The Trends in Broadband Wireless Networks Technologies

Augustine C. Odinma, Ph.D.1*, Lawrence I. Oborkhale, M.Eng.2,

and Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Ph.D.1
1
School of Information Technology and communications, ABTI American University of Nigeria,
PMB 2250, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
2
Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, lagos State University,
Epe Campus, Lagos State, Nigeria.
*
E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT advancements in these technologies are

enabling higher broadband speeds.
Since the beginning of this millennium, there has
been an unprecedented growth in broadband The growth in broadband wireless networks can
wireless networks. This can be attributed to high be attributed to high demand for wireless
demand for wireless multimedia services such multimedia services such as voice, data, video
as data, voice, video, and the development of and the development of new wireless standards
new wireless standards. The growth of wireless [1, 2, 5]. There are lots of other driving factors,
broadband networks is expected to gradually which have been addressed elsewhere [6, 11,
outpace landline communications because 17] that have led to the rapid and continuous
advancements in these technologies have change of the wireless networks worldwide.
continued to enable higher broadband speeds. Mobility is a major driver for mobile broadband
This paper explores broadband fixed wireless networks because mobile professionals continue
and broadband mobile technologies. The to demand access to their corporate networks
characteristics of these technologies are remotely anywhere and anytime.
examined. This paper also explores the relative
strengths and weaknesses of each of the The ever growing need for mobile Internet
technologies as well as their relationship to each access, interactive services, training, and
other. entertainment; the need for a single standard for
seamless roaming; interoperability across
networks; and upward integration of earlier
(Keywords: telecommunications, wireless standards, wireless network technologies are also driving
network technologies, mobile networks, wireless) factors for new developments in wireless
networks.

INTRODUCTION The market potential is also a major factor

pushing operators’ investment in broadband
Mobile and wireless telephony and high speed wireless. In a recent study [16], the value of the
data communications have tremendously mobile entertainment market is forecasted to
enhanced the way business is conducted since increase from $17.3B in 2006 to nearly $77B by
the new millennium. The technology allows 2011.
employees, partners, and customers to access
corporate data from almost anywhere and Other driving factors are improvements in RF
anytime. performance that are attributable to improved
antennas, reduction in sources of interference,
The need for universal data access, combined and the ability to support multiple frequency
with increased worker productivity and bands. Moreover, the need to improve the
effectiveness is driving the demand for security in wireless networks is also a factor
enterprise mobile applications. The growth of impacting the new development in wireless
wireless broadband networks is expected to networks. Advances in digital signal processing
gradually outpace landline communications as (DSP), Vocoder, packet technology, network

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convergence, and adaptive intelligent antenna future there will be no mobile or fixed networks,
have been discussed elsewhere [7, 11, 17] as but only "mobility networks" [14].
the main technologies fueling the developments
in the broadband wireless technologies. The intent of this paper is to examined the
attributes of the two different types of wireless
Generally, broadband wireless networks can be technologies and explore the relationship
categorized into two types: fixed and mobile between them. In section one, the fixed
wireless as shown in Figure 1. The broadband broadband wireless network technologies are
fixed wireless network technologies of interest discussed. In section two, the broadband mobile
here are Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), which is an wireless technologies are considered. Next, the
IEEE 802.11 standard and Worldwide features of the two different types of the wireless
Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), broadband networks are compared and a
which is also an IEEE 802.16 standard. conclusion drawn.

The two broadband mobile wireless network

technologies are the third Generation (3G) and FIXED BROADBAND WIRELESS NETWORKS
Fourth Generation (4G) networks. The 3G
standards are defined by ITU-T, IMT2000 and Fixed broadband wireless technologies can be
the standards for the 4G are currently being defined as high-speed wireless networks that
defined. connect to stationary locations and are intended
to serve nomadic users [4]. Wireless Fidelity
(Wi-Fi) and Worldwide Interoperability for
Microwave Access (WiMax) technologies are the
BROADBAND WIRELESS fixed wireless technologies that are examined in
this paper. These two technologies are
respectively governed by IEEE 802.11 and
Mobile Fixed 802.16 specifications as shown in Table1.

