An overview on harmonization of broadband wireless standards

This paper discusses different broadband wireless standards (LAN, WAN) currently under progress while mentioning key differences on physical (PHY) and data link control (DLC) layers. Harmonized global standards for all broadband wireless systems, from 2 GHz to 50 GHz would be a daunting task considering that organizations dealing with standards from the USA, Europe and Japan would have differing perceptions. Harmonization at the least would allow "coexistence" and at a maximum "interoperability". While strong differences of technical opinions persist over physical interfaces and data-link layers, there could be some limited goals of achieving a harmonized infrastructure between wireless LAN and new broadband networks with a common cellular-like infrastructure. Mobility in broadband access is another discussion item. Wide-area networks show the strongest signs of convergence, though some differences are yet to be ironed out. Among local area networks, separate USA and European wireless standards exist today and may even be too late to be harmonized. However, a new class of "personal area networks" still in evolution stages may offer the best possibilities of coexistence and interoperability. Bluetooth is an example in that direction.