Coverage prediction and performance evaluation of wireless metropolitan area networks based on IEEE 802.16

Abstract

This work aims at performing a more detailed coverage and performance analysis of wireless metropolitan area networks based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, which is the basis of WiMAX technology. This paper provides a more formal approach to estimate coverage and performance of WiMAX technology, which enables simplified link budget evaluation. Initially, the major functionalities within the standard that support operation in NLOS scenarios are described. Several operation scenarios are then specified, based on the combination of key system parameters (e.g., transmission power, operation frequency, channel bandwidth) and coverage prediction models. In order to support coverage estimation for operation frequencies up to 6 GHz, appropriate coverage prediction models are adopted for frequencies above 2 GHz. Based on the proposed approach, coverage and performance are estimated under some real world scenario conditions, considering Brazilian regulatory rules for licensed and license-exempt bands.