Grouping WI-MAX, 3G and WI-Ft for Wireless Broadband
Ms. Shilpa Jindal Ms. Alka Jindal
INDIA
Abstract -Many advanced data services are driving up wireless
technology, which is further boosted by growth in advanced
market segments. The wireless industry is evolving from a web
of independent networks into a single integrated network with
multiple standards; the expectation is that WI-Fl, WI-MAX and
3G will coexist to enable a host of exerting new applications and
business models. This paper focuses on concepts of WI-MAX
technology, which employs microwave for the transfer of data
wirelessly, and it also presents its comparison with WI-Fl, and
3G technologies. WI-MAX is delivering broadband wireless
access to the masses and represents alternative to digital
subscriber lines (DSL) and cable broadband access. WI-MAX is
based on IEEE 802.16 standard and is scalable. It stands for
wireless (WI) microwave access (MAX). WI-MAX will provide
anywhere, anytime connectivity. Features of WI-MAX are
OFDM i.e. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, Sub
Channelization, Directional Antennas and Adaptive Modulation,
which make WI-MAX as the technology of today. The Benefit of
WI-MAX technology is that the signals can be run very close to
each other on wireless channels. Super narrow lanes can put a
lot of traffic over them without disturbance. Many technologies
currently available can only provide line of sight (LOS)
coverage; the technology behind WI-MAX has been optimized to
provide excelled non-line of sight (NLOS) coverage.
Keywords-wireless broadband, wireless fidelity (WIFI), WIMAX,
3RD generation, wireless LAN, wireless MAN
I. INTRODUCTION
Wireless technology describes telecommunications in
which electromagnetic waves, carry the signal over part or the
entire communication path without cables. Wireless
broadband refers to fixed wireless connectivity that can be
utilized by enterprises, businesses, households and
telecommuters who travel from one fixed location to another
fixed location. Wireless broadband is an extension of the
point-to-point, wireless-LAN bridging concept to deliver
high-speed and high capacity pipe that can be used for voice,
multi-media and Internet access services. Though there are
many technologies available for providing broadband wireless
access to the Internet, but the main focus is on WI-MAX, 3G
and WIFI due to their potential benefits. [5] This paper
presents important features of WIMAX technology and an
elaborated comparison of WIMAX with other contemporary
technologies i.e. WI Fl, 3G etc. Firstly the potential features,
advantages, disadvantages of WIFI, WIMAX and 3g are
elaborated. Subsequently their architecture is discussed and
finally WIFI and WIMAX are compared with each other
along with their applications and conclusions are presented.
II. OVERVIEW OF WI Fl, WI MAX AND 3G
In this section, a brief overview of these technologies is
discussed.
0-7803-91 79-9/05/$20.00 ©2005 IEEE.
Dr. (Mrs.) Neena Gupta
A. WI FI
WI FI stands for wireless fidelity and generally refer to any
type of 802.11 networks, whether 802.1lb, 802.1la, 802.11g.
WI-Fl is a wireless technology that uses radio frequency to
transmit data through the air. W LAN access point or hub or
transmitter sends out a wireless signal that allows Wireless
devices to access within a circle of roughly 100 meters. Zone
around the transmitter is known as hot spot. Computers
connected to WI Fl receivers near a hot spot can connect to
Internet at high speeds without cable. WI-Fl refers to three types
of wireless protocols that can work with each other: IEEE
802.1 lb ("Wireless B"), IEEE 802.1 la ("Wireless A"), and the
newer IEEE 802.1lg ("Wireless G"). They can connect
computers very fastly: 11 Mbps for Wireless B, 54Mbps for
Wireless A, and 54Mbps for Wireless G. [2] which are described
in subsequent sections.
1) 802.llb
* It is the longest, well-supported, stable, and cost effective
standard, runs in the 2.4 GHz range that makes it prone to
interference from other devices (microwave ovens, cordless
phones, etc) and also has security disadvantages
* Limits to the number of access points to three.
* It has 11 channels, with 3 non-overlapping, and supports
rates from 1 to 11 Mbps.
