Overview

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is a wireless communication system that allows computers and workstations to connect to high-speed data networks (such as the Internet) using radio waves as the transmission medium with data transmission rates that can exceed 120 Mbps for each radio channel [1]. The WiMAX system is defined in a group of IEEE 802.16 industry standards and its various revisions are used for particular forms of fixed and mobile broadband wireless access.

WiMAX is primarily used as a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN). Derived from wireless metropolitan area networks (WMAN), WiMAX can provide broadband data communication access services ranging from urban to rural settings.

Used throughout the world, WiMAX broadband competes with DSO, cable modem and optical broadband connections by offering applications which include consumer broadband wireless Internet services, interconnecting lines (leased lines), and transport of digital television (IPTV) services.

Figure 1.1 depicts a number of the applications compatible/suitable for the wireless WiMAX systems including broadband Internet access, telephone access services, television service access and mobile telephone services.

Figure 1.1: WiMax Applications

The 802.16 system was initially designed for fixed location nomadic service in order to provide communication services to more than one location. While nomadic service may be provided to many locations, it typically requires the transportable communication device to be in a fixed location during the usage of communication services.

Developed for mobile service, the 802.16e specification adds mobility management, extensible authentication protocol (EAP), handoff (call transfer), and power saving sleep modes.

WiMAX...