WiMAX: Standards and Security

As the demand for broadband services continues to grow worldwide, traditional solutions, such as digital cable and fiber optics, are often difficult and expensive to implement, especially in rural and remote areas. The emerging WiMAX system satisfies the growing need for high data-rate applications such as voiceover IP, video conferencing, interactive gaming, and multimedia streaming. WiMAX deployments not only serve residential and enterprise users but can also be deployed as a backhaul for Wi-Fi hotspots or 3G cellular towers. By providing affordable wireless broadband access, the technology of WiMAX will revolutionize broadband communications in the developed world and bridge the digital divide in developing countries. Part of the WiMAX Handbook, this volume focuses on the standards and security issues of WiMAX. The book examines standardized versus proprietary solutions for wireless broadband access, reviews the core medium access control protocol of WiMAX systems, and presents carriers' perspectives on wireless services. It also discusses the main mobility functions of the IEEE 802.16e standard, describes how to speed up WiMAX handover procedures, presents the 802.16 mesh protocol, and surveys the testing and certification processes used for WiMAX products. In addition, the book reviews the security features of both IEEE 802.16 and WiMAX. With the revolutionary technology of WiMAX, the lives of many will undoubtedly improve, thereby leading to greater economic empowerment.