Site-Specific Outdoor Propagation Assessment and Ray-Tracing Analysis for Wireless Digital Twins

TL;DR

This paper develops a digital twin platform for urban wireless network simulation, using ray-tracing to analyze how building layouts and antenna designs affect signal propagation, aiding network optimization.

Contribution

It introduces a digital twin framework integrating ray-tracing for urban wireless propagation analysis, comparing Matlab and Remcom software for realistic urban environment simulations.

Findings

Ray-tracing effectively models urban wireless propagation.

Building placement significantly impacts signal coverage.

Digital twins assist in optimizing wireless network deployment.

Abstract

Digital twinning is becoming increasingly vital in the design and real-time control of future wireless networks by providing precise cost-effective simulations, predictive insights, and real-time data integration. This paper explores the application of digital twinning in optimizing wireless communication systems within urban environments, where building arrangements can critically impact network performances. We develop a digital twin platform to simulate and analyze how factors such as building positioning, base station placement, and antenna design influence wireless propagation. The ray-tracing software package of Matlab is compared with Remcom Wireless InSite. Using a realistic radiation pattern of a base transceiver station (BTS) antenna, ray tracing simulations for signal propagation and interactions in urban landscapes are then extensively examined. By analyzing radio heat maps alongside antenna patterns, we gain valuable insights into optimizing wireless deployment strategies. This study highlights the potential of digital twinning as a critical tool for urban planners and network engineers.