Wi-max technology

A Seminar Report

On

WI-MAX TECHNOLOGY

Submitted By:
TEJAS DASLANIA
(09EC015)

Guide:-
Mr. BHARGAV PATEL

V.T.Patel Department of
Electronics & Communication Engineering

CHAROTAR UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY

1
 Wi-max technology

CHAROTARUNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that DASLANIA TEJAS B. (09EC015)

Of Second year

EC Semester III have completed their seminar on

“WI-MAX TECHNOLOGY”

towards partial .Fulfillment Of the Requirement

for the award of the

Bachelor of Engineeringfor the course of

Electronics & Communication

degree of CHAROTAR UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE

AND

TECHNOLOGY.

Internal guide Head

2
 Wi-max technology

Sign: Sign:

BHARGAV PATEL Prof. JAYMIN BHALANI

V.T.Patel Dept. of
Electronics & Communication engg.

3
 Wi-max technology

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Every project is an outcome of culmination of efforts of many. There are many teachers,
friends and well-wishers who have contributed to our work directly or indirectly. Although it
is not possible to name and thank them all individually, we must make a sincere effort to
name a few who have taken personal interest and contributed to the successful completion of
the project.

I pay my profound gratefulness to BHARGAV PATEL Sir for giving me an opportunity to

carry out the project work. I must thank him for sparing his valuable time from his busy
schedule who was not only my source of inspiration but a guardian who looked after me in all
the frustration and disappointments.

Last but not the least; I thank all my friends, colleagues & all those who contributed directly
or indirectly.

DASLANIA TEJAS
(09EC015)

4
 Wi-max technology

Abstract
WiMax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. It
is a telecommunications technology providing wireless data over long distances
in a variety of ways, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular type access.
It is based on the Wireless MAN (IEEE 802.16) standard.

WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is the next step on

the road to a wireless world, extending broadband wireless access to new locations
and over longer distances, as well as significantly reducing the cost of bringing
broadband to new areas.
WiMax promises a wireless access range of up to 31 miles, compared with Wi-
Fi's 300 feet and Bluetooth’s 30 feet.

Tejas B. Daslania
(09E
C015)

5
 Wi-max technology

Table of Contents:-

Sr. No. TOPICS Page no.

1. Exactly what is Wi-max technology? 6.

2. Goals of Wi-max technology 7.

3. Why do we need Wi-max? 7.

4. History of Wi-max technology 8.

5. Types of Wi-max technology 9.

6. Technology behind Wi-max system 11.

7. How does Wi-max work? 13.

8. Requirements of Wi-max technology 17.

9. Wi-max Performance 20.

10 Advantages & Disadvantages 21.

11. Wi-max technology security 22..

12. Application of Wi-max technology 24.

13. Conclusion 26.

6
 Wi-max technology

Chapter 1. Exactly what is Wi-max technology? [Ref. 1]

Introduction

 You might have already heard the word WiMax mentioned as the replacement for
Wi-Fi and the current 3G wireless Internet. You might have also heard some of the
marketing speak used to describe it, such as, "Wi-Fi on steroids", "Wi-Fi’s big brother",
and my favorite, "The Next Big Thing." Actually, WiMax really IS the next big thing -- at
least when it comes to high speed Internet access.

 WiMax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. It is a

telecommunications technology providing wireless data over long distances in a variety
of ways, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular type access. It is based on the
Wireless MAN (IEEE 802.16) standard

1.1 Explanation

 WiMax can also be used to connect many Wi-Fi hotspots with each other
and also to other parts of the Internet.

 When using WiMax device with directional antennas, speeds of 10 Mbit/s

at 10 km distance is possible, while for WiMax devices with Omni-directional
antennas only 10 Mbit/s over 2 km is possible. There is no uniform global
licensed spectrum for WiMax, although three licensed spectrum profiles are being
used generally – 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz.

 With WiMax enabled handsets and laptops coming into the market, people
could connect to the fast broadband internet from anywhere, without having to
depend on the slow rate mobile network data transfer. You can work on
broadband, call friends and colleagues and watch real-time TV from the top of a
forest hill station many kilometers away from the access point – without
compromising on quality, speed or screen size!

