WO2009108183A1

WO2009108183A1 - Hybrid wimax and wi-fi

Info

Publication number: WO2009108183A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/054879
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rajiv Salimath; Rony Gabriel
Original assignee: Amperion Inc.
Priority date: 2008-02-25
Filing date: 2008-02-25
Publication date: 2009-09-03

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein describe a hybrid network comprising of multiple WiMAX base stations, multiple dual technology hybrid wireless nodes, where each hybrid wireless node comprises of a WiMAX Subscriber Station interface to link with WiMAX base stations, multiple Wi-Fi interfaces, multiple Wi-Fi Access Point interfaces and a WiMAX BS interface to link with users who are using WiMAX devices, and a hybrid controller at each backhaul point connecting both WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks to the Internet.

Description

Hybrid WiMAX and Wi-Fi

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

[001]The embodiments herein generally relate to telecommunication networks, and, more particularly, to wireless networks.

Description of the Related Art

[002] Wi-Fi devices are becoming ubiquitous. More and more handheld devices like phones, media players and portable gaming consoles have a de-facto Wi-Fi interface. To cater to this population, hotspots and Wi-Fi networks are coming up. Availability of Wi- Fi networks will allow users to talk using VoIP, play on line games, download music and watch video over the Internet. However, the spread of Wi-Fi networks also brings with it the disadvantages of interference and congestion. One solution is to move towards the more efficient licensed WiMAX with which operators can guarantee Quality of Service (QoS) to its customers.

[003]However, there are a few issues to be solved before WiMAX takes over. There are millions of Wi-Fi devices that are made and that are being used. There is a need to provide better service levels to these Wi-Fi devices. In addition, WiMAX paid spectrum is expensive and operators will require a solution to effectively use this expensive spectrum.

[004]Hence there is a need for a solution that utilizes both unpaid and paid spectrums as in the case of Wi-Fi and WiMAX and provides best of both unpaid and paid spectrums as in the case of Wi-Fi and WiMAX to end users.

SUMMARY

[005]In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a hybrid network system, comprising of multiple WiMAX base stations, multiple dual technology hybrid wireless nodes, and a hybrid controller at each backhaul points of WiMAX network and Wi-Fi network connecting both WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks; where each hybrid wireless node comprises of WiMAX Subscriber Station (SS) module to link with at least one of said WiMAX base stations, Wi-Fi Access Point interface, Wi-Fi interfaces and a WiMAX Base Station (BS) interface for WiMAX customer access.

[006]In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein also provides a method of providing a hybrid network comprising of multiple WiMAX base stations, multiple dual technology hybrid wireless nodes, and a hybrid controller at each backhaul point connecting both WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks, the method having the hybrid wireless nodes as last- mile access nodes to end-users; the controller classifying each packet destined to end-user into service classes; the controller analyzing congestion in Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks; the controller routing the packets on either one of WiMAX network or Wi-Fi network based on requirements of service classes and congestion on Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks; and end-users accessing either of Wi-Fi network or WiMAX network using said hybrid wireless nodes.

[007]In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein also provides a method of providing a hybrid network comprising of multiple WiMAX base stations, multiple dual technology hybrid wireless nodes, where each hybrid wireless node comprises of a WiMAX SS module to link with at least one WiMAX base stations, Wi-Fi interfaces, Wi- Fi Access Point interface and a WiMAX BS, and a hybrid controller at each backhaul point connecting both WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks, the method having end-users accessing either of Wi-Fi network or WiMAX network using the hybrid wireless nodes, the hybrid wireless node classifying each packet destined to Internet into service classes; the hybrid wireless node analyzing congestion in Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks; the hybrid wireless node routing the packet on either the WiMAX network or Wi-Fi network based on requirements of service classes and congestion on the Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks; and the controller integrating the packets and transmitting the packets onto the Internet.

