LTE Versus WiMAX Versus 802.22 - Article Example

L.T.E vs. Wimax vs. WRAN In modern day the demand is for wireless communication and setup, since wireless communication provides large number of advantages over its counterpart (wired interface). Technological journey of wireless communications started in late 1990s on the commercial scale. It took a revolutionary turn in 21st century through introduction of 3G and 4G standards across the world in form of Wimax, and L.T.E. Wireless communication is an entire different field that employees’ new means of establishing connection and bringing both parties (sender and receiver) into contact. (Gillespie).The modern generation standing enables establishing connection across the oceans and in two different parts of the worlds in matter of few seconds. Various technologies and trends are common and dedicated for specific operations. WIMAX, L.T.E and 802.22 are few of them that enable achieving successful communication path. This paper looks into the detailed description of each of them, followed by comparison and strengths and weakness of each of the above . The first one is Wimax. Wimax is acronym for worldwide interoperability Microwave access, a wireless technology based on the 802.16 specification standard of IEEE. It is one of the latest trends in the field of telecommunications and engineering and it enables transmission at the most suitable conditions. Wimax provides efficient, reliable and secure transmission even in the most remote of areas. Wimax provides better protocols support that is security Oriented and enables quick operations (Nuaymi). Wimax is based on 802.16 standard of IEEE; it has two variants 802.16d revision and 802.16 e. The latter one was revised and updated around 2005 and later launched officially at number of places around the world. 802.16d vs. 802.16e: 802.16d was the initial version launched which provided little or no mobility, it provided P2P, P2MP, and mesh network support, this kind of standard was most favorable for providing internet service under the roof, while the latter version (e) provided full scale mobility and on the go connectivity is better suited to mobile operations and internet services. Architecture of Wimax: Wimax architecture is created in a way which allows more than one service at a single instance of time .The single transceiver can perform the task of voice transmission and internet connection on the same established path. On the physical layer it performs the functions of signal encoding and signal decoding; hence security aspect is addressed on physical layer. The medium access control layer at transmission end is concerned with compiling the data into frames and checking for errors while on the receptor end allocate addresses and ensure error detection if any . At the convergence layer encapsulation of the frame is performed into local MAC layer .This is followed by translation of the quality of service parameters into local MAC format .The architectural part further handles time dependencies and adjusts them according to the traffic. For the purpose of error correction the scheme used is Reed –Solomon code. Modulation schemes used: Q.P.S.K, Q.A.M Frame Format: Frame in Wimax architecture consists of the following entities Payload Header: contains the information only, does not carry any bits /stream CRC: It is used for the detection of errors. Other components of Wimax architecture: Mobile management Quality of Service Radio Resource Management Devices used in WImAX : C.P.E ( customer Premises Equipment ),wi-fi,R.F components .Microwave backhaul. Use of OFDMA in its architecture: Wimax makes use of OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing access technique), there have been many upgrades and improvements added over period of time that has made Wimax more preferred. Power efficiency feature of Wimax: Wimax provides power efficiency in various modes operating in different cycles .It has got three power save classes’ power save 1, power save 2, and power save 3, each operating at different levels (Andrews pg 365). Comparison: L.T.E vs. Wimax: There has been a long debate over the comparison between the two as to which one will surpass the other and which one of the two provides better means and can be chosen over the other, since both are in race. Wimax is relatively more mature than L.T.E since it has been in market for last few years; L.T. E on the other hand has just been introduced on commercial level across the globe. Both aim at providing better data rates, secure transfers, interoperability, large scale connectivity, availability at broad range, and reduced costs with other special features .However there is a slight difference between the capabilities between the two. Capability is a variable stated here in terms of the signal strength across