Multi-Gigabits Millimetre Wave Wireless Communications for 5G: From Fixed Access to Cellular Networks

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of E-band frequencies for 5G wireless communications, highlighting their advantages, challenges, and proposing an E-band mobile broadband system for future networks.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of E-band spectrum for 5G, including propagation, applications, and a novel EMB system design for next-generation mobile networks.

Findings

E-band offers high capacity potential for 5G.

Non-trivial multiplexing gains are achievable in fixed E-band links.

Proposed EMB system design suitable for future mobile networks.

Abstract

With the formidable growth of various booming wireless communication services that require ever-increasing data throughputs, the conventional microwave band below 10 GHz, which is currently used by almost all mobile communication systems, is going to reach its saturation point within just a few years. Therefore, the attention of radio system designers has been pushed towards ever-higher segments of the frequency spectrum in a quest for capacity increase. In this article, we investigate the feasibility, advantages and challenges of future wireless communications over the E-band frequencies. We start from a brief review of the history of E-band spectrum and its light licensing policy as well as benefits/challenges. Then we introduce the propagation characteristics of E-band signals, based on which some potential fixed and mobile applications at the E-band are investigated. In particular, we analyze the achievability of non-trivial multiplexing gain in fixed point-to-point E-band links and propose an E-band mobile broadband (EMB) system as a candidate for the next generation mobile communication networks. The channelization and frame structure of the EMB system are discussed in details.