P1446

WiBAN - WiMAX in Backhaul and Access Networks
closed

The WiMAX standard is a very promising and cost-effective wireless access and backhaul technology, according to the (hyped) recent discussions and papers in the technical media. The rationale of this study is to find out to what extent this is true and how the telcos can utilise WiMAX for their benefit.

The study is also highly relevant for telcos facing service offering requirements from regulatory bodies in their respective countries. WiMAX could help solving the problem of providing broadband access to suburban and rural areas in a cost effective way (compared to DSL, FTTx or even ISDN). In addition, WiMAX could provide a means for reducing leased line costs (now served with copper or P2P radio links) for backhauling traffic coming in from other access technologies via the same infrastructure as for the access, thus leveraging the utilization of the investment in infrastructure.

What are the main objectives of this Project?

• Conduct a technical analysis of the WiMAX standard, its current status and what is to be expected in future developments (at the IEEE and WiMAX Forum and in the vendor arena)

• Analyse the technical feasibility of WiMAX in different scenarios

• Analyse the financial benefits of using WiMAX in technically feasible scenarios

What are the key results for this Project?

• Provide insight into the WiMAX technology to help telcos evaluate its relevance as an infrastructure alternative for broadband wireless access

• Provide rough cost comparison data to aid in investment decisions regarding WiMAX or alternative methods for providing wireless transport services in the access and backhaul networks

What relationship exists to other organisations or bodies?

WiBAN will have a look at the current status and discussions in fora relevant to WiMAX, like IEEE and WiMAX Forum.