www.ptt.co.

uk
Online course specification

WMA: WiMAX radio networks

Target audience:
This course is intended for study by planners needing a factual discussion of WiMAX applications,
state of development and commercial factors. Technical personnel will benefit from this course's
discussion of underlying technologies, and their advantages and limitations compared with other
radio networks.
Course aim:
This course provides an introduction to WiMAX, the technology which is promoted as capable of
providing inexpensive broadband services from fast Internet access to mobile communications.
Course level: Introductory
An explanation of PTT course levels is given at the end of this document

Pre-requisites: You will get the most out of this online course if you already have a basic
understanding of mobile communications. The PTT e-learning course MBA: "Introduction to mobile
systems" provides the information you need.
Course access requirements:
To access the course, a PC running a browser such as Internet Explorer 6 or above, Firefox 2 or
above, Google Chrome or Safari is required. The PC should have Internet access and be running
Flash version 8 or above. A screen resolution of at least 1024x768 is necessary.
Learning facilities
This online course employs interactive simulations, hypertext links to an online glossary and
multiple choice question sessions to fully involve the trainee in the learning experience. Each
module provides revision links to previously studied, relevant topics. A record of progress and
level of achievement is recorded for each trainee. Once studied as a structured, assessed course,
the content can be browsed for revision or reference.
Course structure:
The course consists of the following six modules:
1.

Course introduction

2.

What WiMAX is

3.

What WiMAX can do

4.

How WiMAX works

5.

Radio techniques

6.

Advanced WiMAX services

Page 1 of 4
2006 2013 Formactual Projects Limited T/A PTT

WMA: "WiMAX radio networks" course syllabus

Objective syllabus
WMA: WiMAX radio networks
Module 1: Introduction
Module aim: To summarise the aims of each module and introduce the navigation and learning
facilities provided by the course.
Module 2: What WiMAX is
Module aim: To define what WiMAX is, and which organisations are involved in its development
and compare WiMAX to WiBRO.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
describe what WiMAX is.

describe the role of broadband wireless access and the benefits over other ways of
providing high speed access to the Internet.

describe the contribution of the WiMAX Forum, IEEE, ETSI and ITU in developing
standards for WiMAX.

describe the scope and significance of the IEEE 802.16 standards with reference to
testing and certification.

compare WiMAX to the proprietary system WiBro (Wireless Broadband).

Module 3: What WiMAX can do

Module aim: To describe what WiMAX can do with reference to Enhanced WiFi, backhauls,
wireless local loop, disaster relief and quadruple play services for residential customers.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

explain that the development of new services can be driven by technology advances as
well as the need to address shortfalls in existing services.

describe the similarities and differences between conventional WiFi and WiMAX.

describe the role of WiMAX in providing backhaul connections for mobile and fixed
services.

describe the advantages of using WiMAX for disaster relief.

describe the possibilities of integrating WiMAX with mobile services.

describe the use of WiMAX for quadruple-play services for residential and business
customers.

Module 4: How WIMAX works

Module aim: to introduce the operation of WiMAX at the physical and MAC protocol layers.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

explain that WiMAX standards relate to only the lower OSIRM protocol layers

describe how WiMAX works with reference to WiMAX PHY and MAC layers, WiMAX and
the Internet Protocol (IP).

describe and compare the duplex systems FDD and TDD.

discuss frequency allocations for Wimax and the opportunities for frequency sharing
with UHF TV.
Page 2 of 4
2006 2013 Formactual Projects Limited T/A PTT

WMA: "WiMAX radio networks" course syllabus

review the modulation methods that maximise data transfer rates with reference to the
relationship between modulation complexity and susceptibility to errors.

Module 5: Radio techniques

Module aim: To introduce the modulation schemes and other methods of maximising data transfer
rates over the WiMAX air interface.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

describe and compare the principles of the radio modulation systems OFDM and
SOFDMA.

describe the role and basic principles of adaptive antenna systems (AAS) and multiplein, multiple-out (MIMO).

describe the role of error correction and methods of achieving this with reference to
FEC and HARQ.

Module 6: Advanced WiMAX services

Module aim: To consider the role and features of advanced WiMAX services including multi-hop
relay and "IMT Advanced" and to consider the future for WiMAX.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

describe the benefits and applications of mobile multihop relay.

describe the use of RF bands allocated to TV stations by WiMAX with reference to

software defined radio.

explain that the IEEE 802.16 working group has devised a specification for mobile
service provision that meets the ITU IMT-Advanced specification for 4G mobile
systems.

describe the role of the key components of a WiMAX mobile system.

describe how alternative technologies may slow the adoption of WiMAX.

explain that interoperability between WiMAX and LTE is important for the future of
WiMAX.

describe specialised applications for WiMAX in the aviation, electrical supply and oil
industries.

Page 3 of 4
2006 2013 Formactual Projects Limited T/A PTT

WMA: "WiMAX radio networks" course syllabus

PTT course levels

PTT online courses are categorised by one of three levels according to the depth of treatment they
provide:
1. Introductory:
PTT Introductory courses are designed for those with no previous experience or knowledge of
telecommunications. These courses provide an overview of telecommunications or discuss the
fundamentals of electronic communications. The study of general science at secondary (high)
school is a typical pre-requisite for PTT Introductory courses.
PTT Introductory courses are suitable for those joining the telecommunications sector particularly
those in an apprenticeship programme.
2. Intermediate
PTT Intermediate courses are designed for technicians and engineers requiring an understanding
of a certain aspect of telecommunications. Those planning to study an Intermediate course should
have an understanding of the basic principles of electronic communications.
The depth of treatment provided by Intermediate courses is typically equivalent to level 3 of a UK
national vocational qualification (NVQ). PTT Intermediate courses can be used to support the
attainment of a Communications Technology NVQ at level 3.
3. Advanced
PTT Advanced courses are designed for those who require an in-depth treatment of a certain
aspect of telecommunications. Such courses are suitable for system designers as well as those
who will be responsible for the maintenance of the system described in the course.
Those planning to study a PTT Advanced course should have a background in telecommunications,
and an understanding of telecommunications fundamentals and the principles of the type of
telecommunications system described in the course.

PTT
August 2013

www.ptt.co.uk

Page 4 of 4
2006 2013 Formactual Projects Limited T/A PTT