certain (Penttinen pg 29). Security: it provides a high level of security that prevents any unauthorized request from entering the network. It has an advanced security setup where protocols are implemented at MAC layer and sub layers to ensure extra protection. It further uses algorithms to ensure there is no breach of privacy and security in the system (Tang, Muller et al). Research Challenge: The development of infrastructure on upper layers will take some time and would need proper decision making and analysis .Challenges are faced in the area of complete implementation over the mobile Wimax version . Handover related issues can be a hurdle in future. Marketing perspective of Wimax: Wimax has gained its benefits from its early deployment. It has made full use of the first in market terminology, and being the lone player all these years it has made it to various levels and is a spread web now. Features of Wimax: Single station can serve hundreds of users. Use of OFDMA Faster deployment MIMO feature of Wimax: MIMO is acronym for Multiple Input, multiple outputs, Wimax uses this feature which allows using multiple antennas at either end (transmission end and reception end) (Yucek). Release date: Mid 2004-2005 Coverage: Applaud able Mobility proximity: Acceptable Complete IP based infrastructure: Yes Quality of service (QOS) support: Yes Latency: impressive latency rate under 25 ms Limitation of Wimax: In unclear whether the quality of service might go down, heavy network traffic can be a challenge at times. Line of sight might be desired in case of long distance network transmission. Relatively higher installation and operation costs are involved (Bidgoli ,pg 258). Misconception about L.T.E and Wimax Both were termed as 4th generation technologies till International Telecommunication Union specified the standards and requirements for 4g technologies. One of those requirements includes ability to attain up to 1 Gbps rate in fixed domain (Eberle). L.T.E: L.T.E is acronym for Long term evolution technology, a project of 3GPP that would require new radio access network equipment (RAN). Architecture of L.T.E: L.T.E is purely packet switching technique based unlike its predecessors that were focused on circuit switching. The packet switching technique provides reliable connection between the end node and data network through the use of Evolution Packet System (E.P.S) .The term L.T.E is merged with System Architecture Evolution in order to achieve Evolved Packet System (E.P.S).Explaining E.P.S is very important in order to understand the architecture of L.T.E technology. E.P.S enables access to packet data and voice transmission at the same time. Other components of the architecture include: Gateway node Functional split of RAN-CN Split in the plans amongst the mobile management entity. E.P.S component of the architecture provides constant traffic, and also complements better security mechanism. Protocols used by L.T.E: Long Term Evolution technology makes use of multiple protocols during its operation. These protocols are clustered into various categories based on their working and application .The clustered approach enables addition of other interface to the architecture without any major changes being needed. The protocols being used are: Radio Resource Control: this protocol is used for ensuring synchronization in the operations of the radio. X2 Application Protocol (x2AP) X2 Signaling Transport Packet Data Convergence Protocol: This protocol ensures the successful delivery of packets and their appropriate order. Broadcast and Multicast control: It ensures broadcast of the information. Radio Link Control: This layer is assigned to make sure that the link remains established between the mobile equipment (end user) and transmission station ((Harte & Luck, 2008). Salient Features of L.T.E: L.T.E is seen as the next generation mobile broadband technology that will be used by most mobile operators across the globe just like G.S.M was used .It is being seen as the best candidate to replace or complement CDMA and EDGE technology. Compatibility factor: An important characteristic of L.T.E is its compatibility with the pre existing networks in place. While it might take a while to implement L.T.E on full scale it can be brought into the system with other standards running parallel in the architecture. Other alluring features of L.T.E include: Astounding reduced latency rate. This is a plus compared to all its competitors, besides this it also offers improved and increased voice calls .the architecture is designed in such a way that it supports traffic multiple times supported by G.S.M and U.M.T.S. The high capacity will help in providing the services at optimum rates. Another feature which goes without mentioning is its global spread. L.T.E spectrum will be spread across the continents just like G.S.M did.