Contact an Expert

WiMAX™ Implementation of MIMO

Mobile WiMAX™ is based on the IEEE 802.16e standard but is evolving in waves as it overcomes market limitations. Wave 2 products include MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) techniques. The techniques used with the smart antenna technology of MIMO makes it possible to put more data into a wireless connection and extend the range. It is expected that Mobile WiMAX with MIMO will be able to carry approximately 4x more traffic than today’s 3G networks. In this case, wireless video becomes more realistic. The unique aspect of the MIMO implementation is the use of OFDMA. In OFDMA user data bursts overlap in time. This maximizes data flow in a complex environment.

  Figure 1. OFDMA burst structure.
  OFDMA Burst Structure

At any one point in time, there is data from multiple bursts available on different subchannels, as shown on the Y axis of Figure 1. These subchannels are logical arrangements of subcarriers, not physical arrangements of subcarriers. Therefore, adjacent subcarriers may actually belong to different subchannel groupings and be different modulation formats. While each data burst may only use one modulation format, adjacent subcarriers may have different modulation formats. And because each burst is unique, the pilot locations will be at many different subcarrier locations. The end result is a complexity not found in OFDM.

The complexity drives more sophisticated testing. Agilent is on the forefront of this testing. Greater insight. Greater confidence. Accelerate next-generation wireless.

Sources: Agilent Webinars, Wikipedia, wi-fiplanet.com

Related Links

  • N7109A Multi-Channel Signal Analysis System N7109A Multi-Channel Signal Analyzer 
    N7109A Multi-Channel Signal Analysis System

    N7109A Multi-Channel Signal Analyzer

    N7109A multi-channel signal analyzer offers frequency up to 6 GHz and analysis up to 40 MHz, with fast MIMO, beamforming and multi-band carrier aggregation measurements for up to 8 RF channels.

    View Details

  • N5106A PXB baseband generator and channel emulator N5106A PXB Baseband Generator and Channel Emulator 
    N5106A PXB baseband generator and channel emulator

    N5106A PXB Baseband Generator and Channel Emulator

    N5106A PXB baseband generator and channel emulators offer customizable test cases/design validation, broad range of test parameters, signal-propagation environment modeling with real-time channel emulation, and Signal Studio software support.

    View Details

  • Signal Studio for 802.16 WiMAX N7615B Signal Studio for Mobile WiMAX™ 
    Signal Studio for 802.16 WiMAX

    N7615B Signal Studio for Mobile WiMAX™

    N7615B Signal Studio enables creation of 802.16 WiMAX signals for testing WiBro/Mobile WiMAX (802.16e) components/receivers with basic and advanced capabilities. Convenient access to physical/basic MAC layer parameters.

    View Details

  • E6651A Mobile WiMAX Test Set E6651A Mobile WiMAX Test Set 
    E6651A Mobile WiMAX Test Set

    E6651A Mobile WiMAX Test Set

    Flexible WiMAX base station emulation for subscriber station test. Provides network entry, traffic connection, data transfer and RF tests plus the ability to stress, test and debug protocol and data handling

    View Details

  • W2365 W2365EP Wireless Networking Libraries Element 
    W2365

    W2365EP Wireless Networking Libraries Element

    Provides PHY level systems/models that conform to Wireless Connectivity Standards providing “Golden Reference” models to simulate and verify algorithm and system performance early in the design phase.

    View Details

  • Option B7Y WiMAX Mobile measurements with dynamic help image 89601B-B7Y WiMAX 802.16 Modulation Analysis 
    Option B7Y WiMAX Mobile measurements with dynamic help image

    89601B-B7Y WiMAX 802.16 Modulation Analysis

    Option B7Y measures from the frame down to the bit level of mobile/fixed WiMAX OFDMA signals.

    View Details

  • W2365 W2365ET Wireless Networking Libraries Element 
    W2365

    W2365ET Wireless Networking Libraries Element

    Provides PHY level systems/models that conform to Wireless Connectivity Standards providing “Golden Reference” models to simulate and verify algorithm and system performance early in the design phase.

    View Details

  • N6030A Arbitrary Waveform Generator N6030A Arbitrary Waveform Generator, 15-Bit, 1.25 GS/s 
    N6030A Arbitrary Waveform Generator

    N6030A Arbitrary Waveform Generator, 15-Bit, 1.25 GS/s

    Agilent's N6030A arbitrary waveform generator delivers unprecedented performance for creation of complex wideband waveforms

    View Details

  • no image available RF & Microwave Test Accessories 
    no image available

    RF & Microwave Test Accessories

    Agilent provides a wide range of test accessories to meet your specific application. Learn about the latest new products and support information for switches, attenuators, amplifiers, detectors and many more.

    Learn More