What is WiMAX

With the presence of Wireless access in cities, businesses of different kinds have revolutionized their set up and service status. Yet there were some remote areas where customers were caught inaccessible to internet or a network. To meet the demand of present time where immobility has no concept the idea of WiMAX is quite appealing. WiMAX is a technology comes up with multiple solutions.

WiMAX Specifications
Whereas Wi-Fi specification is IEEE 802.11b there WiMAX is introduced as IEEE 802.16 which has totally changed the horizon of computer world. There is no boundaries to get connect anywhere, anytime. Hurdles are crossed over and WiMAX is now eligible to penetrate through for the connectivity in all sorts of conditions. Previously, Fixed WiMAX was introduced but lasted mobile WiMAX has replaced its market quickly as its features are more appealing and beneficial as compared to fixed WiMAX.

WiMAX Bandwidth
WiMAX comes up with a greater bandwidth support. To gain the instant speed FFT has been scaled for the bandwidth into channel form. It is to be considered that the channels are of equal space so that spectrum should be broader. This is known as a wide channel while there is narrow channels as well which offer less expenditure

WiMAX Range
The specification (802.16e) latest standard of WiMAX offers more than 70 GHz range. It is providing scalable orthogonal frequency-division multiple accesses and is showing much better performance than fixed standard.

WiMAX Features
If we consider the features of WiMAX, it has nearly taken place of all the mediums used for connectivity and display. With the introduction of this new specification, the use of internet and the coordination through networking has excelled the efficiency of users.

Mobility
Mobility is the first benefit seen when we come from DSL or any other wired communications. The removal of restrictions or limitations gives the ease of connectivity in any way, no matter

where the user stands. This mobility is not available in an enclosed premise of a specific place. Wimax range is wider now and accessible under the cities or across the countries.

Access
WiMAX offers connectivity is fulfill the meaning of the phrase last mile fully well. It is supporting wide range to access the frequency in the near surrounding to overlap it to connect. This feature is the most important one as it supports the service in the remote rural areas.

Versatility
It is better to say that WiMAX is a versatile mobile broadband. It is not only supporting the wireless connectivity but also a large amount of data is transferred through it. Different services like Voice over IP and especially Triple play is possible by using the WiMAX only. It stands alone as powerful giant to meet the criteria for all those services which are obtained by using various equipments. WiMAX replaces all those gadgets and offers its services with full confidence.

Connectivity
Once deployed the WiMAX then forget the disconnection. WiMAX will become responsible and make you forget about problems related to internet or network. It is fulfilling the responsibility through different medium available in the market called subscriber units like, cell phone, Net books, iPods, etc. Now-a-days, gaming consoles are also supported by this WiMAX service. This services is accessible in a multiple ways by using Wi-Fi access point, Ethernet ports are also supporting the WiMAX connectivity, while telephone jacks are convenient way to access this WiMAX service.

Limitations
After reading so many plus points, one will think about it as a best option ever had. However there are certain limitations attached to Wimax which cannot be negligible.

Speed / Distance
Speed is inversely proportional to distance as when go away from the access point you will lose the speed. The greater the distance the lesser the speed will be in Wimax network.

Quality / Bandwidth
Performance is dependent on the available bandwidth in Wimax network. If the bandwidth is divided into different users active at the same time, surely you are going to lose the quality of service. What is Wimax Technology Wimax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. Wimax technology is a telecommunications technology that offers transmission of wireless data via a number of transmission methods; such as portable or fully mobile internet access via point to multipoints links. The Wimax technology offers around 72 Mega Bits per second without any need for the cable infrastructure. Wimax technology is based on Standard that is IEEE 802.16, it usually also called as Broadband Wireless Access. WiMAX Forum created the name for Wimax technology that was formed in Mid June 2001 to encourage compliance and interoperability of the Wimax IEEE 802.16 standard. Wimax technology is actually based on the standards that making the possibility to delivery last mile broadband access as a substitute to conventional cable and DSL lines.

