Enhanced Operation Modes in IEEE 802.16 and Integration with Optical MANs

Wireless technology evolution permits users to be always connected to IP-based services through IP-based devices. Furthermore, thanks to wireless technology progresses, wirelessly connected users may now exploit a bandwidth comparable to the one provided by copper-based access technologies (e.g., xDSL). WiMAX (i.e., IEEE 802.16) is one of the wireless technologies with such potential. This paper addresses IEEE 802.16 aspects, from the enhanced modes of operations to the wireless/wired MAN integration. In particular, the paper focuses on advanced physical layer technologies for wireless transmission such as Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antennas and Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC), the optional IEEE 802.16 Mesh mode of operation, and the integration of wireless and wired/optical Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). Current status and issues are presented and solutions are proposed.