Experimental comparison between centimeter- and millimeter-wave ultrawideband radio channels

This paper analyzes radio wave propagation phenomena at two very different frequency bands: 2-10-GHz (centimeter wave) and 57-66-GHz (millimeter wave (mm-W)). The two frequency bands have been measured using the same equipment and under similar propagation conditions, such as path loss, root-mean-square delay spread, maximum excess delay, and Rician K factor, and their respective correlations compared. Obstructed line of sight situations have also been considered by using metal and cardboard obstructions. The statistical distributions, main specular reflections, and decay factors have been found similar for the two bands. However, the measured path loss, correlation in terms of electrical distances, and the K factor are higher for the millimeter-wave frequency band. Indeed, the importance of propagation mechanism changes from one band to the other, which must be considered in the design of future mm-W systems. Key Points Comparison of radio wave propagation at two very different frequency bands Large bandwidth considered: 2-10-GHz (cm-W) and 57-66-GHz (mm-W) Obstructed line of sight situations have also been considered ©2014. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.