Integration of VSAT with WiMAX technology for E-health in Chinese rural areas

In this paper we investigate the application of IEEE 802.16-based broadband wireless access (BWA) technology to e-health system for rural areas. A qualitative comparison between third-generation wireless systems and the WiMAX technology is given. A survey on telemedicine services using traditional wireless systems is presented. The advantages of using WiMAX technology over traditional wireless systems, as well as the integration of VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) with WiMAX technology are discussed. To this end, we present a bandwidth allocation and admission control algorithm for WiMAX-based BWA designed specifically for wireless e-health services. The performance evaluation for utilization of the the resource allocation is obtained by simulations.