Wi-Fi

3G Wi-Fi Wi-Fi is the first high-speed fixed wireless

technology to penetrate the fixed wireless
broadband market. The first WLAN (802.11)
which was introduced in 1997 was capable of
4G WiMAX supporting 2 Mbps [21] and 802.11b was
approved by IEEE in 1999. There are currently
many wireless products based on Wi-Fi
technologies which include the approved IEEE
802.11a, b and g specifications, and a yet to be
Figure 1: The Broadband Wireless at a Glance. defined 802.11n specification.

The impact 802.11n might have when it finally

Both mobile technologies have been discussed goes to the market may difficult to quantify at
in more detail elsewhere [6, 7, 11]. It must be this time, but it is expected to deliver up to 600
noted that these technologies are converging Mbps. In a report in 2006, In-Stat stated that
and hence there are now mobile handsets that during 2008, more than 50% of the chipset
support Wi-Fi technology. shipped out will be based on 802.11n. The
different characteristics of the various Wi-Fi
In a recent report [18], In-Stat stated that standards are given in Table1.
although Wi-Fi, WiMax, and 3G Cellular are very
different from one another, but they complement Wi-Fi as a high-speed wireless technology has
each other in many ways, while also competing enjoyed broad deployment, most notably in
with each other in some areas as well. It was for hotspots around the world including homes and
these reasons that it was speculated that in the offices, and increasingly in cafes, hotels, and
airports [3].

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 Table 1: Fixed Broadband Wireless Technologies.

Technology Standard Usage Throughput Range Frequency

Wi-Fi 802.11a WLAN <= 54Mbps <= 300feet 5Ghz
Wi-Fi 802.11b WLAN <= 11Mbps <= 300feet 2.4Ghz
Wi-Fi 802.11g WLAN <= 54Mbps <= 300feet 2.4Ghz
WiMax 802.16d WMAN <= 75Mbps (20Mhz BW) 4-6 miles Sub 11Ghz
WiMax 802.16e WMAN <= 75Mbps (20Mhz BW) 4-6 miles 2.4Ghz
Source: www.intel.com

Wi-Fi hotspots have become commonplace and

have been applauded by road warriors for their
ability to improve productivity. Wi-Fi coverage
area is limited to a maximum of 300 feet radius
and high-speed connectivity is only possible as
long as a user remains within the coverage Wi-Fi
Internal Access
range of the wireless access point. Point & Hub
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi architecture is shown in Figure 2. It
SERVER
consists of a base station to which wireless
Wi-Fi
hosts are connected in order to access network
resources. The base station is responsible for
sending and receiving data to and from the Wi-Fi Base Station
wireless host that is associated with the base Access Point

station. The connection between the host and

the base station is the wireless communication
link. This communication link is responsible for Figure 2: Wi-Fi Architecture.
the data transport between the base station and
the hosts [5].
WiMax
The main strength of Wi-Fi is its simplicity and
ease of deployment. Furthermore, because it Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
uses unlicensed radio spectrum, Wi-Fi allows (WiMax) is an emerging fixed broadband
users to be mobile for up to 300 feet from the wireless technology that will deliver last mile
base station and still have access to the broadband connectivity in a larger geographic
network. Moreover, the cost for rolling out this area than Wi-Fi. It is expected to provide
wireless solution is low because no expensive coverage anywhere from one to six miles wide.
wiring is required. Finally, there is also Such WiMax coverage range is expected to
availability of many Wi-Fi compatible products, provide fixed and nomadic wireless broadband
which can interoperate with other network connectivity without necessarily having a line-of-
technologies [9]. site (LOS) with a base station [12]. WiMax will
also enable greater mobility, higher speed data
As a fixed broadband access technology, Wi-Fi applications, range and throughput [4] than its
has its weaknesses. The user can only use the counterpart, Wi-Fi.
technology within the confines of a 300 feet
radius thus limiting the level of mobility. Also, the WiMax uses the IEEE 802.16 standards
fact that the technology operates in the 2.4GHz specifications (802.16d and g). The IEEE
band which does not require any licensing, 802.16d specification is primarily tailored to
renders it susceptible to interference from other wireless wide area networks (WWANs). The
devices such as Bluetooth, cordless phones, etc. recently approved IEEE 802.16e specification,
In terms of security, the encryption standard the mobile version of WiMax, on the other hand
used such, as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is primarily used for mobile wireless metropolitan
has been shown to be easily breakable [4]. networks (WMANs). These two specifications

