Extension of indoor mmW link radio coverage in non line-of-sight conditions

TL;DR

This paper explores methods to enhance indoor 60 GHz mmWave coverage in NLOS conditions using metallic reflectors and beamforming, addressing high propagation losses and blockage effects.

Contribution

It introduces specific reflector and antenna configurations to improve indoor mmWave coverage and demonstrates beamforming's effectiveness in overcoming blockages.

Findings

Metallic reflectors improve signal coverage in NLOS environments.

Beamforming can exploit reflected paths to mitigate blockage.

Different corridor configurations show significant coverage enhancement.

Abstract

In future wireless communication systems, millimeter waves (mmWaves) will play an important role in meeting high data rates. However, due to their short wavelengths, these mmWaves present high propagation losses and are highly attenuated by blocking. In this chapter, we seek to increase the indoor radio coverage at 60 GHz in non line-of-sight (NLOS) environments. Firstly, a metallic passive reflector is used in an L-shaped corridor. Secondly, an array of grooved metallic antennas of size 20 cm x 20 cm (corresponding to 80 grooves) is used in a T-shaped corridor. Next, the study focuses on the blockage losses caused by the human body. The results obtained in these different configurations show that it is possible to use beamforming to exploit a reflected path when the direct path is blocked.