Real-time validation of a SDR implementation of TDD WiMAX standard

Abstract

[Abstract]: This paper focuses on the validation of an innovative software- defined radio architecture for a WiMAX system based on commercially available field-programmable gate array and digital signal processor modules. We provide a realtime implementation of a standard-compliant time-division duplex physical layer including a mobile and a base station as well as downlink and uplink communications, thus obtaining a full-featured physical layer. Additionally, a set of different configurations are supported as described in the standard and in the WiMAX Forum. The main contribution of the paper consists in a reproducible and repeatable validation of the implementation in representative scenarios. At the same time, a characterization of the performance exhibited by the system is provided based on bit error rate measurements carried out using a custom-made, real-time channel emulator.