The IEEE has published a new book, "WirelessMAN : Inside the IEEE 802.16 Standard for Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks," an overview of WirelessMAN technology. It offers guidance in how to apply it to create broadband wireless components, systems and test equipment and was authored by the IEEE 802.16 Working Group's Chair, Dr. Roger B. Marks, its Vice Chair, Kenneth L. Stanwood, and three group participants -- Carl Eklund, Subbu Ponnuswamy and Dr. Nico J.M. van Waes.

"We created this volume as an essential companion to standards in the IEEE 802.16 family," says Roger Marks. "Its goal is to help designers, engineers, students and others rapidly understand the basics of IEEE 802.16 standards and how to work with them without having to devote extensive time in deciphering the dense text in the standards."

The book introduces metropolitan broadband wireless access networks and places them in context with respect to other wireless and wireline networks. It explains the rationale behind the choices made in creating IEEE 802.16 standards and reviews the technology they define, such as the medium access control and physical layers. It also explores the practical issues and options involved in creating WirelessMAN systems.

It can be purchased through the IEEE bookstore ($65) or Amazon. The book can also be obtained by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling either +1 800-678-4333 in the U.S. and Canada or +1 732-981-0060 from other locales.

Frank Ohrtman of WMX Systems, also wrote a book on WiMAX, and says "the IEEE 802.20 committee has voted itself out of existence. That statement seems to be unsubstaniated. The IEEE did suspended 802.20 deliberations, but a move by the 802.20 to vote itself out of existance would be news.

It wouldn't be unpresidented, explains, says the EE Times. The 802.15.3a task group disbanded after failing to settle on an ultrawideband standard, and the 802.11n task group on next-generation wireless LANs, saw private companies launch a coalition outside the group in an attempt to muscle through a standard.

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