 WiMax could connect remote Indian villages to the Internet using

broadband. This would avoid hassles in cabling through the forests and other
difficult terrain only to reach a few people in remote places. Maintaining such
system would also be easy. WiMax could provide Internet access, voice and IPTV
to those areas.
1.2 Summary

 In short, WiMax is a new wireless communications standard that will

enable you to enjoy high speed data, voice, video and streaming media from
virtually anywhere.
Chapter 2. Goals of Wi-max technology [Ref. 3]

7
 Wi-max technology

 The goal of WiMax is to provide high-speed internet access in a coverage

range several kilometers in radius.

 WiMax provides about 70Mbps with a range of 50 kilometers.

 WiMax standard has the advantage that it can support both LOS (line of sight)
as well as NLOS (non line-of-sight).

 WiMax can provide 20Mbps speed in case of small obstacles like trees; houses.
It cannot cross hills & large buildings.

Chapter 3. Why do we need Wi-max? [Ref. 1]

8
 Wi-max technology

3.1 Expanding Wireless Broadband Access

 Although broadband has been available for some time, access for most people
is still limited. At the end of 2002, statistics showed only 46 million subscribers
worldwide had broadband access and in the United States only 17 percent of
households were connected (In-Stat/MDR). So what's the delay? The problem
isn't demand; it's how access is supplied. DSL or cable connections are limited
because customers:

· Are out of reach of DSL services.

· Are not part of a residential cable infrastructure.
· Think it's too expensive.

 Here, we will explain how the new IEEE 802.16 standard and
WiMax(Worldwide Interoperability of Microwave Access) will standardize
and promote wireless broadband as a wireless alternative to digital subscriber
line (DSL) and cable that can help remove barriers to broadband access.

Chapter 4. History of Wi-max technology [Ref. 5]

9
 Wi-max technology

 Since the turn of the millennium, wireless networks have proliferated. Wi-Fi, the
popular term for the capabilities created by a group of standards from the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., has freed us to move around our offices and
many public places with our laptops and handhelds, yet still have instant,
unencumbered access to our companies' intranets and the Internet.

 WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is the next step on the
road to a wireless world, extending broadband wireless access to new locations and
over longer distances, as well as significantly reducing the cost of bringing broadband
to new areas.

 Among the promises of WiMax is that it could offer the solution to what's sometimes
called the "last-mile" problem, referring to the expense and time needed to connect
individual homes and offices to trunk lines for communications.

 WiMax promises a wireless access range of up to 31 miles, compared with Wi-Fi's

300 feet and Bluetooth's 30 feet.

Chapter 5. Types of Wi-max technology [Ref. 6]

10
 Wi-max technology

Some of the different types of uses that WiMax provides:

Point to Point (PTP): Here the connection may be independent from all other systems
or networks.
Point to multipoint (PTMP): It allows a radio system to provide services to multiple
users.
WiMax can also be setup as mesh networks allowing the WiMax systems to forward
packets between the base stations and subscribers without having to install
communication lines between the base stations.

 The 802.16 standard defines the Wireless MAN (metropolitan area network) air
interface specification (officially known as the IEEE Wireless MAN*standard). This
wireless broadband access standard could supply the missing link for the "last mile"
connection in wireless metropolitan area networks.
 For many home and business customers, broadband access via DSL or cable
infrastructure are still not available. Many customers are outside the range of DSL's
reach and/or are not served by broadband-capable cable infrastructure (commercial
zones are often not passed by cable.). But with wireless broadband these barriers can
be lifted. Because of its wireless nature, it can be faster to deploy, easier to scale and
more flexible, thereby giving it the potential to serve customers not served or not
satisfied by their wired broadband alternatives.

11
 Wi-max technology

 Wireless broadband access is set up like cellular systems, using base stations that
service a radius of several miles/kilometers. Base stations do not necessarily have to
reside on a tower. More often than not, the base station antenna will be located on a
rooftop of a tall building or other elevated structure such as a grain silo or water
tower. A customer premise unit, similar to a satellite TV setup, is all it takes to
connect the base station to a customer. The signal is then routed via standard Ethernet
cable either directly to a single computer, or to an 802.11 hot spot or a wired Ethernet
LAN.

 With the 802.16 standard, businesses and residences have a new, faster way to add
broadband service. Getting DSL service from the local telephone company is often
slow (and may not even be available). Wireless service is faster to deploy using
802.16-compliant equipment that enables access in a broad section of metropolitan
areas. A corresponding acceleration in the deployment of 802.11 hotspots throughout
metropolitan areas is expected to follow as more wireless stations are constructed.

