Comparative evaluation of radio propagation properties at 15 GHz and 60 GHz frequencies

Abstract

Due to explosive growth in the mobile data demand, millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum is to become one of the key enablers for the next-generation 5G wireless. Accurate characterization of mmWave channels has crucial implications on 5G network planning — as compared to more conventional frequency bands — due to a higher impact that surrounding objects have on the radio propagation. In this work, we contribute mmWave channel measurements and compare our obtained results across several metrics of interests, mindful of previously standardized models. The proposed analysis is conducted for a typical mmWave system deployment operating at 15 and 60 GHz. The evaluation studies a difference between the obtained results for the two frequency bands considered, as well as verifies their predictability when utilizing modern modeling considerations.