Upload
abosede-adewole
View
217
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
1/73
INVESTIGATION INTO THE APPLICATIONS OF WiMAX STANDARDS
DEPLOYED BY TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS IN
NIGERIA
BY
ADEWOLE ABOSEDE ABOLANLE
(TP08/09/H/2442)
A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF
TECHNOLOGY
IN
THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS TELECOMMUNICATION
ENGINEERING, FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY,
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
2/73
ILE-IFE, NIGERIA
2010
ACRONYM AND ABBREVIATIONS
AAA Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting
AAS Advanced Antenna Systems
ADSL Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Loop
AES Advanced Encryption Standard
ARQ Automatic Repeat Request
ASN Access Services Network
ASP Application Service Provider
BPSK Binary Phase Shift Keying
BWA Broadband Wireless Access
CCK Complementary Coded Keying
CLEC Competitive Local Exchange Carrier
CSMA/CA Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance
CSMA/CD Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (Ethernet)
DCF Distributed Control Function
DES Digital Encryption Standard
DS-CDMA Direct Sequence Code Division Multiple Access
DSL Digital Subscriber Line
DSSS Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
EDCA Enhanced Distributed Control Access
ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
3/73
EV-DO Enhanced Version-Data Only (Data Optimized)
FBWA Fixed Broadband Wireless Access
FCC Federal Communications Commission
FDD Frequency Division Duplex
FDX Full Duplex
FEC Forward Error Correction
FHSS Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GPS Global Positioning System
3GPP Third generation Partnership Project
GSM Global System for Mobile Communication
Hz Hertz
HARQ Hybrid-ARQ
HFDD- Half-Duplex Frequency Division
HIPERMAN- High-Performance Metropolitan Area Network
HSDPA- High-Speed Downlink Packet Access
HUMAN- High-speed Unlicensed Metropolitan Area Network
IEEE- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
IETF- Internet Engineering Task Force
ILEC- Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier
ISDN- Integrated Services Digital Network
ISM- Industrial, Scientific, and Medical
ITU- International Telecommunications Union
LAN- Local Area Network
LTE- Long Term Evolution
LR- Location Register
LS- Least Squares
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
4/73
MAC- Media Access Control
MBS- Multicast Broadcast Service
MC- Multiple Carrier
MIMO- Multiple Input-Multiple Output
MMDS- Multi-channel Multipoint Distribution Service
MMS- Multimedia Messaging Service
MPDU- MAC Protocol Data Unit
MS - Mobile Station
NLOS - Non-Line-of-Sight
NWG - Network Working Group
OFDM - Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
OFDMA- Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access
PAN- Personal Area Network
PCF- Point Control Function
PoP- Point of presence
QoS- Quality of Service
QPSK Quadrature Phase Shift Keying
RC4- Ron.s Code-4
SCDMA- Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access
SAE- System Architecture Evolution
SIM- Subscriber Identity Module
SONET- Synchronous Optical Network Interface
SSID- Service Set Identifier
STC- Space Time Coding
TDD- Time Division Duplex
TKIP- Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
UE- User Equipment
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
5/73
UEA1- UMTS Encryption Algorithm 1
UEA2- UMTS Encryption Algorithm 2
UIA1- UMTS Integrity Algorithm 1
UIA2- UMTS Integrity Algorithm 2
UMTS- Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
U-NII- Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure
VoIP - Voice over IP
VPN - Virtual Private Network
WBA- Wireless Broadband Access
WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access
WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy
Wi-Fi- Wireless Fidelity
WiMAX- Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
WISP- Wireless Internet Service Provider
WLAN- Wireless Local Area Network
WMAN- Wireless Metropolitan Area Network
x-QAM x-level Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
ZF- Zero Forcing
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
6/73
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
7/73
ABSTRACT
The world of wireless telecommunication is evolving rapidly. This thesis is on the
Investigation into the applications of WiMAX Standards deployed by telecommunications Service
Providers in Nigeria. The Broadband Wireless Access Industry that provides high-rate network
connections to fixed sites had matured to the point that it has Standards for Third-Generation (3G)
Wireless Metropolitan Area Network. The architectures are also suitable for use in a Fourth-
Generation (4G) Standard which is characterised by the support of much higher data rates that are
possible with former cellular solutions.
This work will present the emerging technologies helping wireless communication to grow
from where it was before to what it is today. It will cover the applications, characteristics and
differences of the emerging wireless technologies such as Wireless Local Area Network (WiFi-
802.11n), Wireless Personal Area Networks (ZigBee) and Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks
(WiMAX and LTE).
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) a set of Wireless Broadband
Standards is a Standard for Wireless Data Transmission covering a range similar to cellular phone
towers which represents a joint effort between traditional standards development, organisation and
industry. This hybrid approach had added significant value to the overall development of WiMAX
technology and services. This thesis describes the process by which WIMAX evolved, explores its
market potential and impact on the telecommunication Industry. WiMAX shows great promise as
an Internet Protocol native, high quality, high throughput, wireless pipe with greater range than
existing competing technologies.
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
8/73
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
9/73
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
10/73
to as Fixed WiMAX. In December 2005, the IEEE group completed and approved IEEE
802.16e-2005, an amendment to the IEEE 802.16-2004 standard that added mobility support.
It formed the basis for WiMAX solution for nomadic and mobile applications and is often
referred to as mobile WiMAX. These standards were developed to suit a variety of
applications and deployments scenarios and hence offer a large amount of design choices for
system developers. So we could say that IEEE 802.16 is a collection of standards not one single
interoperable standard.
WiMAX technology has evolved through four stages albeit not fully distinct or clearly
sequential:
Narrowband Wireless local-loop system
First-Generation Line-of-Sight (LOS) broadband system
Third-Generation Non-Line-of-Sight broadband system and
Standard-based Wireless system.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Despite the promise of WiMAX as an IP-base, high throughput long range fixed/mobile
wireless technology, there are serious challenges to its ultimate success which fall into three (3)
general categories;
Business plans
Real World performance and
Competition for growth in international standardization.
These problems could be base on:-
WiMAX Availability problem: Where WiMAX deployments will use licensed Radio
Frequency (RF) Spectrum positively granting them some degree of protection from
unintentional interference. It is reasonably simple however for an attacker to use
readily available tools to jam the spectrum, for all planned WiMAX deployments
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
11/73
which implies that an attacker can use legacy management frames to forcibly
disconnect legitimate stations.
WiMAX Authentication Problem: A primary standard in WiMAX (802.16)
networks is that each subscriber station (SS) must have a X.509 certification that
will exclusively recognise the subscriber. Its use makes it difficult for an attacker to
spoof the identity of subscriber, adding sufficient protection against theft of service.
A basic problem in the authentication mechanism used by WiMAX is privacy and
key Management (PKM) protocol which lack in authentication of Base Station (BS)
or Service Provider. This makes WiMAX network vulnerable to man-in-the-middle
attack exposing subscribers to various confidentiality and availability attacks.
Some of this dissatisfaction surfaced with the technical performance, include range
and penetration of WiMAX. While WiMAX has been touted as a key standard for 4G
telephony, because of its potential for high quality IP streaming video in addition to high
throughput voice and data, some manufacturer clustering their support around competing
technologies such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards based on CDMA technology.
Finally ITU Standardization approval for WiMAX indicates that if not the backbone of
telecommunication, 4G technology is likely to be a major supported standard for WiMAX.
1.3 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE STUDY
Since we require detailed information in the form of voice, data, fax and video to be
transmitted quickly and reliably to and from anywhere at anytime, the emergence of 802.16
standards creates complete new area for innovation concerning flexible broadband
connectivity in the internet. Wide adoption of broadband wireless access and mesh
networking can eventually provide ubiquitous connectivity to the internet at anytime. Using a
simple case study of present application, we can show that connectivity to the internet in the
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
12/73
world is possible without using an expensive, low bandwidth and high-latency satellite
backhaul.
