Implementation of a Smart Antenna Base Station for Mobile WiMAX Based on OFDMA

Abstract

We present an implementation of a mobile-WiMAX (m-WiMAX) base station (BS) that supports smart antenna (SA) functionality. To implement the m-WiMAX SA BS, we must address a number of key issues in baseband signal processing related to symbol-timing acquisition, the beamforming scheme, and accurate calibration. We propose appropriate solutions and implement an m-WiMAX SA BS accordingly. Experimental tests were performed to verify the validity of the solutions. Results showed a 3.5-time (5.5 dB) link-budget enhancement on the uplink compared to a single antenna system. In addition, the experimental results were consistent with the results of the computer simulation.