This document discusses the importance of interoperability for the growth of WiMAX technology. It provides background on the IEEE 802.16 standards and the WiMAX certification framework, which promotes interoperability through profiles, testing, and certification. Standardization leads to benefits like cost reductions, flexibility, quality, and investment protection for customers, service providers, and vendors. Key aspects of interoperability include plug fests and certification waves for equipment, open network interfaces, and roaming models. While challenges remain, cooperation among operators and vendors under the WiMAX Forum can help the technology reach its full potential.

1. Stimulating global WiMAX Growth
Through Interoperability
Th hI t bilit

2. Why Interoperate?
Certification Initiatives
C tifi ti iti ti
An Operator’s view on Interoperability
Where should we focus?
Final Comment
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3. Broadband Market Development
Early Proprietary Deployment
Fixed Access targeted
The 802.16 Standard Family
IEEE 802.16 WG formed in 1998 to develop a standard for
Wireless MAN (primarily Fixed Wireless)
Initially 10-66 GHz band considered, later modified to
focus on 2-11GHz NLOS
IEEE 802-16-2004 standard ratified in 2004
DEC 2005 specification for 802.16e (802-16-2005) was
completed adding mobility support and operation in 2-6
GHz among other enhancements.
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4. The 802.16 standards have a very broad scope with many
incompatible options
World-wide Interoperability for Microwave Access
p y
WiMAX (similar to WiFi) is not a technology but a certification
framework.
Framework
◦ Use of the IEEE 802.16 Air interface
◦ Certify Interoperability at the air interface as well as the
e o
network
◦ Promotes the use of BWA
The WiMAX forum defines commercial “profiles” and
promoted interoperability of products through testing and
certification
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5. Standardization leads to interoperability, integration
and globalization
g
Standardization and Interoperability are the path to
“volume economics”
APProven b
benefits t customers, service providers
fit to t i id
and vendors alike.
◦ Cost
◦ Flexibility
◦ Quality
◦ Investment protection
p
◦ Freedom
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6. Plug fests
WiMAX Certification
◦ Wave 1
◦ Wave 2
Operators initiatives
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7. Source - IEEE
S
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8. Source – Al t l L
S Alcatel-Lucent
t
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9. WiMAX Network WiMAX Network WiMAX Network
Network Release 1.0 Release 1.5 Release 2.0
Specifications
WiMAX system WiMAX WiMAX system WiMAX Forum
Air Interface system profile
y p p
profile 2.0
profile 1 0
1.0
Specifications TDD 1.5 TDD /FDD
TDD /FDD
IEEE802.16
MAC/PHY (802.16e- IEEE802.16 IEEE802.16m
Standards 2005+Cor REV2 IEEE 802.16
802.16g)
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
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10. Source – Al t l L
S Alcatel-Lucent
t
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11. Devises
◦ Chipset – Basic Air interface interoperability
◦ Multi-Frequency
◦ Devise functionality and performance
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12. Network Interfaces
◦ Open R3/R6/R8 inrefaces
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13. Roaming
◦ Models agreements (Unilateral, Bilateral and Hub
model)
◦ Establishment of wholesale/Hub WRX
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14. WiMAX is not the only technology out there
More capable terminals with multi-technology
support
Handoff (inter & intra technology) is essential
◦ MIH
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15. Standardization and interoperability have a
proven track record when it comes to
technology success
The benefits are realized by subscribers,
operators and vendors alike
There are numerous challenges that must be
addressed before WiMAX can realize its
dd db f li it
potential
Operators and vendors must cooperate
under the leadership of the WiMAX forum to
cross those hurdles
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