Available at www.mindstien.

net

ABSTRACT

Wi-MAX stands for “worldwide interoperability of microwave access” and is a

standards-based wireless technology that provides high-throughput broadband
connections over long distances. Its applications, includes ‘last mile’ broadband
connections, ‘hotspot and cellular backhaul’, and ‘high-speed enterprise
connectivity’ for businesses.
An implementation of the IEEE 802.16 standard, Wi-Max provides
metropolitan area network connectivity at speeds up to 75 Mb/sec. It operates on
the synonymous general principles as Wi-Fi and consigns data from one
computer to another via radio signals.
Wi-Max systems ‘first and foremost’ consist of a Wi-Max tower which can provide
coverage to a gargantuan area of 3,000 square miles (~8,000 square km) by using an
encrypted data keys to prevent unauthorized users from stealing access and a Wi-Max
receiver including a receiver and an antenna in a small box or PCMCIA car

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

Introduction:-
The term WiMAX 1 (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) has
become synonymous with the IEEE 802.16 Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
air interface standard. In its original release the 802.16 standard addressed applications
in licensed bands in the 10 to 66 GHz frequency range. Subsequent amendments have
extended the 802.16 air interface standard to cover non-line of sight (NLOS) applications
in licensed and unlicensed bands in the sub 11 GHz frequency range. Filling the gap
between Wireless LANs and wide area networks, WiMAX-compliant systems will
provide a cost-effective fixed wireless alternative to conventional wire-line DSL and
cable in areas where those technologies are readily available. And more importantly the
WiMax technology can provide a cost-effective broadband access solution in areas
beyond the reach of DSL and cable. The ongoing evolution of IEEE 802.16 will expand
the standard to address mobile applications thus enabling broadband access directly to
WiMAX-enabled portable devices ranging from smart phones and PDAs to notebook and
laptop computers. This paper will provide a detailed business case analysis for the
WiMAX technology in fixed wireless applications in the sub 11 GHz frequency range.

Mobile applications based on IEEE 802.16e will be addressed in a future paper.

This technology will be particularly beneficial to many rural areas and other locations
where broadband access is not currently available. The current infrastructure owned by
cable providers provides coverage to only limited areas, and much of it is suited only to
cable television; upgrades to make it capable of delivering broadband data service are
expensive, and therefore prohibitive in low-density markets.

DSL has the limitation that end-users must be within approximately three miles of
the phone company's central office or a major secondary distribution point called a
Subscriber Loop Carrier. Thus, for many users, particularly those in rural locations, DSL
is not available.

WiMAX has the potential to do to broadband Internet access what cell phones
have 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 services, 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 available
WiMAX antenna WiMAX is the wireless solution for the next step up in scale, the
metropolitan area network (MAN). A MAN allows areas the size of cities to be
connected.

Microwave

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The term microwave refers to electromagnetic energy having a frequency higher than 1
gigahertz (billions of cycles per second), corresponding to wavelength shorter than 30
centimeters.

Microwave signals propagate in straight lines and are affected very little by the
troposphere.They are not refracted or reflected by ionized regions in the upper
atmosphere. Microwave beams do not readily diffract around barriers such as hills,
mountains, and large human-made structures. Some attenuation occurs when microwave
energy passes through trees and frame houses. Radio-frequency (RF) energy at longer
wavelengths is affected to a lesser degree by such obstacles.

The microwave band is well suited for wireless transmission of signals having large
bandwidth . This portion of the RF electromagnetic radiation spectrum encompasses
many thousandsof megahertz. Compare this with the so-called shortwave band that
extends from 3 MHz to 30 MHz, and whose total available bandwidth is only 27 MHz.
In communications, a large allowable bandwidth translates into high data speed. The
short wavelengths allow the use of dish antennas having manageable diameters. These
antennas produce high power gain in transmitting applications, and have excellent
sensitivity and directional characteristics for reception of signals.

WiMAX, Local Access Savior

A couple of months ago, I discussed the proliferation of Wi-Fi across the US and the
world. A super technology to be sure but there's a complimentary partner just waiting
around the corner.

WiMAX has the range to provide the backhaul requirements for Wi-Fi, which has a much
smaller footprint. However, I see a much bigger role for WiMax: local access. The
coveted "last mile" wired network technology that the regional bell operating companies
(RBOCs) have hoarded and capitalized on since the divestiture of AT&T in 1984.

