QoS Architecture of WiMAX

WiMAX technology, based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, is a promising broadband wireless technology for the upcoming 4G network. WiMAX has excellent QoS mechanisms to enable differentiated Quality of service of various applications. QoS in broadband wireless access network such as WiMAX is a difficult and complicated task, as it adds unpredictable radio link, user and traffic demand. WiMAX supports end-to-end QoS provisioning to allow various applications and services. This chapter aims to provide a detailed overview of the QoS in WiMAX, the current and the future. Various air-interface and network mechanisms that enable the end-to-end QoS provisioning are then discussed. Finally, the novel mechanisms to improve the QoS provisioning in the next generation WiMAX system are also discussed.