Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) Network Detector and Traffic Analyzer

With domestic and international acceptance of the WiMAX protocol (IEEE 802.16), we can expect high growth in future deployments. This growth will enable widespread availability of low cost, high bandwidth, mobile data communications. The 802.16 standard has been amended to 802.16e (Mobile WiMAX) that enables cellular delivery of high speed data to mobile terminals. The deployment of Mobile WiMAX changes the paradigm of cellular service by offering Voice over IP, thus unifying voice and data traffic. Government agencies responsible for collection of signal and communication intelligence will require devices to prosecute this standard. DRT proposes to develop a WiMAX Network Analyzer (WNA) capability for use in DRT software defined receivers and transceivers. The WNA would rapidly scan the bands of interest, detect valid WiMAX base-stations and mobile-stations, monitor physical and MAC layers, and monitor/analyze packet traffic. Evolution of the WNA is envisioned to provide base station capability to interrogate mobile stations and mobile capability to enable network probing. Phase I of this program will fund detailed research into the technical aspects of a WiMAX Network Analyzer architecture and enable planning for the development of a prototype unit under Phase II.