RFWiMAX Network Interfaces: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 Reference Points
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This page covers WiMAX network interfaces, also referred to as reference points.
The interface types discussed include R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8. As shown in the figure below, a WiMAX network consists of four basic entities:
- MS (Mobile Subscriber in mobile WiMAX) or SS (Subscriber Station in fixed WiMAX)
- NAP (Network Access Provider)
- NSP (Network Service Provider)
- Internet
The NAP is responsible for providing radio access functionalities. The NSP is responsible for providing IP connectivity. The Internet provides internet content to the SS/MS interfaced with the NSP.
WiMAX reference points, or interface types, are links that connect two functional entities. They are essentially protocols for these entities to communicate, similar to IP network interface types. This facilitates successful interoperability between equipment from multiple vendors.
The following table describes the WiMAX network interface types:
| WiMAX interface type | Position/Function | if any interface |
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Exists between the wireless Subscriber Station (SS) and the Base Station (BS). | |
| R2 | Exists between the MS (Mobile Station) and the CSN (Connectivity Service Network) in a mobile WiMAX system. EAP traffic flowing from MS to AAA server goes through R2/R3 interface. | |
| R3 | Exists between the ASN (Access Service Network) and the CSN. RADIUS traffic flowing between the AAA server and the ASN-GW goes through R3. | |
| R4 | This WiMAX interface exists between one ASN and another WiMAX ASN. | |
| R5 | Exists between one CSN and another CSN. | |
| R6 | Is located within the ASN. It represents the link between the ASN-GW and the BS. | |
| R7 | Is located within the ASN-GW entity. It handles all internal communications within the gateway itself. | |
| R8 | This WiMAX interface is located within an ASN and represents a link between two BSs. |