( Motorolla, 2007) Use of OFDMA in general : OFDMA is an advanced variant of OFDM technique which allows splitting the entire information and data into small set of frequencies which makes the transfer easy and rapid .IT makes use of the principle of orthognality which is an additional plus .orthognality allows parting frequency into different channels which makes things more secure and more organized in terms of speed ,security ,and overall performance .OFDM uses FFT( fast Fourier transform ) which results in improved spectral efficiency .The advantage of OFDMA is the transmission of data across a radio wave link on an established path(Kyriazakos, Soldatos et.al). L.T.E Network Elements: Mobile Management Entity Serving Gateway Packet Data Network Gateway Equipment used: U.Es Advantages of L.T.E: L.T. E in itself is a complete package and offers large number of advantages. Since OFDMA consumes considerable amount of power, for this reason L.T.E technology uses Single carrier OFDMA (SC-OFDMA), this enables large amount of reduction in the Peak to average power ratio that is responsible for power consumption reduction(Holma and Toskala). L.T.E also uses MIMO to its advantage and provides relatively high speeds of downloads with multiple antennas. Another feature of L.T.E is the power efficiency and reduced consumption when in idle mode .This is achieved and made possible through turning off of transmitter whenever there is no active traffic in place .A special feature called DRX (Discontinued Reception) and discontinued transmission (DTX)( Ghosh, Zhang et.al) L.T.E and Wimax have few things in common and just like Wimax, it provides Quality of service support, a feature of Q.O.S is the reservation based support along with establishing of time frames (Forum). Advantage of L.T.E over Wimax: The following figures and values lead to show that L.T.E is a more secure and improved version of wireless communications that operates on nearly the same infrastructure yet provides more throughputs. Few of the features are as follows: L.T.E voice capacity allows 80 users per sector in/MHz (Poikselkä, Holma et.al ,Fig 7.4) while Wimax allows 20 users per sector/ MHz Latency is considerably low compared to Wimax, which is a plus point against its competitor technology standard. The lower the latency rate the better the operations and smaller the delay in output (Ghosh and Ratasuk). Long term Evolution technology provides relatively large scale mobility range, with Wimax mobility ranging between 60 to 120, L.T.E range touches the range of 300 kilometers per hour. It must be noted that, in case of Wimax the top range mobility can be achieved only if the network strength is strong and there is little distortion in the signal. In terms of distance and coverage: Wimax range up to 50 kilo meters while L.T.E is almost the double (100 kilometers). Data rates comparison: Wimax downlink rates: 46mbps while its uplink rates are around 4 MBPs in contrast, L.T.E provides data rates of 300 Mbps in downlink stream while in uplink stream they provide data rates of 75 mbps. The Channel bandwidth provided by L.T.E lies between 1.4 to 20 MHZ while Wimax channel bandwidth is considerably low and it lies between: 3.5 to 10 MHz . Security aspect is equally covered by both the technologies and hence both provide secure means of operations. Drawback of L.T.E: Since L.T.E has recently been introduced, many companies and investors have invested in Wimax couple of years back. All these are in mature state already. Further, start up costs in terms of setup at start and equipment upgrades are believed to be relatively high .Additional use of antennas is another consideration and a point that goes against L.T.E. However with the features provided by L.T.E and lots of promise shown by the stats, it can be said that L.T.E can be the next big thing in market in years to come. With background of 3GPP and GSM /UMTS, L.T.E is the probable contender for the market leader in times to come, however WIMAX as a tough competitor cannot be ruled out since its working to highest level as well. L.T.E advanced: Officially called 3gpp Release 10, it meets the requirements of 4th generation technologies to considerable amount .in other words it has been established to fulfill the demands of 4th generation technology, however this one is in planning phases and not implemented on commercial scale. Its counterpart Wimax is not far behind and is up with Wimax 2.0 which aims at meeting the requirements specified by I.T.U for 4th generation entitlement. It aims at increasing the data rates and meeting all the requirements which will earn it a 4g category license. WRAN (802.22) WRAN is acronym for Wireless Regional Area Network, and operates in the range of 54 hz to 862 MHz, all those services being provided