Subscriber Stations (SS)

Subscriber stations (SS) in a WiMAX system are transceivers (transmitter and receivers) that convert radio signals into digital signals that can be routed to and from communication devices. The types of WiMAX subscriber stations range from portable PCMCIA cards to fixed stations that provide service to multiple users.

Subscriber stations may be capable of full frequency division duplex (FDD), half frequency duplex (H-FDD), time division duplex (TDD) or any combination of these access types.

Figure 1 shows the different types of WiMAX access devices. WiMAX access devices include external boxes that connect to an Ethernet or USB port, PCMCIA card with external antennas or portable devices with built in radio modems.

Figure 1: WiMax Devices

Indoor Subscriber Stations

Indoor subscriber stations are devices or assemblies that enable users to receive and convert radio or communication signals that are enclosed and/or have connections that allow them to be used in indoor environments.

Outdoor Subscriber Stations

Outdoor subscriber stations are devices or assemblies that enable users or devices to receive and convert radio or communication signals that are enclosed and/or have connections that allow them to be used in outdoor environments.