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render WiMax architecturally ideal for the last increases the RF subsystem cost and
mile, the backhaul, Internet Service Providers, complexity [8,9].
cellular base stations that bypass PSTN’s,
hotspots, and enterprise networks [3].
THE BROADBAND MOBILE WIRELESS
Abilities such as a high bandwidth frequencies NETWORKS
between 2 GHz and 11GHz, makes WiMax ideal
for data transport. WiMax has a total range of up The evolution of mobile service started with the
to 30 miles [13]. This ability is enhanced by first generation (1G) networks, which was
WiMax’s cell radius of 4-6 miles. More so, implemented based on Frequency Division
WiMax has the ability to support various data Multiple Access (FDMA) and these networks
transmitting rates of up to 75Mbps as shown in were basically for voice communication. The 1G
Tables 1 and 2. WiMax is gaining tremendous network was replaced by second-generation
popularity each day. In the recent 3GSM (2G) networks, which are mainly used for voice
Congress [19], dozens in the field touted WiMax, applications.
the way forward. In fact, on August 8, 2006
Sprint [20], the number three ranked mobile These 2G systems provided circuit-switched
operator in the US announced that it has data communication services at a low speed.
selected WiMax technology for its 4G initiatives. The competitive rush to design and implement
digital systems led to a variety of different and
There are several advantages that can be incompatible standards [8]. The 2.5G is an
derived from the deployment of WiMax. Firstly, it enhancement of the 2G technologies to provide
supports higher throughput rates, higher data increased data capacity on the 2G networks.
speed rates, and wider operating range. These This led to the introduction of technologies such
make the technology very useful for deployment as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and
in bad terrain areas or in environments with Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution
limited wired infrastructure. Moreover, WiMax (EDGE).
supports and interfaces easily to other wired and
wireless technologies such as Ethernet, ATM, While some 2G and 2.5G systems are still
VLANs, and Wi-Fi. Furthermore, WiMax available, third generation (3G) mobile
provides network connectivity that explores networking systems are replacing them
multipath signals without the stringent gradually. The 3G systems have higher quality
requirement of a direct line of sight. Finally, voice channels, as well as broadband data
WiMax provides a better Quality of Service capabilities, up to 2 Mbps. Unfortunately, the 3G
(QoS) by taking advantage of smart antenna has no single standard.
technology that utilizes the spectrum more
efficiently. The 4G is expected to replace the 3G. The two
broadband mobile technologies are further
The main drawback to the deployment of WiMax discussed below. Table 2 gives a comparative
is proprietary equipment [3]. WiMax equipment view of the fixed and mobile broadband network.
must be able to utilize power efficiently in order
to deliver optimum functionality. For WiMax, the
output power usage is based on a ranging THIRD-GENERATION NETWORKS
process that determines the correct timing offset
and power settings. Therefore, the transmissions Third-generation (3G) networks started with the
for each subscriber station are supposed to be vision to develop a single global standard for
such that they arrive at the base station at the high-speed data and high-quality voice services.
proper time and at the same power level. When The goal was to have all users worldwide to use
WiMax is deployed outdoors, in non-line of sight a single standard that would allow for true global
environments it may encounter delay, which can roaming. It was not possible because it was
cause potential intersymbol interference. Though realized that backward compatibility with 2G
the use of scalable orthogonal frequency division networks and frequency differences among
multiplexing (SOFDM) is meant to try and countries were too much of a barrier to
alleviate this problem, OFDM usage has the overcome, so agreement on a single 3G
problem of generating phase noise, which implementation could not be reached.

