In this paper we present a framework for evaluating wireless network performance through emulation. The framework uses a hybrid design in which the PHY layer is represented by a probabilistic model, whereas the MAC layer is executed as a functional module. Actual network applications and protocols are employed in order to create realistic test conditions. We use WiMAX as a case study to show the feasibility of our emulation approach. A standard-based model for the WiMAX PHY was developed, and it was integrated with theWiMAX MAC implementation in ns-3 to make WiMAX performance evaluation through emulation possible. Several experimental results, both in static and mobile scenarios, demonstrate the validity of the framework and indicate some of its potential uses.