A Spatial-Spectral Interference Model for Dense Finite-Area 5G mmWave Networks

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive spatial-spectral interference model for dense 5G mmWave networks, accounting for blockage effects and configuration uncertainties, to better predict network performance metrics like BER and outage probability.

Contribution

It introduces a novel blockage model and derives a spatial-spectral interference model specific to dense 5G mmWave networks, incorporating both spatial and spectral randomness.

Findings

Interference profiles significantly differ when considering mmWave-specific effects.

The model accurately predicts BER and outage probability through Monte-Carlo validation.

Randomness in node configuration impacts network performance metrics.

Abstract

With the overcrowded sub-6 GHz bands, millimeter wave (mmWave) bands offer a promising alternative for the next generation wireless standard, i.e., 5G. However, the susceptibility of mmWave signals to severe pathloss and shadowing requires the use of highly directional antennas to overcome such adverse characteristics. Building a network with directional beams changes the interference behavior, since, narrow beams are vulnerable to blockages. Such sensitivity to blockages causes uncertainty in the active interfering node locations. Configuration uncertainty may also manifest in the spectral domain while applying dynamic channel and frequency assignment to support 5G applications. In this paper, we first propose a blockage model considering mmWave specifications. Subsequently, using the proposed blockage model, we derive a spatial-spectral interference model for dense finite-area 5G mmWave networks. The proposed interference model considers both spatial and spectral randomness in node configuration. Finally, the error performance of the network from an arbitrarily located user perspective is calculated in terms of bit error rate (BER) and outage probability metrics. The analytical results are validated via Monte-Carlo simulations. It is shown that considering mmWave specifications and also randomness in both spectral and spatial node configurations leads to a noticeably different interference profile.