[008]These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009]The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[001O]FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid network according to an embodiment herein;

[001 I]FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid network controller according to an embodiment herein;

[0012]FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid wireless node according to an embodiment herein;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred method according to an embodiment herein; and

[0014]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred method according to an embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015]The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0016] As mentioned, there remains a need for a solution that provides best of both Wi-Fi and WiMAX to operators and end users. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing a hybrid network that consists of WiMAX base stations (BS), and dual technology hybrid wireless nodes that has Wi-Fi interfaces, Wi-Fi access point interface, WiMAX SS interface and a WiMAX BS interface to link with WiMAX BS and users using WiMAX devices. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.

[0017]A Hybrid network that consists of WiMAX base stations (103), and dual technology hybrid wireless nodes (102), and a hybrid network controller (101) is shown in FIG. 1. Users with Wi-Fi devices or WiMAX devices can connect to one of said hybrid wireless nodes (102).

[0018] At each backhaul point, there'll be a hybrid network controller (101). Said controller (101) connects to both the WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks. Each packet destined for a user shall be classified by said controller (101) into service classes. Packets are classified into different service classes based on different rules that can be specified. Example of rules could be type of packets (data, VoIP, Video, etc), or type of user (e.g. users who have selected a plan with higher bit rates, users who have selected a plan with lower bit rates, business users etc), or packet address (example.com, example.net, etc), or any other operator defined rule that can differentiate one packet from another. Each service class is associated with a minimum performance requirement. Performance requirements could be based on various QoS parameters like bandwidth, jitter, delay, etc. Once packets are classified into service classes, the switching engine forwards each packet on a link or a priority queue within a link that can meet the performance requirement associated with the service class. Packets that belong to a service class having a higher performance requirement (e.g. packets belonging to users who have selected a plan with higher bit rates, packets that require high QoS like VoIP packets, IP- TV packets etc) will be placed on a WiMAX network. All packets routed through WiMAX BS (103) will reach said hybrid wireless node (102) through a WiMAX interface. Packets that belong to a service class having a lower performance requirement (e.g. packets belonging to users who belong to a plan with lower bit rates, packets that have only best effort QoS like packets belonging to a browsing session, packets belonging to an Instant Messaging (IM) session etc) will be placed on a Wi-Fi network. Packets that are meant for Wi-Fi travel through Wi-Fi network before reaching said hybrid wireless node (102). Said hybrid wireless node (102) takes packets received from said WiMAX base station and said network and transmits said packets to a user device on a Wi-Fi interface or a WiMAX interface. If user is accessing the network using Wi-Fi, packets are sent to user device by hybrid wireless node (102) using Wi-Fi. If user is accessing the network using WEVIAX, packets are sent to user device by hybrid wireless node (102) using WiMAX.

[0019]In the reverse path, each hybrid wireless node (102) decides whether to send incoming packets from customer devices to the WiMAX Base station (103) or to the Wi- Fi network by classifying incoming packets into service classes. Packets are classified into different service classes based on different rules that can be specified. Example of rules could be type of packets (data, VoIP, Video, etc), or type of user (e.g. users, who have selected a plan with higher bit rates, users who have selected a plan with lower bit rates, business users etc), or packet address (example.com, example.net, etc), or any other rule that can differentiate one packet from another. Each service class is associated with a minimum performance requirement. Performance requirements could be based on various QoS parameters like bandwidth, jitter, delay, etc. Once packets are classified into service classes, the switching engine forwards each packet on a link or a priority queue within a link that can meet the performance requirement associated with the service class. Packets that belong to a service class with a high performance requirement (e.g. packets belonging to users who have selected a plan with higher bit rates, packets that require high QoS like VoIP packets, IP-TV packets etc) will be routed through the WiMAX base station (103). All packets routed through WiMAX base station (103) will reach said hybrid network controller (101) through a WiMAX path. Packets that belong to a service class with a lower performance requirement (e.g. packets belonging to users who belong to a plan with lower bit rates, packets that have only best effort QoS like packets belonging to a browsing session, packets belonging to an Instant Messaging (IM) session etc) will be placed on a Wi-Fi network. Packets that are meant for Wi-Fi travel through Wi-Fi network before reaching said hybrid network controller (101). For example, a VoIP session from a handheld/phone will be routed by said hybrid wireless node (102) through a WiMAX interface, whereas a browsing or Instant Messaging session will be routed by said hybrid wireless node (102) through a Wi-Fi network. [002O]In an event of failure of any of the links, the controller/ hybrid wireless nodes will automatically use the available link. Effectively, this means that either network is also a hot standby for the other network in an event of failure.