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 Table 2: Comparison of Broadband Wireless the developing trends of mobile
Technologies. communications, the 4G will have broader
bandwidth, higher data rate, and smoother and
Technology Wi-Fi WiMax 3G/3.xG 4G quicker handoff and will focus on ensuring
Designed 1997 2002 1990/2001 2000
seamless service across a multitude of wireless
systems and networks. The key concept is
Implemented 2002 2006 2002/2005 2010
integrating the 4G capabilities with all of the
802.11 802.16 WCDMA, One
existing mobile technologies through advanced
Standard (a,b,g) (a,d) CDMA2000 / Standard technologies [10].
EVDO, etc. Expected
Application adaptability and high dynamism are
Throughput <= 54Mbps <= 75Mbps >= 2Mbps <= 200 Mbps
some of the main features of 4G services of
interest to users. These features mean services
DSSS/ OFDM/ WCDMA, OFDM &
Multiplexing can be delivered and available to the personal
OFDM SOFDM CDMA2000 OFCDM
preference of different users and support the
2.4 & 5 2 & 11 900,1800,1900, users’ traffic, air interfaces, radio environment,
Frequency 2 – 8 GHz
GHz GHz and 2100MHz and quality of service. Connection with the
Usage WLAN WMAN WWAN WWAN network applications can be accomplished in
Coverage <= 300ft <= 30miles Up to 6miles >= 30miles various forms and at various levels correctly and
Fixed Fixed Mobile Mobile
efficiently. The dominant methods of access to
Services
this pool of information will be the mobile
wireless wireless wireless wireless
telephone, PDA, and laptop to seamlessly
broadband multimedia broadband multimedia access the voice communication, high-speed
CDMA2000/EVD
OFDMA/ O, OFDMA/
information services, and entertainment
Air Interface OFDMA
broadcast services.
FDD WCDMA OFCDMA

The fourth generation will encompass all

systems from various networks: public to private;
Thus, all 3G technologies do not posses the
operator-driven broadband networks to personal
same performance capabilities. Generally 3G
areas; and ad hoc networks. The 4G systems
technologies can be split into the following: Code
will interoperate with 2G and 3G systems, as
Division Multiple Access (CDMA2000), IxEV-
well as with fixed wireless broadband systems.
DO/DV, and WCDMA and its enhancements
The expected relationship of 4G to other network
commonly referred to as High Speed Downlink
technologies is depicted in Figure 3. In addition,
Packet Access (HSDPA) and High Speed Uplink
4G systems will be fully IP-based wireless
Packet Access (HSUPA). HSDPA and HSUPA
Internet. With 4G, a range of new services and
promise rates above 5 Mbps. A detailed
models will be available [6, 11].
discussion is given elsewhere [6, 11].

FOURTH GENERATION NETWORKS 4G

The 4G is a new generation of wireless intended Wi-Fi
to complement and replace the 3G systems, in
the near future. Accessing information
anywhere, anytime, with a seamless connection
to a wide range of information and services, and 3G Others
receiving a large volume of information, data,
pictures, video, and so on, are the key features
of the 4G infrastructures. WiMAX

The future 4G infrastructures will consist of a set

of various networks using IP (Internet protocol)
as a common protocol so that users are in
control because they will be able to choose Figure 3: 4G Relationship with all other
every application and environment. Based on Network Types.

