WiMax Training

The pre-learning for this course contains 4 hours of self study based on an interactive e-learning format. The key objectives are to understand the drivers for and the role of WiMAX. It describes the architecture of a WiMAX network supporting fixed and mobile services and summarizes the 802.16 air interface and its application. The pre-learning is consolidated with a test of understanding.

This course is structured into 10 sections covering:

1. WiMAX Players and Drivers
Expanding on material covered in the pre-learning, this section focuses on the drivers behind WiMAX. It discusses the key players, as well as the main features supported by WiMAX. The section concludes with a discussion on WiMAX system profiles, certification profiles and releases.

2. WiMAX Architectures
This section details the WiMAX Network Reference Model, describing features such as ASN Profiles A, B and C, Base Stations and ASN Gateway functionality. In addition, the MAC and Physical layers are introduced, along with the concept of a CID. Finally, the CSN architecture and WiMAX reference points are discussed.

3. The 802.16 Physical Layers
This section focuses on OFDM and OFDMA concepts. For each, the frame structure and burst concept are examined. The section outlines the use of scaleable OFDMA, including the use of PUSC and FUSC zones in Mobile WiMAX. Finally, basic radio planning for fixed and mobile networks is discussed.

4. 802.16 Medium Access Control
This section examines the functions of MAC, discussing the generic MAC header, sub-headers and payload formats. In addition, the different CID’s are identified, as well as the mapping to MAC signalling messages. Finally, the MAC CS layer, security, scheduling, bandwidth allocation and feedback are addressed.

5. WiMAX Initial Procedures
The process of system acquisition is detailed in this section. This includes network selection, downlink synchronization, ranging, capabilities exchange and registration. The Normal Mode and Sleep Mode concepts are discussed, in addition to the initial service flows and IP allocation methods.

6. End to End Security
This section focuses on WiMAX Security. It discusses AAA Concepts including encryption, integrity and authentication. It examines the WiMAX Security Architecture, discussing where and how security is applied. Finally, the section explores the EAP SIM / USIM and certificate based authentication methods.

7. WiMAX Service Flows
This section focuses on service flow characteristics such as bandwidth, jitter, delay and error rates. It identifies how they are provisioned, admitted and made active. In addition, the concept of mapping services to service flows is examined. Finally, it discusses scheduling and policy, service flow identities and GRE.

8. WiMAX Transport and QoS
This section discusses the issues surrounding QoS within packet switched networks. It focuses on Air Interface scheduling services, Ethernet in the ASN, VLAN concepts and priority through IEEE 802.1Q/p tagging. It also focuses on IPv4 and IPv6 QoS tagging, as well as the use of MPLS.

9. Connecting using WiMAX
The call control and data service architecture is discussed in this section. This includes the call servers and IMS concepts and in so doing, the end to end scenarios for establishing a voice, video and web data session are explored. Finally, the issue of  resource allocation is examined.

10. WiMAX Mobility
The final section focuses on ASN Idle Mode procedures, cell selection and reselection, ASN Anchored Mobility and CSN Anchored Mobility. The Scanning and Association, Handover criteria, HHO, FBSS, MDHO and planning concepts are also examined. Finally, Mobile IP and its procedures are discussed.