Network and Wireless Technologies - WiMax - Case Study Example

Network and Wireless Technologies Name Institution Introduction Since the new millennium, developments in wireless and network technologies have been consistent following as evident from the trend of network and wireless technology convergence (Katiyar et al, 2010). The High-speed fixed and mobile broadband networks have become more adaptable for video communications and distributing media content over a range of platforms. The increased demand for data access using broadband networks will definitely stimulate the need for improved flexibility and efficiency of the existing infrastructure. At the same time, interference issues would have to be managed when the spectrum is licensed to allow for greater flexibility in the utility of the frequency. This report presents a review of the driving factors for enhanced network and wireless technologies, and their categories. Driving factors for enhanced network and wireless technologies Current researches have indicated that mobile and wireless telephony in addition to high speed data communications have extremely improved the manner in which businesses are conducted today. According to Odinma et al (2007), such technologies enable employees, businesses and customers to access relevant data from nearly anywhere at their convenience. The necessity for universal data access along with increased need for work productivity and effectiveness, as Banerji & Chowdhury (2013) tried to explain, have driven the demand for enterprise information applications. Indeed, as indicated by current scholarly evidence, the growing wireless broadband networks have progressively replaced landline communications because of the advancements in these technologies, which enable higher broadband speeds. Odinma et al (2007) shared a similar perspective. In his view, the advancements in broadband wireless networks is largely attributable to the growth of demand for wireless multimedia services, including data, voice, video in addition to the development of more innovative wireless standards. However, several other triggering factors also exist that other scholars have addressed. These have resulted to the rapid and uninterrupted change of the wireless networks globally. For instance, Katiyar et al (2010) argue that mobility is a key driver for broadband networks, as mobile business professionals have increasingly looked to access their corporate networks distantly. Odinma et al (2007) further comment that the rapid growth of the necessity for mobile Internet access as well as interactive services is a fundamental driving factor. Some researchers like Banerji & Chowdhury (2013) have also reiterated that the desire to have a uniform standard for seamless roaming, or what Odinma et al (2007) call interoperability across networks is a factor. Other convincing reasons have been provided by Hamid (2013), who suggested that an upward integration of previous wireless network technologies have also driven the need for more innovative developments in wireless networks. Katiyar et al (2010) also examined additional factors. In their view, advancements in network and wireless technologies have been triggered by the improvements in RF performance, which are attributed to improvements in antennas, minimised interference sources, and lastly the increased capacity to bear multiple frequency bands. Additionally, the desire for improved security in wireless networks has also contributed to the innovative development in wireless networks. In general, the broadband wireless networks are classifiable into two categories fixed and mobile wireless as indicated below. As Odinma et al (2007) explain, the broadband fixed wireless network technologies that are relevant to businesses include Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi). In his view, the Wi-Fi is an IEEE 802.11 standard and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax). He further explains that these two broadband mobile wireless network technologies make up the Third Generation (3G) and Fourth Generation (4G) networks. At this rate, it must be acknowledged that the various network and wireless technologies are converging. Indeed today, mobile handsets are Wi-Fi-enabled. A recent analysis by showed that while Wi-Fi, 3G Cellular and WiMax vary significantly from each other, they also complement each other in varied ways while simultaneously challenging each other’s potential in certain areas. It is based on these reasons that it could be conjectured that there would be no fixed or mobile networks in the near future, save for "mobility networks” (Odinma et al, 2007). Fixed Broadband Wireless Networks Fixed broadband wireless technologies consist of high-speed wireless networks capable of connecting to stationary locations, specifically designed to serve nomadic users. The two main networks in this regards include Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) and Wi-Fi technologies. Wi-Fi Wi-Fi is a high-speed fixed wireless technology. It is broadly deployed in hotspots such as homes, hotels, cafes, and offices. According to Odinma et al (2007), its coverage area is restricted to 300 feet radius. The user can only access high-speed connectivity only when he remains in the wireless access point’s coverage range. Its architecture comprises a base station that interconnects wireless hosts that subsequently connect internet resources. The interconnection among the base stations and the hosts are, in reality, the wireless communication link, which transmits data between the hosts and the base stations. Figure 1: Wi-Fi Architecture (Odinma et al, 2007). Mohapatra (2014) examined the advantages of Wi-Fi and