INTRODUCTION

Broadband wireless access has revolutionized computing by giving users access to highspeed Internet almost anywhere. When choosing wireless broadband technology, determine what type of device it will be used on, where it will be used and how much speed is needed. Over the years, wireless broadband Internet has become commonplace in many homes in the United States. Wireless broadband is a type of Internet access that offers consumers the ease and convenience of being able to get online without being tied to a fixed location within the home. Wireless broadband internet connection is the newest technology that gives out high-speed internet connection over a wide range of area in your region. It is important to remember that wireless broadband is not the same as mobile broadband. With mobile broadband, users are able to access the Internet using their mobile Internet devices from any place where they can get a cell phone signal. However with wireless broadband, the range is about one hundred meters radius. This means that whilst you can't take your broadband out and about, you can access the Internet from different parts of the home or even from the garden. Network technologies are traditionally based on wireline solutions. The introduction of cellular networks has made mobility an important issue in communications. Although cellular networks provide mobility support for voice communication they cannot support high bandwidth data transfer for numerous mobile users simultaneously. Wireline networks on the other hand excel in high bandwidth data communication, but they do not support mobility. The aim of emerging wireless data networks is to provide wireless service comparable to that of wireline networks for fixed and mobile users. Wireless has come a long way in the last decade. While the technology was once most widely used by cops getting instructions from dispatchers, these days everyone from soccer moms to the CEO is chatting away on digital flip phones. So much for past and present: The future is where the real story of wireless lies. Soon, broadband wireless networks will be in place, transporting more data than any other form of wireless connection. And broadband boasts some big benefits over wired networks. For one thing, it can be deployed faster. For another, it offers a lot more flexibility in terms of adapting to changing bandwidth requirements. Of course, broadband wireless has its downsides too. Deployment may be fast, but it also can be expensivemaybe too expensive for wide scale
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rollouts. But broadband wireless is on the way, and net architects who want to judge wisely need to understand its capabilities and limitations. First, learn about the different architecturesfrom spectra to frequencies and bandwidths to licensing requirements. Then compare the costs to deploy a wireless vs. a wired network. Also find out about the different wireless services, which carriers are offering them, and what new services are expected over the next few years. Finally, find out how wireless error rates compare with those of wired LANs, whether all vendor equipment runs under the same standards, and whether inclement conditions will seriously degrade performance. The good news for users: The learning curve isnt very steep. All the services use common networking interfaces and protocols, and as a result all applications can run unchanged. Where available, the technology works extremely well. The upshot? If carriers can deliver service, theres no shortage of bandwidth-starved customers ready to buy. Wireless broadband internet connection is the newest technology that gives out high-speed internet connection over a wide range of area in regions.

WHAT IS BROADBAND WIRELESS ACCESS

Originally the word "broadband" had a technical meaning, but became a marketing term for any kind of relatively high-speed computer network or Internet access technology. According to the 802.16-2004 standard, broadband means "having instantaneous bandwidths greater than 1 MHz and supporting data rates greater than about 1.5 Mbit/s" (Bartash, 2010). Wireless networks can feature data rates roughly equivalent to wired networks, such as that of asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) or a cable modem. Wireless networks can also be symmetrical, meaning the same rate in both directions (downstream and upstream), which is most commonly associated with fixed wireless networks. A fixed wireless network link is a stationary terrestrial wireless connection, which can support higher data rates for the same power as mobile or satellite systems (Eggerton, 2009). Understanding why wireless broadband is compelling means knowing what it isand what its not. Wireless broadband is not mobile communications. Antennasunlike those used for cell phones or wireless LAN devicesare typically about 12 inches in diameter, are often located on rooftops, and are pointed in a precise direction. The wireless link is part of the providers network infrastructurecalled the last mile by some, and the wireless local loop by others. What broadband wireless is much less expensive than fiber. Now consider that demand
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for bandwidth is growing by a factor of 10 every five years. Radio spectra were recently auctioned off to fixed-wireless carriers around the world. And new infrastructure technology could do something to lower the costs of deployment. Wireless broadband uses a radio link between the user's location and the service provider's facility. Wireless technologies are beneficial in providing broadband service in rural or sparsely populated areas where DSL, cable modem, or fiber broadband service would be too costly to provide. Wireless broadband speeds are very similar to DSL and cable modem. Wireless broadband Internet providers can provide permanent Internet access solutions to customers (often in rural areas) who do not have access to wireline services. They can also extend the reach of other "last-mile" wireline broadband connections. This type of wireless broadband access is provided by Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), and is often used for public Internet access at "hot spots" in hotels, airports, convention centers, and city parks.

