White Paper
WiMAX Spectrum
RF Spectrum Utilization in WiMAX
Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.
November 2004
| Contents | |
| Introduction | 2 |
| Standardization with Spectrum Diversification | 3 |
| Focus on 802.16a/d – Non-Line-of-Site Multipoint | 4 |
| Spectrum to Deliver PMP Broadband Networking | 4 |
| Spectrum Options – Band Characteristics | 5 |
| Licensed and Unlicensed Spectrum | 5 |
| Wireless ISPs and Major Carriers | 6 |
| Band Distinctions | 7 |
| WiMAX Forum Spectrum Initiative | 7 |
| Transmitting and Receiving Signal Strengths | 7 |
| Receive Requirements | 8 |
| Transmit Requirements | 8 |
| SoC to RF Interface | 8 |
| Future Spectrum for WiMAX – More Room and Service Options | 8 |
| For more information | 9 |
Abstract
This paper discusses the implementation of IEEE 802.16a/d/e WirelessMAN™ (broadband wireless access), also referred to as WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), in terms of frequency spectrum. Spectrum-regulating bodies around the world have earmarked frequency bands, both licensed and unlicensed, for broadband deployment. Semiconductor suppliers, such as Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA), offer flexible chipsets and reference designs for WiMAX-certifiable systems to equipment vendors. These reference designs allow for a selection of RF front-ends to be combined with a highly integrated baseband processor and MAC processor system on a chip (SoC), to accommodate a wide range of markets based on different portions of the spectrum. The RF front-end interface to baseband (SoC) is also discussed along with power considerations and future spectrum allocation.
Introduction
Standardization with Spectrum Diversification
Just as the Wi-Fi Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) boom took off on the wings of the IEEE 802.11 standard, an emerging
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) rocket is preparing to launch based on the IEEE 802.16 WirelessMAN standards. While 802.16x
lays out the specifications for standardization and interoperability, the WiMAX Forum, the global Broadband Wireless Access
(BWA) industry association, provides the quality control and certification to ensure successfully standardized deployment.
The primary task of the WiMAX Forum is to rally a host of worldwide stakeholders – composed of chipmakers, software developers,
equipment manufacturers and service providers – in support of the IEEE WirelessMAN/ETSI HyperMAN™ standards, and to
ensure worldwide compatibility and interoperability of equipment to accelerate deployment of broadband metropolitan area networks.
WiMAX-certified equipment not only ensures compatibility but creates a broad competitive field that leads to lower cost for
service providers and subscribers. IEEE 802.16 and WiMAX will propel BWA forward to accelerate affordable worldwide deployment.
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