under WRAN are termed as super Wi-Fi. It can be termed as the standard that is used for making use of the free spaces in the spectrum dedicated for the T.V. The aim behind this concept is to make use of the frequency that is being not utilized properly .These frequencies range between 54 MHz to 854 MHz. This region of frequency is termed as the white space region .these frequencies can be used for the purpose of beaming the wireless spectrum to a considerable distance. it came under consideration by I.E.E.E in late 2004. It performs to the rescue in places where the digital subscriber line do not perform to the requirement specified. This spectrum was originally used for television telecasting frequencies set. 802.22 is termed as Wireless Region Area Network (WRAN)( Saeed). Core Competence: It is preferred for its coverage ability. 802.22 like Wimax and L.T.E, uses OFDM Modulation techniques supported by 802.22 are: QPSK, 16 QAM, and 64 QAM Difference from the rest: /Characteristic Feature: An important characteristic of this standard is its ability to penetrate relatively higher and stronger than Wimax and L.T.E. Equipment: Rural Connect IP Radio Drawbacks: Speed is considerably slow considered to the other two discussed in this article. The speed strengths and download and upload rates are relatively meek. The uplink speed is usually stated as 384kbps approximately while the downlink speed makes it to jut 1.5 mbps. The purpose is to distribute broadband connection to parts of area where other sources are not reachable. It mainly includes the rural and far flung areas .it serves as an alternate to broadband option in the rural and far flung areas. With already congested environment of bandwidth it is seen as a future prospect. Through the use of cognitive radio technique, the use of unused spectrum becomes possible .An important feature of these set of frequencies are guard bands and Difference: The main difference between Wimax and WRAN is its distance range, Wimax might provide access in a few kilometers in line of sight, and WRAN provides access on a broader scope over nearly 80 to 100 kilometers. Comparison between the physical layer of 802.16(Wimax) and 802.22: The physical layers are more or less the same; the difference is only in the frequency range and capacity being offered by the channels. Architecture: Modulation technique: it uses adaptive OFDMA for modulation purpose, since Wimax also operates on same terminology, this will provide further support to the entire concept. On MAC layer: number of similarities can be found between Wimax and WRAN Difference between Wimax and WRAN: connection establishment approach .Wimax offers a relatively better connection establishment mechanism Research Challenge: Enabling the integration of WRAN with other new technologies, this will enable making use of the features that WRAN possess; this is one of the challenges faced by WRAN. Future prospect: it can be used as an integrated device into others for purpose of extending the range and coverage (Thiel). Bibliography: 1-Andrews. Fundamentals Of Wimax: Understanding Broadband Wireless Networking. Pearson Education India, 2008. 2-Bidgoli, Hossein. MIS2. Cengage Learning, 2011. 3-Eberle, Dieter. "LTE vs. WiMAX." 4th generation telecommunication networks (2010): 8. 4-Forum, Wimax. LTE and WiMAX Comparison at a Glance. 2010. 10th April 2012 . 5-Ghosh, Amitava and Rapeepat Ratasuk. Essentials of Lte and Lte-A. Cambridge University Press, 2011. 6-Ghosh, Arunabha, et al. Fundamentals of Lte. Prentice Hall PTR, 2010. 7-Gillespie, Alex. Broadband Access Technology, Interfaces, and Management. Artech House, 2001 8-Harte, L., & Luck, C. J. (2008). Umts Lte: Network, Services, Technologies, and Operation. Althos. 9-Holma, Harri and Antti Toskala. LTE for UMTS: OFDMA and SC-FDMA Based Radio Access. John Wiley & Sons, 2009. 10-Kyriazakos, Sofoklis, Ioannis Soldatos and George Karetsos. 4G mobile and wireless communications technologies. River Publishers, 2008. 11-Motorolla. (2007). White Paper. Long Term Evolution, 6. 12-Nuaymi, Loutfi. WiMAX: Technology For Broadband Wireless Access. John Wiley and Sons, 2007. 13-Penttinen, Jyrki T J. The Lte / Sae Deployment Handbook. John Wiley and Sons,page 29, 2011. 14-Poikselkä, Miikka, et al. Voice Over Lte (Volte). John Wiley & Sons, 2012. 15-Saeed, Rashid Abdelhaleem. TV White Space Spectrum Technologies: Regulations, Standards, and Applications. CRC Press, 2011. 16-Tang, Seok Yee, Peter Muller and Hamid Sharif. Wimax Security and Quality of Service: An End-To-End Perspective. John Wiley & Sons, 2011. 17-Thiel, Justin. Metropolitan and Regional Wireless Networking: 802.16, 802.20 and 802.22. 2009. 10th April 2012 . 18-Yucek, Tevfik. Channel, Spectrum, and Waveform Awareness in OFDM-based Cognitive Radio Systems. ProQuest, 2007. Read More