1.4 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The aim of this study is to investigate the application of WiMAX standard in while the
objectives of this study is to
i.) Compare WiMAX Standard with existing standards
ii.) Identify the WiMAX features
iii.)Determine the Problems faced by the Telecommunication industry in Nigeria.
1.5 METHODOLOGY
This thesis is not an economic analysis but a descriptive narrative means to explore the
role of WiMAX standardization in Telecommunication Engineering as a new technology and
resulting market creation and projected impacts. To conduct a thorough economic analysis of
WiMAX, is still several years too early. The lack of an available methodology for measuring
impact is also constraining factor.
1.6 LIMITATIONS
WiMAX is a great technology for next generation with potential applications such as
cellular backhaul, return trip of freight, hotspot, VoIP Mobiles and broadband connection but
it has some limitation as explained as follows:
Low bit rate over long distance: WiMAX technology offers long distance data range
which is 70 Km and high bit rate which is 70 Mbit/s that is good but both features
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
13/73
does not look together when the distance is increased, the bit rate will decrease and
if the bit rate is increased, then the distance range should be reduced.
Speed connectivity: The WiMAXs other drawback is that any user closer to the
tower can get high speed which is can be up to 30Mbit/s but if a user exists at the
cell edge from the tower, such can obtain only 14Mbit/s speed.
Sharing bandwidth: In all wireless technology, the bandwidth is shared between
users in a specified radio sector. Therefore functionality could go down if more than
one user exists in a single sector, resulting to additional radio cards to be added to
the base station, to boost the capability as necessary.
WiMAX over Wi-Fi: it is easy for any one to build up a Wi-Fi network but to setup
WiMAX network is really expensive so it very hard for everyone that they pay
large amount for the setup and frequency licenses of WiMAX in any region.
WiMAX technology and different architecture: Because of low bit range on long
distance, speed of connectivity from long range and low bandwidth among users,
the different granular and dispersed network architectures are being unsupported
into WiMAX during the period of making decision about the choice of WiMAX.
1.7 APPLICATIONS
WiMAX technology applications are means by which services providers present data,
video, voice, mobile and internet access. The benefits of WiMAX technology are such as
provision of simple based prospective cost saving and service efficiency but to be capable to
allow VOIP calling, mobile devices, video making and high-speed data transfer. The basic
strength behind the WiMAX technology application are high bandwidth, high quality
services, security, deployment, full duplex including DSL versus cable and its cost.
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
14/73
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Literatures obtained were reviewed in this chapter. The overview of wireless
communication including its network concept was covered. The concept of Wi-Fi, ZigBee
and WiMAX standards in the telecommunication as the focus was also covered.
2.1 OVERVIEW OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION.
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
15/73
In telecommunications, Wireless communication is referred to as telecommunication system
such as radio transmitters and receivers, remote controls, computer networks, network terminal and
so on which uses some form of energy such radio frequency (RF), infrared light, laser light, visible
light, acoustic energy and so on to transfer information without the use of wires and cables. The
distances involved may be short, a few meters as in television remote control or long, thousands of
kilometres for radio and telemetry communication (Wikipedia). The term is often shortened to
WIRELESS. It encompasses various types of fixed, mobile and portable two-way radios, cellular
telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and wireless networking. Other examples of wireless
technology include GPS units, garage openers and remote controls. Wireless operationspermits
services, such as long range communications, that are impossible or impractical to implement with
the use of wires. (Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2007).
2.1.1 PRINCIPLES OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
Wireless communications begin with a message that is converted into an electronic signal by
a device called a transmitter. There are two types of transmitters: analog and digital. An analog
transmitter sends electronic signals as modulated radio waves. The analog transmitter modulates the
radio wave to carry the electronic signal and then sends the modified radio signal through space. A
digital transmitter encodes electronic signals by converting messages into a binary code, the series
of zeros and ones that are the basis of all computer programming. The encoded electronic signal is
then sent as a radio wave. Devices known as receivers decode or demodulate the radio waves and
reproduce the original message over a speaker.
Wireless communications provide more flexibility than wire-based means of
communication. However, there are some drawbacks. Wireless communications are limited by the
range of the transmitter and since radio waves travel through the atmosphere they can be disturbed
by electrical interferences that cause static.
Wireless communications systems involve either one-way transmissions, in which a person
merely receives notice of a message, or two-way transmissions, such as a telephone conversation
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
16/73
between two people. Two-way transmissions require both a transmitter and a receiver for sending
and receiving signals. A device that functions as both a transmitter and a receiver is called a
transceiver. Cellular radio telephones and two-way radios use transceivers, so that back-and-forth
communication between two people can be maintained.
2.1.2 MODES OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
Wireless communications systems have grown and changed as technology has improved.
Several different systems are used today, all of which operate on different radio frequencies. New
technologies are being developed to provide greater service and reliability (Microsoft Encarta
2007).
2.1.3 WIRELESS NETWORKS
Wireless networking (i.e. the various types of unlicensed 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi devices) is used to
meet many needs. Perhaps the most common use is to connect laptop users who travel. Another
common use is for mobile networks that connect via satellite. A wireless transmission method is a
logical choice to network a LAN segment that must frequently change locations (Understand
Telecommunications Engineering). The following situations justify the use of wireless technology:
To span a distance beyond the capabilities of typical cabling,
To provide a backup communications link in case of normal network failure,
To link portable or temporary workstations,
To overcome situations where normal cabling is difficult or financially impractical, or
To remotely connect mobile users or networks.
2.1.4 WIRELESS NETWORK TOPOLOGY
In computer networking, topology refers to the layout of connected devices. Topology is
taking to be a network's virtual shape or structure which does not necessarily correspond to the
actual physical layout of the devices on the network. For example, the computers on a
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
17/73
homeLAN may be arranged in a circle in a family room, but it would be highly unlikely to find a
ring topology there.
Network topologies are categorized as below:
(i) Bus Topology
Bus networks (not to be confused with the system bus of a computer) use a common
backbone to connect all devices that is a single cable. The backbone functions as a shared
communication medium that devices attach or tap into with an interface connector. A device
wanting to communicate with another device on the network sends a broadcast message
onto the wire that all other devices see, but only the intended recipient actually accepts and
processes the message. Ethernet bus topologies are relatively easy to install and don't require
much cabling compared to the alternatives. 10Base-2 ("ThinNet") and 10Base-5
("ThickNet") both were popular Ethernet cabling options many years ago for bus topologies.
However, bus networks work best with a limited number of devices. If more than a few
dozen computers are added to a network bus, performance problems will likely result. In
addition, if the backbone cable fails, the entire network effectively becomes unusable.
(Bradley Mitchell, 1999)
(ii) Ring Topology
In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbours for communication purposes.
All messages travel through a ring in the same direction (either "clockwise" or "counter-
clockwise"). A failure in any cable or device breaks the loop and can take down the entire
network. To implement a ring network, one typically uses FDDI, SONET, orToken
Ring technology. Ring topologies are found in some office buildings or school campuses.
(iii) Star Topology
Many home networks use the star topology. A star network features a central connection
point called a "hub" that may be a hub,switch orrouter. Devices typically connect to the
hub with Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet. Compared to the bus topology, a star
network generally requires more cable, but a failure in any star network cable will only take
http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_lan.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_lan.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/sonet/g/bldef_sonet.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkprotocols/g/token-ring-networks.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkprotocols/g/token-ring-networks.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/internetworking/g/bldef_hub.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/internetworking/g/bldef_hub.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/od/hardwarenetworkgear/g/bldef_switch.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/routers/g/bldef_router.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/routers/g/bldef_router.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/routers/g/bldef_router.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/sonet/g/bldef_sonet.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkprotocols/g/token-ring-networks.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkprotocols/g/token-ring-networks.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/internetworking/g/bldef_hub.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/od/hardwarenetworkgear/g/bldef_switch.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/routers/g/bldef_router.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_lan.htm8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
18/73
down one computer's network access and not the entire LAN. (If the hub fails, however, the
entire network also fails.) (Bradley Mitchell, 1999)
(iv)Tree Topology
Tree topologies integrate multiple star topologies together onto a bus. In its simplest
form, only hub devices connect directly to the tree bus and each hub functions as the "root"
of a tree of devices. This bus/star hybrid approach supports future expandability of the
network much better than a bus (limited in the number of devices due to the broadcast traffic
it generates) or a star (limited by the number of hub connection points) alone. (Bradley
Mitchell, 1999)
(v) Mesh Topology
Mesh topologies involve the concept of routes. Unlike each of the previous topologies,
messages sent on a mesh network can take any of several possible paths from source to
destination. (Recall that even in a ring, although two cable paths exist, messages can only
travel in one direction.) SomeWANs, most notably the Internet, employ mesh routing. A
mesh network in which every device connects to every other is called a full mesh. A partial
mesh networks also exist in which some devices connect only indirectly to others. (Bradley
Mitchell, 1999)
While more complex networks can be built as hybrids of two or more of the above basic topologies.
