Limitations of sum-of-sinusoids fading channel simulators

Rayleigh signal fading due to multipath propagation in wireless channels is widely modeled using sum-of-sinusoids simulators. In particular, Jakes´ (1994) simulator and derivatives of Jakes´ simulator have gained widespread acceptance. Despite this, few in-depth studies of the simulators´ statistical behavior have been reported in the literature. Here, the extent to which Jakes´ simulator adequately models the multipath Rayleigh fading propagation environment is examined. The results show that Jakes´ simulator does not reproduce some important properties of the physical fading channel. Some possible improvements to Jakes´ simulator are examined. The significances of the number and the symmetries of the Doppler frequency shifts on the validity of the simulator´s reproduction of the physical fading channel are elucidated