Channel Dynamics and SNR Tracking in Millimeter Wave Cellular Systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates the rapid channel dynamics in mmWave 5G systems and proposes a simple SNR tracking method using real experiments and statistical models to improve rate prediction and handover decisions.

Contribution

It introduces a straightforward SNR estimation technique from synchronization signals and evaluates its effectiveness in realistic blockage scenarios.

Findings

The SNR tracking method performs well in real blockage scenarios.

Channel dynamics significantly impact SNR and system performance.

The approach aids in better rate prediction and handover management.

Abstract

The millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies are likely to play a significant role in fifth-generation (5G) cellular systems. A key challenge in developing systems in these bands is the potential for rapid channel dynamics: since mmWave signals are blocked by many materials, small changes in the position or orientation of the handset relative to objects in the environment can cause large swings in the channel quality. This paper addresses the issue of tracking the signal to noise ratio (SNR), which is an essential procedure for rate prediction, handover and radio link failure detection. A simple method for estimating the SNR from periodic synchronization signals is considered. The method is then evaluated using real experiments in common blockage scenarios combined with outdoor statistical models.