Clustering characterization for UWB indoor communications

In this paper, cluster characteristics of UWB channels are analyzed based on experimental channel measurements performed in a hall, meeting room and corridors for both LOS and NLOS scenarios. The UWB indoor channels can be generally classified as single- and multi- cluster channels, since single-exponential decay function and a modified multi-cluster model can be used for characterizing the two cluster channels. The multipath components (MPCs) in the single- and multi- cluster channels are associated with uniform distribution and limited angular spread, respectively. Moreover, the modified multi-cluster model is compared with the classical Saleh-Valenzuela model. It is shown that the modified cluster model is better in fitting measurement data and the parameters in the model physically indicate cluster properties of propagation channel. The presented results are useful for design of UWB systems and standardization groups.