A Tutorial on 3GPP Rel-19 Channel Modeling for 6G FR3 (7-24 GHz): From Standard Specification to Simulation Implementation

TL;DR

Addresses the gap in accurate channel models for 6G FR3 (7-24 GHz) with ELAA by critiquing legacy TR 38.901 extrapolation and introducing Rel-19 enhancements. Proposes SMa scenario, near-field spherical wavefronts, spatial non-stationarity, cluster variability, updated large-scale parameters, and new propagation features validated with measurements and multi-company data. Provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to implement the Rel-19 model in simulations, including flow from general parameters to SSPs and channel coefficients. Discusses open issues and future directions, including measurement-driven validation, hybrid modeling, and refined penetration loss parameters, to enable practical deployment of ELAA-enabled 6G FR3 networks.

Abstract

The upper-mid band (7-24 GHz), designated as Frequency Range 3 (FR3), has emerged as a definitive ``golden band" for 6G networks, strategically balancing the wide coverage of sub-6 GHz with the high capacity of mmWave. To compensate for the severe path loss inherent to this band, the deployment of Extremely Large Aperture Arrays (ELAA) is indispensable. However, the legacy 3GPP TR 38.901 channel model faces critical validity challenges when applied to 6G FR3, stemming from both the distinct propagation characteristics of this frequency band and the fundamental physical paradigm shift induced by ELAA. In response, 3GPP Release 19 (Rel-19) has validated the model through extensive new measurements and introduced significant enhancements. This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to the Rel-19 channel model for 6G FR3, bridging the gap between standardization specifications and practical simulation implementation. First, we provide a high-level overview of the fundamental principles of the 3GPP channel modeling framework. Second, we detail the specific enhancements and modifications introduced in Rel-19, including the rationale behind the new Suburban Macro (SMa) scenario, the mathematical modeling of ELAA-driven features such as near-field and spatial non-stationarity, and the recalibration of large-scale parameters. Overall, this tutorial serves as an essential guide for researchers and engineers to master the latest 3GPP channel modeling methodology, laying a solid foundation for the accurate design and performance evaluation of future 6G FR3 networks.

Figures (31)

• Figure 1: Logical structure and technical scope of the tutorial on the 3GPP Rel-19 channel model.
• Figure 2: Geometrical relationships underlying large-scale fading components, including path loss, LOS probability, and O2I penetration.
• Figure 3: Conceptual illustration of the 6G FR3 channel model highlighting four key features: near-field propagation, SNS, cluster number variability, and polarization variability 3GPP_38901.
• Figure 4: Illustration of the SMa deployment scenario adopted in 3GPP Rel-19 r1-2403991.
• Figure 5: Measured excess path loss in the SMa scenario, with error bars denoting the measurement uncertainty. Note that some percentiles are missing for 5 GHz due to an equipment misconfiguration that affected the sensitivity r1-2402613.