Quality of service in WiMAX and LTE networks [Topics in Wireless Communications]

A quality of service framework is a fundamental component of a 4G broadband wireless network for satisfactory service delivery of evolving Internet applications to end users, and managing the network resources. Today´s popular mobile Internet applications, such as voice, gaming, streaming, and social networking services, have diverse traffic characteristics and, consequently, different QoS requirements. A rather flexible QoS framework is highly desirable to be future-proof to deliver the incumbent as well as emerging mobile Internet applications. This article highlights QoS frameworks and features of OFDMA-based 4G technologies - IEEE 802.16e, IEEE 802.16m, and LTE - to support various applications´ QoS requirements. A few advanced QoS features such as new scheduling service (i.e., aGP), quick access, delayed bandwidth request, and priority controlled access in IEEE 802.16m are explained in detail. A brief comparison of the QoS framework of the aforementioned technologies is also provided.