Testing IEEE 802.16a-based WiMAX Network in Urban Environment

The demand for broadband services is growing exponentially. Traditional solutions that provide high-speed broadband access use wired access technologies, such as traditional cable, digital subscriber line, Ethernet, and fiber optic. It is extremely difficult and expensive for Internet operators to build and maintain wired networks, especially in rural and remote areas. Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is mainly aimed at providing broadband wireless access and thus it may be considered as an attractive alternative solution to wired broadband technologies In this M. Sc. thesis, the possibilities of WiMAX technology in urban environment for broadband wireless access are discussed. A point-to-multipoint topology WiMAX network was built with Alvarion´s BreezeMAX platform products, using one base station with sector antenna and five subscriber units with outdoor antennas. A performance analysis was carried out to determine the feasibility and competitiveness of IEEE 802.16a-based WiMAX network. The measurement results proved the WiMAX suitable solution for delivering broadband wireless services, such as fast Internet and multimedia applications for rural areas over a radius up to several kilometres.