* Uses direct-sequence spread-spectrum technology.
2) 802.1lg
* It is an extension of 802.1 lb, with the same disadvantages
(Security and interference)
* It has a shorter range than 802.1 lb
* It is backwards compatible with 802.1 lb so it allows a
Smooth transition from 1 lb to 1 Ig
* It is flexible because multiple channels can be combined for
Faster throughput, but limited to one access point
* It runs at 54 Mbps,
* Uses frequency division multiplexing technology
3) 802.lla
* It is completely different from 1 lb and 11g.
* It is flexible because multiple channels can be combined for
faster throughput and more access points can be collocated
* It has shorter range than 1 lb and 1 Ig
* It Runs in the 5 GHz range, so having less interference from
other devices
* It has 12 channels, 8 non-overlapping, and supports rates
from 6 to 54 Mbps
* It uses frequency division multiplexing technology.
WI-Fl is a trademark of the WI-FT Alliance (formerly the
Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance), the trade organization
that tests and certifies equipment compliance with the
802.1 lx standards.
Advantages of Wi-Fi
* It Uses an unlicensed portion of the broadcast spectrum,
and requires less regulatory controls in many countries.
* It frees network devices from cables, allows for a more
dynamic network to be grown.
* Many reliable and bug-free WI-Fl products on the market.
* Competition amongst vendors has lowered prices
considerably since their inception.
It is possible to move without breaking the network
connection while connected on a WI-Fl network.
Disadvantages of WI-FI
* The 802.11g and 802.11b standards of WI-Fl use the 2.4
GHz spectrum, which is crowded with other devices such
as blue tooth, microwave ovens, and cordless phones. It
may cause degradation in performance. Other devices,
which use microwave frequencies such as certain types of
cell phones, can also cause degradation in performance.
* Power consumption is fairly high compared to other
standards, making battery life and heat a matter of concern.
Sometimes Users cannot configure it properly. WI-Fl
commonly uses WEP (wired equivalent privacy) protocol for
protection, which can be easily breakable even when properly
configured. Newer wireless solutions are providing support
for the superior WPA (WI Fl protected access) protocol
(implementation of the 802.1 Ii protocol), though many
systems still employ WEP. By adopting 802.1 Ii protocol
makes available a better security scheme for future use when
properly configured. WI-Fl networks have limited range. A
typical WI-Fl home router using 802.1 lb or 802.1 Ig have a
range of 150 ft (46 m) indoor and 300 ft (92 m) outdoors. [5]
B. WI MAX
WiMAX, an acronym that stands for Worldwide
Interoperability for Microwave Access and is based on point
to point broadband wireless access and working on the group
no. 16 of IEEE 802i.e. IEEE 802.16
1) Features of WiMax
Uses Microwaves For The Wireless Transfer Of Data
* It stands for Wireless (WI) microwave access (MAX)
* It is used for high-speed, wireless networking at distances
of a few kilometres
* It Uses OFDM (which allows for non line-of-sight
communications and addresses multipath issues)
* It Includes TDD and FDD duplexing support
* It has flexible channel sizes (3.5MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz) [3]
2) WiMax Promises
* Up to a ten (10) mile range without wires
* Broadband speeds without cable or TI
* Handles "last mile" access in remote areas
* Licensing and equipment due in 2005
* Affordable technology
3) Standard based.
The Wi-MAX standard has fragmented into two variants:
802.16a The original Wi-MAX standard, which can transfer at
up to 70Mbps over distances of as much as 30 miles using the
10GHz and 66GHz spectrums.
802.16e A more recent development which will operate in the
2GHz - 6GHz licensed bands, bringing the possibility of mobile
devices using the technology.
4) Frequency under considerations
Three Frequencies under consideration for WI max
5.8GHz unlicensed (same as for WiFi). However the fact that
it is unlicensed limits the transmission distance
2.5GHz and 3.5GHz have been targeted for licensed use
throughout the world
WiMax Regulatory Task Force coordinates with Radio
Regulators across the World and WiMax representation at
International Bodies - Such as ITU, WRC, CEPT, ERO and FCC
C. 3G (3rd generation)
3G stand for 3rd generation mobile telephone systems. It is a
technology for mobile service providers. 3G combines high-
speed mobile access with Internet Protocol (IP) based services.
