A Ranging Process in IEEE 802.16 Relay System

Abstract

With the introduction of relay networks in IEEE 802.16 systems, modifications of the conventional system configuration are necessary. Although the standardization work of IEEE 802.16 relay systems is ongoing by the IEEE 802.16 relay task group, a few problems to be solved and optimized still exist. Among them, this article addresses a problem of ranging processes in the existing draft standard, and provides the solution. First, a thorough study of IEEE 802.16 relay systems and ranging processes is provided. Second, a problem of the existing ranging algorithm is stated, which considers the ranging transmit power control algorithm and the effect of the interference between MS-BS ranging (i.e. ranging between mobile station and base station), and MS-RS ranging (i.e. ranging between mobile station and relay station). Third, a solution of the described problem is provided, and modifications of the existing draft standard are proposed. Fourth, the performance of both existing and proposed ranging algorithms are analyzed and evaluated. A benefit of this article will be the provision of a guideline for the design of IEEE 802.16 relay systems.