This document presents the WiMAX network planning capabilities of ICS Telecom nG. The IEEE 802.16 standard is under continuous development within the WiMAX forum. Three different kinds of networks are outlined:

• WiMax for backhauling solution
• Fixed Wireless Access type of Wimax
• Wimax for mobile purposes

Dedicated propagation models, specially the new Outdoor/Indoor model, enable accurate coverage and traffic analysis. LOS, NLOS and nLOS situations can be simulated in wide and close range environment. The technology behind WiMAX is optimized to provide excellent Non Line Of Sight coverage (NLOS). ICS telecom nG includes therefore dedicated WiMAX simulation capabilities, such as:

• OFDM compliancy
• Integration of the Uplink./Downlink asymmetry
• Integration of directive radiation patterns, at the BTS (sectorization) and at the CPE level. If needed, the behaviou of smart antennas can be taken into account
• Powel control
• Adaptive modulation

WiMax simulation in ICS telecom nG also includes interference analysis and frequency assignment for spectrum optimization.

1. WiMax consideration in ICS telecom nG

1.1 What is WiMax?

The term WiMax (worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) has become synonymous with the IEEE 802.16 Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) air interface standard.

Amendments to the original release have extended the 802.16 air interface standard to cover non-line of sight (NLOS) applications in licensed and unlicensed bands in the sub 11 GHz frequency range. This standard is designed as a wireless 'last-mile' technology to support fixed residential and business customers. It is especially valuable to those customers for whom cable-modem networks and DSL are not available. Intial WiMax profiles are a subset of the 802.16-REVd standard, a modified version of the original 802.16a. A mobile extension to the low-frequency 802.16 standard is being developed by the IEEE 802.16e working group.

1.2 Selecting a planning process

The type of WiMAX network design in ICS telecom nG depends on several parameters. Among them can be outlined the phase of the WiMAX life cycle that needs to be simulated, the type of cartography available or that can be afforded, and the kind of outputs that are targeted at the end of the planning process.

All these topics are linked one to each other, the planner needs to choose its engineering process according to:

• The time that needs to be spent on the project
• The quality of the result to be obtained

A wide range WiMAX network planning (e.g. over an entire province) gives a rough idea of the number of BTSs to deploy in order to achieve a coverage goal. Medium resolution cartography can be used here, mainly for a question of time processing. Close range analysis (detailed LOS/nLOS/NLOS propagation in high resolution urban environment) raises the simulation accuracy up to the analysis per CPE of its coverage, its achievable Grade of Service, and its uplink and downlink traffic.

Wide range WiMax planning with ICS telecom

Microcell WiMax urban planning with ICS telecom

1.3 Different kinds of WiMax

1.3.1 Backhauling solution

The use of point-to-point microwave is prevalent for mobile backhaul. However WiMAX can enable mobile operators to cost-effectively increase backhaul capacity using WiMAX as an overlay network. A typical example would be a mixed network between WiMAX, used for the backbone, and WiFi hotspots for the access.

In ICS telecom nG, the WiMAX equipment can be setup as a standard Point-to-Point network, enabling path budgets calculations and reliability margins evaluations.

Wimax Point to Point connection in ICS telecom nG

1.3.2 Access Type

Nomadic or portable operation, synonymous with Metrozone, is an enhancement over basic fixed indoor/outdoor operation enabling access from multiple network access points but without seamless mobility. ICS telecom nG features calculation engines for:

• wide range analysis
• Close range analysis with outdoor receivers
• Close range analysis with indoor receivers

1.3.2.1 Wide range analysis

In that case, the network design is based upon large scale, medium resolution cartography.

Wide range WiMax network in ICS telecom nG

Characterisation of the clutter code (e.g receiver within or above the clutter)

The ground occupancy is defined by a clutter layer, which characteristics (height, attenuation, etc) can be defined clutter class per clutter class. Each receiver is placed either above or within the clutter.

Macro cell WIMAX network design: placing the receiver above or within the clutter (green: vegetation, purple: urban clutter)

1.3.2.2 Close range analysis, with outdoor receiver antennas

In that case, high resolution cartographic data (meaning including buildings heights) needs to be defined in the ICS telecom nG project. According to the location of the receiving antennas (above rooftops or on the building side), the field strength calculation will be filtered on the rooftops or on the outline of the buildings.

Scheme of a WiMax Access Network

Field strength calculation principle in ICS Telecom nG

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