Millimeter-Wave Cellular Wireless Networks: Potentials and Challenges
05 Feb 2014-Vol. 102, Iss: 3, pp 366-385
TL;DR: Measurements and capacity studies are surveyed to assess mmW technology with a focus on small cell deployments in urban environments and it is shown that mmW systems can offer more than an order of magnitude increase in capacity over current state-of-the-art 4G cellular networks at current cell densities.
Abstract: Millimeter-wave (mmW) frequencies between 30 and 300 GHz are a new frontier for cellular communication that offers the promise of orders of magnitude greater bandwidths combined with further gains via beamforming and spatial multiplexing from multielement antenna arrays. This paper surveys measurements and capacity studies to assess this technology with a focus on small cell deployments in urban environments. The conclusions are extremely encouraging; measurements in New York City at 28 and 73 GHz demonstrate that, even in an urban canyon environment, significant non-line-of-sight (NLOS) outdoor, street-level coverage is possible up to approximately 200 m from a potential low-power microcell or picocell base station. In addition, based on statistical channel models from these measurements, it is shown that mmW systems can offer more than an order of magnitude increase in capacity over current state-of-the-art 4G cellular networks at current cell densities. Cellular systems, however, will need to be significantly redesigned to fully achieve these gains. Specifically, the requirement of highly directional and adaptive transmissions, directional isolation between links, and significant possibilities of outage have strong implications on multiple access, channel structure, synchronization, and receiver design. To address these challenges, the paper discusses how various technologies including adaptive beamforming, multihop relaying, heterogeneous network architectures, and carrier aggregation can be leveraged in the mmW context.
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TL;DR: An offset quad-element, two-port, high-gain, and multiband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) planar antenna based on a log-periodic dipole array (LPDA) for Ku/K-band wireless communications is proposed in this paper .
Abstract: An offset quad-element, two-port, high-gain, and multiband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) planar antenna based on a log-periodic dipole array (LPDA) for Ku/K-band wireless communications is proposed, in this paper. A single element antenna has been designed starting from Carrel's theory and then optimized with a 50-Ω microstrip feed-line with two orthogonal branches that results mainly in a broadside radiation pattern and improves diversity parameters. For experimental confirmation, the designed structure is printed on an RT-5880 substrate with a thickness of 1.57 mm. The total substrate dimensions of the MIMO antenna are 55 × 45 mm2. According to the measured results, the designed structure is capable of working at 1.3% (12.82-12.98 GHz), 3.1% (13.54-13.96 GHz), 2.3% (14.81-15.15 GHz), 4.5% (17.7-18.52 GHz), and 4.6% (21.1-22.1 GHz) frequency bands. Additionally, the proposed MIMO antenna attains a peak gain of 4.2-10.7 dBi with maximum element isolation of 23.5 dB, without the use of any decoupling structure. Furthermore, the analysis of MIMO performance metrics such as the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) and mean effective gain (MEG) validates good characteristics, and field correlation performance over the operating band. The proposed design is an appropriate option for multiband MIMO applications for various wireless systems in Ku/K-bands.
16 citations
Posted Content•
TL;DR: The results demonstrate that coverage probability can be improved by decreasing the size of UE clusters around BSs, and interference has noticeable influence on the coverage performance of the model.
Abstract: A K-tier heterogeneous downlink millimeter wave (mmWave) cellular network with user-centric small cell deployments is studied in this paper. In particular, we consider a heterogeneous network model with user equipments (UEs) being distributed according to a Poisson Cluster Process (PCP). Specifically, we address two cluster processes, namely (i) Thomas cluster process, where the UEs are clustered around the base stations (BSs) and the distances between UEs and the BS are modeled as Gaussian distributed, and (ii) Matern cluster process, where the UEs are scattered according to a uniform distribution. In addition, distinguishing features of mmWave communications including directional beamforming and a sophisticated path loss model incorporating both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) transmissions, are taken into account. Initially, the complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) and probability density function (PDF) of path loss are provided. Subsequently, using tools from stochastic geometry, we derive a general expression for the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) coverage probability. Our results demonstrate that coverage probability can be improved by decreasing the size of UE clusters around BSs, decreasing the beamwidth of the main lobe, or increasing the main lobe directivity gain. Moreover, interference has noticeable influence on the coverage performance of our model. We also show that better coverage performance is achieved in the presence of clustered users compared to the case in which the users are distributed according to a Poisson Point Process (PPP).