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The demand for higher data rates and the non- miles between point to point backhaul and much
compatibility of the 3G standards has shifted lower for other operating methods. Furthermore,
industry focus to fourth generation (4G) wireless the coverage a WiMax base station can achieve
networks and when the technology finally goes is substantially lower than 3.xG (3G
to market, it will support rates above 100 Mbps, enhancements) and hence 3.xG operators will
it will integrate all wireless network, and it is be able to deploy a smaller number of base
expected to be application independent [6]. The stations to cover the same geographic area. The
high bandwidth that 4G supports provides an 3G coverage is in range of up to 6 miles and the
ideal mode for data transport. It is expected that Wi-Fi has a coverage area of just 300 feet.
users who demand high quality video and audio
will benefit because of the Orthogonal The Air Interface of the various technologies
Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and differs from OFDMA for Wi-Fi to OFDMA/FDD
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access for WiMax. Furthermore, the 3G uses
(OFDMA) which are planned for 4G networks. CDMA2000 or W-CDMA and 4G uses the
OFDMA/OFCDMA. In a recent report by Arthur
Both these technologies allocate network D. Little, a management consultant firm, finds
resources effectively to multiple users. that the HSPA, the 3.5G would account for the
Moreover, 4G is expected to have better security majority of investment in global mobile
and low latency data transmission. The broadband networks over the next five years,
emerging 4G would be an entirely packet- while WiMax will account for at most 15% [15].
switched network. It is expected to support all IP
end-end [6, 7]. All the network elements must be Despite this observation, the tide seems to be
digital and would be a network that is water- turning in favour of WiMax because in the recent
proof-security. The 4G would support global 3GSM World Congress [19], many executives of
mobility and service portability [6]. prominent telecom operators pushed for WiMax
as the way-forward and Sprint [20], the number
three ranked operator in the US has adopted
COMPARISON OF MOBILE AND FIXED WiMax for its 4G initiative. Figure 4 gives a
WIRELESS BROADBAND relative comparison between the fixed and
mobile wireless broadband technologies with
In Table 2 the various wireless broadband respect to speed of data transfer and mobility.
technologies discussed in this paper are
compared. The Table shows, that the throughput
for 4G and the WiMax could be up to 200Mbps
and 75Mbps respectively. Thus, they are
suitable for backhauling and backbone
configurations.

Each of the broadband wireless technologies

has many standards, except for the 4G where
one single standard is expected. In terms of
multiplexing and access methods, scalable
OFDM and OFDMA are the main technologies in
use for 4G and WiMax, though the method for
each of the other technologies varies in terms of
design and implementation. The 3G and 4G are
well suited for Wireless Wide Area Network;
whereas, the WiMax is well suited for Wireless
Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN). On the
other hand, the Wi-Fi is best deployed for Figure 4: Relationship between Fixed and
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) with Mobile Wireless.
limited coverage.
The mobile wireless network technologies cater
The 4G Network is expected to have coverage for mobile users that need access to the network
of up to 30 miles and similarly, the WiMax is also with a large geographical area while the fixed
expected to have a total coverage of up to 30 wireless network technologies will helps to meet

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the need for broadband services at the last mile Ultimately, 4G is the way forward and would
where traditional wired infrastructure does not integrate fixed, mobile, and other broadband
exist due to the terrain, or is not cost effective. technologies in order to provide robust, scalable,
On the surface, the fixed wireless broadband seamless communication, high speed data
technologies would appear to be competing transfer,r and unfettered mobility to users of all
within the broadband mobile technologies, but kinds. Overall, broadband wireless is
when 4G is fully defined, it would integrate other revolutionizing communication by enabling
technologies. In other words, the broadband integration of various networks multimedia
fixed wireless would compliment the broadband applications to allow sharing of resources among
mobile technologies. multiple users. As access speed continues to
improve the trend would be a continuous shift
from fixed services to mobile wireless broadband
CONCLUSION services.

This paper examined the fixed and mobile

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS organizations in developing countries.
Augustine C. Odinma received his PhD in
Electronics from the University of London. He SUGGESTED CITATION
also has an MSc in OR/COSC, MBA, and B.S.
His special research interests are in switching, Odinma, A.C., L.I. Oborkhale, and M.M.O. Kah.
communications technologies, and stochastic 2007. “The Trends in Broadband Wireless
models. He is an international figure and has Networks Technologies”. Pacific Journal of
teaching experiences in telecommunications, Science and Technology. 8(1):118-125.
computer engineering, and science in the US,
UK, and Nigeria. He is also a prolific writer and
publishes widely in journals, conferences,
Pacific Journal of Science and Technology
colloquium, and news media. He was a former
senior management staff of AT&T Labs and Bell
Labs. He left Lucent Technologies in 2003 as
Head of Network Solutions for Europe, Middle
East, and Africa. He is currently a Consultant in

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