First Mile Access Networks and Enabling Technologies

Chapter 5. Broadband Wireless Access (IEEE 802.16: WirelessMAN)

Chapter 4, “Data Wireless Communication,” discussed the need for wireless data networking from the end-user perspective (especially the consumer). However, the 802.11b standard covered in Chapter 4 is suited only for applications confined to a small area—namely, LANs. The next issue we face in first mile access is to deliver higher-data-rate bandwidth to customers in their premises and to customers who are more geographically dispersed. 802.16, is a recent IEEE standard for wireless MANs. This standard addresses the issue of providing broadband access to end users at higher data rates and at comparatively longer distances. The standard is a true metropolitan-area application appropriately ...