Local Access Challenges

Local access to the long haul carriers such as AT&T, MCI, and Sprint has been a
dilemma for these providers and end users since the divestiture. Although it takes only a
couple of key strokes at an RBOC network operations center, or punching down a couple
of cables on the frame at the network center, it still takes 30 to 45 business days to install
a point-to-point frame relay or broadband circuit. Add to that the jaw-dropping price the
RBOC charges for the access circuit, many times greater than the actual long haul
transport from point A to point B.

Why? Here are a couple of reasons.

Bureaucracy, red tape, and rules of engagement between the long haul carriers and the
RBOC are the biggest culprit. These machinations are complex and have established
"intervals" for any order, be it a simple speed upgrade or a new circuit. Frankly, the paper

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pushers on both sides have absolutely no sense of urgency. In the end, if an established
interval is 30 days, you can bet that it will take at least that much, more than likely
stretching to 45 days.

Obsolete and erroneous plant engineering documentation and systems are equally to
blame. Most of these systems are dependent upon databases, which have hooks into the
POTS line inventory. And you guessed it; if a POTS line has not been installed at a
location it is highly likely you will be told that the address simply doesn’t exist.

Can you believe that? You have a facility that the US Postal Service, city hall and
cartographers are aware of and yet Ma Bell says it doesn’t exist. Well it happens on a
daily basis and it is a nightmare getting the providers to adjust their records.

The RBOCS are not going to correct the problem. Why should they? These access
circuits are cash cows, which bring in significant revenue despite the delivery issues
customers face.

The Solution
Clearly the solution is to take the middlemen out of the equation. To date, that has been
easier said than done because as a result of divestiture, the RBOCs monopolize the
ownership and operation of the last mile cable infrastructure that connects the long haul
company's switching centers to residential and business facilities.

But there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.

WiMAX is here, albeit in the early stages. Simply speaking, WiMAX is a wireless
technology that can transmit at broadband and T1 Speeds, is impervious to weather such
as rain or fog, and can penetrate structural walls much like standard radio and TV
broadcasts do today. Typically the range is 10 miles; however, depending on the density
of receivers and the aggregate data transmission rate this could be extended up to 30
miles. This is a huge opportunity for AT&T, MCI, and Sprint to cut out the middleman
and extend their networks to residences and business.

Where did the idea of WiMAX come from?

Much of the credit for the formation of the WiMAX Forum" and the notion of the
WiMAX initiative must go the founding members of the Forum, which committed
themselves early to the process of creating a collaborative standards body.

Once Intel came aboard it recognized that for the broadband wireless industry (both fixed
and mobile broadband wireless) to gain traction and wide acceptance that both hardware
prices must decline and a consistent operating environment must be cemented into place.

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The key point of launch however, had to begin with the silicon chip manufacturers
whose chip products would form the core of WiMAX technology value and capability.
Intel deserves a great deal of credit for helping drive this process.

Other technology standards for digital subscriber line (DSL) service and the Cable
broadband industry (the DOCSIS standard) have been responsible for driving those
respective technologies to wide acceptance.

WiMAX itself is commonly mentioned in conjunction with the Institute for Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) IEEE 802.16 working group, which is tasked with defining
the technological aspects and features that will be incorporated into WiMAX.The
WiMAX Forum" is a collaborative body geared to ensure compliance with the IEEE
802.16 standards and certified interoperability between radio vendors.

Why we require WiMax:-

Think about how you access the Internet today. There are basically three different
options:

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.

WiFi access - In your home, you may have set up a WiFi router that lets you surf
the Web while you lounge on the deck with your laptop. On the road, you can find
WiFi hot spots in restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and libraries.

Dial-up access - If you are still using dial-up, chances are that either:

Broadband access is not available.

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.

What if there was a new technology that solved all of these problems? This new
technology would 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 the tiny little hotspots of
WiFi

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TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES OVER WIFI
Because IEEE 802.16 networks use the same Logical Link Controller (standardized by
IEEE 802.2) as other LANs and WANs, it can be both bridged and routed to them.