12
 Wi-max technology

Chapter 6. Technology behind Wi-max System [Ref. 2]

Wi-MAX’s technology for LOS and NLOS environments. While many technologies
currently available for fixed broadband wireless can only provide line of sight
(LOS) coverage, the technology behind WiMax has been optimized to provide
excellent non line of sight (NLOS) coverage.
WiMAX’s advanced technology provides the best of both worlds – large coverage
distances of up to 50 kilometers under LOS conditions and typical cell radii of
up to 5 miles/8 km under NLOS conditions.

LOS Fresnel zone

6.1 NLOS versus LOS Propagation

 The radio channel of a wireless communication system is often described as being

either LOS or NLOS. In a LOS link, a signal travels over a direct and unobstructed
path from the transmitter to the receiver. A LOS link requires that most of the first
Fresnel zone is free of any obstruction, see Figure 1 if this criteria is not met then
there is a significant reduction in signal strength, The Fresnel clearance required
depends on the operating frequency and the distance between the transmitter and
receiver locations.

13
 Wi-max technology

Chapter 7. How does Wi-max work? [Ref. 1]

7.1 Introduction

 The WiMax network uses an approach that is similar to that of cell phones. A user
sends data from a subscriber device to a base station mounted on a tower or tall building
to broadcast the wireless signal in a channel called an uplink, and the base station
transmits to the same or other user in a channel called a downlink. Unlike the user, who
traditionally has limited resources, i.e. very limited transmission power, limited number
of antennas, and limited computation capabilities, the base station can use higher
transmission power, more antennas, and enhanced computation algorithms. WiMax
service providers deploy a network of towers that enable access over many miles and the
WiMax broadband service will be available anywhere within coverage areas. Coverage
for a geographical area is divided into a series of overlapping areas called cells. When the
user travels from one cell to another, the wireless connection is transferred from one cell
to another.

WiMax blankets large areas with broadband internet. Handover (transition) between WiMax
coverage areas and Wi-Fi hot spot areas enable the best experience whether you are in a Wi-
Fi or WiMax coverage area

 The signal transmitted from the base station to the user or from the user to the
base station through wireless channel faces attenuation in space, fraction, refraction,
reflection from objects on the propagation path, and shadowing from walls or other
barriers. As a result, the transmitted signal is distorted and sometimes splits into different
replicas called multi-paths. The transmitted signal is commonly described by its structure
in time, frequency (its frequencies and its bandwidth), and space. The receiver's target at
both uplink and downlink is to combat the signal's distortion in order to perfectly recover
the transmitted signal and enable reliable data transmission.

14
 Wi-max technology

The transmitted signal in space, frequency, and time. Due to the physical phenomena
of reflections from the surrounding objects on the propagation path, the transmitted
Signal is distorted and split into different multi-paths.

 At the heart of WiMax technology stands several comprehensive concepts that

can improve spectral efficiency (the number of information bits transmitted over a given
spectrum resource) compared to other technologies. The first important relatively new
transmission technique used by WiMax is orthogonal frequency division multiplexed
access (OFDMA), applied in order to efficiently exploit the frequency bands. The WiMax
Forum has defined three licensed "spectrum profiles" (transmission frequencies) of
2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, and 3.5 GHz to decrease the cost for manufacturers, as each spectrum
profile may require different hardware infrastructures. Additionally, there is more
unlicensed spectrum that is less frequently used by most telecom companies that prefer to
control the entire available spectrum. Each spectrum profile has a related "bandwidth
profile" which determines the channel's bandwidth. The signal bandwidth is divided in
OFDMA to small narrowband, equally and closely-spaced signal carriers used to carry
data called sub-carriers. The transmitted data is then divided into several parallel
independent data streams where each is allocated to another sub-carrier and all are
transmitted at the same transmission interval. In the downlink path, the base station can
transmit the data streams for different subscribers efficiently over consecutive sub-
carriers. The independency of data streams is an important feature of OFDMA that
prohibits several users' data from interfering with each other and be multiplexed
(transmitted in parallel simultaneously). It is obtained by orthogonality of the different
sub-carriers carrying the data at different bandwidths. Orthogonality is achieved when the
peak of each signal sub carrier (in frequency) coincides with the nulls of other signals
(due to the certain equal bandwidth of each sub-carrier) so that they do not interfere with
each other. The OFDMA independent sub-carrier transmission enables power
prioritization for different subcarriers according to the link quality (the measure of signal
quality opposite to its distortion in the wireless channel); good quality sub-carriers will
carry more data and bad sub-carriers will carry none. Furthermore, since the subcarriers'
bandwidth is narrow, it can combat better channel degradation caused by multi-paths.
Consequently, OFDMA is considered a multi-path resistance.

