Analytical model for outdoor millimeter wave channels using geometry-based stochastic approach

Abstract

The severe bandwidth shortage in conventional microwave bands has spurred the exploration of the millimeter wave (MMW) spectrum for the next revolution in wireless communications. However, there is still a lack of proper channel modeling for the MMW wireless propagation, particularly in the case of outdoor environments. In this paper, we develop a geometry-based stochastic channel model to statistically characterize the effect of all the first-order reflection paths between the transmitter and the receiver. These first-order reflections are generated by the single bounce of signals reflected from the walls of randomly distributed buildings. Based on this geometric model, a closed-form expression for the power delay profile contributed by all the first-order reflection paths is obtained and then used to evaluate their impact on the MMW outdoor propagation characteristics. Numerical results are provided to validate the accuracy of the proposed model under various channel parameter settings. The findings in this paper provide a promising step toward more complex and practical MMW propagation channel modeling.