WIRELESS NETWORK SETUP
There are basically three (3) ways to setup a wireless network,
Point-to-Point Bridges: - Since a bridge is used to connect two (2) networks. A point-to-
point bridge therefore interconnects two building having different networks. For
example, a wireless LAN bridge can interface with an Ethernet network directly to
a particular access point.
Point-to-Multiple Bridge: - This topology is used to connect three or more LANs that
may be located on different floors in a building or across buildings.
http://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_wan.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_wan.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_wan.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htmhttp://compnetworking.about.com/bio/Bradley-Mitchell-5853.htm8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
19/73
Mesh or ad hoc network: -This network is an independent LAN that is not connected to
a wired infrastructure and in which all stations are connected directly to one
another. Since An ad hoc network is a wireless network using peer to peer
communication for network connectivity. (Ranveer Chandra, Christof Fetzer, Karin
HOgstedt)
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES
Wireless technologies can be classified in different ways depending on their range. Each
wireless technology is designed to serve a specific usage segment. The requirements for each usage
segment are based on a variety of variables, including Bandwidth needs, Distance and Power needs.
i.) Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN): enables one to access the Internet via a
wireless wide area network (WWAN) access card and a laptop. It provides a very fast data
speed compared with the data rates of mobile telecommunications technology, and their
range is also extensive. Cellular and mobile networks based on CDMA and GSM are good
examples of WWAN.
ii.) Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN): are very similar to WWAN except
their range is very limited.
iii.) Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): enables one to access the Internet in
localized hotspots via a wireless local area network (WLAN) access card and a PDA or
laptop. It is a type of local area network that uses high-frequency radio waves rather than
wires to communicate between nodes. These networks provide a very fast data speed
compared with the data rates of mobile telecommunications technology, and their range is
very limited. Wi-Fi is the most widespread and popular example of WLAN technology.
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
20/73
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
21/73
equipment. It offers an effective, complementary solution to wireline broadband, which has become
globally recognized by a high percentage of the population.
2.1.9 CORDLESS
The term wireless should not be confused with the term cordless which is generally
used to refer to powered electrical or electronics devices that are able to operate from a
portable power source, a battery pack without any cable or cord to limit the mobility of the
cordless device through a connection to the mains power supply.
2.2 OVERVIEW SURVEY OF EMERGING WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY
802.11n is an extension of the popular 802.11a/b/g technology known as WiFi. UWB is
standardized as IEEE 802.15.4 for low power, low-data rate applications. The technology
innovation called ZigBee make it possible to remotely monitor various types of sensors-for air-
conditioning, lighting, smoke alarms, and many more. In effect, most of these wireless technologies
are not islands in themselves, but offer some interconnectivity between each other, which help in
creating a perfectly connected environment. The various wireless network technology options are
shown in Fig. 2.1
Fig. 2.1. Types of Wireless Access.
2.2.1 Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) 802.11N
WLAN
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
22/73
Wi-Fi technology is most commonly found in notebook computers and internet access
devices such as routers and DSL or cable modems. A wireless LAN (WiFi) is a data transmission
system designed to provide location-independent network access between computing devices by
using radio waves rather than a cable infrastructure. Wi-Fi is meant to be used generically when
referring to any type of 802.11 network, whether 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g and so on. The 802.11b
networks could move data at up to 11 megabits per second (Mbps). 802.11a followed, shortly after
by 802.11g, each with maximum speeds of 54Mbps and throughput of around 25Mbps. WLAN
hardware built around 802.11g was quickly embraced by consumers and businesses seeking higher
bandwidth. The Wi-Fi speed standard, 802.11n, offers a bandwidth of around 108Mbps and it is an
industry standard, n-compliant devices will be interoperable. (Broadcom, 2006)
2.2.1.1 Characteristics of 802.11n
The emerging 802.11n specification differs from the predecessors in that it provides for a
variety of optional modes and configurations that dictate different maximum raw data rates. This
enables the standard to provide baseline performance parameters for all 802.11n devices, while
allowing manufacturers to enhance or tune capabilities to accommodate different applications and
price points. With every possible option enabled, 802.11n could offer raw data rates up to 600
Mbps. But WLAN hardware does not need to support every option to be compliant with the
standard. (Broadcom, 2006)
2.2.1.2 MAJOR COMPONENTS OF 802.11N
1) Better OFDM
In the 802.11n draft, the first requirement is to support an OFDM implementation
that improves upon the one employed in the 802.11a/g standards, using a higher maximum
code rate and slightly wider bandwidth. This change improves the highest attainable raw
data rate to 65 Mbps from 54 Mbps in the existing standards. (Broadcom, 2006)
2) MIMO Improves Performance
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
23/73
One of the most widely known components of the specification is known as Multiple
Input Multiple Output, or MIMO (Broadcom, 2006). MIMO exploits a radio-wave
phenomenon called multipath. Transmitted information bounces off walls, doors, and other
objects, reaching the receiving antenna multiple times via different routes and at slightly
different times. Uncontrolled, multipath distorts the original signal, making it more difficult
to decipher and degrading Wi-Fi performance. MIMO harnesses multipath with a technique
known as space division multiplexing. The transmitting WLAN device actually splits data
stream into multiple parts, called spatial streams, and transmits each spatial stream through
separate antennas to corresponding antennas on the receiving end. The 802.11n provides for
up to four spatial streams, even though compliant hardware is not required to support that
many (Broadcom, 2006). Doubling the number of spatial streams from one to two
effectively doubles the raw data rate. There are trade-offs, however, such as increased power
consumption and to a lesser extent, cost. The specification includes a MIMO power-save
mode, which mitigates power consumption by using multiple paths only when
communication would benefit from the additional performance. The MIMO power save
mode is a required feature in the specification.
3) Improved Throughput and Higher Data Rates
Another optional mode in the 802.11n effectively doubles data rates by doubling the
width of a WLAN communications channel from 20 MHz to 40 MHz. The primary trade-off
here is fewer channels available for other devices. In the case of the 2.4-GHz band, there is
enough room for three non-overlapping 20-MHz channels. Meaning, a 40-MHz channel
does not leave much room for other devices to join the network or transmit in the same
airspace. It implies that intelligent, dynamic management is critical to ensuring that the 40-
MHz channel option improves overall WLAN performance by balancing the high-
bandwidth demands of some clients with the needs of other clients to remain connected to
the network.
2.2.1.3 Applications of 802.11n
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
24/73
Because it promises far greater bandwidth, better range, and reliability, 802.11n is
advantageous in a variety of network configurations. And as emerging networked applications take
hold in the home, a growing number of consumers will come to view 802.11n not just as an
enhancement to their existing network, but also as a necessity. Some of the current and emerging
applications that are driving the need for 802.11n are listed as follows:
i. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): It is realized that VOIP can save money on
long distance phone calls by using the Internet instead of traditional phone services. An
increasingly popular way to make Internet calls is with VoIP phones, which are battery-
powered handsets that typically connect to the Internet with built-in 802.11b or 802.11g.
