The WiMax interoperability solution // By Daniel Zubairi, CISSP

For years, consumers, corporations, government, and public safety organizations have been looking for a robust wireless data solution which can provide reliable, high bandwidth, and usable communications without the inadequacies and inefficiencies of traditional cellular networks. There is finally an answer to this demand, known as WiMax.

Traditionally, wireless users have had to rely on some type of hybrid high-speed cellular data network known as 3G to access data from cell phones, PDAs, or use computers fitted with unstable and often erratic aftermarket cards to access a data network. Finally, technologies are beginning to mature and industry leaders have taken the initiative to start building and operating national interoperable wireless data-only networks using WiMax technologies.

WiMax is a Fourth Generation (4G) high-speed wireless data technology that is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard and is currently governed by an industry-driven forum known as the WiMax Forum. The WiMax technology, unlike traditional 3G, operates as primarily a data-only network, not a data-enabled network. Owing to the high speed, high bandwidth, and high capacity capabilities of WiMax, its use is highly favored by the public safety and civil defense community as the last mile required for real interoperability in communications, coordination, and information sharing. One of the leaders in deploying WiMax specifically for public safety and civil defense has been Northrop Grumman IT (NGIT).

According to Mark Adams, chief architect of mobility at Northrop Grumman, the extensive demand for a reliable and interoperable data network was a main factor in implementing WiMax. Northrop is currently building its own WiMax network with licensed spectrum space specifically for the public safety and civil defense communities. The network is also specifically geared toward the municipal communities which require instant interoperability in the event of an incident which requires coordination and cooperation. Northrop has already built such a WiMax network for New York City and has taken this approach to a national level.

One of the biggest hurdles regarding any type of integrated communications network has been interoperability across the network from various groups within the public safety and civil defense community. Traditionally, if information and coordination was required between police, fire, National Guard, and federal emergency agencies, the ability to share information was often limited by non-compatible networks and interagency bureaucracy. According to Adams, Northrop’s WiMax deployment corrects this problem and that in the very near future, the system will be so robust “that every police offer, no matter how local, who is connected to the WiMax network, will be able to conduct on the spot queries to the FBI Criminal Network.” The Northrop implementation even goes a step further, allowing priority communications over their network without any operator intervention. Based on the type of user, priority is already assigned to clients on the network. If there is a major incident, for example, and a message needs to be deployed by a state emergency director, that message and traffic will automatically take priority over the network.

Already planning for the future and always taking the interoperability model in their entire design theme for the Northrop WiMax Network, thought has already been given to Push-To-Talk over IP, as well as other responder driven requirements so users across the country can communicate seamlessly over a high speed and high priority network. While others have been quick to push VoIP over any possible medium, and while WiMax definitely is capable of handing the technology, Adams stressed that “VoIP must mature” before its deployed over WiMax.

WiMax presents a great opportunity finally to implement the interoperability which is required but often overlooked in this era of required cooperation among agencies; at the federal, state, and local/municipal level. It is nice to see a solution which specifically targets a long needed solution.

Daniel Zubairi is managing director of SydanTech Mission Secure, a firm specializing in information assurance, security, and interoperability