Millimeter-Wave Propagation for 5G in Tropical Environments: A Comprehensive Study of Channel Characteristics and Rain Attenuation at 28 GHz
Abdusalama Daho *
Wireless Communication Centre, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia.
Marwan Hadri Azmi
Wireless Communication, Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Razali Ngah
Wireless Communication Centre, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Tharek Abdrahman
Communication Centre (WCC), Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Currently Conducting Research Related to Mobile Communications, Antenna and Propagation, Malaysia.
Rafiq Islam
IIUM Gombak Campus Kulliyyah of Engineering, Malaysia.
Ali Othman
Wireless Communication Centre, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johore, Malaysia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The deployment of 5G networks in tropical regions presents unique challenges, particularly due to the impact of heavy rainfall on millimeter-wave propagation. This study investigates the propagation characteristics of 28 GHz millimeter-wave signals in outdoor environments, focusing on the effects of rain attenuation. Extensive wideband channel measurements were conducted in both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight scenarios in Malaysia. The measured data, along with simulation results, were utilized to characterize the 5G channel in terms of path loss, power delay profile, delay spread, and angle of arrival, both with and without the presence of rain. Based on these findings, a comprehensive propagation model was developed, capturing the significant impact of rain on signal degradation and key channel parameters. This model serves as a valuable tool for optimizing the design and deployment of 5G networks in tropical environments, enabling robust high-speed communication despite the challenging atmospheric conditions.
Keywords: 5G channel modelling, wideband, millimeters’-wave, 28 GHz, outdoor environment