16 citations
Cites background from "Millimeter-Wave Cellular Wireless N..."
...INTRODUCTION Demand for cellular data has been growing rapidly in recent years resulting in a global bandwidth shortage for wireless service providers [1], [2]....
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09 Mar 2015
TL;DR: By taking advantage of these two paradigms, the proposed planning framework, based on multiobjective optimization and ray-tracing techniques, succeeds in providing effective means to determine near-optimal network configurations that are both scenario-specific and optimized for arbitrary service demand distributions.
Abstract: Cellular communications have witnessed an exponential growth over the last few years. The challenges the industry faces for the next decade arise the need for significant changes, i.e., new paradigms away from just incremental advances in the current technologies. Network densification and high frequency communications are widely-recognized as cornerstones of this revolution. Understanding the needs of the market and identify key scenarios are also of paramount importance. Without a doubt, indoor coverage, concentrating a significant part of the demand, deserves special attention due to its strategic importance and technical issues. This paper makes a contribution in this field by introducing a novel framework for indoor planning of dense cellular networks based on millimeter Waves (mmW), a promising approach to provide extremely high data rates to indoor users according to the expectations of the future fifth generation (5G). Thus, by taking advantage of these two paradigms, the proposed planning framework, based on multiobjective optimization and ray-tracing techniques, succeeds in providing effective means to determine near-optimal network configurations that are both scenario-specific and optimized for arbitrary service demand distributions. The results show that such topologies provide the best tradeoff among several conflicting performance indicators, such as capacity, network cost, and cell-edge performance.
16 citations
Cites background from "Millimeter-Wave Cellular Wireless N..."
...During the past few decades, mmW systems have been considered for Line-of-sight (LOS) [9] and non-LOS (NLOS) [10] communications....
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01 Sep 2016
TL;DR: The limitations of an existing vector network analyzer (VNA) based channel sounding system in terms of frequency range and measurement range are demonstrated and an improved system is proposed to address these limitations.
Abstract: Channel characterization of multipath channels at centimetre and millimetre wave bands is of interest from both academia and industry, especially for the frequency bands that are under consideration for 5G mobile communication systems. In this paper, we first demonstrate the limitations of an existing vector network analyzer (VNA) based channel sounding system in terms of frequency range and measurement range. After that, an improved system is proposed to address these limitations. The proposed system is capable of measuring from 2 to 50 GHz at 30 meters distances. A measurement campaign utilizing the proposed setup equipped with rotational directive horn antennas, with a focus on multi-band power-angle-delay profiles, was performed. The measured frequency bands are 18–20 GHz, 25–27 GHz, 28–30 GHz and 38–40 GHz.
16 citations
Cites background from "Millimeter-Wave Cellular Wireless N..."
...More specifically, there is an interest in the 28 - 30 GHz band, where some experimental measurements have been conducted [11]–[14]....
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TL;DR: In this article, a linear array antenna comprising circular-shaped patches fed by slotted substrate integrated waveguide is proposed, which operates at the quasi-TM21 mode, which produces boresight radiation with an improved gain due to the introduction of additional slot loadings in the middle space of the circular shape patch.
