Practical Tips On WiMAX Field Measurements

Introduction

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) digital communications technology is based on wireless transmission methods defined by the IEEE-802.16 air interface standard. Intended for wireless metropolitan area networks, it provides broadband wireless access up to 30 miles for fixed stations, and 3 to 10 miles for mobile stations. WiMAX has a range of potential uses including providing high-speed mobile data and telecommunications services (e.g. 4G), as a wireless alternative to cable and DSL for last mile broadband access, and to connect Wi-Fi hotspots with each other and to other parts of the Internet.

The 802.16 air interface standard supports fixed, nomadic, portable and mobile access. To meet the requirements of different types of access, two versions of WiMAX have been defined. The first, IEEE 802.16-2004 (fixed WiMAX), is optimized for fixed and nomadic broadband wireless access to homes and businesses. This point-to-multipoint version specifies WiMAX for systems in the 10 to 66 GHz and sub 11-GHz frequency ranges. The second version, IEEE 802.16e (mobile WiMAX), is designed to support portability and mobility and offers the full mobility of cellular networks at true broadband speeds. Both fixed and mobile applications of WiMAX are engineered to help deliver ubiquitous, high-throughput broadband wireless services at a low cost.

This application note focuses on the measurement procedures for fixed WiMAX networks. Its objective is to present practical field measurement tips and procedures which will help a field-based network technician or RF engineer conduct measurements on WiMAX networks.