MmWave Physical Layer Network Modeling and Planning for Fixed Wireless Access Applications.

Area of Science:

• Telecommunications Engineering
• Wireless Communication Systems
• Radio Propagation

Background:

• Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) leverages millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies for high-speed internet.
• FWA networks create a wireless mesh from customer premises equipment (CPE) to the point of presence (POP).
• Wireless link performance is contingent upon radio propagation characteristics and chosen technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• Analyze FWA network characteristics using mmWave frequencies (28, 60, 140 GHz).
• Investigate the impact of environmental factors like rain and vegetation, and subscriber load.
• Develop a network planning algorithm for efficient CPE routing to the POP.

Main Methods:

• Utilized radio propagation models for mmWave frequencies.
• Simulated various scenarios and environments, including the effects of rain, vegetation, and subscriber density.
• Developed and applied a network planning algorithm for optimal routing.

Main Results:

• Rainfall showed a negligible effect on overall system capacity.
• Higher mmWave frequencies, despite greater path loss, achieved higher channel capacity due to larger bandwidths.
• The network planning algorithm effectively routed CPEs based on device location and link capacity.

Conclusions:

• mmWave FWA is a viable solution for high-speed internet access.
• Bandwidth is a critical factor in determining channel capacity in mmWave FWA.
• Environmental factors have a manageable impact, and effective network planning is crucial for performance.