[002I]In addition, the controller/ hybrid wireless nodes monitor the load on each network in real time and can take packet routing decisions so as to de-congest a congested network. By using the least loaded network, the network is allowing more traffic onto the network. If there are far too many packets that belong to a service class with a lower performance requirement, and WiMAX spectrum is under utilized, some packets might be routed on WiMAX so as to continue servicing the user. And, if there are far too many packets that belong to a service class with a higher performance requirement and Wi-Fi network is not loaded, new traffic might be routed through the Wi-Fi network, however this might result in deterioration of performance.

[0022] At each backhaul point, there is a hybrid network controller (101). Said controller connects to both the WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks. The schematic of said controller is as shown in FIG. 2. said hybrid network controller consists of a hybrid switching engine (201), Wi-Fi mesh interfaces for connecting to hybrid wireless nodes in the Wi-Fi network (202) and interfaces for connecting to a WiMAX base station (103) (203) and to the Internet (204). Said interfaces may be an Ethernet interface, a fiber interface or any other suitable interface. Said Wi-Fi mesh interfaces receive packets from a Wi-Fi network and forwards received packets to said switching engine (201). Said WiMAX interface receives packets from the WiMAX base station and forwards received packets to said switching engine (201). Said switching engine (201) takes packets received from said Wi-Fi network and said WiMAX base station (103) and forwards said packets onto the Internet through an interface (204).

[0023]In the reverse path, said switching engine (201) receives packets from the Internet through an interface (204). Said engine (201) analyzes received packets. Packets that belong to a service class with a higher performance requirement will be placed on a WiMAX network and routed to WiMAX base station (103) through an interface (203). Packets that belong to a service class with a lower performance requirement will be placed on a Wi-Fi network and are routed to the Wi-Fi network interface (202). [0024]In an event of failure of any of the links, said controller (101) will automatically use the available link. Effectively, this means that either network is also a hot standby for the other network in an event of failure.

[0025]In addition, said controller (101) monitors the load on each network in real time and can take packet routing decisions so as to de-congest a congested network. By using the least loaded network, the network is allowing more traffic onto the network. If there are far too many packets belong to a service class with a lower performance requirement, and WiMAX spectrum is under utilized, some packets might be routed on WiMAX so as to continue servicing the user. And, if there are far too many packets belong to a service class with a higher performance requirement and Wi-Fi network is not loaded, some traffic might be routed through the Wi-Fi network, albeit at the cost of degradation in performance.

[0026]Hybrid wireless nodes (102) have a hybrid switching engine (304), Wi-Fi mesh interfaces for meshing with other hybrid wireless nodes (202), and also a Wi-Fi Access Point for serving customers with Wi-Fi devices (302). In addition, said hybrid wireless node supports a WiMAX subscriber station (SS) (301) interface to connect with a WiMAX base station (BS) and a WiMAX base station (BS) (303) interface for serving customers with WiMAX devices. Said Wi-Fi mesh interfaces (202) are not restricted to Wi-Fi but is obvious to any person skilled in the art that said mesh interfaces can be extended to any wireless distribution method. The architecture of a hybrid wireless node (102) is as shown in FIG. 3. Said hybrid wireless node (102) receives packets from users. If said user is using a Wi-Fi capable device, said Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) (302) receives packets from user device and forwards received packets to said switching engine (304). If said user is using a WiMAX capable device, said WiMAX base station (303) interface receives packets from user device and forwards received packets to said switching engine (304). Said switching engine decides whether to send incoming packets from customer devices to the WiMAX Base station (103) or to the Wi-Fi network based on the performance requirements. Packets that belong to a service class with a higher performance requirement will be routed to the WiMAX base station (103) through said WiMAX SS (301). Packets that belong to a service class with a lower performance requirement will be placed on a Wi-Fi network through Wi-Fi mesh interfaces (202). [0027]In the reverse path, said Wi-Fi mesh interfaces (202) receive packets from a Wi-Fi network and forwards received packets to said switching engine (304). Said WiMAX SS (301) receives packets from said WiMAX base station (103) and forwards received packets to the said switching engine (304). Said switching engine (304) takes the packets received from said Wi-Fi network and said WiMAX base station (103) and forwards said packets to the user. If said user is using a Wi-Fi capable device, then said switching engine (304) uses a Wi-Fi Access Point (302) interface to transmit packets to said user. If said user is using a WiMAX capable device, then said switching engine (304) uses a WiMAX BS (303) interface to transmit packets to said user.

