This report researches the IEEE 802.16e technology and
markets. Early forecasts that commercialization of 4G technologies will start
not before 2010 are now being reconsidered, and several 4G technologies have
already been introduced, either on a commercial or trial basis. 4G
characteristics include the following:
Wireless data, voice, and video transmission
Packet-centric environment
Multimedia environment
At least several Mbps (and up) rate of transmission (may be asymmetrical) in the
mobile environment
Up to 1 Gbps rate of transmission in the stationary environment
Seamless cell transmission, including in-building and outdoor communications
with various technologies.
The 802.16e wireless MAN technology has several features that allow
characterizing it as belonging to the 4G family.
The report gives a detailed analysis of 802.16e technological and marketing
specifics. The report consists of five major sections. In section I, we provide
general considerations and introduction to the subject. Section II addresses
issues connected with a timely transition from the 3G era to the 4G era. Section
III is dedicated to the analysis of the 802.16e technology and markets. It
includes the following:
Specifics of 802.16d
The analysis of major enhancements for 802.16e
The analysis of 802.16e standards, including drafts
The analysis of the 802.16e certification process
The analysis of the 802.16e networks' subscriber bases
The analysis of the 802.16e service providers’ revenue
The analysis of the 802.16e equipment manufacturers’ sales revenue
The analysis of the 802.16e equipment vendors’ portfolios (more than 50
vendors).
Section IV is a brief survey of technologies that compete with 802.16e. Note
that our marketing analysis reflects some uncertainty in the direction of the
industry due to multiple candidates (with similar characteristics) for the 4G
MAN family of technologies. Section V is conclusions.
Major Report Findings
802.16e technology is in a more “mature” state than many competing technologies
This technology is supported by major standard organizations, such as the IEEE
and ITU
These organizations have already approved some 802.16e standards
The technology created a strong industrial basis. Manufacturers include chip and
platform vendors; this report analyzes portfolios of more than 50 such vendors
The 802.16e market geography shows that the North America and Asian (Korea and
Taiwan, in particular) regions are the most advanced in technology development
and network deployments
Many 802.16e products have already been certified by the Mobile WIMAX Forum
Multiple 802.16e-based networks exist around the globe. All major vendors (such
as Alcatel-Lucent, Motorola, and Siemens, among others) are involved in such
network deployments and trials
Multiple applications, including public safety communications, intelligent
transportation system, and high-speed Internet, are helping to create a
multibillion-dollar 802.16e market
All factors above allow making a conclusion that the 802.16e technology is an
advanced 4G candidate. It is too early to make a prediction regarding 4G roads
and turns, but this report shows the value of 802.16e, and, based on the
existing phase of high-speed wireless MAN technologies development projects, a
bright future for mobile WiMAX.
Research Methodology
Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various Web
sites was studied and analyzed; evaluation of publicly available marketing and
technical publications was also conducted. Telephone conversations and
interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts, and executives.
In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were
used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including
industry and trade publications, conferences, and seminars.
The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and
relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the
information content.
Target Audience
This report provides the IEEE 802.16e technology and market analysis and
assessments that are useful for service providers, vendors, network operators
and managers, enterprise IT staff, investors, and end users seeking to gain a
deeper understanding of 802.16e opportunities and barriers.
For systems vendors, integrators, and others, the report provides an analysis
and assessment of competing products currently available, as well as an estimate
of the overall opportunities in the coming years. End users can gain a more
thorough understanding of a product’s market and capabilities as well as the
economics of using 4G technologies to improve cost-efficiency. |
