Channel Parameters and Throughput Predictions for mmWave and LTE-A Networks in Urban Environments

Spectrum shortage in the conventional microwave bands coupled with the need for multi-gigabit per- cell capacities has motivated the use of the mmWave bands in future 5G networks. In this paper 3D ray tracing is used to derive key statistical parameters for the mmWave channel. These include path loss, LoS probability, K-factor, RMS delay spread and angular spreads. The mmWave parameters are directly compared to the microwave channel present in LTE-A. Cellular deployment in both bands is then simulated for a 500 m by 500 m regqasion of central Bristol. The impact of different antenna geometries is also studied. Due to the trade-offs between the number of required BSs and the cost of network deployment, we propose a converged mmWave/microwave network for improved user experience.