Millimeter-Wave Propagation: Characterization and modeling toward fifth-generation systems. [Wireless Corner]

TLDR

The World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 identified 24–86 GHz bands as candidates for future cellular networks, and existing path‑loss models highlight the need for new multidimensional models and measurements. The article reviews millimeter‑wave propagation characteristics and challenges for future wireless systems. It surveys state‑of‑the‑art mm‑wave channel sounders and discusses deterministic, semideterministic, and stochastic propagation and channel models. The review outlines standardization issues and recommends future research directions.

Abstract

The World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) identified a number of frequency bands between 24 and 86 GHz as candidate frequencies for future cellular networks. In this article, an extensive review of propagation characteristics and challenges related to the use of millimeter wave (mm-wave) in future wireless systems is presented. Reference to existing path-loss models including atmospheric and material attenuation in recommendations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland, is given, and the need for new multidimensional models and measurements is identified. A description of state-of-the-art mm-wave channel sounders for single and multiple antenna measurements is followed by a discussion of the most recent deterministic, semideterministic, and stochastic propagation and channel models. Finally, standardization issues are outlined with recommendations for future research.