Mobile WiMAX Security, Architecture and Assessment

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is an emerging wireless communication system that can provide broadband access with large-scale coverage. Since 2001, WiMAX has evolved from 802.16 to 802.16d standard for fixed wireless access and to the new IEEE 802.16e (Mobile WiMAX) standard with mobility support. The importance of IEEE-Standard 802.16 WiMAX is growing and will compete with technologies such as UMTS. In this paper, we focus on how WiMAX can be used in an enterprise environment under the assumption that a WiMAX network can be hosted by enterprise. Three research questions naturally arise when we consider an enterprise wireless infrastructure built with WiMAX what integrated wireless network architecture would look like, if it is possible to derive a unified security model for such an integrated network. We will discuss these questions in detail based on our investigation in our research and present the results we have come up with so far. Our study can provide a guideline for the design of a more secure and practical WiMAX network.