[0028]FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of the process of a user sending packets onto the Internet. A user transmits packets to a hybrid wireless node using Wi-Fi or WiMAX devices (401), (402). Said hybrid wireless node (102) analyzes received packets (403) and classifies said packets according to service class. Packets that belong to a service class with a higher performance requirement will be routed through said WiMAX base station (103). Packets that belong to a service class with a lower performance requirement will be placed on a Wi-Fi network.

[0029]In case of packets that belong to a service class with a lower performance requirement, hybrid wireless node (102) analyzes load on the Wi-Fi network (405) and if said network is congested, hybrid wireless node analyzes the load on the WiMAX network (407), before making a decision on which network to use to transmit said packets. If the Wi-Fi network is not congested then said packets are transmitted to said hybrid controller (101) using Wi-Fi (409) network. If said Wi-Fi network is congested and the WiMAX network is comparatively less loaded, then said packets are transmitted to said hybrid controller (101) using WiMAX (410). However, if the Wi-Fi network is congested and the WiMAX network is also congested, then said packets are transmitted to said hybrid controller (101) using Wi-Fi (409) network.

[003O]In case of packets that belong to a service class with a higher performance requirement, hybrid wireless node (102) analyzes the load on the WiMAX network (406) and if said network is congested, hybrid wireless node analyzes the load on the Wi-Fi network (408), before making a decision on which network to use to transmit said packets. If the WiMAX network is not congested then said packets are transmitted to said hybrid controller (101) using WiMAX (410). If the WiMAX network is congested and the Wi-Fi network is comparatively less loaded, then said packets are transmitted to said hybrid controller (101) using Wi-Fi (409) network. However, if the WiMAX network is congested and the Wi-Fi network is also congested, then said packets are transmitted to said hybrid controller (101) using WiMAX (410). [0031]Said hybrid network controller (101) on receiving packets from the Wi-Fi network and said WiMAX BS (103), takes said received packets and transmits said received packets onto the Internet (411).

[0032]FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a user receiving packets from the Internet. Said hybrid network controller (101) receives packets from the Internet and analyzes the received packets on the basis of service class (502). Packets that belong to a service class with a higher performance requirement will be routed through said WiMAX base station (103). Packets that belong to a service class with a lower performance requirement will be routed through the Wi-Fi network.

[0033]In case of packets that belong to a service class with a lower performance requirement, said controller (101) analyzes the load on the Wi-Fi network (503) and if said network is congested, controller analyzes the load on the WiMAX network (505), before making a decision on which network to use to transmit said packets. If the Wi-Fi network is not congested then said packets are transmitted to a hybrid wireless node (102) using Wi-Fi (507) network. If the Wi-Fi network is congested and the WiMAX network is comparatively less loaded, then said packets are transmitted to a hybrid wireless node (102) using WiMAX (508). However, if the Wi-Fi network is congested and the WiMAX network is also congested, then said packets are transmitted to a hybrid wireless node (102) using Wi-Fi (507) network.