Telephony does not demand high bandwidth, although it does require a reliable network
connection to be usable. Both 802.11b and 802.11g consume less power than 802.11n in
MIMO modes, but single-stream 802.11n may be prevalent in VoIP phones. VoIP phones
can benefit today from the increased range and reliability of a 802.11n access point.
ii. Streaming video and music: As with voice, streaming music is an application that
requires a highly reliable connection that can reach throughout the home. Growing numbers
of consumers are streaming music directly from the Internet. Though higher bandwidth is
not absolutely necessary, the additional range and reliability that 802.11n offers may be
better suited to streaming music than older generation WLAN hardware.
iii. Gaming: Gaming is an application that increasingly is making use of home WLANs,
whether users connect wirelessly to the Internet from their computers and portable gaming
devices or use the network to compete with others in the home.
iv. Network attached storage: A growing application that demands all that 802.11n has
to offer high data rates as well as range and reliability is Network-Attached Storage, or
NAS. NAS has become popular in the enterprise as an inexpensive, easy-to-install
alternative for data backup.
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
25/73
v. Transferring large files such as pre-recorded TV shows from a personal video
recorder onto a notebook computer or portable media player for viewing outside the home
takes planning and patience on an older WLAN.
Fig. 2.2 compares the time it would take to transfer a 30-minute video file. At the best data transfer
rate, it would take 42 minutes to copy the file using 802.11b, and less than a minute with a two
antenna 802.11n client.
Fig. 2. 2 Time (Best case) to Transfer 30-Minute Video
2.2.2 ZIGBEE 802.15.4
ZigBee is one of the technologies that enable Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN).
ZigBee is the name of a specification for a suite of high level communication protocols using small,
low-power digital radios based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. The technology is intended to be
simpler and cheaper than other WPANs such as Bluetooth. ZigBee protocols are intended for use in
embedded applications requiring low data rates and low power consumption. WPAN implies a
reach of only a few meters, 9.5m in the case of ZigBee, the network will have several layers, so
designed as to enable intrapersonal communication within the network, connection to a network of
higher level and ultimately an uplink to the Web.
The ZigBee Standard has evolved standardized sets of solutions, called layers' (P. Kinney,
2003). These layers facilitate the features that make ZigBee very attractive, low cost, easy
implementation, reliable data transfer, short-range operations, very low power consumption and
adequate security features.
802.11n
802.11g
802.11b
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
26/73
i. Network and Application Support layer:The network layer has been designed to allowthe network to spatially grow without requiring high power transmitters. The network
layer also handle large amounts of nodes with relatively low latencies.
ii. Physical layer: The IEEE 802.15.4 physical layer accommodates high levels of
integration by using direct sequence to permit simplicity in the analog circuitry and enable
cheaper implementations.
iii. Media access control layer: The IEEE 802.15.4 Media Access Control (MAC) layer
permits the use of several topologies without introducing complexity and is meant to work
with large numbers of devices.
Fig.2.3 IEEE 802.15.4 / ZigBee Stack Architecture
2.2.2.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF ZIGBEE
ZigBee is poised to become the global control/sensor network standard. It has been designed
to provide the following features: (TG4)
1) Low power consumption, with battery life ranging from months to years.
2) Maximum data rates allowed for each of the frequency bands are fixed as 250kbps
@2.4GHz, 40kbps @ 915MHz, and 20kbps @868MHz.
3) High throughput and low latency for low duty-cycle applications (
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
27/73
5) Addressing space of up to 64 bit IEEE address devices, 65,535 networks.
6) 70-100m range.
7) ZigBees simplicity allows for inherent configuration and redundancy of network devices
provides low maintenance. It has low cost (device, installation, maintenance).
8) High density of nodes per network: ZigBees use of the IEEE 802.15.4 PHY and MAC
allows networks to handle any number of devices. This attribute is critical for massive
sensor arrays and control networks.
9) Fully reliable hand-shake data transfer protocols.
10) Different topologies like: star, peer-to-peer and mesh
2.2.2.2 APPLICATIONS OF ZIGBEE
ZigBee networks consist of multiple traffic types with their own unique characteristics,
including periodic data, intermittent data, and repetitive low latency data. The characteristics of
each are as follows:
Periodic data usually defined by the application such as a wireless sensor or meter. Data
typically is handled using a beaconing system whereby the sensor activates at a set time and
checks for the beacon, exchanges data, and switches off.
Intermittent data either application or external stimulus defined such as a wireless light
switch. Data can be handled in a beaconless system or disconnected. In disconnected
operation, the device will only attach to the network when communication is required, saving
significant energy.
Repetitive low latency data uses time slot allocations such as a security system. These
applications may use the guaranteed time slot (GTS) capability. GTS is a method of QoS that
allows each device a specific duration of time as defined by the PAN coordinator in the Super-
frame to do whatever it requires without contention or latency. In all applications, the smaller
packet sizes of ZigBee devices results in higher effective throughput values compared to other
standards. ZigBee networks are primarily intended for low duty cycle sensor networks (
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
28/73
2.2.3 WiMAX
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is currently one of the hottest
technologies in wireless. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802
committee, which sets networking standards such as Ethernet (802.3) and Wi-Fi (802.11), has
published a set of standards that define WiMAX. IEEE 802.16-2004 (also known as Revision D)
was published in 2004 for fixed applications; 802.16 Revision E (which adds mobility) is publicised
in July 2005. The WiMAX Forum is an industry body formed to promote the IEEE 802.16 standard
and perform interoperability testing. The WiMAX Forum has adopted certain profiles based on the
802.16 standards for interoperability testing and WiMAX certification. These operate in the
2.5GHz, 3.5GHz and 5.8GHz frequency bands, which typically are licensed by various government
authorities. WiMAX, is based on an RF technology called Orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplexing (OFDM), which is a very effective means of transferring data when carriers of width
of 5MHz or greater can be used. Below 5MHz carrier width, current CDMA based 3G systems are
comparable to OFDM in terms of performance.
WiMAX is a standard-based wireless technology that provides high throughput broadband
connections over long distance. WiMAX can be used for a number of applications, including last
mile broadband connections, hotspots and high-speed connectivity for business customers. It
provides wireless metropolitan area network (MAN) connectivity at speeds up to 70 Mbps and the
WiMAX base station on the average can cover up to 5 to 10 km. The WiMAX Overview is given in
Figure 2.4 (Sanida Omerovic, 2008) and table 1 give the differentiation between the Fixed and
Mobile WiMAX.
Figure 2.4. WiMAX Overview (Sanida Omerovic, 2008)
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
29/73
Fixed or mobile WiMAX
Fixed WiMAX Mobile WiMAX
Standard 802.16-2004 802.16e-2005
Access Fixed Fixed, portable and mobile
Modulation and
duplexing
OFDM TDD, FDD SOFDMA TDD, possibly FDD
Handoffs No Yes
Service providers
targeted
DSL and cable modem
service providers,
wireless and wired ISPs
Mobile operators, DSL and cable
modem service providers, wireless and
wired ISPs
Subscriber unit Outdoor or indoor CPE,
eventually PCMCIA
card
Indoor CPE, PCMCIA card, mini-card
built in laptops, mobile devices, phones
Spectrum bands 3.5 GHz, 5.8 GHz 2.3-2.4 GHz, 2.5-2.7 GHz, 3.3-3.4 GHz,
3.4-3.8 GHz
Certified products January 2006 2007
Table 2.1. Comparison of Fixed and mobile WiMAX (Monica Paolini, 2006)
2.2.3.1 CONCEPT OF WIMAX
WiMAX, or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a form of broadband
wireless access which is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard for wireless metropolitan-area
networks (MANs). Unlike many technologies in the broadband wireless access domain that provide
only line of sight (LOS) coverage, the technology behind WiMAX has been optimized to provide
excellent non line of sight (NLOS) coverage. As a result, WiMAX products are able to support
downlink data rates of 65 Mbits/s at close range to 16 Mbits/s at distances of 9 to 10 km, which is
enough bandwidth and transmission range to deliver high-speed simultaneous access to voice, data,
and video services (multimedia) to hundreds of businesses or thousands of residences. (Darcy
Poulin, 2005, SR Telecom Inc., 2004, C. Eklund et al., 2002).
