IP-Based WiMax Network Architecture

WiMax Architecture:

The architecture of wireless communication systems is much simple than that of wired network connections. This is the reason why now people prefer wireless internet connections.  WiMax network forum is responsible for guiding the guideline for WiMax architecture.

Components of WiMax Network Architecture:
There are three main components of WiMax network architecture. The first component is the mobile stations which are used as a source of network connection for end user. The second network is an access service network which is formed of more than two or three base stations. It also contains ASN gateways which build the radio access at the end.

The third component is connectivity service network which is responsible for providing IP functions.  The base station provides the air interface for the mobile stations. The base stations also provide mobile management functions, triggering and tunnel establishment, radio resource management, dynamic host control protocol proxy, quality of service enforcement and multicast group management. ASN is responsible for radio resource management, encryption keys, routing to the selected network and client functionality.  Connectivity service network is responsible for internet connections, corporate and public networks and many other user services.

 

Standard WiMax Architecture:

Let us analyze a standard WiMax network. As explained earlier the WiMax network is based on three four basic components like AS gateway, CSN and MS. The basic network has a central IP core which is surrounded by an ASN gateway, which is connected to service network or CSN. The main IP core is attached to the internet backbone for help and coverage. The WiMax network which is also part of the ISP network is known as access service gateway. This ASN handles the micro and macro base stations, which provide WiMax access to end users. The connectivity service network or CSN is an important part of WiMax architecture which provides the authentication to the user devices. CSN is also responsible for providing roaming among the network service providers. It is CSN which is responsible for user security and quality for service for this purpose it uses several protocols. The IP address management is also handled by CSN. IP core is in the middle of CSN and ASN. CSN provides the internet and telecommunications connectivity. ASP communicates to the base stations and the mobile stations. At the users end the WiMax architecture may further contain firewall for security. WiMax architecture provides discretion at user end to make possible amendments.

Two Dimensions of WiMax Network:

WiMax network is composed of two parts the WiMax tower and the WiMax receiver. WiMax tower is connected directly to the internet backbone using a wired connection such as optical fiber. It can be connected to the WiMax tower using a line of sight link or a non line of sight link. The line of site communication involves the use of fixed antenna or dish. This antenna is fixed or deployed on the roof top or the tower of your building. Line of sight connection is considered as more strong and stable connection. Therefore it sends lot of error free data over the network. It uses a frequency range of 66Ghz. Higher frequency decreases the chance of signal weakness and interference and provides more bandwidth. On the other hand the non line of sight connection provides you connectivity with the installation of small antenna in your PC. This mod provides lower frequency range from 2 GHz to 11 GHz. The lower band signals are not prone to obstructions like trees and walls. Hence the signal strength is more and the user receives the quality of service. For every WiMax connectivity and architecture it is important to connect to an internet backbone via swift wired connection.