15
Wi-max technology

16
 Wi-max technology

 WiMax, unlike Wi-Fi, supports quality of service (QoS) mechanisms, which

ensure a certain level of service to enable high-quality levels of applications such as VoIP
or real time TV broadcasts. A dedicated data communication protocol centered at the base
station is aware of the QoS application requirements and prioritizes the data streams and
gives higher priority to data related to service that requires a higher QoS, like video
streaming. This high priority is translated into transmission parameters such as higher
transmitted power or more sub-carriers per user.
 All of the above techniques working together increase coverage, user bandwidth,
spectral efficiency (starting at 3.7 bits/sector/Hz), the number of users per WiMax cell (in
macro cells, up to thousands of "normal" subscribers), system stability, and costs. In a
typical cell radius deployment of three to ten kilometers, WiMax Forum Certified
systems can be expected to deliver a capacity of up to 40 Mbps per channel for fixed and
portable access applications; enough bandwidth to simultaneously support hundreds of
businesses or thousands of residences with DSL speed connectivity.
 All of these advanced features challenge WiMax equipment manufacturers to
build strong, dedicated, low-cost low power WiMax base stations and chipsets for the
portable units for advanced handsets and PC peripherals (PC cards or USB dongles) and
other consumer electronics devices as game terminals.

17
 Wi-max technology

Chapter 8. Requirements of Wi-max technology [Ref. 5]

8.1
 Basically Transmitter & Receiver.

 The transmitter is a WiMax tower, much like a GSM tower. One tower, also called a
base station, can provide coverage to an area within a radius of around 50 km.

 In order to receive the WiMax waves, you need a receiver for WiMax for connecting
your computer or device. WiMax modems can connect to computers and other
devices through
USB.

18
Wi-max technology

19
 Wi-max technology

 Or PCMCIA card, or could be built into a laptop.

 A WIMAX tower: similar in concept to a cell-phone tower. A single WIMAX tower

can provide coverage to a very large area (~8,000 km).

 A WIMAX receiver : The receiver and antenna could be a small box

As with any wireless technology, the requirements for WiMax are basically transmitter and a
receiver. The transmitter is a WiMax tower, much like a GSM tower. One tower, also called a
base station, can provide coverage to an area within a radius of around 50 km. There is
nothing much you the consumer can do about that tower; it is the part of the service
provider's facilities. So first, you need to get yourself subscribed to a WiMax service. On the
other side, in order to receive the WiMax waves, you need a receiver for WiMax for
connecting your computer or device. Ideally, your device will have WiMAX support in-built
laptops, which are quite affordable and convenient. I used to have a WiMax modem that I'd
connect to my laptop, but it happened to be quite inconvenient since it needed to be powered
and it was less than easily portable. WiMax modems can connect to computers and other
devices through USB and Ethernet cables.

20
 Wi-max technology

Chapter 9. Wi-max Performance [Ref. 1]

 WiMax is quite powerful, with a speed of up to 70 Mbps, which is a lot. Now what
comes after determines the quality of the connection you receive. Some providers try
to accommodate too many subscribers on one line (on their servers), which results in
poor performances during peak times and for certain applications.

 WiMax has a range of around 50 km in a circle. Terrain, weather and buildings affect
this range and this often results in many people not receiving signals good enough for
a proper connection. Orientation is also an issue, and some people have to choose to
place their WiMax modems near windows and turned in certain specific directions for
good reception.

 A WiMax connection is normally non-line-of-sight.

 But a line-of-sight version exists, where performance and stability is much better.

21
 Wi-max technology

Chapter 10. Advantages & Disadvantages of Wi-max technology [Ref. 3]

10.1 Advantages:

 Single station can serve hundreds of users.

 Much faster deployment of new users comparing to wired networks.

Speed of 10 Mbps at 10 kilometers within line-of-site.

 It is standardized, and the same frequency equipment should work

together.

10.2 Disadvantages:

Line of sight is needed for more distant connections.

Bad weather conditions such as rain could interrupt the signal.

Other wireless equipment could cause interference.

Multiplied frequencies are used.

WiMax is a very power-consuming technology and requires significant electrical support.

High installation and operational cost.

