IEEE 802.16j-based multihop relays for future performance enhancement of aeronautical mobile airport communications systems (aeroMACS)

Abstract

The Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communication Systems (AeroMACS) has already been deployed in nine major US airports. This technology is used to support fixed and mobile ground-to-ground applications and services. In this article it is demonstrated that IEEE 802.16j-amendment-based WiMAX is most feasible for future enhancement of AeroMACS networks. Perhaps the most important benefit of application of multihop relays in AeroMACS is the flexible, power efficient, and cost-effective radio range extension into severely shadowed airport areas. Multihop relay operational modes are discussed. The key concept of “multihop gain,” which explains how multihop relays enable performance enhancement in AeroMACS networks, is introduced. Under a reasonable set of assumptions, multihop gain is quantified in the form of an equation that provides a raw measure of this gain in Decibel.