A Study of Multihop mmW Aerial Backhaul Links

TL;DR

This paper analyzes millimeter wave aerial backhaul links using networked flying platforms, deriving channel models and outage probabilities, and proposes an algorithm for cost-effective system parameter optimization in disaster or remote area connectivity.

Contribution

It provides a detailed physical parameter-based channel characterization and an analytical outage probability expression for mmWave aerial backhaul links, along with an optimization algorithm.

Findings

Derived a closed-form outage probability expression.

Characterized the backhaul channel with realistic physical parameters.

Developed a fast algorithm for optimal system design.

Abstract

The main contribution of this paper is to analyze a long networked flying platform (NFP)-based millimeter wave (mmWave) backhaul link that is offered as a cost effective and easy to deploy solution to connect a disaster or remote area to the nearest core network. For this aim, we characterize the backhaul channel as a function of realistic physical parameters such as heights and distances of obstacles along the route, flight altitude and the intensity of NFPs' vibrations, the real 3D antenna pattern provided by 3GPP, etc. For the characterized channel, we derive an analytical closed-form expression for the outage probability. Finally, using the obtained results, we provide a fast algorithm for the optimal parameter design of the considered system that minimizes the cost.