concluded that its key strength is in its simplicity in terms of installation and use. While Odinma et al (2007) agree with the assumption, he further argues that since it utilises unlicensed radio spectrum, it permits users to be mobile within the 300 feet radius. The weaknesses of Wi-FI have also been explored. As Odinma et al (2007) explain, one limitation of Wi-Fi is the fact that the user is restricted to a 300 feet radius, which limit the extent of mobility. Odinma et al (2007) adds that the fact that the Wi-Fi can only operate within the 2.4GHz band means that does not need any licensing, which expose it to vulnerabilities to interference from technologies like Bluetooth. WiMax WiMax is, as Odinma et al (2007) describes it, is an emergent fixed broadband wireless technology capable of delivering last-mile broadband connectivity within a broader geographic expanse compared to Wi-Fi. For this reason therefore, it can provide coverage further than an area that is 6 miles wide. In a related review of WiMax, Banerji & Chowdhury (2013) argued that WiMax coverage range is expected to offer fixed as well as nomadic wireless broadband connectivity. It, however, does not need to have a line-of-site (LOS) with a base station to achieve this. What these imply is that WiMax facilitates greater levels of mobility, and higher rate of speed data applications compared to Wi-Fi. WiMax has a number of advantages. According to Mohapatra (2014), they support greater rates of throughput rates, in addition to broad range of coverage. It could therefore be reasoned that such an advantage ensures that the technology is crucial for use within bad terrain areas or places that have restricted amount of wired infrastructure. Odinma et al, 2007) further showed that it offers network connectivity capable of exploring multipath signals without even demanding for a direct “line of sight.” Katiyar et al (2010) also indicated some weaknesses if the technology, where he discussed that the technology must have a capacity to use power efficiently so as to deliver optimum functionality. Broadband Networks The history of mobile service goes back to the era of the first generation (1G) networks that had been put into operation rooted in the Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA). They were strictly for voice communication. The second-generation (2G) networks later replaced the 1G. The 2G networks offered low-speed circuit-switched data exchange or communication services. It was later replaced by the 2.5G, which was essentially an improvement of the 2G networks (Odinma et al, 2007). It provided greater data capacity, which contributed to new innovations like Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). They were later replaced by the third generation (3G) mobile networks, which have greater level of broadband data capabilities and quality voice channels. Current studies have also provided review of a new broadband wireless network called the fourth generation (4G), which is fast replacing the 3G network (Odinma et al, 2007). It has greater capabilities, including ability to accessing information from anywhere as well as at any time through faultless connection to a variety of information and services, and capability to acquire extensive volumes of data, information, video, and photos. According to Manjaiah (2013), the 4G systems interoperates with 3G and 2G networks in addition to the fixed wireless broadband systems. It is also a wholly IP-based wireless Internet. Figure 2: 4G relationship with other networks (Mohapatra, 2014). Conclusion Network and wireless technologies enable businesses and customers to access relevant data from nearly anywhere at their convenience. These have resulted to the rapid and uninterrupted change of the wireless networks globally. Mobility and necessity for mobile Internet access are key drivers for broadband networks, as mobile business professionals have increasingly looked to access their corporate networks distantly. Additionally, the desire for improved security in wireless networks has also contributed to the innovative development in wireless networks. In general, the broadband wireless networks are classifiable into two categories fixed and mobile wireless as indicated below. Fixed broadband wireless technologies consist of high-speed wireless networks capable of connecting to stationary locations, specifically designed to serve nomadic users. The two main networks in this regards include Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) and Wi-Fi technologies. The mobile wireless networks include first generation, second generation, third generation, and fourth generation networks. References Banerji, S. & Chowdhury, R. (2013). Wi-Fi & WiMAX: A Comparative Study. Indian Journal of Engineering 2(3), 1-6 Hamid, F. (2013). The difference between IEEE 802.16 / WiMAX and IEEE 802.11 / Wi-Fi networks for Telemedicine Applications. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE) 2(5), 27-35 Katiyar, V., Chand, N. & Chauhan, N. (2010). Recent advances and future trends in Wireless Sensor Networks. International Journal Of Applied Engineering Research, Dindigul 1(3), 330-341 Manjaiah, P. (2013). Challenges and issues in 4G – Networks Mobility Management. International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology (IJCTT) 4(5), 1247-1250 Mohapatra, S., Choudhury, R. & Das, P. (2014). The Future Directions In Evolving Wi-Fi: Technologies, Applications And Services. International Journal of Next-Generation Networks (IJNGN) 3(6), 13-22 Odinma, A., Oborkhale, L. & Kah, M. (2007). The Trends in Broadband Wireless Networks Technologies. The Pacific Journal of Science and Technology 8(1), 118-125 Read More