On the Space-Time Variations of Rain Attenuation

Rain attenuation shows a considerable temporal and spatial variability. To simulate fade mitigation techniques such as route diversity, a space-time channel model which accounts for the spatial and temporal variation of rain attenuation is needed. In this paper we investigate the space-time correlation of rain attenuation utilizing 42 GHz star-like network measurements. By combining the spatial and temporal correlation properties of rain attenuation, a simulation model for generating multiple correlated rain attenuation time series based on the Maseng-Bakken model is developed. The model is validated by comparing the statistical and angular diversity properties of the model with those of measurements and theoretical diversity gain models. Furthermore, parameters for the Maseng-Bakken dynamic rain attenuation model were extracted from the star-like network measurements. In addition, using a systematic multivariable technique a model for the parameter beta_s which controls the dynamics of rain attenuation in the Maseng-Bakken model was developed. Moreover, using available rain attenuation measurements the advantage of route diversity with selection combining is investigated.