WiMAX Technology for Broadband Wireless Communication

CONTENTS 3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 36 3.2 WiMAX versus Wi-Fi ................................................................................. 36 3.3 WiMAX Architecture .................................................................................. 38 3.3.1 OFDMA Technology ...................................................................... 41 3.3.2 Subchannelization .......................................................................... 42 3.3.3 Adaptive Modulation and Coding ............................................... 42 3.3.4 WiMAX Security ............................................................................. 42 3.3.5 WiMAX Advantages ...................................................................... 43 3.3.5.1 High Capacity .................................................................. 43 3.3.5.2 Quality of Service ............................................................ 44 3.3.5.3 Flexible Architecture ....................................................... 44 3.3.5.4 Mobility ............................................................................. 44 3.3.5.5 Improved User Connectivity ......................................... 44 3.3.5.6 Robust Carrier Class Operation .................................... 44 3.3.5.7 Scalability .......................................................................... 44 3.3.5.8 Nonline-of-Sight Connectivity ...................................... 45 3.3.5.9 Cost Effectiveness ............................................................ 45 3.3.5.10 Fixed and Nomadic Access ............................................ 45 3.3.6 WiMAX Applications ..................................................................... 45 3.3.6.1 Cellular Application ........................................................ 46 3.3.6.2 WiMAX Military Applications ...................................... 47 3.3.6.3 Medical Applications ...................................................... 47 3.3.6.4 Security Systems .............................................................. 48 3.3.6.5 Disaster Application ........................................................ 49 3.3.6.6 Connectivity of Banking Networks .............................. 49 3.3.6.7 Public Safety ..................................................................... 50 3.3.6.8 Campus Connectivity ..................................................... 50 3.3.6.9 Educational Building’s Connectivity ............................ 51 References ............................................................................................................. 52 9: 27 Page 36 Worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), based on the Institution of Electrical & Electronics Engineering (IEEE) 802.16 standards, enables wireless broadband access anywhere, anytime, and on virtually any device. When users want broadband service today, they are generally restricted to a T1, digital subscriber loop (DSL), or cable modem-based connection. However, these wireline infrastructures can be considerably more expensive and time-consuming to deploy than a wireless system. In addition, rural areas and developing countries lack optical fiber or copper wire infrastructure for broadband services, and service providers are unwilling to install the necessary equipments in these areas because of little profit and potential. WiMAX is an ideal technology for backhaul applications because it eliminates expansive leased line or fiber alternative. WiMAX promises to deliver high data rates over large areas to a large number of users. It can provide broadband access to locations in the world’s rural and developing areas where broadband is currently unavailable.