Wimax (802.16) technology often misinterpreted by the people by the names of mobile WiMAX, 802.16d, fixed WiMAX and 802.16e. Actually 802.16-2004 or 802.16d is developed by the third party as a standard and it is also referred to called as Fixed WiMAX because this standard is lacking behind just because of the non-mobility feature thats why its often called as Fixed WiMAX. During the maturity period of Wimax (802.16) technology some of the amendments were made to the above mentioned 802.16d and they referred this amending standard as 802.16e. 802.16e introduced mobility and some other features amongst other standards and is also known as Mobile WiMAX. Less than one out of five people of the developed world and an even smaller, little percentage of people across the world have broadband access today. Existing technologies such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable, and fixed wireless are overwhelmed by expensive installs, problems with loop lengths, upstream upgrade issues, line-of-sight restrictions, and poor scalability.

Wimax (802.16) is the next stage to a broadband as well as a wireless world, extending broadband wireless access to new locations and over longer distances, as well as considerably reducing the cost of bringing broadband to new areas. Wimax (802.16) technology offers greater range and bandwidth than the other available or forthcoming broadband wireless technologies such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and Ultra-wideband (UWB) family of standards. It provides a wireless alternative to wired backhaul and last mile deployments that use Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOGS1S) cable modems, Digital Subscriber Line technologies (DSL), T-carrier and E-carrier (Tx/Ex) systems, and Optical Carrier Level (OC-x) technologies. (Jiffy Networks, 2006)

The general initiative of metropolitan area wireless networking, as envisioned with 802.16, begins with what is called fixed wireless. A backbone of base stations is connected to a public network, and each base station carries hundreds of fixed subscriber stations, which can be both public hot spots and fire-walled enterprise networks. Later in the development cycle of 802.16e, Wimax (802.16) is expected to encourage mobile wireless technology specifically wireless transmissions directly to mobile end users, This will be similar in function to the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and the one times Radio Transmission Technology (RTT) offered by mobile phone companies.

New organizations as well as individuals are increasingly adopting broadband, whereas those already using broadband are becoming dependent on it and are demanding better services with added benefits. To support this exceptional new demand, Wimax (802.16) has emerged as a feasible solution, because of its inherent features that holds great promise for the future of wireless communications. (Teri Robinson, 2005)

There has been a lot of excitement about Wimax ( 802.16) and the impact that this standards based wireless network technology will have on the broadband access market. All this hype has generated great expectations, and the industry has responded with exceptional aggression and commitment toward taking broadband to the next level with Wimax (802.16).

How WiMAX Works

The backhaul of the Wimax (802.16) is based on the typical connection to the public wireless networks by using optical fibre, microwave link, cable or any other high speed connectivity. In few cases such as mesh networks, Point-to-Multi-Point (PMP) connectivity is also used as a backhaul. Ideally, Wimax (802.16) should use Point-to-Point antennas as a backhaul to join subscriber sites to each other and to base stations across long distance.

A wimax base station serves subscriber stations using Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) or LOS Pointto-Multi-Point connectivity; and this connection is referred to as the last mile communication. Ideally, Wimax (802.16) should use NLOS Point-to-Multi-Point antennas to connect residential or business subscribers to the Wimax Base Station (BS). A Subscriber Station (Wimax CPE) typically serves a building using wired or wireless LAN. (Steven J. VaughanNichols, June 2004)

Wimax 2 technology is improving with IEEE 802.16m mobile WiMAX standard which is called Wimax 2. Well Known business leaders make known proposal to speed up WiMAX 2 Technology Solutions built upon IEEE 802.16m. Wimax 2 Technologyis in the final stage of approval and Wimax 2 technology may be beginning in 2011 and possibly commercialized or deployed in 2012.

The objective behind Wimax 2 Technology are technology cooperation and mutual presentation benchmarking, dual testing of 4G Technology requests over WiMAX 2 Technology solution, and untimely network level interoperability testing. There are several companies have announced Wimax 2 technology with primary benefit of speed such as ZTE, Intel, Samsung, Motorola. There are two type of existed Wimax , Fixed wimax which is faster than WiFi. Mobile Wimax, which is used as a substitute of 3G mobile phone operator. Mobile wimax can transport 144 Mbps download and 35Mbps uploading speed. While wimax 2 technology intended to meet the advanced 4G standards within 1Gbps access speed to fixed and 100Mbps to fast moving mobile nodes.