WiMAX is able to overcome the impediments found in NLOS propagation and deliver such
high speed access using the following technologies and techniques:
OFDM technology.
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
30/73
Sub-Channelization.
Directional antennas.
Transmit and receive diversity.
Adaptive modulation.
Error correction techniques.
Power control.
1.) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)
OFDM is a multi-carrier transmission technology that provides superior means of
transmitting wireless information in high multi-path environments in 2-11 GHz frequency range.
OFDM works by dividing the data stream into several parallel bit streams. Each bit stream is
carried by a separate subcarrier and all subcarriers transmit in unison and simultaneously. Figure
2.4 depicts exactly how OFDM works in WiMAX. (C. Y. Wong et al, 1999)
Fig.2.5 OFDM Technology
Advantages of OFDM: (Z. Shen, J. G. Andrews, and B. L. Evans, 2003)
i. Multi-carrier multiplexing and transmission technique
ii. Achieves high spectral efficiency and data rates
iii. Has high resilience to RF interference
iv. Eliminates multi-path distortion effectively
v. Minimizes frequency selective fading (FSF)
vi. Eliminates Inter Symbol Interference (ISI)
2.) Sub-Channelization
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
31/73
WiMAX supports sub-channelization which means that instead of transmitting on all
192 data subcarriers, one can transmit on just a subset. As a result, the system achieves greater
range by using the same amount of power over fewer carriers. Since the power limitation in the
CPE, balancing the power in the uplink and downlink can be done by concentrating the power
over fewer subcarriers in the uplink (Darcy Poulin, 2005). The mechanism of Sub-channelization
is very well depicted in the figure below;
Figure 2.6 The Effect of Sub-channelization.
3.) DIRECTIONAL ANTENNAS
The effectiveness of using directional antennas over omni-directional antennas have
been proven and successfully deployed in several systems that operate under significant NLOS
fading. This is due to several advantages found in directional antennas.
Advantages of Directional Antennas
i. Increase of link availability compared to omni-directional antennas
ii. Decrease of the delay spread at both the Base Station and the CPE
iii. Suppression of any multi-path signals that arrive in the side-lobes and back-lobes.
4.) TRANSMIT AND RECEIVE DIVERSITY
Diversity schemes are used to take advantage of multi-path and reflections signals
that occur in NLOS conditions. In transmit diversity, several antennas are placed at the transmitter
side with a separation between them that guarantees independent fading between the transmitted
signals across the wireless channel. This reduces the fade margin requirement and combats
interference. The same scheme applies for receive diversity where several antennas are placed at
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
32/73
the receiver side instead of being placed at the transmitter side which helps in overcome fading
and reduce pathloss (Alamouti, S. M., 1998).
5.) ADAPTIVE MODULATION
Adaptive modulation allows the WiMAX system to adjust the signal modulation
scheme depending on the signal to noise ratio (SNR) condition of the radio link. The highest
modulation scheme is used when the radio link is high in quality. This gives more capacity for the
system. During a deep signal fade, the WiMAX system can transfer to a lower modulation scheme
to maintain the connection quality and link stability. This feature allows the system to overcome
time-selective fading. The main feature of adaptive modulation is that it allows one to transmit at
higher data rates during best case conditions as opposed to having a fixed scheme which transmits
always at low data rates to account for the worst case conditions. As illustrated in fig. 2.6
Figure 2.7 Relative Cell Radii for Adaptive Modulation
6.) ERROR CORRECTION TECHNIQUES
WiMAX utilizes several error correction techniques in its receiver structure to reduce the signal to
noise ratio requirements and significantly improve the bit error rate (BER) performance of the
system. These techniques, such as the Strong Reed Solomon FEC and convolution coding, are
used to recover frames in error which may have been lost due to deep fades in the channel (] D.
M. Mandelbaum, 1974, S. Lin and P. Yu., 1982)
7.) POWER CONTROL
WiMAX incorporates several power control algorithms to reduce the overall power consumption
of the CPE, thus decreasing potential interference with other co-located units. This improves the
overall performance of the system dramatically. It is implemented by the base station sending
power control information to each of the CPEs to regulate the transmit power level to a fixed
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
33/73
threshold. Concerning a LOS system, the transmit power of the CPE is approximately
proportional to its distance from the base station. However in the NLOS system, this level
depends on many other factors such as the obstructions lying in the path between the CPE and the
base station.
After presenting a general introduction about the WiMAX wireless system and shedding
light on its different attributes, there is need to discuss the physical properties of the
electromagnetic waves which are the main carriers of data in wireless communication systems.
2.2.3.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF WIMAX
Technical aspects of 802.16a that are instrumental in powering robust performance include
the following characteristics:
Power varies with band, Profiles from 100 Mw up to 2W.
Configuration is P-P and P-MP Cellular.
Spectrum initially 3.5 GHz licensed and 5.8 GHz unlicensed bands.
Radio interface is OFDM, using 256 tones.
Access Protocols is downstream - TDM (Broadcast), upstream - TDMA with access
contention.
Security via station authentication and encryption.
Data rates variable with channel bandwidth 3.5 MHz in 3.5 GHz band, 20 MHz in 5.8 GHz
band.
Actual realizable data rates are ~ 2b/Hz.
Maximum range ~2Km for indoor Non-LOS cellular service at 3.5 GHz.
2.2.3.3 Applications of WiMAX
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
34/73
WiMAX will allow people to go from their homes to their cars, and then travel to their
offices or anywhere in the world, all seamlessly. WiMAX can serve the business, residential and
mobile segments. The applications in these areas are listed as follows:
Residential users
Basic voice services, low cost domestic & international calls
Basic (dialup speed) to advanced (over 1Mbps)
Bundled voice and data services
Business users
Basic data connectivity for small businesses
Advanced data services to medium and large businesses
Feature-rich, low cost voice services (VoIP)
Mobile users (mobile WiMAX only)
Data connectivity for mobile workforce
Data connectivity for international visitors
2.2.3.4 WIMAX WORKING PRINCIPLE
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 WiMAXTower or booster also known as WiMAX base station and second is WiMAX
receiver (WiMAX CPE) or Customer Premise Equipment.
Figure 2.8 WiMAX Working Principle (How stuff works)
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
35/73
The WiMAX network is just like a cell phone, where a user send data from a subscribers device
to a base station, the wireless signal is broadcasted into channel known as uplink by the base station.
The base station transmits to the same or another user known as downlink. The WiMAX base station
has higher broadcasting power, antennas and enhanced additional algorithms. WiMAX technology
providers build a network with the help of towers that enable communication access over many miles.
The broadband service of WiMAX technology is available in coverage areas. The coverage areas of
WiMAX technology separated in series of over lied areas called channel.
The orthogonal frequency division multiplexed access (OFDMA) in WiMAX technology, is a
great technique used to professionally take advantage from the frequency bands. The transmission
frequencies of WiMAX technology from 2.3MHz to 3.5 GHz make it low price wireless network. Each
spectral profile of WiMAX technology may need different hardware infrastructure. Each spectrum
contain its bandwidth profile which resolved channel bandwidth. The bandwidth signal is separated in
OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed Access) is used to carry data called sub carrier.
Transmitted data is divided into numerous data stream where every one belongs to another sub carrier
and then transmitted at the same broadcast interval. At the downlink path the base station broadcast the
data for different user professionally over uninterrupted sub-carriers.
The independency of data is a great feature ofOFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplexed Access) that prohibit interfering and is been multiplexed. It also makes possible power
prioritization for various sub carriers according to the link quality. The sub carrier having good quality
carry more data since the bandwidth is narrow. But those that have low quality carry nun data.
