With 5G networks, there are a few potential challenges for the channel/propagation modelling due to the radiowave behavior and characteristics under 5G frequency bands.

Weather

The radiowave propagation for millimeter wave for 5G networks is likely to be affected by the weathers. The raining, snowy and windy days may influence the attenuation depending on how severe the weather is. We will evaluate the influences of weather and build an empirical model to compensate for the attenuation due to weather.

Oxygen Absorption

The mm wave is sensitive to the frequency where it has been researched that under higher frequency bands, particularly 60GHz, 120Gh, 200Ghz, 350Ghz etc., the radiowave is more severely affected with a higher attenuation e.g. at 60Ghz, the attenuation due to O2 absorption is around 20dB at the sea level.

Atmospheric absorption of millimeter waves

Material and Clutter Characterization

Higher frequency bands, the smaller wavelength. On one hand, the radiowave of smaller wavelength e.g. lights, are less likely to bypass obstacles. On the other hand, the scattering effects e.g. from the tree leaves, may not be neglectable anymore.

Under 5G frequency bands, different material may behavior drastically differently. For example, energy loss of the EM radiation depends on the material permittivity and permeability, and it increases along frequency. Furthermore, the scattering result will be much more sensitive to the roughness of the surface. which is subject to further measurement and evaluation.

Environment Dynamics

Unlike 2G/3G/4G networks, the moving objects in the streets such buses or people are more likely to block the Line-of-Sight (LOS) or Obstructed LOS propagation e.g. where there is a strong reflection ray from the building wall. Therefore, it is important to study the effects to the propagation of the environment dynamics under 5G frequency bands. When doing measurement, the human body itself has influences on the measured signal strength. These may be considered empirically but may not be sufficient or accurate enough. A real-time propagation engine may seem on demand.

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