WiMax

Introduction

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a

telecommunications protocol that provides fixed and mobile Internet access. The
current WiMAX revision provides up to 40 Mbit/s[with the IEEE 802.16m update
expected to offer up to 1 Gbit/s fixed speeds. The name "WiMAX" was created by
the WiMAX Forum, which was formed in June 2001 to promote conformity and
interoperability of the standard. The forum describes WiMAX as "a standards-
based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as
an alternative to cable and DSL"

Technology Used:

The IEEE standard for WiMax is 802.16 and falls under the category of wireless metropolitan
area network. WiMax operates on two frequency bands:

1. 2-11GHz

2. 10-66GHz

And has a range of 50 Km with the speed of 80Mbps.

This enables the smaller wireless LAN’s to be interconnected by WiMax creating a large
wireless MAN. Networking between can be achieved without the need of expensive cabling.
It also enables to provide high speed wireless broadband access to users.

WiMAX refers to interoperable implementations of the IEEE 802.16 wireless-networks

standard , in similarity with Wi-Fi, which refers to interoperable implementations of the IEEE
802.11 Wireless LAN standard . The WiMAX Forum certification allows vendors to sell their
equipment as WiMAX (Fixed or Mobile) certified, thus ensuring a level of interoperability
with other certified products, as long as they fit the same profile.

The IEEE 802.16 standard forms the basis of 'WiMAX' and is sometimes referred to
colloquially as "WiMAX", "Fixed WiMAX", "Mobile WiMAX", "802.16d" and "802.16e."
Clarification of the formal names are as follow:

• The 802.16a specification, which is an extension of IEEE802.16, covers

bands in the 2GHz-to-11GHz range
• 802.16-2004 is also known as 802.16d, which refers to the working party that has
developed that standard. It is sometimes referred to as "Fixed WiMAX," since it has
no support for mobility.
• 802.16e-2005, often abbreviated to 802.16e, is an amendment to 802.16-2004. It
introduced support for mobility, among other things and is therefore also known as
"Mobile WiMAX".

Mobile WiMAX is the WiMAX incarnation that has the most commercial interest to date and
is being actively deployed in many countries. Mobile WiMAX is also the basis of future
revisions of WiMAX.
The WiMax Technology provides:

1. The high speed of broadband service

2. Wireless rather than wired access, that makes it lot less expensive than cable or DSL.
3. Broad coverage like the cell phone network instead of small WiFi hotspots.

Working Of WiMax

WiMAX technology works little different than WiFi technology. In wifi computers can be
connected through wireless LAN card to nearby access point, wireless router or any Hotspot,
it does not works this way when we talk about connectivity in WiMAX. WiMAX network
connectivity constitutes of two parts, one can define as WiMAX tower or WiMAX booster, it
is known as WiMAX Base station, whereas the other portion is WiMax receiver. Let’s talk
about them in little details for better understanding the working.

1. WiMAX base station: As name explains base station is place where WiMax signals
are broadcasted. It consists of electronic devices and WiMax Tower. This tower
works exactly like GSM network phones towers standing high up in the air to
broadcast radio signals. WiMAX tower base station can cover up 10Km radius. In
theory it suggests to cover a lot more distance than just 10Km, it can reach some
where about 50 km (30 miles), but in fact due to certain geographical limitations it
goes as far as 10 km approx. 6 mils. Any wireless connecting device for WiMAX will
connect to WiMAX network if fallen in to the range.

2. WiMAX Receiver: It is device or devices which receives the signals from WiMAX
base station and connects to the WiMAX networks. These devices are usually stand
alone Antenna or PCMCIA slot card for laptops or computers. Connecting to
WiMAX base stations works as similar as connection of Wifi to access point works,
the only difference is that WiMAX covers much wider area.
Uses Of WiMax:
1. An internet service company could put a tower within a few miles of your home. Its service
may be purchased and you can decide on either a modem, upgraded computer with built-in
WiMAX circuitry or a PCMCIA card for your existing computer. Intel has promised to install
WiMAX architecture in all of its computer chips starting in 2005 and provide mobility by 2007.
This integration of WiMAX capabilities into products should further deflate the cost of WiMAX
related services. Speed will be faster than cable, costs will be much less because the
provider will neither have to install - nor maintain - expensive cable plant

2. WiMAX uses line-of-site to transmit an internet signal to a second tower or as backhaul. It

also is said to use non line-of-site mode for the last mile, to reach urban and rural residences
and businesses.

