WiMax over 3G
Using an assortment of proprietary and
standards-based technologies, such as OFDM
and W-CDMA ,WiMax has a clear advantage
over 3G
The advantages include
• Higher Throughput
• Low Cost
• Lower Latency
25. Advantages of WiMax over 3G
WiMax spectrum is more economical than
3G.
• The price paid per Hz is as much as 1000 times
lower than for 3G spectrum
• The low cost is a clear driver for service
providers to enter the field of wireless services
with WiMax
26. Advantages of WiMax over 3G
WiMAX is important for mobile broadband
wireless, as it completes 3G by providing
higher performance for data with more than 1
Mbps downstream to allow connection of
laptops and PDAs
WiMAX technology is the solution for many
types of high-bandwidth applications at the
same time across long distances and will
enable service carriers to converge the all-IP-
based network for triple-play services data,
voice, and video
27. Advantages of WiMax over 3G
WiMAX interoperable solutions enable
economies of scale through integration of
standard chipsets, making WiMAX Forum
Certified products cost-effective at delivering
high-capacity broadband services at large
coverage distances in Line Of Sight and Non
Line Of Sight conditions
30. FUTURE
WiMax will be deployed in three stages
• In the first phase WiMaX technology (based on IEEE
802.16-2004) provides fixed wireless connections
• In the second phase WiMaX will be available as a
cheap and self-installing Subscriber Terminal (ST),
linked to PC and to antenna
• The third phase enables portability, thus WiMAX
(based on IEEE 802.16e) will be integrated into
commercial laptops
33. ISSUES in 3G vs. WIMAX
Deployment of the network
• WIMAX deployment is in the planning stages
and it might take 3-5 years in providing
reasonable coverage in well populated areas
• WiMax may initially be relegated to college
campuses and larger corporate campuses where
people are less mobile and costs containment is
important
34. ISSUES in 3G vs. WIMAX
Cost Issue
• The main reason to opt for WIMAX is its low cost.
• The price paid per Hz for WIMAX spectrum is as
much as 1000 times lower than for 3G spectrum
• The low cost of WIMAX spectrum compared to 3G is
a clear driver for service providers to enter the field
of wireless services with WIMAX
35. Conclusion (The Final Issue)
Will WIMAX replace 3G?
• Along with the forthcoming standardization, WiMAX has the
potential to substitute 3G and become a promising 4G
• WiMAX has its distinct identity as either a stand-alone
solution for incumbent and competitive fixed network
operators or as complementary radio access solution for
established 2G and 3G cellular network operators
• Fixed-line operators, on the one hand, may consider WiMAX
as a viable alternative to add mobility to the service
portfolio, leveraging their huge subscriber base, in particular
in countries where 3G licensing is delayed or not affordable