WiMAX is providing quality of service (WiMAX QoS) which enables high quality of data like
VoIP or TV broadcasts. The data communication protocol from base station is an alternative of quality
of service (WiMAX QoS) application and offers video streaming. This type of data is translated into
parameters or sub carriers per user. All type of technique is carrying out together to speed up coverage,
bandwidth, efficiency and number of users. The base station of WiMAX has ability to cover up 50 Km.
WiMAX technology supports various protocols such as VLAN, ATM, IPv4 Ethernet etc.
http://www.freewimaxinfo.com/ofdm.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/ofdm.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/ofdm.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/ofdm.html8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
36/73
2.2.4 LONG TERM EVOLUTION (LTE)
The LTE evolves from the Third-Generation technology which is based on Wideband Code
Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and defines the LTE of the 3-GPP UMTS/HSPA cellular
technology. The specifications of these efforts are formally known as the Evolved UMTS
Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-
UTRAN), commonly referred to by the 3-GPP Project LTE. The first version of LTE is documented
in Release 8 of the 3-GPP specifications. It defines a new physical layer radio access technology
based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) for downlink, Similar in
concept to the PHY layer of Mobile WiMAX and uses Single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) for the
uplink.
LTE supports high performance mobile access functional up to 350 Km/h with 500Km/h
under consideration peak data rates range from 100 to 326.4 Mbps on the downlink and 50 to 86.4
Mbps on the uplink depending on the antenna configuration and modulation depth. The LTE target
is to achieve the data rates set by the 4G IMT-Advanced standard. The development of the LTE
interface is linked closely with the 3GPP system architecture evolution (SAE) which defines the
overall system architecture and Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The LTE aim is to provide an all IP
backbone with reduction in cost per bit, better service provisioning, flexibilyt in user of new and
existing frequency bands, simple network architecture with open interfaces and lower power
consumption.
2.3 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE PROPAGATION
In wireless communications, the information that is transmitted propagates in the form of
electromagnetic (EM) waves. The amplitude, phase, or frequency (wavelength) of a wave can all be
modified to represent the information. As a result, it is very fundamental to understand EM waves
and how information is propagated from one place to another in order determine the performance of
a wireless link (Anderson, Harry R., 2003).
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
37/73
2.3.1 FREE SPACE PROPAGATION
Free-space transmission is a principal consideration in basically all fixed broadband wireless
communication systems. Although free space primarily means in vacuum, it can be practically
implemented in short-range space-wave paths between elevated terminals. In free space, the signal
gets attenuated as it travels from the transmitter to the receiver.
This attenuation factor is characterized by the free space pathloss given by:
2
4
===
rGTGR
PP
PLFathlossFreespacepT
R
(Anderson, Harry R., 2003)
The free space pathloss is characterized by the following:
i. Inversely proportional to square the distance
ii. Proportional to the wave length ()
Proportional to the antenna gains (GT and GR)
However, free space propagation alone cannot depict what will exactly happen to the signal
as it travels from the transmitter to the receiver as there are many effects that can substantially
impact the communication link performance (Anderson, Harry R., 2003).
2.3.2 REFLECTION
Reflection is one of the most important wave propagation phenomena involved in almost
every type of fixed wireless systems (Anderson, Harry R., 2003)
There are two basic reflection types:
i. Specular reflection from smooth surfaces.
ii. Reflections (scattering) from rough surfaces.
2.3.2.1 SPECULAR REFLECTION
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
38/73
This occurs when a signal intersects the ground, a wall or any other surface that that does
not have any edges or discontinuities. Reflection takes place on the specular point where the
angle of incidence of the transmitted wave equals the angle of reflection of the reflected wave,
(Anderson, Harry R., 2003) as illustrated in fig.2.7
Pi Pr
( )
Fig. 2.9 Two dimensional geometry showing specular reflection (Anderson, Harry R., 2003)
2.3.2.2 REFLECTIONS FROM ROUGH SURFACES
In the real world, seldom do we encounter reflections along a smooth surface. However,
most of the times, we encounter surfaces that have random variations as in the earths surface or
have systematic variations such as in the walls and roofs of artificial structures. In severe scenarios,
the surface may appear to be a pure scatterer. The degree of roughness is given by the Rayliegh
criterion:0
sin8 yhR
(Anderson, Harry R., 2003)
where hR is the difference in the maximum and minimum surface variations; y0 is the angle between
the incident ray and the surface as illustrated in fig. 2.8
Fig. 2.10 Reflection and Scattering from a rough surface
GroundSpecular
Reflection
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
39/73
2.3.3 DIFFRACTION
Diffraction is an important wave propagation mechanism which can occur to any
propagating wave in wireless communications. Diffraction only happens when an object partially
blocks the path of a propagating wave. Since our environment deals with a non-line of sight
scenario, we will be heavily relying on diffraction in our study, there are typically two models used
in a wireless system design to model diffraction (Anderson, Harry R., 2003)
2.3.3.1 WEDGE DIFFRACTION
It occurs at the corner of buildings, at the edge of walls where they intersect roofs, and at the
junction of walls with the ground or street and it is considered very important features. The wedge
diffraction scheme is used to find the diffraction attenuation for an obstructed interference path over
a rooftop edge or the parapet of a building but it is highly computational (Anderson, Harry R.,
2003).
2.3.3.2 KNIFE-EDGE DIFFRACTION
It is a special case of the wedge diffraction that is when the interior angle of the wedge is
assumed to be zero. Because of its resulting simplicity and speed of calculation efficiency, knife-
edge diffraction is used in many propagation models. The knife-edge diffraction scheme is used as a
model for many obstructed path circumstances including paths with terrain obstructions such as
gently rolling hills that have very little resemblance to a knife-edge (Anderson, Harry R., 2003).
2.3.4 FRESNEL ZONE AND PATH CLEARANCE
A crucial design objective in a fixed wireless design is to achieve adequate path clearance
for the link, which means that any point along the path between the transmitter and the receiver
should have a certain distance from any obstacle along the path.
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
40/73
As a result, a wireless link could fall to one of three categories, which are determined by the
obstacles positions with respect to the Fresnel zone. Fresnel zone is the locus of the points where
the diffracted path length is multiples of 180 degrees different from the direct path length. As
shown in Figure 2.9, the fresnel zones form elliptically shaped solids of revolution around the
transmit-receive propagation path. In concept, the first fresnel zone is the zone where the significant
power is transmitted, meaning that the power available at the receiver will be diminished if the first
fresnel zone is significantly obstructed or blocked. A general criterion for link system design is to
set the path clearance so that a radius equal to 60% of the first fresnel zone is unobstructed. This is
so called the 0.6 first fresnel zone criterion (Anderson, Harry R., 2003, Erceg, V. et al.).