3. WiMAX technology is used to transmit to several WiFi ‘Hot Spots.’ Recently, during the Tour
de France, journalists were provided with WiMAX technology from Intel and France
Telecom/Orange. The system served WiFi Hot Spots with WiMAX being used for backhaul.
The installation at each stage took less than an hour, giving reporters better-than-DSL speeds
to submit t information

4. WiMAX is an access solution for urban locations with high-density populations

5. Providing portable mobile broadband connectivity across cities and

countries through a variety of devices.

6. Providing a wireless alternative to cable and DSL for "last mile" broadband
access.

7. Providing a source of Internet connectivity as part of a business continuity

plan

Advantages Of WiMax

1. Wimax Coverage

The single station of Wimax can operate and provide coverage for
hundred of users at a time and manage sending and receiving of data at
very high speed with full of network security.

Wimax High Speed

The High speed of connectivity over long distance and high speed voice makes it
more demanded in hardly populated areas plus compacted areas.

Multi-functionality within Wimax Technology

Wimax Technology perform a variety of task at a time such as offering high speed
internet, providing telephone service, transformation of data, video streaming, voice
application etc.
Potential and development

Wimax Technology is a great invention for new Era because Wimax has enough
potential for developing and opportunity to offer various types of services for new
generation. Now you can connect internet anywhere and browse any site and make
possible online conference with mobile internet, multimedia application never let you
bored, IPTV stay you up to date etc.

Stay in touch with end user

Wimax network always keep stay in touch with your friends and all others using same
Wimax network because it provide absolute communication service to the end users
to make possible rich communications

Wimax Infrastructure

Wimax infrastructure is very easy and flexible therefore it provides maximum

reliability of network and consent to actual access to end users.

Wimax, cheap network

Wimax is a well known wireless network now days because it provide a low cost
network substitute to internet services offered via ADSL, modem or local area
network.

Wimax and Wi-Fi

The Wimax network providing much higher speed and very long range as compared
to WiFi Technology.

Smart antenna and Mesh Topology

The use of smart antenna in Wimax network offering high quality widest array which
enable you to make possible communication on long route without any encryption. It
offers 2.3, 2.7, 3.3, 3.8GHz frequency ranges. The use of Mesh topology in Wimax
network for the expansion is an extensive spectrum of antennas for commercial as
well as for residential users.

Ultra wide Band

The unique and excellent infrastructure of Wimax is offering Ultra-Wideband. Its

exclusive design is providing range from 2 to 10 GHz and outstanding time response.

Disadvantages Of WiMax

Within line-of-site

One could have the speed of 10 Mbps at 10 kilometers. In the urban environment
(without the optical visibility) users can have 10 Mbps at two kilometers. If users
are moving, the speed can drop significantly.
 2. Bandwidth is shared among users

Bandwidth is shared among users in a given radio sector. If there are many
users in one sector, they will have lower speed. Users could have 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 Mbps of the
shared bandwidth.

3. Bad weather conditions

Bad weather conditions such as rain could interrupt the signal.

4. Interfarence

Other wireless equipment could cause interference.

5. Power Consumption

WiMAX is a very power-consuming technology and requires significant electrical

support.

6. Installation And Operational Cost

High installation and operational cost.

Comparison Of Various Wireless Technologies

Bluetooth Wi-Fi (a) Wi-Fi (b) Wi-Fi (n) WiMax

Standard 802.15 802.11a 802.11b 802.11n 802.16
Frequency 2.45 5 2.4 2.4 2-66
(GHz)
Speed (Mbps) 0.72 54 11 54 80
Range 10m 50m 100m 100m 50Km
Advantages Low Cost Speed Low Cost Speed Speed, Range
Disadvantages Range Cost Speed Cost, Cost
Range
Network Pear to Pear Pear to Pear to Pear to IP
Pear Pear Pear
&IP &IP &IP
IP Network No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Connecti
vity
Application Cable LAN, LAN, LAN, Metro Area
Replace Interne Interne Interne Broadband
ment t t t Interconnect
ivity
Spectrum Unlicensed Unlicensed Unlicensed Unlicensed Licensed
Type