Abstract: A linear array antenna comprising circular-shaped patches fed by slotted substrate integrated waveguide is proposed. The slotted circular-shaped patch operates at the quasi-TM21 mode, which produces boresight radiation with an improved gain due to the introduction of additional slot loadings in the middle space of the circular-shaped patch. Comparisons among the proposed $1 \times 8$ linear array antenna and two other traditional linear arrays used in automotive radars are presented, highlighting the superior performance of the proposed linear array, i.e., higher gain and wider 1 dB gain bandwidth. Several key geometrical design parameters, which are critical to the performance of the array antenna, are studied and analyzed to provide a better understanding of the proposed array antenna. A $4\times 8$ planar array antenna incorporating four $1\times 8$ linear arrays is further designed to verify the extension capability of the proposed linear array. Both the linear array and the planar array antennas were fabricated and measured, showing a good agreement between simulation and measured results, thus validating the designs. The proposed array antenna can be a good candidate for millimeter-wave automotive radar applications.
16 citations
Cites background from "Millimeter-Wave Cellular Wireless N..."
..., wireless communications [1], [2], automotive radars [3], [4], high- resolution imaging and detection systems [5], [6], and...
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References
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Book•
15 Jan 1996
TL;DR: WireWireless Communications: Principles and Practice, Second Edition is the definitive modern text for wireless communications technology and system design as discussed by the authors, which covers the fundamental issues impacting all wireless networks and reviews virtually every important new wireless standard and technological development, offering especially comprehensive coverage of the 3G systems and wireless local area networks (WLANs).
Abstract: From the Publisher:
The indispensable guide to wireless communicationsnow fully revised and updated!
Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice, Second Edition is the definitive modern text for wireless communications technology and system design. Building on his classic first edition, Theodore S. Rappaport covers the fundamental issues impacting all wireless networks and reviews virtually every important new wireless standard and technological development, offering especially comprehensive coverage of the 3G systems and wireless local area networks (WLANs) that will transform communications in the coming years. Rappaport illustrates each key concept with practical examples, thoroughly explained and solved step by step.
Coverage includes:
An overview of key wireless technologies: voice, data, cordless, paging, fixed and mobile broadband wireless systems, and beyond
Wireless system design fundamentals: channel assignment, handoffs, trunking efficiency, interference, frequency reuse, capacity planning, large-scale fading, and more
Path loss, small-scale fading, multipath, reflection, diffraction, scattering, shadowing, spatial-temporal channel modeling, and microcell/indoor propagation
Modulation, equalization, diversity, channel coding, and speech coding
New wireless LAN technologies: IEEE 802.11a/b, HIPERLAN, BRAN, and other alternatives
New 3G air interface standards, including W-CDMA, cdma2000, GPRS, UMTS, and EDGE
Bluetooth wearable computers, fixed wireless and Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS), and other advanced technologies
Updated glossary of abbreviations and acronyms, and a thorolist of references
Dozens of new examples and end-of-chapter problems
Whether you're a communications/network professional, manager, researcher, or student, Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice, Second Edition gives you an in-depth understanding of the state of the art in wireless technologytoday's and tomorrow's.
17,102 citations
"Millimeter-Wave Cellular Wireless N..." refers background in this paper
...Also, the human body and many outdoor materials being very reflective, allow them to be important scatterers for mmW propagation [28], [30]....
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...However, these measurements were performed in an outdoor campus setting with much lower building density and greater opportunities for LOS connectivity than would be found in a typical urban deployment....
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...Despite the potential of mmW cellular systems, there are a number of key challenges to realizing the vision of cellular networks in these bands: • Range and directional communication: Friis’ transmis- sion law [54] states that the free space omnidirectional path loss grows with the square of the…...
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TL;DR: The motivation for new mm-wave cellular systems, methodology, and hardware for measurements are presented and a variety of measurement results are offered that show 28 and 38 GHz frequencies can be used when employing steerable directional antennas at base stations and mobile devices.
Abstract: The global bandwidth shortage facing wireless carriers has motivated the exploration of the underutilized millimeter wave (mm-wave) frequency spectrum for future broadband cellular communication networks. There is, however, little knowledge about cellular mm-wave propagation in densely populated indoor and outdoor environments. Obtaining this information is vital for the design and operation of future fifth generation cellular networks that use the mm-wave spectrum. In this paper, we present the motivation for new mm-wave cellular systems, methodology, and hardware for measurements and offer a variety of measurement results that show 28 and 38 GHz frequencies can be used when employing steerable directional antennas at base stations and mobile devices.
