IPv6 Operations and Deployment Scenarios over IEEE 802.16 Networks

Recently, broadband wireless access network (IEEE 802.16/WiBro) is emerging for wireless communication for user requirements such as high quality data/voice service, fast mobility, wide coverage, etc. As the deployment of wireless broadband access network progresses, users will be connected to IPv6 (Internet protocol version 6) networks. While the IEEE 802.16 specifications define the encapsulation of an IP datagram in an IEEE 802.16 MAC payload, a complete description of IPv6 operation and deployment is not present and some of issues are still being discussed in IETF and WiMAX NWG. In this paper, we will discuss the main components of IEEE 802.16 IPv6 access network and its differences from IPv4 networks and how IPv6 is deployed and integrated in each of the IEEE 802.16 technologies using tunneling mechanisms and native IPv6. Also we will discuss the IPv6 impact on link models and deployment scenarios.