Integrated Broadband Wireless Network

Abstract

Telecommunication systems based on wireless technology (Wi-Fi, WiMax, Sat DVB-RCS, etc.) offer more than others systems, the opportunity to provide a wide range of broadband services and applications. There are some circumstances where these systems contribute to solve the problem of need of communications such as, for example, for communication restoration during emergencies and catastrophic events as well as for communication services deployment in rural suburban areas typically affected by “digital divide”. This paper presents a proposal for an unique integrated wireless network system, mainly based on TCP-IP protocol, which provides a wide range of applications like voice, video, internet browsing, data access, etc. A specific section of the paper is dedicated to WiMax technology and, to evidentiate the performances of this innovative technology, some results of the trials carried out in Italy in 2005–2006 by Fondazione Ugo Bordoni (FUB) and Ministry of Communications, are reported. 1 Communication Network Architecture The main characteristics of the proposed integrated satellite and terrestrial communication network system (see Fig. 1), capable to provide broadband services for fixed and mobile users with high availability are: ● it allows the interoperability among existing terrestrial wireless networks (2G, 3G, WiFi/WiMax, Tetra, IP, etc.) ● it includes star/mesh satellite networks operating with transparent or regenerative transponders based on hub gateways interconnected with terrestrial networks. 1.1 Wireless and Satellite Network Integration To give the possibility, for large communities of users, to access to IP applications and services on broadband networks, the Wireless Broadband Network (WBN) Architecture shown in Fig. 2 has been considered. The main blocks of this architecture are: ● Wireless Access and Distribution Network (WADN) ● Satellite and Wireless User Terminals (SWUT) ● Satellite Network Access Point (SNAP) 742 Satellite Communications and Navigation Systems ● Mobile Integrated Station (MIS) ● Service Centre (SC) A detailed description of these blocks will be given in the next paragraphs. 2 Some Applications and Services for the WBN Typical applications for the WBN, described in the present paper, are – communication restoration during emergency events; – contribute to reduce the digital divide. Remote Station Sensor System Remote Station Sensor System Semote Station Sensor System Emergency Control Unit Backup Control Centre Main Control Centre Transportable Station Remote Station WiFi-WiMax Fig. 1. Communication network bock diagram.