An important aspect of the IEEE 802.16 is that it defines a MAC layer that supports
multiple physical layer (PHY) specifications. This is crucial to allow equipment makers
to differentiate their offerings. This is also an important aspect of why WiMAX can be
described as a "framework for the evolution of wireless broadband" rather than a static
implementation of wireless technologies. Enhancements to current and new technologies
and potentially new basic technologies incorporated into the PHY (physical layer) can be
used. A converging trend is the use of multi-mode and multi-radio SoCs and system
designs that are harmonized through the use of common MAC, system management,
roaming, IMS and other levels of the system. WiMAX may be described as a bold
attempt at forging many technologies to serve many needs across many spectrums.

The MAC is significantly different from that of Wi-Fi (and ethernet from which Wi-Fi is
derived). In Wi-Fi, the ethernet uses contention access—all subscriber stations wishing to
pass data through an access point are competing for the AP's attention on a random basis.
This can cause distant nodes from the AP to be repeatedly interrupted by less sensitive,
closer nodes, greatly reducing their throughput. By contrast, the 802.16 MAC is a
scheduling MAC where the subscriber station only has to compete once (for initial entry
into the network). After that it is allocated a time slot by the base station. The time slot
can enlarge and constrict, but it remains assigned to the subscriber station meaning that
other subscribers are not supposed to use it but take their turn. This scheduling algorithm
is stable under overload and oversubscription (unlike 802.11). It is also much more
bandwidth efficient. The scheduling algorithm also allows the base station to control
Quality of Service by balancing the assignments among the needs of the subscriber
stations.

A recent addition to the WiMAX standard is underway which will add full mesh
networking capability by enabling WiMAX nodes to simultaneously operate in
"subscriber station" and "base station" mode. This will blur that initial distinction and
allow for widespread adoption of WiMax based mesh networks and promises widespread
WiMAX adoption.

The original WiMAX standard, IEEE 802.16, specifies WiMAX in the 10 to 66 GHz
range. 802.16a added support for the 2 to 11 GHz range, of which most parts are already
unlicensed internationally and only very few still require domestic licenses. Most
business interest will probably be in the 802.16a standard, as opposed to licensed
frequencies. The WiMAX specification improves upon many of the limitations of the Wi-
Fi standard by providing increased bandwidth and stronger encryption. It also aims to
provide connectivity between network endpoints without direct line of sight in some
circumstances. The details of performance under non-line of sight (NLOS) circumstances
are unclear as they have yet to be demonstrated. It is commonly considered that spectrum
under 5-6 GHz is needed to provide reasonable NLOS performance and cost

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effectiveness for PtM (point to multi-point) deployments. WiMAX makes clever use of
multi-path signals but does not defy the laws of physics.

IEEE 80216 STANDARDS:

IEEE 80216 refers to a family of IEEE standards about local area networks and
metropolitan area networks.

More specifically, the IEEE 80216standards are restricted to networks carrying variable-
size packets. (By contrast, in cell-based networks data is transmitted in short, uniformly
sized units called cells. Isochronous networks, where data is transmitted as a steady
stream of octets, or groups of octets, at regular time intervals, are also out of the scope of
this standard.)

The services and protocols specified in IEEE 802 map to the lower two layers (Data Link
and Physical) of the seven-layer OSI networking reference model. In fact, IEEE 802
splits the OSI Data Link Layer into two sub-layers named Logical link control (LLC) and
Media Access Control, so that the layers can be listed like this:

Data link layer

logical link control Sub layer/
Media Access Control MAC Sub layer/
Physical layer

The LLC Sub layer of this architecture can optionally be replaced by an Ethernet sub-
layer. (Alternatively the ethernet frames may be encapsulated into LLC frames as
described by RFC 1042, RFC 1390 and the IEEE 802.1H standard.)

The IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee (LMSC) maintains the IEEE 802 family
of standards. The most widely used standards are for the Ethernet family, Token Ring,
Wireless LAN, Bridging and Virtual Bridged LANs. An individual Working Group
provides the focus for India,

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IEEE80216 SET UP

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How WiMAX Works:-
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.

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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.

USES FOR WIMAX

WiMAX is a wireless metropolitan area network (MAN) technology that can connect
IEEE 802.11(Wi-Fi) hotspots with each other and to other parts of the Internet and
provide a wireless alternative to cable and DSL for last mile (last km) broadband access.
IEEE 802.16 provides up to 50 km (31 miles) of linear service area range and allows
connectivity between users without a direct line of sight. Note that this should not be
taken to mean that users 50 km (31 miles) away without line of sight will have
connectivity and practical limits from real world tests seem to be around "3 to 5 miles" (5
to 8 kilometers). The technology has been claimed to provide shared data rates up to 70
Mbit/s, which, according to WiMAX proponents, is enough bandwidth to simultaneously
support more than 60 businesses with T1-type connectivity and well over a thousand
homes at 1Mbit/s DSL-level connectivity. Real world tests, however, show practical
maximum data rates between 500kbit/s and 2 Mbit/s, depending on conditions at a given
site.

