Propagation Measurements and Path Loss Models for sub-THz in Urban Microcells

TL;DR

This paper presents extensive outdoor measurement campaigns at 140 GHz in urban microcells, providing path loss models and foliage loss data crucial for designing future 6G wireless systems in the sub-THz band.

Contribution

It offers new outdoor wideband measurement data and path loss models at 140 GHz for urban microcell environments, including foliage loss, supporting future 6G and satellite communication system design.

Findings

Outdoor path loss models for LOS and NLOS at 140 GHz

Foliage loss measurements and models

Feasibility of sub-THz for outdoor cellular and satellite links

Abstract

Terahertz frequency bands will likely be used for the next-generation wireless communication systems to provide data rates of hundreds of Gbps or even Tbps because of the wide swaths of unused and unexplored spectrum. This paper presents two outdoor wideband measurement campaigns in downtown Brooklyn (urban microcell environment) in the sub-THz band of 140 GHz with TX-RX separation distance up to 100 m: i) terrestrial urban microcell measurement campaign, and ii) rooftop surrogate satellite and backhaul measurement campaign. Outdoor omnidirectional and directional path loss models for both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight scenarios, as well as foliage loss (signal attenuation through foliage), are provided at 140 GHz for urban microcell environments. These measurements and models provide an understanding of both the outdoor terrestrial (e.g., 6G cellular and backhaul) and non-terrestrial (e.g., satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle communications) wireless channels, and prove the feasibility of using THz frequency bands for outdoor fixed and mobile cellular communications. This paper can be used for future outdoor wireless system design at frequencies above 100 GHz.