Abstract The IEEE 802.

.16 standard (now called WiMAX) has been proposed to provide last- mile connectivity to fixed locations by radio links. De spite this original objective, we study in this paper the functional parts of a WiMAX system and its basic operation and how WiMAX can use base stations to provide high speed data connections that can be used for voice, data and video services to distances of over 30 km. We find that seamless connection handoff can be achieved within the 802.16 standard by applying some of the existing functionalities defined for the terminal initialization process. WiMAX protocols are designed to allow for point to point (PTP), point to multipoint (PMP) and mesh networks. In WiMAX expensive equipment are used as various versions of smart antennas, OFDM and sometimes mesh to provide often effective alternatives to wired communications.

The goal of WiMAX is to provide high-speed Internet access in a coverage range several kilometers in radius. In theory,WiMAX provides for speeds around 70 Mbps with a range of 50 kilometers. The WiMAX standard has the advantage of allowing wireless connections between a base transceiver station (BTS) and thousands of subscribers without requiring that they be in a direct line of sight (LOS) with that station.This technology is called NLOS for non-line-of-sight. In reality, WiMAX can only bypass small obstructions like trees or a house and cannot cross hills or large buildings. When obstructions are present, actual throughput might be under 20 Mbps. Operating principle of WiMAX At the heart of WiMAX technology is the base transceiver station, a central antenna which communicates with subscribers' antennas. The term point-multipoint link is used for WiMAX's method of communication. The revisions of the IEEE 802.16 standard fall into two categories: Fixed WiMAX, also called IEEE 802.16-2004, provides for a fixed-line connection with an antenna mounted on a rooftop,like a TV antenna. Fixed WiMAX operates in the 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz frequency bands, which require a license, as well as the license-free 5.8 GHz band. Mobile WiMAX, also called IEEE 802.16e, allows mobile client machines to be connected to the Internet. Mobile WiMAX opens the doors to mobile phone use over IP, and even high-speed mobile services.

Introduction

WiMAX is short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, and it also goes by the IEEE name 802.16.WiMAX has the potential to do to broadband Internet access what cell phones have done to phone access. In the same way that many people have given up their "land lines" in favor of cell phones, WiMAX could replace cable and DSL services,providing universal Internet access just about anywhere you go. WiMAX will also be as painless as Wi-Fi -- turning your computer on will automatically connect you to the closest available WiMAX antenna.WiMax is a telecommunications protocol that provides fixed and mobile Internet access. The current WiMAX revision provides up to 40 Mbit/s with the IEEE 802.16m update expected to offer up to 1 Gbit/s fixed speeds. The name "WiMAX" was created by the WiMAX Forum, which was formed in June 2001 to promote conformity and interoperability of the standard. The forum describes WiMAX as "a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL"

Goals of WiMAX