3G can use a variety of present and future wireless network
technologies.
Evolution Of 3G
The first mobile services were analog. Mobile services began
to emerge in the 1940s, the first mass market mobile services in
the U.S. were based on the AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone
Service) technology. IT is referred to as first generation wireless.
The FCC licensed two operators in each market to offer AMPS
service in the 800-900MHz bands. In the 1990s, mobile services
based on digital mobile technologies are known as second
generation (2G) of wireless services. In the U.S., these were
referred to as Personal Communication Systems (PCS) and used
technologies such as TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access),
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and GSM (Global
System for Mobile Communications). [5] From 1995 to 1997, the
FCC auctioned off PCS spectrum licenses in the 1850 to 1990
MHz band. CDMA and TDMA were deployed in the various
parts of the U.S., while GSM was deployed as the common
standard in Europe. The next or Third Generation (3G) mobile
technologies hopes to support higher bandwidth digital
communications and are expected to be based on one of the
several standards included under the ITU's IMT-2000 umbrella
of 3G standards.[6]. In the next section the architecture of
various technologies is described.
III. ARCHITECTURE
A. WI FI
1) WI FI building block.
Block diagram shows mapping of the IEEE 802.11
requirements into a functional WiFi building block. The
WiFi building blocks are:
Antenna Access Point (AP)
Router Internet access
 B. WI MAX
WiMAX is based on point to point broadband wireless access
and working on the group no. 16 of IEEE 802i.e. IEEE 802.16
[3] WiMAX is known as one of the broadband fixed wireless
access solutions for the "Last mile"and designed to address the
MAN market.
1) WiMAX network architecture
User WiMAX architecture is similar to the cellular telephony in that
devicecI a service area is divided into cells WiMAX is able to operate in a
ACCESS POINT Line Of Sight (LOS) and near or non LOS (NLOS) access
(AP) approach.
.802.11 A, B, G
SECURITY User
*QOS dcvicc2
.OTHERS

Fig 1: WI FI Sketch

2) Wifi Network Cell

WIFI network cell for 802.1 lb standard
This standard defines 11 channels The RF reach of each
channel is about 160 ft in doors or about300ft outdoors. There
are three non-overlapping channels (channels, 1, 6, and 11).
Channels 1, 6, andi tare typically used to cover a large area

* OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)

Fig 2: channel allocation for WI FI
3) Network architecture
A network is established when a station(s) and APs have
recognized each other and established a communication link.
A network can be configured in two basic ways:
* Ad hoc (Peer-to-peer) network
OFDM is a technique which is based on multi carrier
modulation (MCM) and Frequency Division Multiplexing
(FDM). OFDM is a modulation or multiplexing method. In
multi carrier (fig 4) modulation signal bandwidth is divided
into parallel subcarriers or narrow strips of bandwidth. Here
subcarriers (fig 5) are overlapping, i.e. OFDM uses subcarriers
that are mathematically orthogonal, and information is sent on
Parallel overlapping subcarriers, from which information can
be extracted individually. This property reduces interference
caused by adjacent carriers
Fig 4 Multi carrier

* Infrastructure network

Ad hoc (Peer-to-peer) network

In this configuration, two or more stations can talk to each
other without an AP. This arrangement is referred to as an
Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). Access to the wired
network (Internet) is accomplished at the station that has the
Internet access port.
Infrastructure network
This configuration consists of multiple stations connected
to an AP. The AP acts as a bridge to the wired network. This
arrangement is referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS).
WI Fl supports various network types:
* Hub and spoke
* Mesh network. Next WIMAX is discussed.