WIRELESS ACCESS DEVICE TECHNOLOGY

Wireless access devices are devices that allow a computer to connect to a mobile broadband Internet connection in the form of a cell phone provider's 3G network. There are two main types of wireless access devices: Wireless Internet cards and wireless USB adapters. Wireless Internet cards are plugged into the computer's PCMCIA slot while wireless USB adapters are plugged into the computer's USB port. Both, however, give the computer the same thing: a connection to a 3G wireless broadband network (Eggerton, 2009). y SMARTPHONES: Smartphones are cellular phones with third-generation (3G) or fourth-generation (4G) wireless broadband. Nearly all cellular carriers in the U.S. now offer 3G phones that deliver data speeds of approximately 2 megabits per second (Mbps). This enables basic web browsing on your phone. Newer 4G networks deliver speeds of 10 to 21 Mbps, with future speeds possibly reaching 1 gigabit per second. This makes it possible to watch high-definition video or perform other bandwidth-intensive activities. y LAPTOP MOBILE INTERNET CARDS: To equip a laptop computer with mobile broadband access, purchase a mobile Internet card. Most of the major wireless carriers offer cards that work anywhere they offer 3G cellular coverage, with newer cards that work with 4G networks.

WIRELESS MOBILE ROUTERS: To extend an Internet card's coverage, purchase a wireless mobile router to turn the card's service into a Wi-Fi hotspot that can be used by several computers, either on the go or as a substitute for cable or telephone-based broadband Internet at home. Wireless broadband connects a home or business to the Internet using a radio link

between the customers location and the service providers facility. Wireless broadband can be mobile or fixed. Wireless technologies using longer-range directional equipment provide broadband service in remote or sparsely populated areas where DSL or cable modem service would be costly to provide. Speeds are generally comparable to DSL and cable modem. An external antenna is usually required. Wireless broadband Internet access services offered over fixed networks allow consumers to access the Internet from a fixed point while stationary and often require a direct line-of-sight between the wireless transmitter and receiver. These services have been offered using both licensed spectrum and unlicensed devices. For example, thousands of small Wireless Internet Services Providers (WISPs) provide such wireless broadband at speeds of around one Mbps using unlicensed devices, often in rural areas not served by cable or wireline broadband networks. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) provide wireless broadband access over shorter distances and are often used to extend the reach of a "last-mile" wireline or fixed wireless broadband connection within a home, building, or campus environment. Wi-Fi networks use unlicensed devices and can be designed for private access within a home or business, or be used for public Internet access at "hot spots" such as restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, airports, convention centers, and city parks. Mobile wireless broadband services are also becoming available from mobile telephone service providers and others. These services are generally appropriate for highly-mobile customers and require a special PC card with a built in antenna that plugs into a users laptop computer. Generally, they provide lower speeds, in the range of several hundred Kbps.

TYPES OF WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

There are basically three different types of wireless networks WAN, LAN and PAN: y WIRELESS WIDE AREA NETWORKS (WWAN): WWANs are created through the use of mobile phone signals typically provided and maintained by specific mobile phone
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(cellular) service providers. WWANs can provide a way to stay connected even when away from other forms of network access. y WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK (WLAN): WLAN are wireless networks that use radio waves. The backbone network usually uses cables, with one or more wireless access points connecting the wireless users to the wired network. The range of a WLAN can be anywhere from a single room to an entire campus. y WIRELESS PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (WPAN): WPANs are short-range networks that use Bluetooth technology. They are commonly used to interconnect compatible devices near a central location, such as a desk. A WPAN has a typical range of about 30 feet.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BROADBAND WIRELESS ACCESS AND DIALUP

y

Broadband service provides higher-speed of data transmission. It allows more content to be carried through the transmission pipeline.

Broadband provides access to the highest quality Internet services, streaming media, VoIP (Internet phone), gaming, and interactive services. Many of these current and newly-developing services require the transfer of large amounts of data that may not be technically feasible with dial-up service. Therefore, broadband service may be increasingly necessary to access the full range of services and opportunities that the Internet can offer.

Broadband is always on. It does not block phone lines and there is no need to reconnect to network after logging off.

Less delay in transmission of content when using broadband.

