Space-Based WiMAX MAC Protocol -- Analysis of the Network Entry Procedure

Applying a standardized network-enabled interface to provide high-speed wireless broadband communication in space networks is a common operating paradigm in the Department of Defense (DOD) community [1]. The rise of the fourth-generation (4G) network technologies in recent years and their promise to deliver up to gigabits-per-second data rates have fueled the research community to exploit the feasibility of adapting similar technologies in the space environment. These 4G technologies aim to extend the commonality across the terrestrial and space platforms and potentially reduce implementation cost [2, 3]. In this paper, we focus on the fundamental challenges of adapting the WiMAX media access control (MAC) protocol in space. Specifically, we evaluate the network entry procedure and analyze the initial ranging delay performance using both analytical and simulation approach.