Specifications of WiMAX 2 Technology

The specifications of Wimax 2 technology are built on Institute of (IEE 802.16m) Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.16m standard. It includes high level on air competency. The Wimax companies said that Wimax 2 standard will be diffident well-matched with preceding standards. While wimax network technology are confirming extremely successful in carrying very high bandwidth mobile service. The future of wimax is guaranteed by Wimax 2 technology which is a powerful new era technology within a long term growth. WiMax 2 Technology will be much faster than its forerunner.

Features of WiMAX 2

Wimax 2 technology can deliver a blazing speed of 120Mbs down and 60Mbs up without any restriction. Wimax 2 Technology using 42 MIMO antennas with 20 MHz channel enable signals every where. With the Wimax 2 technology the speed will be double and user can do much than before. The Wimax technology offer very high speed including numerous devices for the delight of client. Wimax 2 technology network offering VOIP calls with 300Mbit throughput including more bandwidth and less latency. Those operators facing explosive the Wimax 2 technology meets the need of their demand for mobile data and various type of services. Wimax hardly print out a place in the market therefore Wimax 2 technology offering a low cost network within all IP mobile solution. The Data, Voice, and Video transmission are the clear efficiency of Wimax 2 network technology. The Wimax 2 promises to deliver a matchless amalgamation of linearity, noise presentation, and constituent combination over a remarkably broad band of operation.

Intel, Samsung which are top leaders in driving the IEEE 802.16 standard contented to observe well-built ecosystem hold up promising to speed up WiMAX 2 competences. WiMAX forum is working to speed up the accomplishment of interoperable system outline for WiMAX 2 apparatus and devices. According to Wimax Forum there are about 559 wimax deployments in 147 countries and 620 million people using it globally. Almost 130 devices and 60 base stations within 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, and 3.5 GHz have been certified by Wimax forum. The combination of Samsung, Motorola, and Intel form a coalition called Wimax 2. The goal of Wimax 2 is to improving the financial side of mobiles The Wimax group will concern detailed information about milestones and delivery schedule almost in next 3-6 months with the objective to support the WiMAX Forum. Wimax Forum is convinced that Wimax 2 Technology will speedily enlarge the Mobile WiMAX market to make available mobile Internet to community in all corners of the world. In short Wimax 2 meets the International Telecommunications Union requirements for advanced 4G Technology. It transporting higher capacity to system and highest point rate of in excess of 300 Mbps within inferior latency and augmented Voice in excess of Internet Protocol or "VoIP" capacity.

How WiMAX Works HOW WIMAX WORKS

If you already read about Wimax Technology then next question arises to your mind is How WiMAX works. Wimax is a telecommunication and mobie technology used for broadcasting of wireless data by the use of a number of transmission methods. Wimax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access offering internet access point to point or point to multipoint or path. It is based on IEEE 802.16. Wimax make possible the broadband access to conservative cable or DSL lines. The working method of Wimax is little different from Wifi network, because Wifi computer can be connected via LAN card, router, or hotspot, while the connectivity of Wimax network constitutes of two parts in which one is Wimax Tower or booster also known as wimax base station and second is Wimax receiver (Wimax CPE) or Customer Premise Equipment.

The Wimax network is just like a cell phone. When a user send data from a subscriber device to a base station then that base station broadcast the wireless signal into channel which is called

uplink and base station transmit the same or another user is called downlink. The base station of Wimax has higher broadcasting power, antennas and enhanced additional algorithms. Wimax make possible the broadband access to conservative cable or DSL lines. The working method of Wimax is little different from Wifi network, because Wifi computer can be connected via LAN card, router, or hotspot, while the connectivity of Wimax network constitutes of two parts in which one is Wimax Tower or booster also known as wimax base station and second is Wimax receiver (Wimax CPE) or Customer Premise Equipment.

The Wimax network is just like a cell phone. When a user send data from a subscriber device to a base station then that base station broadcast the wireless signal into channel which is called uplink and base station transmit the same or another user is called downlink. The base station of Wimax has higher broadcasting power, antennas and enhanced additional algorithms.

Wimax Features
WiMAX is a great invention in wireless technology providing 30 miles broadband access to mobile users. Wimax technology based on IEEE 802.16 standard and it is a telecommunication protocol offering full access to mobile internet across cities and countries with a wide range of devices. Wimax technology has salient features as described below.