6,708 citations
"Millimeter-Wave Cellular Wireless N..." refers background or methods in this paper
...In both 28- and 73-GHz measurements, each point was classified as either being in a NLOS or LOS situation, based on a manual classification made at the time of the measurements; see [26] and [28]–[33]....
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...• Empirical NYC: These curves are based on the omnidirectional path loss predicted by our linear model (1) for the mmW channel with the parameters from Table 1, as derived from the directional measurements in [26]....
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...Details of the measurements can be found in [26], [28]– [33], [81]....
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...This tremendous potential has led to considerable recent interest in mmW cellular both in industry [7]–[9], [18], [19] and academia [20]–[26], with a growing belief that mmW bands will play a significant role in beyond 4G and 5G cellular systems [27]....
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...In particular, we survey our own measurements [26], [28]–[33] made in New York City (NYC) in both 28- and 73-GHz bands and the statistical models for the channels developed in [34]....
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TL;DR: The gains in multiuser systems are even more impressive, because such systems offer the possibility to transmit simultaneously to several users and the flexibility to select what users to schedule for reception at any given point in time.
Abstract: Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology is maturing and is being incorporated into emerging wireless broadband standards like long-term evolution (LTE) [1]. For example, the LTE standard allows for up to eight antenna ports at the base station. Basically, the more antennas the transmitter/receiver is equipped with, and the more degrees of freedom that the propagation channel can provide, the better the performance in terms of data rate or link reliability. More precisely, on a quasi static channel where a code word spans across only one time and frequency coherence interval, the reliability of a point-to-point MIMO link scales according to Prob(link outage) ` SNR-ntnr where nt and nr are the numbers of transmit and receive antennas, respectively, and signal-to-noise ratio is denoted by SNR. On a channel that varies rapidly as a function of time and frequency, and where circumstances permit coding across many channel coherence intervals, the achievable rate scales as min(nt, nr) log(1 + SNR). The gains in multiuser systems are even more impressive, because such systems offer the possibility to transmit simultaneously to several users and the flexibility to select what users to schedule for reception at any given point in time [2].
5,158 citations
"Millimeter-Wave Cellular Wireless N..." refers background in this paper
...These multiple antenna systems can be used to form very high gain, electrically steerable arrays, fabricated at the base station (BS), in the skin of a cellphone, or even within a chip [6], [10]–[17]....
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe five technologies that could lead to both architectural and component disruptive design changes: device-centric architectures, millimeter wave, massive MIMO, smarter devices, and native support for machine-to-machine communications.
Abstract: New research directions will lead to fundamental changes in the design of future fifth generation (5G) cellular networks. This article describes five technologies that could lead to both architectural and component disruptive design changes: device-centric architectures, millimeter wave, massive MIMO, smarter devices, and native support for machine-to-machine communications. The key ideas for each technology are described, along with their potential impact on 5G and the research challenges that remain.
3,711 citations
TL;DR: The technical and business arguments for femtocells are overview and the state of the art on each front is described and the technical challenges facing femtocell networks are described and some preliminary ideas for how to overcome them are given.
Abstract: The surest way to increase the system capacity of a wireless link is by getting the transmitter and receiver closer to each other, which creates the dual benefits of higher-quality links and more spatial reuse. In a network with nomadic users, this inevitably involves deploying more infrastructure, typically in the form of microcells, hot spots, distributed antennas, or relays. A less expensive alternative is the recent concept of femtocells - also called home base stations - which are data access points installed by home users to get better indoor voice and data coverage. In this article we overview the technical and business arguments for femtocells and describe the state of the art on each front. We also describe the technical challenges facing femtocell networks and give some preliminary ideas for how to overcome them.
3,298 citations
"Millimeter-Wave Cellular Wireless N..." refers background in this paper
...Heterogeneous networks, or HetNets, have been one of the most active research areas in cellular standards bodies in the last five years [45], [48], [67], [68], with the main focus being intercell interference coordination and load balancing....
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