Evaluating WMAN Technologies: Microwave, Millimeter Wave, and Beyond

This report provides an overview of Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN) technologies, comparing and contrasting various options for implementation in a metropolitan setting. The report begins with an introduction to WMANs, explaining their purpose and applications. It then delves into several key technologies, including microwave, millimeter wave (MMW), MIMO OFDM broadband radio, and free space optics. Each technology is evaluated based on several factors including cost, data capacity, service area, installation speed, and security. The report concludes with a recommendation for ZeeTech, suggesting microwave technology as the most suitable choice due to its cost-effectiveness, high bandwidth, extensive coverage, and ease of deployment. The analysis is supported by references to relevant literature in the field of wireless networking and communication technologies.

Running head: Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN) Technologies 1
Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN) Technologies
Name
Affiliate Institution

Running head: Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN) Technologies 2
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Microwave.......................................................................................................................................3
Millimeter Wave (MMW)...............................................................................................................3
MIMO OFDM Broadband Radio....................................................................................................3
Free Space Optics............................................................................................................................4
Recommendation.............................................................................................................................4
Reference.........................................................................................................................................5

Running head: Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN) Technologies 3
Introduction
Wireless metropolitan area networks (WMANs) which allows users to identify wireless networks
between several areas in a city. WMAN can be used in cases where wired network become
unavailable. WMANs can utilize technologies such as microwave, millimeter wave, broadband
radio, free space and Wi-Fi Hotspots. (Burbank, 2013).
Microwave
This technology covers long distance, dedicated bandwidth and high capacity. Its links include
full indoor, full outdoor, broadcast links and split mount to meet the different client needs for
metropolitan scale microwave networks (Westcott & Coleman, 2015).
Cost: initial cost is relatively lower as in other technologies because no physical components are
needed.
Data capacity: 400(364) Mbps and 800(728) Mbps for High performance microwave radios
Offers up to and 1.6Gbps and higher up to 3Gbps for full duplex payload.
Service Area: up to radius of 100km
Installation speed: faster to set up
Security: Subject to Electromagnetic and Other Interference
Millimeter Wave (MMW)
Provides between 100mbps and 2.5 Gbps bandwidth in 60-90 GHz in Today’s Millimeter Wave
(MMW) products offers 100Mbps up to 2.5 Gbps throughput in 60-90GHz range. It is a wireless
transmission technology with very fast point to point connections. In metropolitan areas with
congested frequencies it provides high speed connections (In Kim & In Joukov, 2017).
Cost: Relatively higher cost than microwave
Data capacity: 100Mbps to 2.5 Gbps
Service Area: up to radius of 20km

Running head: Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN) Technologies 4
Installation speed: slower than microwave
Security: Better security and privacy compared to microwave
MIMO OFDM Broadband Radio
This technology operates on lower frequencies in the 2-6GHz to offer point to multipoint or
point to point connections. Current technology provides carrier-class broadband radio devices
with capacity of 867Mbps in either unlicensed or licensed bands. Widely used in wireless ISP,
business enterprises, CCTV applications and governments. Orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplexing (OFDM) is a technology which addresses the problem of signal bouncing and
allows Non-line-of-sight broadcasting though buildings, trees and other structures. It can be
deployed in architectures like star, bus, mesh ring among others.
MIMO technology utilizes several dimensional streams on similar frequency to boost rates of
data 2- 4 times speed of non-MIMO devices (Angelescu, 2010).
Cost: initial cost relatively high compared to other technologies.
Data capacity: up to 867Mbps
Service Area: up to radius of 20km
Installation speed: takes relatively a longer time
Security: Better security and privacy compared to microwave
Free Space Optics
This technology is based on optical communication that uses tweaked light to propagate data
broadcasting through the atmosphere wirelessly. This differs from fibre optic which utilizes
guided media such as fibre to transmit optical signals. This technology utilizes infrared light
either LED or laser equipment. Free Space Optics typically uses transmission in the infrared
bands using either Laser or LED devices. It offers high rates of data, superior beam collimation
and high power output. Compared to microwave and Millimeter waves, it does not suffer from
attenuation. Affected by atmospherically conditions such as dust storms, snow and thick fog

Running head: Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN) Technologies 5
which limits link reliability between 1-4km depending on location. Covers connection up to
4km and capacity of up to 1.5Gbps (Burbank, 2013).
Cost: very low initial cost
Data capacity: up to 1.5Gbps
Service Area: up to radius of 4km
Installation speed: very simple and takes less than 1 hour
Security: line of sight operations makes it’s a secure system.
Recommendation
Therefore, if ZeeTech is considering implementing a WMAN technology then microwave is the
best. This is because it is relatively cheaper to install compared to other technologies, higher
bandwidth, large coverage area and ease of installation. This will link all its offices across
Melbourne as well as provide mobile wireless access to the field workers that need to travel
between different sites in a city.

Running head: Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN) Technologies 6
Reference
Westcott, D. A., & Coleman, D. D. (2015). CWNA certified wireless network administrator.
Indianapolis, Indiana : John Wiley & Sons
In Kim, K. J., & In Joukov, N. (2017). Mobile and wireless technologies. Singapore : Springer.
Angelescu, S. (2010). CCNA certification all-in-one for dummies. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.
Burbank, J. L. (2013). Wireless networking: Understanding internetworking challenges.
Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.