Service-oriented broadband wireless network architecture [Guest Editorial]

In the past few years, broadband wireless networks have been very attractive as a key technology for providing Internet access because of quick and cost-effective deployments. In addition to the features of high data rate and large coverage, broadband wireless networks also promise to rapidly provide access to locations in the world's rural and developing areas where broadband is currently unavailable, as well as compete for urban market shares. Till now, most existing efforts have been focused on basic access capability. However, to successfully operate broadband wireless networks, a crucial issue must be addressed: how to support a variety of services and applications within the broadband wireless networks? As an example, there is an increasing need to efficiently support applications such as voice over IP (VoIP), video streaming, music downloading, IP TV, and many others.