WiMAX Concepts and RF Measurements

This application note is intended for engineers that need an overall understanding of the basic RF characteristics of the 256 carrier OFDM air interface defined in 802.16-2004 and the specific RF parametric measurement techniques that can be performed with Agilent test solutions.

The 802.16-2004 standard describes four different air interfaces. One of these interfaces is optimized for non-line-of-sight, RF frequencies less than 11 GHz, and distances up to 30 km. Although the standard has officially named this PHY layer as WirelessMAN-OFDM, many people refer to this as the WiMAX air interface. The basic characteristics of the air interface are 256 carrier OFDM, bandwidths that range from 1.25 MHz to 20 MHz, and carrier frequencies up to 11 GHz.