22
 Wi-max technology

Chapter 11. Wi-max technology security [Ref. 4]

 The short answer is yes, as never before with broadband wireless systems.
However, this area appears to be early ground that vendors are staking out to
differentiate their products and philosophies. The WiMax standard itself
incorporates much better and more flexible security support than the Wi-Fi
standard. It can be sometimes confusing when industry pundits and detractors
talk of standards such as WiMax and then in the same breath describe ways in
which vendors will be "different" or that WiMax security might be weak. At first
glance, these comments on the part of some vendors zealous to promote the
added capabilities of their products can leave one feeling uncertain about the
quality and reliability of the product.

 Security is probably a good place to explain the difference between the

very robust base standards of WiMax and the ways in which individual vendors
can still differentiate their products (with additional and perhaps more powerful
or convenient features) beyond the features that the base standard offers.
However, what is important to understand is that it is quite robust. Perhaps more
importantly, it allows for additional feature sets that could be added by various
vendors to achieve security results as good as or better than any competing wire
line broadband option even those being used for extremely secure governmental
applications. Typical residential service does not require the kind of security a
bank, hospital or government often needs. WiMax can handle this.

 An example can be helpful here. Let us say that a broadband wireless

service provider chooses one particular customer premise equipment (CPE) radio
that has nice features and an especially good price for its consumer based
offering. These CPEs possess normal WiMax security functionality which is at
least as good as other broadband consumer technologies such as cable. It might
choose to utilize a second vendor's base station to feed service to those radios that
also possesses enhanced security capabilities adding an additional security
overlay to the base security of the residential network consumer purposed CPE
radios---particularly in the backhaul portion of the network. This could add a
small layer of additional support to radios that, while secure, could not feature
enhanced capabilities due to the cost factors that consumer radio business
requires.

 This same base unit could also offer the company an ability to support an
additional layer of radios for business or governmental or health care industry
customers, where health insurance privacy and portability act (HIPPA)
confidentiality compliance is of great importance, that actually have a
DIFFERENT CPE radio that, while more expensive, possesses feature sets that
take full advantage of extended security features that are commonly added to
high-security government networks. It does not detract from the network for
perfectly serviceable residential class security capable (and inexpensive) radios to
coexist with premium feature (and cost) WiMax products on the same network
designed to serve specialty customers. This approach is similar to add on products
used with wire line products that often require additional hardware.

23
 Wi-max technology

 In fact, as the economies of scale for WiMax are realized through volume
manufacturing, second generation, high-security products may actually be
cheaper than first generation consumer grade units granting carriers enhanced
service margins for high-value services.

24
 Wi-max technology

Chapter 12. Application of Wi-max technology [Ref. 3]

1). Multi-media applications:-

 Due to the large data rate which can be achieved using WiMax, large
multimedia files like videos, movies, applications can be easily downloaded.
High speed broadband applications like gaming can be done using this method
of broadband access.

2). WiMax Web Services:-

 The broadband access services of WiMax can be used for accessing

Internet and other web applications.

3) Roaming:-

25
 Wi-max technology

 IEEE802.16e supports mobile applications. Hence wireless roaming can

be achieved between different service areas.

4) In-vehicles systems:-

 Roaming facility can be used in automobiles similar to GPS systems.

5) Security applications:-

 1024 bit RSA and 128 bit DES algorithms are used depending on the
security needs. Due to the use of this high security applications WiMax can be
used for military and other high security applications.

26
 Wi-max technology

CONCLUSION

 The latest developments in the IEEE 802.16 group are driving a broadband wireless
access revolution thanks to a standard with unique technical characteristics. In
parallel, the WiMax forum, backed by industry leaders, helps the widespread adoption
of broadband wireless access by establishing a brand for the technology.

 Initially, WiMax will bridge the digital divide. Then, thanks to competitive equipment
prices, the scope of WiMax deployment will broaden to cover markets where the low
POTS penetration, high DSL unbundling costs, or poor copper quality have acted as a
brake on extensive high-speed Internet and voice over broadband.

 WiMax will reach its peak by making portable Internet a reality. When WiMax
chipsets are integrated into laptops and other portable devices, it will provide high
speed data services on the move, extending today’s limited coverage of public WLAN
to metropolitan areas. Integrated into new generation networks

27
 Wi-max technology

Reference

1) www.ask.com

2) www.google.com

3) www.scribd.com

4) Wikipedia-WiMax technology

5) www.wimax.com

6) www.wisegeek.com

28