MMWAVE PATH LOSS MODELING FOR 5G APPLICATIONS
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Date
2024-04-26
Authors
Askarov, Satzhan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nazarbayev University School of Engineering and Digital Sciences
Abstract
This thesis examines the performance of outdoor communication systems, with special
emphasis on the effects of adverse weather conditions like snowstorm, frequency bands, and
modulation techniques Using Path Loss modeling through simulation and hardware
experiments, thus this work provides a comprehensive insight into communicating mmWave's
power challenges and capabilities in the field.
Findings from the path loss simulator within the Nazarbayev University (NU) campus
territory highlight the importance of carrier frequency selection and modulation order in
outdoor communication systems. Frequencies from higher bands cover less area due to higher
path loss, which underlines the importance of frequency band selection. It is revealed that
modulation order influences coverage area within line-of-sight (LOS) zones as well. Hence,
those lower orders give more coverage and higher orders enable greater bandwidth efficiency.
Recommendations on modulation techniques can be based on geographical considerations and
the density and activity levels of users. In this regard, QPSK modulation can be preferred for
harsh environments and long distances, and orders higher are appropriate for high data rate
transmission in densely populated areas.
Hardware experiments in the 60 GHz mmWave channel are handled in indoor and
outdoor environments during snowfall and windy weather. The received power is measured at
different transmitter – receiver (T – R) distances and path loss results demonstrate similar to
logarithmic growth for indoor and outdoor environments, yet the growth resembles
exponential growth for distances larger than 7 meters in outdoor snowstorm circumstances.
Outdoor path loss suffers more signal attenuation, which is conditioned by snow
accumulation on antenna surface and the snowstorm environment itself. The path loss exponent (PLE) values discovered during experiments constitued 4.12 for outdoor snowstorm
conditions and 2.77 for indoor lab environment.
Repeated simulations using the obtained path loss parameters, i.e., PLE and shadow
fading standard deviation inherent to snowy weather conditions illustrates considerable losses
in coverage compared to the initial theoretical simulations. The work underscores the
impracticality of the assumption that solely using base stations as uniform circular antenna
arrays with omnidirectional transmission capabilites may be sufficient for the mmWave
channels at 60 GHz to maintain proper power coverage in outdoor environment, especially
during during snowstorms. Hence, initiatives like relay base stations and beamforming
technology can be extremely useful in improving network resilience and robustness.
Future extension of the work would include the following directions: improving base
station designs from uniformly omnidirectional to circular sectorized cells; updating the
digital NU campus map from 2D to 3D for more realistic and accurate simulations, and
investigating advanced antenna placement strategies to shelter them from snowfall moisture
without interfering their radiation pattern. Subsequent research should look on network traffic
analysis to determine placement spots for the base stations and the needed number of them to
effectively satisfy the user traffic demand under different modulation modes. Furthermore, to
minimize the positive bias of the coverage results and to make them more realistic and useful,
the campus map requires the integration of the building heights, so that the T – R distance
parameter considers 3D T – R distance rather than 2D approximation.
Description
Keywords
Type of access: Embargo, 5G technology, path loss modelling, mmWave technology, line of sight, Path Loss Exponent, Quadrature Amplitude Modulation, Quadrature Phase Shift Keying
Citation
Askarov, S. (2024). MMWAVE PATH LOSS MODELING FOR 5G APPLICATIONS. Nazarbayev University School of Engineering and Digital Sciences