The first fresnel zone with the 0.6 criterion is depicted in the Fig. 2.9 (a)
Fig. 2.11 (a)RF Propagation and Fresnel Zone (Mirza M Wahaj, 2004)
2.4 LINE OF SIGHT (LOS)
Fig. 2.11b LOS (Line of Sight) Demonstration
LOS Attributes:
Requires 60% Fresnel (1st) zone clearance
Diffraction losses are negligible
Free space signal attenuation determines coverage
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
41/73
2.5 OLOS (OBSTRUCTED LINE OF SIGHT)
Figure 2.12. OLOS demonstration
OLOS Attributes :
Fresnel zone obstruction- above the 60% mark
Diffraction Losses are from 0-6dB
Requires higher tower heights
Seasonal effects due to the nature of the obstruction
2.6 NLOS (NON LINE OF SIGHT)
Figure 2.13 NLOS demonstration (Mirza M Wahaj, 2004)
NLOS Attributes:
More propagation loss
Higher delay spread
Higher ISI (Inter Symbol Interference)
Pronounced multipath distortion
Higher Tx power required to meet SNR/BER limits
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
42/73
2.7 COMPARISON OF EMERGING WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES
The use of wireless technologies is beginning to appear similar to the initial
development of the railways. Each technology seems to have a different gauge and
compatibility issues seem to confuse the novice. The main points of comparison of Wi-Fi,
ZigBee and WiMAX are listed in table 2.2 while the key highlights of the comparison between
the two next generation broadband wireless access technologies: 3GPP LTE and WiMAX
IEEE 802.16e is presented in Table 2.3
Table 2.2 Comparison of Emerging Wireless Technologies (Bhavneet Sidhu, Hardeep Singh, and Amit
Chhabra)
Technology WiFi -802.11n ZigBee WiMAX
Application Wireless LAN Internet Sensor Networks Metro Area Broadband
Internet connectivity
Typical Range 100m 70-100m 50 km
Frequency Range 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz 2-11GHz
Data Rate 108 - 600Mbps 250Kbps 75Mbps
Modulation DSSS DSSS QAM
Network IP & P2P Mesh IP
IT Network
Connectivity
Yes No Yes
Network Topology Infrastructure (Ad-hoc also possible) Ad-hoc Infrastructure
Access Protocol CSMA/CA CSMA/CA Request/Grant
Key Attributes Wider Bandwidth, Flexibility Cost, Power Throughput, Coverage
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
43/73
Table 2.3 Highlights of LTE and WiMAX comparison
Aspect 3GPP LTE Mobile WiMAX IEEE 802.16eLegacy GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA IEEE 802.16 a through d
Core Network UTRAn moving towards ALL-IP,
Evolved-UTRA (EUTRA) core
network with IMS with Sae
Architecture
WiMAX Forum All-IP Network
Access Technology:
Downlink (DL)
Uplink (UL) OFDMA
SC-FDMA
OFDMA
OFDMA
FFT Size 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048
Radio Access
modes
TDD and FDD TDD and FDD
Frequency Band Existing (800, 900, 1800, 1900
MHz) and new Frequency
bands (Range 800 MHz 2.62
GHz)
NLOS 2 11 GHz
Peak date rate
DL
UL 100 to 326.4 Mbps
50 to 86.4 Mbps
75 Mbps
25 Mbps
Channel
bandwidth
Scalable from 1.25 to 20 MHz with
system profiles 1.25, 1.4, 2.5, 3,
5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz
Scalable from 1.25 to 20 MHz
with System Profiles 1.25,
2.5, 5, 10, 20 MHz
Cell radius 5 Km ~ 20.7 Km for 3.5 or 7 MHz BW
~ 8.4 Km for 5 to 10 MHz BW
Cell capacity >200 Users at 8 MHz
>400 Users for larger BW
100 200 Users
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
44/73
Mobility:
Speed
Handover Up to 350 Km/h
Inter-cell soft handovers supported
Up to 120 Km/h
Optimised hard handovers
supported
Antenna Scheme
DL
UL
MIMO
2 Tx X 2 Rx
2 Tx X 2 Rx
MIMO
2 Tx X 2 Rx
1 Tx X NRx (collaborative)
Number of Code
words
2 1
Roaming New Auto through existing
GSM/UMTS
Security
Algorithms
UEA1, U1A1, UEA2 (Snow
Algorithms supporting 256 bits
of keys) and U1A2
PKMV1 RSA, HMAC, AES-
CCM and PKMV2-EAP,
CMAC, AES-CTR, MBS
Security
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
45/73
CHAPTER THREE
WIMAX STANDARD PRINCIPLES
3.0 The following is the investigative methodologies that would be use for this work;
Study and investigation of the technical features of WiMAX network
Investigate the requirement for the deployment of the WiMAX Networks.
Investigate the basic security requirement for the WiMAX technology.
Discuss about the security functions of WiMAX technology.
Study the recent developments in the WiMAX technology security.
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
46/73
3.1 TECHNICAL FEATURES OF WIMAX NETWORK
WiMAX is a great invention in wireless technology providing 70Km broadband access to
mobile users. WiMAX technology is 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 namely:
3.1.1 WiMAX support multipath
WiMAX technology is offering OFDM-basedphysical layer which is based on orthogonal
frequency distribution. The WiMAX technology provides confrontation to multipath. Due to its
good architecture it allows the user to operate in NLOS conditions. Now WiMAX is familiar as a
technique of multi path for wireless network.
3.1.2 WiMAX broadband access
WiMAX technology is offering very high speed broadband access to mobile internet. When
using 20MHz, the data rate can be high up to 74Mbps. Generally 10MHz with the TDD scheme
provides 3:1 up and down link ratio. WiMAX providing very good signals therefore higher data
rates can be achieved with multiple antennas. Antennas are used for beam forming, space time
coding and so on.
WiMAX offer high speed data rate
Higher speed data rates are offered by the scalable architecture of physical layer. WiMAX
technology provides easy scaling of data with possible bandwidth of channel. If the bandwidth of
channels may be from 1.25MHz to 10MHz then a system can use 128, 512, 1024, 2048 bit FFTs
which provide dynamically roaming across numerous networks having dissimilar bandwidth.
3.1.4 WiMAX offer modulation and error correction
The use ofWiMAX technology increased rapidly because it supports lots of modulation and
error correction facilities to users. It also allows a user to change the scheme according to channel
http://www.freewimaxinfo.com/ofdm.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/wimax-technology.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/ofdm.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/wimax-technology.html8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
47/73
condition. AdaptiveModulation and Coding (AMC) is a valuable method to exploit throughput in a
varying channel.
3.1.5 WiMAX support reliability of data
Automatic retransmission of data supported by WiMAX at data link layer for links is a great
feature. It does not only improve reliability but also enabled ARQ which necessitates each
broadcast packet to be recognized by the receiver, and if any unacknowledged data packets are
unspecified, to be misplaced and retransmitted.
3.1.6 WiMAX support TDD and FDD
WiMAX technology supportsTime Division Duplexing (TDD) and Frequency Division
Duplexing (FDD). They both offer low cost system accomplishments.
3.1.7 WiMAX TDM scheme
The WiMAX technology holds all systems therefore any data may be in form of uplink or
downlink, checked by scheduler from the base station. The total capacities are shared between
several users according to their demand. And it is done by WiMAX Time Division
Multiplexing (TDM) scheme.
3.1.8 WiMAX MAC layer
The architecture of WiMAX technology based on MAC layer is a connection oriented layer.
Through MAC layer a user can perform a variety of functions such as voice including multimedia.
It supports best efforts for data traffic as bit, real time, traffic flows and so on. The aim of WiMAX
technology design is to facilitate large number of users with variety of connections per terminal.
3.1.9 WiMAX strong encryption
WiMAX technology also facilitates the user with strong encryption, using Advanced
Encryption standard (AES). A user can get strong privacy and administration. The EAP
http://www.freewimaxinfo.com/aes-in-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/encryption-in-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/aes-in-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/encryption-in-wimax.html8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
48/73
protocol offer flexible authentication architecture which enable a user to get access to username,
password, certificates, and smart card.
3.1.10 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, sub-
channelization, power control and so on.
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 very
easy with WiMAX technology. With the growth of WiMAX technology there are more feature
coming up.
3.2 TYPES OF WIMAX TECHNOLOGY (802.16)
The WiMAX family of standards (802.16) concentrate on two types of usage models; fixed
WiMAX usage model and mobile WiMAX usage model. The basic element that differentiates
these systems is the ground speed at which the systems are designed to manage. Based on mobility,
wireless access systems are designed to operate on the move without any disruption of service;
wireless access can be divided into three classes; stationary, pedestrian and vehicular. A mobile
WiMAX network access system is one that can address the vehicular class, whereas the fixed
WiMAX serves the stationary and pedestrian classes. While the nomadic wireless access system is
referred to as a system that works as a fixed WiMAX network access system but can change its
location.
Fixed WiMAX: Broadband service and consumer usage of fixed WiMAX access is
expected to reflect that of fixed wire-line service, with many of the standards-based requirements
being confined to the air interface. Because communications takes place via wireless links
from WiMAX Customer Premise Equipment (WiMAX CPE) to a remote Non Line-of-sight
http://www.freewimaxinfo.com/encryption-in-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/encryption-in-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.html8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
49/73
(NLOS) WiMAX base station, requirements for link security are greater than those needed for a
wireless service. The security mechanisms within the IEEE 802.16 standards are sufficient for fixed
WiMAX access service.
