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A Ray-Based Characterization of Satellite-to-Urban Propagation

Nicolò Cenni, Marina Barbiroli, Vittorio Degli-Esposti, Enrico M. Vitucci, Carla Amatetti, Franco Fuschini

Abstract

The evolution toward 6G communication systems is expected to rely on integrated three-dimensional network architectures where terrestrial infrastructures coexist with non-terrestrial stations such as satellites, enabling ubiquitous connectivity and service continuity. In this context, accurate channel models for satellite-to-ground propagation in urban environments are essential, particularly for user equipment located at street level where obstruction and multipath effects are significant. This work investigates satellite-to-urban propagation through deterministic ray-tracing simulations. Three representative urban layouts are considered, namely dense urban, urban, and suburban. Multiple use cases are investigated, including handheld devices, vehicular terminals, and fixed rooftop receivers operating across several frequency bands. The analysis focuses on the relative importance of competing propagation mechanisms and on two key channel parameters, namely the Rician K-factor and the delay spread, which are relevant for the calibration of channel models to be used in link- and system-level simulations. Results highlight the strong - and in some cases unconventional - dependence of channel dispersion and fading characteristics on satellite elevation, antenna placement, and urban morphology.

A Ray-Based Characterization of Satellite-to-Urban Propagation

Abstract

The evolution toward 6G communication systems is expected to rely on integrated three-dimensional network architectures where terrestrial infrastructures coexist with non-terrestrial stations such as satellites, enabling ubiquitous connectivity and service continuity. In this context, accurate channel models for satellite-to-ground propagation in urban environments are essential, particularly for user equipment located at street level where obstruction and multipath effects are significant. This work investigates satellite-to-urban propagation through deterministic ray-tracing simulations. Three representative urban layouts are considered, namely dense urban, urban, and suburban. Multiple use cases are investigated, including handheld devices, vehicular terminals, and fixed rooftop receivers operating across several frequency bands. The analysis focuses on the relative importance of competing propagation mechanisms and on two key channel parameters, namely the Rician K-factor and the delay spread, which are relevant for the calibration of channel models to be used in link- and system-level simulations. Results highlight the strong - and in some cases unconventional - dependence of channel dispersion and fading characteristics on satellite elevation, antenna placement, and urban morphology.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 15 sections, 10 equations, 10 figures, 5 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Simulation Framework
  3. Geometrical Description of the Scenarios
  4. Link and Communication Parameters
  5. Ray Tracing Simulator
  6. Ray Geometry Reuse and Narrowband Array Approximation for Multi-Frequency and Multi-Antenna Evaluation
  7. Computation of Target Channel Parameters
  8. Results and discussion
  9. Line of Sight Probability
  10. Analysis of Propagation Mechanisms
  11. Dense Urban Scenario
  12. Suburban Scenario
  13. Analysis of Propagation Parameters
  14. Influence of different urban environments
  15. Conclusions

Figures (10)

  • Figure 1: Bologna dense urban: aerial overview (a) and digital map for simulations highlighting the 20 receiver grids’ positions (b).
  • Figure 2: Bologna urban: aerial overview (a) and digital map for simulations highlight the 20 receiver grids’ positions (b).
  • Figure 3: Bologna suburban: aerial overview (a) and digital map for simulations highlighting the 20 receiver grids’ positions (b).
  • Figure 4: (a) Side view illustrating the satellite elevation angle. (b) Top view showing an example configuration of six satellite azimuth angles uniformly spaced by 60°. Image generated using AI (Google Gemini) and refined by the authors.
  • Figure 5: Line of sight probability in different scenarios
  • ...and 5 more figures