Performance Evaluation of Wi-Fi and Wimax Using OPNET

Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) network is based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), based on IEEE 802.16, is a standard with similar principles. The main advantage of WiMAX over WiFi is that it covers larger areas and has higher data rates. WiMAX network operators provide WiMAX subscriber units that enable connection to the metropolitan WiMAX network while WiFiunits are used for connecting local devices within homes or businesses. In this paper, we use OPNET Modeler to simulate and compare WiFi and WiMAX in a small area network and compare their performance in terms of mobility. Simulation results indicate that WiMAX may carry larger load and has better throughput.