IEEE 802.16a-2003

This standard specifies the physical layer and medium access control layer of the air interface of interoperable fixed point-to-multipoint (and, in license-exempt bands, optional mesh topology) broadband wireless access systems (e.g., those supporting data rates of DS1/E1 or greater). The specification enables access to data, video, and voice services with a specified quality of service in licensed bands designated for public network access and license-exempt bands. It applies to systems operating between 2 and 11 GHz, where such services are permitted. This Amendment expands the scope of the IEEE Standard 802.16 by extending it to bands between 2-11 GHz, whereas the scope of the original project was limited to 10-66 GHz.

To enable rapid worldwide deployment of innovative, cost-effective and interoperable multi-vendor broadband wireless access products. To facilitate competition in broadband access by providing wireless alternatives to wireline broadband access. To facilitate coexistence studies, provide mechanisms for coexistence with other license-exempt band systems such as 802.11 and 802.15, encourage consistent worldwide allocation, and accelerate the commercialization of broadband wireless access spectrum. Utilization of frequencies from 2 to 11 GHz will address a market that includes residences, Small Office-Home Office (SOHO), telecommuters and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME).

Amendment Standard - Superseded. Superseded by IEEE Std 802.16-2004. This document amends IEEE Std 802.16-2001 by enhancing the medium access control layer and providing additional physical layer specifications in support of broadband wireless access at frequencies from 2-11 GHz. The resulting standard specifies the air interface of fixed (stationary) broadband wireless access systems providing multiple services. The medium access control layer is capable of supporting multiple physical layer specifications optimized for the frequency bands of application. The standard includes particular physical layer specifications applicable to systems operating between 2 and 66 GHz. It supports point-to-multipoint and optional mesh topologies.