It is also anticipated that WiMAX will allow interpenetration for broadband service
provision of VoIP, video, and Internet access—simultaneously. Most cable and
traditional telephone companies are closely examining or actively trial-testing the
potential of WiMAX for "last mile" connectivity. This should result in better pricepoints
for both home and business customers as competition results from the elimination of the
"captive" customer bases both telephone and cable networks traditionally enjoyed. Even
in areas without preexisting physical cable or telephone networks, WiMAX could allow
access between anyone within range of each other; home units the size of a paperback

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book that provide both phone and network connection points are already available and
easy to install.

The Future with wimax:-

The technology has been a long time coming but advancements combined with
international standards such as 802.11.16 has made it feasible. Add to this the slice of
licensed spectrum that will become available in 2007 when the broadcasting companies
have to give up these frequencies due to a FCC mandate to digitize TV transmissions.
The decisive factor here will be for the FCC to enforce the mandate rather than
succumbing to political pressures to extend the deadline.

There are already a few pioneers offering High Speed Broadband via WiMAX. One
example is Tower Stream. The company currently offers up to 1000MB broadband
service in seven major markets that include New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
AT&T has recently announced plans to test the waters in this market, and Bell South has
deployed this technology in Athens GA, a university town just northeast of Atlanta.

APPLICATION:-

The WiMax will provide solutions to the following multiple broadband segments:

Cellular backhaul:
The robust bandwidth of technology makes it an excellent choice for the
backhaul for commercial enterprises, such as those providing ‘hotspots’, as well as for
point to point backhaul applications.

Broadband to undeserved and remote areas:

WiMax is a natural choice for under serviced rural and outlying areas withy a
low population density.

Broadband on-demand:
It can help to accelerate the deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots and SOHO wireless
LANs, especially in those areas not served by cabel, DSL or in areas where the local
telephone company may have a long lead time for providing a broadband service.

Broadband Residential:-
This fills the gaps is cable and DSL coverage.

Best-connected wireless service:-

WiMAX has monadic capabilities, which allow users to connect to a WISP
(wireless ISP) Even when they roam outside their home or business, or go to another city
that also has a WISP

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CONCLUSION:-
WiMAX promises to expand the availability of broadband service to residences
and businesses that are currently under-served, including low-density rural locations in
developed countries, as well as in emerging markets. It will also provide a flexible
solution to end users for whom current provisioning timeframes are prohibitive, or for
whom wired infrastructure is not available.

WiMAX technology represents an expanding opportunity for service providers,

equipment manufacturers, and chipset suppliers operating in both licensed and license-
exempt bands. Initially, WiMAX solutions will be based on the IEEE 802.16-2004
specification, allowing fixed access for point-to point and point-to-multipoint use. A
robust technology ecosystem, based on worldwide standards, is expected to evolve over
time, ultimately yielding the dual benefits of interoperability and volume economics.
As with any new and evolving technology, numerous factor must be understood
to ensure a successful deployment. This paper has focused on several specific issues
related to license-exempt deployments, including RF interference and infrastructure
placement.
RF interference results in a complex and ever changing environment. It should be
respected and understood by service providers, but not feared. Solutions for dealing with
rf interference include proper network design, use of advanced antenna technologies,
point-to-point deployments identification of appropriate markets for WiMAX technology,
filtering, shielding, frequency reuse, and synchronization with other providers. These
solutions will help address some RFinterference issues.
A robust network design is based on site surveys, statistics gathering, and
coordination of RF use with neighboring providers to directly address interference
issues. WiMAX license-exempt solutions based on robust network design are poised to
becomea dependable and resilient solution for specialized markets. Business class
WiMAX services can and will soon be deployed in both licensed and license-exempt
bands.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

www.howstuffworks.com
www.intelmagazine.com
www.wimaxforum.corn
www.wikimedia.Corn
www.wimax.corn
www.gd-decisionsystems.com/satelliteservices
www.etsi.fr
www.futron. corn

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