|
|
 |
|
Viewing report
|
|
|
|
Mobile WiMAX, xMax and 3G LTE - Analysis of Mobile Broadband Technologies
Frost & Sullivan, June 2007, Pages: 43
This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Mobile WiMAX, xMax and 3G LTE - Analysis of Mobile Broadband Technologies provides a detailed analysis of the various broadband wireless access technologies emerging in the European market. Some of the underlying issues pertaining to these technologies are focused upon. The study also offers an insight into how these technologies will deliver an experience that is similar to that offered to users in the fixed broadband space. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: 3G Long Term Evolution (LTE), Mobile WiMAX and xMax.
Emerging Mobile Broadband Technologies to Revolutionise the Wireless Industry
Despite Western Europe having achieved more than 100 per cent mobile cellular penetration, with some users having multiple subscriptions, not many cellular carriers have attained reasonable return on investment (ROI) after spending billions of dollars in acquiring third generation (3G) spectrum and rolling out related networks.
'European carriers’ dependence on voice to increase average revenue per user (ARPU) can no longer be a driving factor, given the prevailing saturated market and various alternatives such as voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and reduced local as well as roaming call charges due to regulatory policies', notes the analyst of this research service. 'Hence, carriers are now keenly looking at various next-generation mobile broadband technologies so as to increase their ARPU in data applications and remain profitable in the long term'. Of the current world population, which is close to 6.6 billion, more than 62 per cent are still not connected to a cellular network. This paves the way for various emerging wireless technologies such as xMax by xG Technology and Mobile WiMAX to make major inroads into the market.
Disadvantages of TDD: Challenge Faced by Mobile WiMAX
However, there are key challenges facing Mobile WiMAX. Time Division Duplex (TDD) gives an addition of 25 to 50 per cent more sites required when compared to Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) due to lower average power, which has a resulting impact on the link budget of the system, thus leading to unacceptable huge penalties. Regardless of any wireless broadband wide area network (WAN) technology, (3G or Mobile WiMAX), the core networks represent approximately 15 to 20 per cent of the total deployment costs, while radio access network (RAN) represents 60 to 70 per cent of the capital expenditure. Considering that Mobile WiMAX base stations cost anywhere between €30,000 and €130,000 (Macro BTS, high-end, single digit quantities), they are not as cost-effective in comparison to existing cellular infrastructure. 'While Mobile WiMAX been allocated spectrum further down the frequency band in comparison to 3G, the propagation properties of the signals will be far less compelling than that of 3G due to the laws of physics,' notes the analyst. 'Hence, current 3G systems require as few as one-sixth of as many cell sites to a Mobile WiMAX network. As a result, more WiMAX base stations will need to be deployed to achieve coverage and performance characteristics at par with that of 3G systems.'
In the context of the Mobile WiMAX Forum certification, several Mobile WiMAX vendors are directly opting for Wave 2 certification, which are compliant with Wave 1, as stand-alone Wave 1 certification will not test for MIMO and beamforming, which is vital for enhanced indoor coverage and throughput. In addition, testing for adaptive modulation and coding (AMC), IPv6 support, limited Quality of Services (QoS) features as well as limited handover and power management features will not be part of Wave 1 certification. Therefore, a Wave 1 certified Mobile WiMAX CPE cannot support a Wave 2 certified network, since Wave 1 supports only single-input, single output (SISO), while Wave 2 supports MIMO and beamforming. Wave 1 certification will also embrace products in the 3.5 GHz profile with channelisation in the 7 MHz, but this will be futile since in most countries worldwide, this band is reserved for fixed services due to regulatory issues.
Customers who bought this item also bought
European Mobile Broadband (EuMoBro) - Melee Between 3G LTE and Mobile WiMAX
Definitive Guide to the Broadband Wireless 2008: WiMAX, WiFi, LTE, and 4G
3G Network Evolution from 2007 to 2012: HSPA+, LTE, WiMAX and Femtocells
Beyond 3G - Bringing Networks, Terminals and the Web Together: LTE, WiMAX, IMS, 4G Devices and the Mobile Web 2.0
Mobile Broadband Markets - WiMAX, EV-DO, HSPA & Beyond, 2007-2012
WiMAX: Technology for Broadband Wireless Access
Mobile WiMAX
Wireless Broadband Forecasts for 2008–2015: HSPA, HSPA+, EV-DO, LTE and WiMAX
Broadband Wireless Systems (WiMAX) Market Opportunities, Strategies, and Forecasts, 2007 to 2013
The Road to 4G: LTE and WiMAX Lead the Way Worldwide
3G, WiMAX, ADSL and the Future of African Broadband: Projections, Economics and Best Practices
Broadband Wireless Access - Potential for Mobile WiMAX & Alternative BWA Technologies
|
|
|
|
