WiMAX does possess NLOS capabilities, although how much and to what extent
will vary depending on the spectrum bands being used. Non line of sight
indicates that the signal from a radio is received by either passing through
impeding objects, such as tree tops, walls or even in some cases buildings or is
received as a reflection from another building, body of water or land feature.
In both cases the broadcasting radio is completely or at least partially
obscured by some obstruction.
WiMAX radios utilize many of the best current techniques for receiving reflected
signals from objects (such reflected signals are called multipath). Some
of these incorporate antenna diversity techniques. The OFDM modulation
favored by the first iteration of WiMAX actually takes advantage of reflected
signals allowing radios to integrate multiple reflected signals to improve
signal strength and accuracy. The Mobile WiMAX technique of OFDMA® also
advantageously integrates both in phase (or directly returned signal responses)
and out of phase multipath signals (reflections of returned signals that bounce
from other objects—resulting in their returning slower) to create an
ultimately stronger signal.
Additionally, for WiMAX radios that are built for service in licensed bands
(currently 2.5 GHz in the US and 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz Internationally – although
other licensed spectrums below 11 GHz will be used in other profiles in future)
the additional power allowed in these bands (typically around 40 Watts) permit
signal to actually penetrate through some tree cover and building walls.
There are limits posed by the physics of the spectrum range in question and
power allotted. In general NLOS ranges in the 2.5 GHz band will mostly
fall between 6-8 Kilometers (4-5 Miles). Expect additional technology to
follow in coming years. The innovation curve for WiMAX should continue to
be very steep.
In 2005 support for both Adaptive Antenna Systems sometimes called multiple
input multiple output (MIMO) and beamforming antenna techniques were added to
the mobile WiMAX standard. Both technologies will be incorporated in
Mobile WiMAX technology. and significantly improves gain and thus signal
strength and reliability for users. Competing camps tout the various
approaches and which is best is open to interpretation and probably the
specifics of the application desired. Navini is a company, now owned by
Cisco, championing beamforming while ArrayComm’s technology would be one
expected to be widely used with AAS/MIMO systems. Currently Mobile WiMAX
technology is heavily invested with companies using MIMO and some type of AAS.
As the first Clearwire mobile systems come online (the company is testing its
first markets now as is Sprint) they will incorporate this technology.
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