VoIP performance over Mobile WiMAX: An Urban Deployment Analysis

Abstract—The significant growing of Voice over IP (VoIP) ready mobile devices raises new challenges in the deployment of novel broadband wireless access networks (BWA), such as WiMAX or Long Term Evolution (LTE). Due to voice service importance for the mobile market, the empirical assessment of voice traffic performance and quality is crucial for a successful deployment. In this work, the Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e) capabilities to support VoIP traffic under different scenarios and employing distinct Quality of Service (QoS) service classes were performed. Additionally, the paper characterizes the heterogeneity access conditions within a city, by analyzing both Line of Sight (LOS) and Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) conditions. By examining the end-user perceived quality (Quality of Experience) and the network QoS related parameters, the attained results shown the impact of the correct WiMAX QoS service classes management on the number of well served VoIP users