Using a HAP network to transfer WiMAX OFDM signals: Outage probability analysis

Transferring wireless broadband services across extremely far distances on Earth is usually implemented nowadays either by ground-based or satellite communications. Terrestrial networks require, however, heavy installation and maintenance costs, whereas satellite networks suffer from excessively high power requirements. An alternative but highly challenging solution is to employ a network consisting of high-altitude platforms (HAPs). In this paper, we propose a way of delivering WiMAX traffic using a serial multi-hop HAP network configuration. HAPs are located at specific locations in the stratosphere, pick up the traffic from the Earth region they cover, and communicate with each other using optical links. In such a configuration, we determine the WiMAX quality of service by evaluating the outage probability for the entire HAP network. The overall performance is examined by using a channel model that takes into account laser path loss and pointing error effects. The findings of the present study indicate that the consideration of specific network and channel model parameters is crucial toward the design and implementation of future multi-hop HAP networks.