USEFULNESS OF WIRELESS FOR RURAL BROADBAND

All broadband networks require significant upfront investments before the first customer can be served. These investments can be characterized as of two types. First, non-customerspecific network investments must be made. These would include switching and routing hardware, network operations centers, and administrative systems. They would also include, in
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the case of a possible wired network, laying fiber optic cables along a street or, in the case of a possible wireless network, mounting antennas on a base station tower and providing backhaul connectivity to the tower. Second, customer-specific investments must be made. These investments could include dropping a line from the street to a customers house or installing antennas or other customer premises equipment. The fixed infrastructure investment of broadband networks can be divided into two broad categories. The first is coveragethe investment needed to provide the option of service throughout a region. The second is capacity the investment needed to carry the increased traffic generated as subscribership grows. This is fixed investments because they do not typically vary significantly with a customers usage of the network. Broadband networks also generate operating costs. These costs include such items as network maintenance, electricity, and help desk services. Some of these operating costs are relatively fixed in

ADVANTAGES OF BROADBAND WIRELESS ACCESS

Wireless Broadband Access can offer many advantages over the traditional wired Internet connection. Many users are turning to wireless broadband Internet as a popular viable alternative. y Mobility: Wireless broadband Internet allows for increased mobility. Users can access the Internet from anywhere in the wireless provider's service area. Wired connections require a physical connection to the modem. Wireless broadband eliminates the need to run ethernet cables through walls, ceilings and outlets. y Speed: In the past, wireless broadband signals were susceptible to radio interference, degrading the signal and lowering data transfer speeds. Thanks to new technology to amplify wireless signals, wireless broadband technology can now match the speed of a wired connection. Many providers offer speeds from 600kb/s to 10mb/s, depending on the needs of the customer. y Shared Access: Wireless broadband users can enjoy easier access to shared devices like printers, copiers and faxes, as they can connect to the shared device without a physical connection. This eliminates the need to locate extra connection wires when using a shared resource.
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With wireless broadband, users are able to enjoy a number of benefits which is why this technology has become so popular. Wireless broadband enables consumers to enjoy the freedom of being able to get online from different parts of their home and even from outside the home as long as it is within the specified radius. In addition to this, those with wireless broadband will be able to use multiple Internet devices to access the Internet. This means that if there is more than one wireless-enabled computer or device in the house, more than one person will be able to connect. So there is no more squabbling over who uses the Internet.

BENEFITS OF BROADBAND WIRELESS ACCESS

Specifically, the benefits of broadband wireless access can be summarized under the following headings: y HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS: Broadband will give access to remote places, including locations that are beyond the reach of the traditional wireline options such as fibre optic, copper, and cable. y TRUE REDUNDANCY: Broadband wireless access comes with complete peace of mind by adding a primary or secondary high speed Internet connection with a network that is totally independent from all other mainstream carriers. y y RELIABILITY: Broadband wireless access is always reliable. HIGH-CAPACITY BANDWIDTH: Broadband has greater capacity such as upload and download speeds (burstable and/or dedicated) ranging from 1.5 Mpbs to blistering speeds of over 100 Mbps.

DISADVANTAGES OF BROADBAND WIRELESS ACCESS

If you have wireless broadband in the home then there are risks associated. One of the main risks is that of someone using your connection, which is known as 'piggybacking'. Not only could this slow your connection down because someone in a nearby house or outside your home is getting online using your wireless broadband, but more worryingly it could result in someone illegally downloading or conducting some other offense using your connection. However, there is a simple way around this and that is to make sure that your wireless connection is secure. By ensuring that you use a security password for your wireless connection,
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you can cut the risk of someone - that you do not know - using your connection and increase your own Internet safety and security. Whilst there are no wireless broadband providers as such, because having wireless broadband simply means using a wireless router in the home; there are many providers that will enable you to enjoy wireless broadband by providing you with the necessary equipment, so that you can enjoy more flexibility and freedom when going online in the home. With a wireless router in place, you won't be tied to a particular room or area of the home because you can use your computer or laptop in different areas by connecting through the wireless connection.

IMPORTANCE OF BROADBAND WIRELESS ACCESS

Broadband can provide access to a wide range of resources, services, and products that can enhance life in a variety of ways. These resources, services, and products include, but are not limited to:
y

Education, Culture, & Entertainment: Broadband can overcome geographical and financial barriers to provide access to a wide range of educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities and resources.

Telehealth & Telemedicine: Broadband can facilitate provision of medical care to unserved and underserved populations through remote diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and consultations with specialists.

