Understanding WiMAX Network Architecture and Interfaces

This page describes the WiMAX network architecture and its key elements. The WiMAX architecture diagram illustrates the interfaces between these elements. A WiMAX system typically consists of a Subscriber Station (SS) or Mobile Station (MS), a Base Station (BS), an ASN (Access Service Network) gateway, and a CSN (Connectivity Service Network) router, among other components. It defines various interfaces, such as Air, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R8, between these network entities.

Figure-1: WiMAX Architecture Diagram

As shown in the diagram, a Subscriber Station (SS) or Mobile Station (MS) seeking to join a WiMAX network first connects with a Base Station (BS). The BS is already interfaced with an ASN gateway/CSN router to provide internet service.

The CSN router is connected to an Application Service Provider, which includes an AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) server, a DHCP server, a Home Agent (HA), a DNS server, PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), and other networks (such as 3GPP).

ASN stands for Access Service Network, and CSN stands for Connectivity Service Network.