Wimax support multipath

Wimax technology is offering OFDM-based physical layer which is based on orthogonal frequency distribution. The Wimax technology is providing confrontation to multipath. Due to its good architecture it allows the user to operate in NLOS condition. Now Wimax is familiar as a technique of multi path for wireless network.

Wimax broadband access

Wimax technology is offering very high speed broadband access to mobile internet. When you are using 20MHz the data rate can be high up to 74Mbps. Generally 10MHz wit the TDD scheme provides 3:1 up and down link ratio. Wimax providing very good signals therefore higher data rate can be achieved with multiple antennas. Antennas are used for beam forming, space time coding etc.

Wimax offer high speed data rate

Another feature of Wimax Technology is high speed data rate. The scalable architecture of physical layer is offering high speed data rate. Wimax technology is providing easily scaling of data with possible bandwidth of channel. If the bandwidth of channels may from 1.25MHz to 10MHz then a system can use 128, 512, 048 bit FFTs which provide dynamically roaming across numerous network having dissimilar bandwidth.

Wimax offer modulation and error correction

The use Wimax technology is increasing rapidly because it supports lots of modulation and error correction facility to user. It also allowing a user that they could change the scheme according to channel condition. (AMC) Adaptive Modulation and Coding is a valuable method to exploit throughput in a varying channel.

Wimax support reliability of data

Automatic retransmission of data supported by Wimax at data link layer for link is a great feature. It is not only improving reliability but also enabled ARQ which necessitate each

broadcast packet to be recognized by the receiver, and if any unacknowledged data packets are unspecified to be misplaced and are retransmitted.

Wimax support TDD and FDD

Another significant feature of Wimax technology is that it supports Time Division Duplexing (TDD) and Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD). They both are offering low cost system accomplishment.

Wimax TDM scheme

The wimax technology holds all system therefore any data may be in form of uplink or downlink checked by scheduler from the base station. The total capacity shared between several users according to their demand. And it is done by Wimax TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) scheme.

Wimax MAC layer

The architecture of Wimax technology based on MAC layer which is a connection oriented layer. Through MAC layer a use can perform a variety of functions such as various type of application including multimedia and voice can be used. It also supports best efforts for data traffic as bit, real time, traffic flaws etc. The aim to design Wimax technology is to facilitate large number of user with a variety of connection per terminal.

Wimax strong encryption

Wimax technology also facilitates the user with strong encryption. By using AES (Advanced Encryption standard) a user can get strong privacy and administration. The EAP protocol offer flexible substantiation architecture which make enable a user to get access to username, password, certificates, and smart card.

Wimax mobility

The basic and most important feature of Wimax technology is to support mobility applications as VoIP. The power saving mechanism of Wimax technology is used to extend the battery life of handheld devices. It supports mobile applications including channel estimation, subchannelization, power control etc.

To get access to wimax base station is not a huge task now because the wide range of connectivity of wimax provides access to base station from home. Installation of hardware is also very easy with wimax technology. With the growth of Wimax technology its more feature may also comes up.

WiMAX Technology (802.16) Overview

The 802.16 standard was first available on April 8, 2002 after two years in development. The Wimax Forum was formed in April of 2001 and established in June of 2001. This order might seem odd, but it's common to shape certification bodies before completing or passing a standard. The Wimax certification will certify that a technology is compliant with Wimax specifications not 802.16. This is because the Wimax Forum created a certification that is compatible with a portion of the 802.16 standard. Wimax certified hardware should be compatible with other Wimax certified hardware, but it is important to remember that Wimax certified hardware not necessarily compatible with 802.16 compliant hardware.

The founding organizations of the Wimax Forum included Wi-LAN, Ensemble, CossSpan, Harris, and Nokia. The OFDM Forum and Fujitsu joined in 2002. In 2003, Aperto, Alvarion, Airspan, Intel, Proxim, and others joined the group. At this time, the forum has over 200 members with representatives from service providers, system manufacturers, chip vendors, and business organizations. The major focus of this group is to provide interoperability between vendors' Wimax hardware. (Tom Carpenter, 2006)

In January 2005, at a Wimax conference called Wimax: beyond the Hype, Gordon Antonello clearly stated that

There are no Wimax networks today. There are no Wimax form certified products available today. Wimax Forum certified testing will begin later this year in 2005. Vendors are shipping pre-Wimax products today.