On selection of proper IEEE 802.16-based standard for Aeronautical Mobile Airport surface Communications (AeroMACS) application

A new aviation-specific transmission technology based on the WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) IEEE 802.16e-based standard; over a newly available C-band allocation (5091-5150 MHz), has been recently recommended for the airport surface wireless communications network now known as Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communications System (AeroMACS). The proposed standards will be used to support fixed and mobile ground to ground applications and services. It has been established that no technical obstacle exists that would prevent the application of WiMAX networks to AeroMACS. In this article WiMAX networks and some of their salient features are briefly reviewed. The challenges of broadband radio communications through airport surface channels are discussed. A major concern about deployment of AeroMACS over the 5091-5150 MHz band is interference to co-allocated applications such as the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) feeder link. This limits the power levels that are allowed for AeroMACS networks. We propose an investigation into the feasibility of the application of IEEE 802.16j Amendment (relay-based multi-hop network) to AeroMACS. The potential benefits of multihop relay configuration for AeroMACS networks are identified. Perhaps the most relevant benefit of the multihop relay configuration to AeroMACS is the flexible and cost effective radio range extension that it provides for airport areas shadowed by large constructions and natural obstacles without raising the required network power levels.