An Analysis of Smart Antenna Usage for WiMAX Vehicular Communications

TLDR: In this article, the authors present results of an experimental, simulation-based study, for mobile WiMAX V2I communications for different mobile station (MS) speeds, applicable to both omni-directional and beam forming smart antenna use.

Abstract: WiMAX communications for vehicular use is a topic of significant interest in the research and industry communities, for both V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) and V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure) scenarios. This paper presents results of an experimental, simulation-based study, for mobile WiMAX V2I communications for different mobile station (MS) speeds. The scenario results are applicable to both omni-directional and beam forming smart antenna use. This study describes a database consolidation process in order to determine multi-dimensional regions where different lower layer parameters have influence on the overall performance of WiMAX V2I communications. Based on the multi-dimensional graphs, optimal parameter sets and network topology information can be provided by the network operator to vehicular MS, (e.g. a car or a train), providing essential support for the mobile station’s smart antenna tracking systems and allow adaptation of the major WiMAX parameters to its speed and network topology.