Project outline

Theoretically, WiFi technology, which is used extensively for wireless network or internet connection, can provide data throughput rates ranging from 11 to 54 megabits per second over a few hundred metres. In practice, however, while throughput is often mitigated somewhat by obstacles (concrete or metal walls, crowds, etc.), WiFi (or standard 802.11) meets most business and consumer needs thanks to its flexibility and low cost.

Development in wireless technology has gone hand in hand with a growing demand for higher throughput rates, longer range, and, above all, greater mobility. In response, WiMAX technology (or standard 802.16) promises a range of at least 35 kilometres, a non-line-of-sight connection, mobile service, and throughput rates up to 70 megabits per second.

There are, however, many problems to resolve before WiMAX can deliver on its performance promise, mainly, to ensure non-line-of-sight connections and serve mobile clients.

The WiMAX project team is exploring various ways of resolving the current trade-off between mobility and throughput, including evaluating the effectiveness of multiple-element antennas, optimizing digital signal-processing, and integrating the WiMAX signalling format associated with radio communications. Prior to these objectives, algorithms must be developed to increase transmission speed and extend the range without increasing power requirements.

Download the scientific overview (pdf)

Results to date

• Study WiMAX base station subsystems
• Develop new signal-processing algorithms for base-station-to-wireless-device downlink
• also see Publications
  

Our partners

• Ultra Electronics
• Ultra Electronics Chair
• ISR-Technologies

• Prompt

Team members

Professors: Claude Thibeault, Ammar B. Koubi, Yvon Savaria, Jean-Jacques Laurin
Specialist: Mathieu Hémon and Laurent Mouysset
Students: Sacha Atwal, Youness Nohair and Nicolas Porcher
Ultra Electronics TCS team: Dominique Dubouil, Doan Nguyen Vo, Michael Darsigny, Denis Couillard, Peter Perodeau and Walter Martens
ISR-T team: Naïm Batani and Larry Zakaïb

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