Fig 5 Single carrier
* Sub Channelization:
Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC) in a multipath
environment that gives OFDMA advantages as the flexibility to
change the modulation for specific. Sub-channels allow
optimizing at the frequency level. Another alternative would be
to assign those sub channels to a different user who may have
better channel conditions for that particular sub-channel. This
allows users to concentrate transmited power on Specific sub-
channels, resulting in improvements to the uplink budget and
providing greater range. This Technique is known as Space
 Division Multiple Access (SDMA). Fig(6) shows selection of devices. One advantage Wi-Fi has is the inherent enormous
sub channels depending on the received signal strength. bandwidth access when compare to the legacy Internet accesses.
Those Sub-channels on which the user experiences fading are Wi-Fi communities are taking advantage of this vast capacity to
avoided and power is concentrated on channels with better build their own Wi-Fi broadband private virtual network
channel conditions. The signals on the top indicate the 2) Web-based events. Web-based hosting events offer several
received signal strength, while the bottom indicates which possibilities for communities to merchandize their goods and
sub-carriers are then chosen for each Signal. With OFDMA, services. Such community sites could attract new customers and
the client device chooses sub channels. Based on potential visitors can familiarize themselves with community
geographical locations with the potential of eliminating the interests, talents, art, and business potentials.
impact of deep fades.[4] 3) Video chat. Video chat is a powerful tool for increasing
interaction between users in a public setting It encourages
User
participants to interact in a friendly social setting. In a wireless
I Use 2 community, town hall meetings could enjoy high 'virtual'
attendance.
4) Wi-Fi Killer application. Voice over Wi-Fi is an emerging
application that has been referred to as the "killer application".
B. WI FI VS 3G
1) Similarities
When the signal qualih oik In tisarea both urs are experiencing a weak signal. Both are wireless: Both technologies are wireless that
this chanrel is awkded for User 1. In this case a third usr could utiize this chan,el
) Avoids need to install cable drops to each device when
Fig 6: Sub Channels compared to wire line alternatives;
(2 ') Facilitates mobility.
IV COMPARISONS Both are access technologies
A. Differences between WIFIAnd WIMAX Both 3G and WiFi are access or edge-network technologies.
* WI-Fl channels occupy a fixed width of the spectrum WiMax They offer alternatives to the last-mile wire line network. Beyond
will allow channel sizes to be decided based on requirements the last- mile, both rely on similar network connections and
transmission support infrastructure.
WIMAX works in the licensed spectrum (10-66 GHz with
*
Both offer broadband data service
some systems operating in bands between 2 GHz and 11
Both 3G and WIFI support broadband data service, the data
GHz). WiFi works in the unlicensed ISM band. rate offered by WiFi (11Mbps) is substantially higher than the
* WI-Fl has a range of about 100m. WiMax will provide couple of 100 Kbps expected from 3G services.
services over several kms. WIMAX is designed to provide a
higher level of reliability and quality of service than WiFi 2) DIFFERENCES
* WiMAX is a MAN protocol that will be a wireless altemnative In this section, we consider several of the important ways in
to DSL and TI level services for last mile broadband access it which the WiFi and 3G approaches to offering broadband
will act as a backbone technology for 802.1 1 hotspots. wireless access services are substantively different.
* WI MAX is Easier to install than WI-Fl (no need for careful
alignment of access points) - goal of easy self-installation Current business modelsldeployment are different.
Various standards FOR WI Fl, WI MAX 3G represent an extension of the mobile service provider model,
whereas WiFi comes out of the data communications industry
Table 1: WIFI AND WIMAX
Standard Max Freq. Application Area (LANs), which is a by-product of the computer industry
throughput Bands Spectrum policy and management
802.11 a 54 Mbps 5.5 GHZ LAN (Fixed & One of the key distinctions between 3G and WiFi is that 3G and
Mobile)-100 m other mobile technologies use licensed spectrum, while WiFi
802.11 b 11 Mbps 2.4 GHZ LAN (Fixed - uses unlicensed shared spectrum. This has important implications
Mobile)- 100 m
802.1 Ig 54 Mbps 2.4 GHZ LAN (Fixed- for
Mobile) -100 m Cost of Service
802.16 (Wi 70 Mbps 5 GHZ, WAN (Fixed)- Quality of Service (QoS)
max) 11 GHZ 50 Km Congestion Management,
Emerging WI-FI broadband applications Industry structure
1) The Benefits of Wi-Fi / WiMAX in rural regions: WI-Fl
deployment in rural communities offers opportunity on many Status oftechnology development is different.
fronts. Wi-Fi can cost effectively be deployed in weeks. The two technologies differ with respect to their stage of
Visitors and residents can travel around the community and development in a number of ways. These are discussed in the
maintain Internet access through their handheld wireless following subsections.
