IEEE P802.16S DRAFT

Description / Abstract: Mission critical entities have a strong preference for private, licensed networks in VHF/UHF frequencies for their data communications needs. VHF/UHF licensed channels narrower than 1.25 MHz are readily available in the secondary markets at a lower cost than commercial wideband channels. Example operating frequencies include 217 MHz, 700 MHz, 900 MHz, and 1.4 GHz. The base standard, and thus this amendment, is not limited to specific operating frequencies. Furthermore, VHF/UHF channels have superior propagation characteristics requiring less infrastructure and are capable of meeting capacity needs of private networks. This amendment facilitates the development of innovative, cost-effective, and interoperable multivendor products for private licensed wireless access systems for mission critical networks. Applications include smart grids supporting generation, transmission, and distribution; field area networks; electric and gas utilities; smart fields and smart pipes for oil, gas and hazardous materials transport; intelligent transportation for rail and highway systems; and federal, state and local uses for homeland security and environmental and seismic monitoring.

Stakeholders include users and customers in multiple markets, including electric and natural gas utilities, oil and gas companies, transportation including commercial and public rail, and public sector entities including federal state and local governments. Stakeholders also include spectrum license holders and equipment manufacturers with an interest in standardized products to achieve economies of scale.

This draft standard is an amendment to IEEE Std 802.16-2012, as amended by IEEE Std 802.16p-2012, IEEE 802.16n-2013, and IEEE 802.16q-2015.