On the scalability of fixed broadband wireless access network deployment

Fixed broadband wireless access systems, such as the local multipoint distribution service, use an open system architecture that supports a scalable solution for Internet services over IEEE 802.16 wireless networks. This article presents an overview of various features of BWA systems toward realizing a high level of scalability to support a potentially fast expanding network. This is achieved by optimizing various network resources, which include utilizing the available bandwidth efficiently, making a minor enhancement to an existing system that minimizes the disruption to network services during the network expansion process, and combining the benefits of different features to increase network capacity.