Wireless Connectivity

Next generation wireless broadband much closer than we think

Widespread wireless broadband, with better quality services beyond urban areas, is a lot closer thanks to recent advances made by European researchers.

The next generation of broadband wireless networks is set to be simpler, cheaper for both operators and consumers, and more efficient than current technology permits – due to the innovative use of relay stations to boost signals from base stations.

The EU-funded Fireworks project claims to be able to deliver fourth-generation (4G) broadband wireless access (BWA) systems to remote communities despite difficult terrain and low population densities.

It concentrated on OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing access) based networks and specifically those designed for BWA. WiMax and wifi. OFDMA networks have different characteristics and deliver signals in a different way to traditional fixed-line and cellular networks.

“Relay stations are much smaller than base stations and are much easier to deploy – they can be fixed onto lamp posts for example,” says Fireworks technical manager Dr Antonis Valkanas. “They also should only cost around one-fifth of the price, as the intelligence is in the base station and, unlike base stations, they do not require a directed backhaul connection to the Internet.”

Furthermore, Fireworks systems will, for the first time, also be able to provide seamless switching between WiMax and wifi networks, so that individuals on the move, with a mobile device or laptop, will not notice the change from one to the other.

Valkanas explains that the project has been able to deliver new algorithms, which ensure that, whatever transmission protocol is used, the best combination and clearest reception is assured.

With this problem solved, it is possible to extend the range of networks into previously inaccessible areas, whether due to high cost or rough terrain. It also is now possible to boost reception in urban blackspots by positioning relays where base stations are not feasible.

While the main benefits of Fireworks are not likely to be felt until the next generation of BWA networks starts rolling out in Europe, from 2010, a prototype system has been developed to prove the viability of the relaying concept – and the EU is now funding a follow-up project (Rocket) with the same core consortium.

The systems developed in Rocket will conform with the latest BWA standards, including 802.16m, which are now going through the IEEE approval process, according to Valkanas. More importantly, though, Rocket will expand the scope of relay coverage from the single base station hop of Fireworks to a multi-hop configuration, with one or more base stations sending signals on to relay stations, which then retransmit to others.

Author
Brian Tinham

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