1. Deployment Status TABLE 2: 3G AND WIFI
While 3G licenses have been awarded in a number of 3g WIFI
markets at a high cost, there is only limited progress with Standard WCDMA, IEEE 802.11
respect to service Deployment. Large base of WiFi CDMA 2000
networking equipment has installed that is growing rapidly as Max speed 2mbps 54mbps
WiFi vendors have geared up to push wireless home networks Operations Cell phone Individuals
using the technology and are unlicensed. companies
License Yes No
2. Embedded Supportfor Services Coverage area Several km About 100m
Difference between 3G and WiFi is their embedded support Advantages Range, mobility Speed, cheap
for voice services. 3G is expressly designed as an upgrade Disadvantage Slow, Short range
technology for wireless voice telephony networks, so voice expensive
services are an intrinsic part of 3G. In contrast, WiFi
Provides a lower layer data communications service. For C. WI MAX VS 3G
example, with IP running over WiFi it is possible to support The differences between WIMAX and 3G are shown in the table.
Voice-over-IP telephony.
Another potential advantage of 3G over WiFi is that 3G TABLE 2: 3 G AND WIMAX
offers better support for Secure/private communications than 3g WI MAX
does WiFi.
Standard WCDMA, IEEE 802.16
CDMA2000
3. Standardization
Max speed 2mbps 10 to 100mbps
Broadly, formal standards picture for 3G is more clear than
for WLAN. For 3G, there is a relatively small family of Operations Cell phone Individuals
companies
Internationally sanctioned standards collectively referred to as License Yes Yes/no
WCDMA. However, there is still uncertainty as to which of Coverage area Several km Several km
these (or even if multiple ones) will be selected by service
providers. In contrast, WiFi is one of the family of Advantages Range, mobility Speed, long range
continuously evolving 802.1 Ix Wireless Ethernet standards, Disadvantage Slow, Interference
which is itself one of many WLAN technologies that are expensive
under development
V CONCLUSION
4. Service/Business Model WiFi is good for competition and has an extension to WI
3G is more developed than WiFi as a business and service MAX. WiFi and 3G complement each other for a mobile
model. It represents an Extension of the existing service provider. Success of WiFi is potentially good for multimedia
provider industry to new services. Whereas, WiFi is more content. At a long distance but with reduced bandwidth one can
developed with respect to the upstream supplier markets, at communicate with 3G efficiently. On the other hand WiFi can be
least with respect to WLAN equipment, which has become used to Communicate at a short distance but at a much higher
commoditized. Communicating with a 3G base station at a data rate. WI MAX is used to cover large area, which overcome
long distance but with reduced bandwidth or Communicating the disadvantage of WI Fl as discussed in the paper. Hence
with a WiFi base station at a short distance but at a much depending on the requirements, the technologies can coexist.
higher data rate will both consume batteries quickly.
VI REFERENCES
[1] Al Prendergast Why Wi-Fi? LV-CCLD August 12,2004
Nlobihtvvs.; Ba.nd dth [2] RFM (RF Monolithics,inc) WiMAX (Worldwide
Interoperability for Microwave Access)
[3] Understanding WiMAX and 3G for Portable/Mobile
Broadband Wireless Technical White Paper A Technical
Batndwi2th
Overview and Comparison of WiMAX and 3G Technologies
December 2004
[4] William Lehr Lee W. McKnight Wireless Internet Access:
3G vs. WiFi? August 23, 2002
[5] IMT -2000, GENEVA 2001-2002
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Fig 8: Band-width VIS Mlobility