Deployment and Capacity of Mobile WiMAX from High Altitude Platform

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the deployment and capacity of delivering mobile WiMAX based on IEEE 802.16e-2005 from aerial platform such as High Altitude Platforms (HAPs). A urban scenario and an suburban scenario with mobile broadband usages as complement or substitute to the fixed Internet connection are developed to compare the delivery of broadband services from terrestrial and aerial platforms. A deployment strategy is based on maximizing and meeting the networking traffic demand and coverage area. In the end, a comparison based on cell radii and capacities between services from aerial platforms and existing terrestrial based solutions, such as universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) and high speed packet access (HSPA) is proposed. Currently, most research has been done to develop advanced technologies to enhance standards to support a higher data rate in a cost-effective way for wireless communication systems. From analysis and investigation, aerial platform can provide a cost-effective solution for a large area with a medium to high traffic demand.