[0034]In case of packets that belong to a service class with a higher performance requirement, said controller (101) analyzes the load on the WiMAX network (504) and if said network is congested, controller analyzes the load on the Wi-Fi network (506), before making a decision on which network to use to transmit said packets. If the WiMAX network is not congested then said packets are transmitted to a hybrid wireless node (102) using WiMAX (508). If the WiMAX network is congested and the Wi-Fi network is comparatively less loaded, then said packets are transmitted to a hybrid wireless node (102) using Wi-Fi (507) network. However, if the WiMAX network is congested and the Wi-Fi network is also congested, then said packets are transmitted to a hybrid wireless node (101) using WiMAX (508).

[0035] Said hybrid wireless node (102) on receiving packets from the Wi-Fi network and said WiMAX BS (103), takes said received packets and transmits said received packets to user (509). If said user is using a Wi-Fi capable device, then said hybrid wireless node

(102) transmits packets to said user using said Wi-Fi AP (302). If said user is using a

WiMAX capable device, then said hybrid wireless node (102) transmits packets to said user using said WiMAX BS (303).

[0036]Using embodiments disclosed above, wireless network operators can offer

WiMAX quality service to Wi-Fi users and also support WiMAX only devices without modifying the network. In addition, operators can make more efficient use of WiMAX spectrum, as only packets belong to a service class with a higher performance requirement are sent through the WiMAX network, more users can be supported per

WiMAX MHz than that would have been possible with a pure WiMAX network. Another advantage is that since there are multiple networks available, each of the networks acts as a backup for the other network.

[0037]Using embodiments disclosed above, users can enjoy QoS benefits of WiMAX with their Wi-Fi devices. Also, as more users can be supported per WiMAX MHz, services offered are cheaper.

[0038]Hybrid wireless nodes, as disclosed above can be installed in home/office and could act as the home/office gateway serving all devices at home/office using Wi-Fi and connecting to the external world using both Wi-Fi and WiMAX. Said hybrid wireless nodes can also have a WiMAX base station interface to serve WiMAX only home devices.

[0039]The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A hybrid network system, comprising: a) plurality of WiMAX base stations; b) plurality of dual technology hybrid wireless nodes, where each of said hybrid wireless nodes comprises of a WiMAX Subscriber Station (SS) module to link with at least one of said WiMAX base stations, a plurality of Wi-Fi interfaces, a plurality of Wi-Fi Access Point interfaces and a WiMAX Base Station (BS); and c) a hybrid controller at each backhaul points of WiMAX network and Wi-Fi networks connecting both WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks.

2. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where said hybrid wireless node is a last- mile node.

3. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where said controller is adapted to classify each packet destined to end-user into service classes and place in one of WiMAX network or Wi-Fi network.

4. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where each packet is classified into said service classes on the basis of type of said packet.

5. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where each packet is classified into said service classes on the basis of type of user.

6. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where each packet is classified into said service classes on the basis of address of said packet.

7. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where said packet is classified into service classes on the basis of operator defined rules.

8. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where said controller is adapted to place packets belonging to service classes having lower performance requirement on Wi-Fi network.

9. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where said controller is adapted to place packets belonging to service classes having higher performance requirement on WiMAX network.

10. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where said controller is adapted to route packets on one of WiMAX network or Wi-Fi network that is available when there is a failure in the other of said networks.

11. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where said controller is adapted to take packet routing decisions to de-congest a congested network, where some packets intended for Wi-Fi network are routed on WiMAX network if said the Wi-Fi network is congested, and WiMAX network is under utilized.

12. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where said controller is adapted to take packet routing decisions to de-congest a congested network, where some packets intended for WiMAX network are routed on Wi-Fi network if said WiMAX network is congested, and Wi-Fi network is under utilized.

13. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where each of said hybrid wireless node is adapted to classify each packet destined to end-user into service classes and place in one of WiMAX network or Wi-Fi network.

14. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where each of said hybrid wireless node is adapted to place packets belonging to service classes having lower performance requirement on Wi-Fi network.

15. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where each of said hybrid wireless node is adapted to place packets belonging to service classes having higher performance requirement on WiMAX network.

16. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where each of said hybrid wireless node is adapted to route packets on one of WiMAX network or Wi-Fi network that is available in the event of failure either one of said networks.

17. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where each of said hybrid wireless node is adapted to take packet routing decisions to de-congest a congested network, where some packets intended for Wi-Fi network are routed on WiMAX network if said Wi-Fi network is congested, and WiMAX network is under utilized.

18. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where each of said hybrid wireless node is adapted to take packet routing decisions to de-congest a congested network, where some packets intended for WiMAX network are routed on Wi-Fi network if said WiMAX network is congested, and Wi-Fi network is under utilized.

19. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where Wi-Fi network is a standby network for WiMAX network.

20. The hybrid network system of claim 1, where WiMAX network is a standby network for Wi-Fi network.

21. A method of providing a hybrid network comprising plurality of WiMAX base stations, plurality of dual technology hybrid wireless nodes, where each of said hybrid wireless nodes comprises of a WiMAX SS interface to link with at least one of said WiMAX base stations, a plurality of Wi-Fi interfaces, a plurality of Wi-Fi Access Point interfaces and a WiMAX BS interface, and a hybrid controller at each backhaul point connecting both WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks, the method comprising the steps of: a) having said hybrid wireless nodes as last- mile access nodes to end-users; b) said controller classifying each packet destined to end user into service classes; c) said controller analyzing congestion in Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks; d) said controller routing said packet on either one of WiMAX network or Wi-Fi network based on requirements of said service class and congestion on said Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks; and e) end-users accessing either of Wi-Fi network or WiMAX network using said hybrid wireless nodes.

22. The method of claim 21, the method further comprising the steps of said controller classifying each packet into said service classes on the basis of type of said packet.

23. The method of claim 21, the method further comprising the steps of said controller classifying each packet into said service classes on the basis of type of user.

24. The method of claim 21, the method further comprising the steps of said controller classifying each packet into said service classes on the basis of address of said packet.

25. The method of claim 21, the method further comprising the steps of said controller classifying each packet into said service classes on the basis of operator defined rules.

26. The method of claim 21, the method further comprising the step of said controller analyzing congestion in Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks before placing a packet on either of Wi-Fi network or WiMAX network.

27. The method of claim 21, the method further comprising the step of said controller routing packets on one of WiMAX network or Wi-Fi network that is available when there is a failure in the other of said networks.

28. A method of providing a hybrid network comprising plurality of WiMAX base stations, plurality of dual technology hybrid wireless nodes, where each of said hybrid wireless nodes comprises of a WiMAX SS interface to link with at least one of said WiMAX base stations, a plurality of Wi-Fi interfaces, a plurality of Wi-Fi Access Point interfaces and a WiMAX BS interface, and a hybrid controller at each backhaul point connecting both WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks, the method comprising the steps of: a) end-users accessing either of Wi-Fi network or WiMAX network using said hybrid wireless nodes. b) said hybrid wireless node classifying each packet destined to Internet into service classes; c) said hybrid wireless node analyzing congestion in Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks; d) said hybrid wireless node routing said packet on either one of WiMAX network or Wi-Fi network based on requirements of said service classes and congestion on said Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks; and e) said controller taking said packets and transmitting said packets to Internet.

29. The method of claim 28, the method further comprising the steps of said hybrid wireless node classifying each packet into said service classes on the basis of type of said packet.

30. The method of claim 28, the method further comprising the steps of said hybrid wireless node classifying each packet into said service classes on the basis of type of user.

31. The method of claim 28, the method further comprising the steps of said hybrid wireless node classifying each packet into said service classes on the basis of address of said packet.

32. The method of claim 28, the method further comprising the steps of said hybrid wireless node classifying each packet into said service classes on the basis of operator defined rules.

33. The method of claim 28, the method further comprising the step of said hybrid wireless node analyzing congestion in Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks before placing a packet on either of Wi-Fi network or WiMAX network.

34. The method of claim 28, the method further comprising the step of said hybrid wireless node routing packets on one of WiMAX network or Wi-Fi network that is available when there is a failure in the other of said networks.