Channel modelling and equalisation techniques for broadband mobile communications at 60 GHz

Currently within the RACE project, the feasibility of extending the broadband data services offered by fibre optic networks to mobile users is being investigated. The millimetric frequency band has been identified as a possible bearer for such a service, with the oxygen absorption region at 60 GHz being the current focus of attention. As data rates of up to 150 Mb/s may need to be supported, a central issue in the provision of such a service is the need for equalisation techniques to be employed at the receiver in order to mitigate against the severe intersymbol-interference that may result from multipath propagation. This paper, in addition to addressing the equalisation issues, also gives preliminary results of a channel modelling exercise, based upon channel measurements conducted at 60 GHz. It is envisaged that the channel modelling exercise will allow a statistical model to be constructed, describing the behaviour of the radio channel, which when incorporated into a Monte Carlo simulation of a radio link would allow assessments of various equalisers to be made. As this exercise is not yet complete, Monte Carlo simulations have been performed using measured channel responses instead and the results are reported here