cmWave/FR3 Large-Scale Channel Characterization for Urban Macro/Micro and Suburban Environments

TL;DR

This work addresses the lack of empirical outdoor channel data for cmWave FR3 bands (7–15 GHz) by conducting a comprehensive measurement campaign across urban micro/macro and suburban environments. It employs rooftop transmitters, mobile receivers, and phased-array and omnidirectional antennas to extract large-scale fading, RMS delay spread, coherence bandwidth, and angular spreads, while also examining inter-parameter correlations. The study presents site-specific path-loss parameters, delay-spread distributions, and angular statistics, highlighting LOS/NLOS distinctions and frequency-dependent behaviors. The findings support refined FR3 channel models and improved network planning for next-generation wireless systems in FR3 bands.

Abstract

This study delves into the comprehensive characterization of large-scale channels at centimeter wave frequencies 7-15 GHz for urban macro/micro and suburban environments. Path-loss, large-scale fading, and angular channel statistics are presented. Urban environments exhibited higher path loss and delay spread due to dense obstacles, whereas suburban areas showed relatively lower path loss but significant variability due to fewer but larger obstructions. The findings provide valuable insights for network planners and engineers, aiding in the development of more efficient and adaptive communication strategies. Enhanced models for channel prediction and system design are proposed, contributing to the advancement of next-generation wireless networks.

Figures (8)

• Figure 1: SMa (a) and UMi (b) experiment coverage areas.
• Figure 2: UMi
• Figure 3: UMa NLOS
• Figure 4: SMa
• Figure 5: SF for SMa 14.5 GHz