28 GHz NLOS Channel Measurements Revealing Low Path Loss and High Angular Spread in Container Ports

TL;DR

This study provides detailed 28 GHz channel measurements in a container port environment, revealing low path loss, high angular spread, and short spatial correlation, which are crucial for designing reliable millimeter-wave communication systems.

Contribution

It offers comprehensive measurement data and validates a propagation model specific to container port environments at 28 GHz, highlighting unique propagation characteristics.

Findings

Low path loss compared to free space

High angular spread observed

Short spatial correlation inside the canyon

Abstract

This paper presents results from a comprehensive measurement campaign conducted at 28 GHz inside a container canyon within a commercial port environment. The measurements are performed at various points inside the container canyon, considering two types of container stacking and two different Transmitter (TX) locations, using a narrowband channel sounder equipped with a rotating horn antenna. The measurements are used to evaluate the azimuthal spectrum and spatial correlation, as well as the impact of a vehicle inside a canyon on these parameters. Further, the measurement data is utilized to validate a simulation setup from which the path loss and the elevation spectrum inside the canyon is obtained. Lastly, a propagation model inside the canyon is hypothesized and shown to be consistent with the measurements. The analysis show a low path loss compared to free space, as well as a high angular spread and short spatial correlation.