The performance of HSDPA and Mobile WiMAX. Two scenarios were considered: single and multiple users. In the single user scenario, only one user is placed in the network requesting a certain throughput, and then the maximum distance to the base station for a given throughput is calculated. Regarding the multiple user scenario, it has the objective of studying a realistic approach, where several users perform different services. A simulator was developed to study the multiple user scenarios, enabling the analysis of network performance by varying several parameters. For the single user scenario, it is observed that the cell radius for HSDPA is higher than the one for Mobile WiMAX, due to the frequencies considered, up to 8.46 Mbps, but beyond this value Mobile WiMAX is more favorable, up until 15.09 Mbps. Considering the multiple user scenario, Mobile WiMAX presents better results than HSDPA, regarding average network throughput and number of served users, because of its higher capacity. As for the network radius, results are similar. This paper was initially planned to be about WiMAX (Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access) and HSDPA technology (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access), available in a number of countries in Europe, North America, and South East Asia with their WCDMA networks, will be most likely available in our parts as well. HSDPA, which appeared prior to WiMAX all over the world, except for the Russian Federation, is considered its main competitor.

ii iii To my parents and sisters “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher straights. The great teacher inspires.” (William Arthur Ward) “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it.”