Another challenge for the fixed WiMAX access air interface is the need to set up high
performance radio links capable of data rates comparable to wired broadband services, using
equipment that can be self installed indoors by users, as is the case for Digital Subscriber Line
(DSL) and cable modems. IEEE802.16 standards provide advanced physical (PHY) layer
techniques to achieve link margins capable of supporting high throughput in NLOS environments.
Mobile WiMAX: The 802.16a extension, refined in January 2003, uses a lower frequency
of 2 to 11 GHz, enabling NLOS connections to be made. The 802.16e task group was capitalized on
the capabilities that this provided by working on developing a specification to enable mobile
WiMAXclients. These clients were able to hand off between WiMAX base stations, enabling users
to roam between service areas.
WiMAX backhaul: It is actually a connection system from the Access Point (AP) back to
the provider and to the connection from the provider to the network. A WiMAX backhaulcan set
out any technology and media provided. It connects the system to the backbone. In most of the
WiMAX deployments situation, it is possible to connect several WiMAX base stations by using
high speed WiMAX backhaul microware links thereby allowing roaming between WiMAX
subscribers within or outside base stations. This is similar to roaming enabled by cellular phone
companies.
There can be two cases of portability namely, full mobility or limited mobility. The
effortless case of portable service involves a user transporting a WiMAX modem to a different
location. Provided this visited location is served by wireless broadband service, in this scenario the
user re-authenticates and manually re-establishes new IP connections. Broadband service at the
visited location is afforded. In the fully mobile scenario, user expectations for connectivity are
comparable to facilities available in third generation (3G) voice/data systems. Users may move
http://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/mobile-broadband.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/mobile-broadband.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/types-of-wimax.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/mobile-broadband.html8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
50/73
around while engaging in a broadband data access or multimedia streaming session. Mobile
wireless systems need to be robust against rapid channel variations to support vehicular speeds.
There are significant implications of mobility on the IP layer owing to the need to maintain
rout-ability of the host IP address to preserve in-flight packets during IP handoff. This may require
authentication and handoffs for uplink and downlink IP packets and Medium Access Control
(MAC) frames. The need to support low latency and low packet loss handovers of data streams as
users transition from one base station to another is clearly a challenging task. For mobile data
services, users will not easily adapt their service expectations because of environmental limitations
that are technically but not directly relevant to the mode of use. For these reasons, the network and
air interface must be designed to anticipate these users expectations and deliver accordingly.
3.3.0 WIMAX DEPLOYMENTS
WiMAX Technology is a great development in wireless technology offering long distance
broadband access. After viewing the rapid growth of WiMAX technology in large business
companies, multimedia project software and hardware manufacturers started to develop and test the
compulsory components to deploy WiMAX Technology network.
In 2004, cables and DSL technologies used to fetch wireless broadband access to rural areas
advanced quickly and in 2009 WiMAX technology has widely spread to everywhere. Fixed
WiMAX technology was introduced in 2008. The rapid developments of both WiMAX
technologies are rolling out now. The WiMAX Technology will take over the mobile industries.
The WiMAX deployment skill set to overcome the digital divide because of easiness and efficiency.
Along with traditional factors such as link budgets and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), deployment
considerations for WiMAX systems should include the cost saving opportunities offered by the
802.16 standard.
3.3.1 Designing a WiMAX Network: A wide variety of technical points need to be addressed
when designing WiMAX networks. A significant consideration is the efficiency, cost and
http://www.freewimaxinfo.com/wimax-technology.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/wimax-technology.html8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
51/73
performance involved in providing coverage and capacity, while avoiding the build-out of a large
number of new cell sites. The first item to be considered is the link budget, the loss and gain sum of
signal strength through the varying medium of the transmission path. The link budget determines
the maximum cell radius for an adequate service-level agreement (SLA). Additionally a good SNR
is critical for the system to perform at the optimum level. The ability to scale while maintaining
constant symbol duration provides more flexibility in equipment components. Most importantly,
operators can deploy systems today and develop system bandwidth in the future at lower cost
without impact to earlier deployments.
3.3.2 Environmental Factors: Wireless design criteria vary across four types of environments:
i. Dense Urban: A city centred with many businesses and high-density residential units
represents a challenge due to multipath effects among the multi-story buildings.
ii. Urban: Surrounding a city center, average building heights may be lower than the
mast of a base station, but the propagation environment remains equally challenging.
iii. Suburban: With lower-density housing (primarily single-family dwellings) and fewer
businesses, average building heights are much lower than base station towers and
structures are more spread out, thus creating a more favourable propagation
environment.
iv. Rural: Where homes are far apart and businesses widely scattered, this environment
offers no obstruction to wireless propagation so long as the terrain is flat.
3.3.3 Determining Coverage Boundaries: To take full advantage of WiMAX scalability, system
operators need to use the right software tools to predetermine coverage boundaries. These tools
perform propagation simulations and drive tests. Careful deployment planning is critical in order to
have room to scale, anticipating growing customer demands while ensuring a quality user
experience. This planning is important in urban areas, where deployments are most likely to be
driven by capacity requirements.
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
52/73
3.3.4 Sector and Frequency Reuse: A 3-sector base station is standard for cellular, and it also
suits WiMAX systems (Figure 3.1). To make the best use of available wireless spectrum, WiMAX
systems can utilize both sector and frequency reuse. Sector reuse is using one sector to cover
multiple areas, at least one of which is closer to another base station. Frequency reuse is using a
frequency to serve multiple sectors that do not mutually interfere.
Fig . 3.1 Sector Wireless System with Frequency (Channel) Reuse
With a frequency reuse of fig.1, each of a base stations three sectors uses the same channel
(thus effectively combining the three sectors into a single sector). A frequency reuse of three
eliminates co-channel interference at the sector boundaries. This reuse also significantly decreases
co-channel interference between neighbouring cells due to the increased spatial separation for
channels operating at the same frequency provided that the cell sector boundaries are properly
aligned. Getting the right alignment involves down-tilting antennas and performing drive tests to
see if each sector covers the proposed azimuths. The inherent properties of WiMAXs Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) scheme controls adjacent channel interference
(ACI) at the sector boundaries.
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
53/73
8/8/2019 Investigation of the Various Applications of WiMAX Standars in Telecommunication Engineering
54/73
Beam-forming thus addresses the fundamental power problem encountered in delivering
personal broadband with high data rates. With beam-forming, a base station does not need enough
RF power to broadcast high data rates to every part of the coverage area simultaneously. Base
stations can apply their power selectively, thus providing excellent coverage at lower costs. All
customer devices must support beam-forming as part of the WiMAX Forum Wave2 certification for
PHY and MAC features. However, the quality of the beam-forming implementation varies
considerably from one vendor to another.
3.4.0 SECURITY IN WIMAX TECHNOLOGY
Security is a broad and complex subject, and this section provides only a brief introduction
to it. However, basic security issues are being covered, introducing some terminology, and
providing a brief overview of some of the security mechanism of WiMAX Technology.
Well designed security architecture for a WiMAX and other wireless communication
networks should support the following essential requirements:
i. Privacy: Provides protection from eavesdropping as the user data traverses the network
from source to sink.
ii. Data integrity: This ensures that user data and control/management messages are
protected from being tampered with while in transit.
iii. Authentication: Have a mechanism to ensure that a given user/device is the one it claims
to be. Conversely, the user/device should also be able to verify the authenticity of the
network that it is connecting to. Together, the two are referred to as mutual
authentication.
iv. Authorization: Has a mechanism in place to verify that a given user is authorized to
receive a particular service.
v. Access control: Ensures that only authorized users are allowed to get access to the offered
services.
http://www.freewimaxinfo.com/privacy-sublayer.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/authentication-acess-control.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/authentication-acess-control.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/privacy-sublayer.htmlhttp://www.freewimaxinfo.com/authentication-acess-control.htmlhttp://www.freewimax