Economic Development/E-Commerce: Broadband can promote economic development and revitalization through electronic commerce (e-commerce) by: Creating new jobs and attracting new industries. Providing access to regional, national, and worldwide markets.

Electronic Government (E-Government): Electronic government can help streamline peoples interaction with government agencies, and provide information about government policies, procedures, benefits, and programs.

Public Safety and Homeland Security: Broadband can help protect the public by facilitating and promoting public safety information and procedures, including, but not limited to: Early warning/public alert systems and disaster preparation programs. Remote security monitoring and real time security background checks.
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Backup systems for public safety communications networks. Communications Services: Broadband provides access to new

Broadband

telecommunications technologies such as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allowing voice communication using the Internet.
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Communications Services for People With Disabilities: Broadband permits users of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) to use Video Relay Services (VRS) to communicate more easily, quickly, and expressively with voice telephone users.

CONCLUSION
As explained, broadband Internet refers to an Internet connection that has a greater ("broader") bandwidth, and thus faster speed, than other types of Internet connections like dialup. There are several different ways to connect to a broadband Internet connection; the most common ways, however, are through a modem or a wireless access device. While both of these connection types give you access to broadband Internet, the devices they use are very different. Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) is a technology aimed at providing high-speed wireless access over a wide area for data, voice and video services to business and residential subscribers. There is also broadband wireless access equipment which refers to the base stations or subscriber stations which provide the broadband wireless connectivity, as well as the fixed or mobile devices which require connectivity. Applications may include point to multipoint backhaul (e.g. E1/T1 services for business), point to point backhaul (e.g. connecting to Internet back bone), and consumer last mile and portable wireless broadband internet connection. According to the IEEE 802.16, broadband means having instantaneous bandwidth greater than around 1 MHz and supporting data rates greater than about 1.5 Mbit/s. There are many options available to get internet access in your home including broadband, satellite, cable and wireless connections. You can connect to the internet via a telephone line and a modem (either connected to or installed inside a computer). You will also need to sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP).With a standard dial-up service, users wait for a dial-up connection from their phone line to use email or the internet. Standard dial-up access has been largely replaced by broadband connection. Broadband internet services are usually provided over a standard telephone line. However, the phone and internet signals are separated - so you can use your phone at the same time as the internet. Broadband gives you much faster access to the internet, allowing you to download large files quickly (such as video and music). Broadband is constantly connected, so you don't have to wait for a connection to be made when you want to use the internet. With the proper phone, a mobile broadband connection can be used anywhere that you get a mobile phone signal, but you need arrange the service through a mobile broadband provider. Broadband is a transmission medium which enables high speed Internet access. Broadband service is always on, and much faster than dial-up access. The speed of transmission is defined by the FCC, who categorizes broadband into various service tiers based on these
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speeds. Basic broadband service is defined as data transmission speeds of at least 4 megabits per second. Broadband is transmitted by various technologies, including: DSL, Cable Modem, Fiber Optics, Wireless, Satellite, WiMax, and White Space. A description of these methods for delivering high speed broadband access follows. In summary, the advantages of broadband wireless access are that:
y

Connection speed is up to 100 times faster than dialup connection. One can download pictures files, software in seconds or minutes instead of hours. Online gaming is only possible using a broadband internet access.

It does not affect the phone line. For DSL internet access, you can use the same phone line for both voice/fax and data transmission. For cable internet access, you are connected to the internet via the cable network. In either case, your phone line is not occupied while you are connected to the internet.

y y y

It is convenient because the internet connection is always on. One does not need to dial an access number and risk getting a busy signal. Broadband internet offers unlimited access and won't be charged based on the connection duration.

Broadband internet does not only gives high speed internet access, it can also provide cheap phone services via VoIP technology. The disadvantages of Broadband Wireless Access also include:

y y

High monthly fee compared to dialup internet access. Higher security risk than dialup connection. A personal firewall is needed to protect your computer.

Not all phone wires are equipped for DSL service. May not be available in rural or remote areas.

Not all cable TV networks are equipped for cable internet access. May not be available in rural or remote areas.

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REFERENCES
Bartash, Jefffrey (2010): "AT&T first carrier to end unlimited data plans". MarketWatch.

Eggerton, John (2009): "Broadcast, Wireless Industries Keep Powder Dry". Broadcasting & Cable.

Karapantazis S., F. Pavlidou, (2005): Broadband communications via high-altitude platforms: a survey, IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials 7 (1) 231.

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