Mobile WiMAX system performance - simulated versus experimental results

This paper addresses the downlink performance of mobile WiMAX operating at 2.3 GHz in an urban environment. The analysis includes a comparison of simulated and experimental results. Simulated packet error rate (PER) versus signal to noise ratio (SNR) graphs are generated on a per link-speed basis using a fully compliant 512 carrier mobile WiMAX simulator. Experimental data is gathered using a carrier-class basestation, a mobile-WiMAX enabled laptop, and a suite of application layer logging software. An H264 AVC encoder and IP packetisation unit is used to transmit video to a mobile client. Results show strong agreement in terms of simulated and captured PER. Using this data, the downlink operating range is evaluated as a function of the Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) and path loss exponent. Results indicate that at low EIRP (32 dBm) the expected outdoor operating range is around 200-400 m. Applying the UK OFCOM regulations for licensed operation in the 2.5 GHz band, downlink operation in excess of 2 km can be achieved.