Multi-Hop Wireless Backhaul Networks above 10 GHz: Connectivity and Critical Density Evaluation

Abstract

Microwave links are the obvious mobile backhauling solution for many mobile operators. Multi-hops are likely to be necessary in order to ensure connectivity for mobile backhaul solutions. The subject of the present paper is the evaluation of the connectivity of wireless multi-hop backhaul networks assuming high frequency transmissions among the relays. A novel analytical physical propagation and engineering model is presented for the calculation of the connectivity of wireless multi-hop networks that appropriate for operating frequencies above 10 GHz. Assuming equal power transmissions from every node and a random spatial node distribution following the homogeneous Poisson process, we calculate the node isolation probability. Furthermore, we calculate the minimum required node density in order to keep the backhaul network almost connected. The sensitivity of the isolation probability and of the minimum node density on frequency of operation, transmission power and climatic conditions is also investigated. Some useful conclusions are drawn.Keywords Millimeter-wave backhaul networks . Multi-hop networks . Rain fading . Poisson point field . Isolation probability . Minimum node density . Rain attenuation 1 IntroductionSelf-organizing wireless multi-hop networks have gained recently great interest in the research community and in the communications industry, mostly due to low operational and equipment cost and due to fast installation. Clients have the opportunity to access web through Internet gateways employing direct or multi-hop transmissions [1]. Multi-hop

Improving connectivity in indoor millimeter wave wireless networks using diversity reception

“…Many of these networks are usually installed either in an indoor-outdoor environment or in an urban environment, so the planning of wireless networks highly depends on the randomness of the environment. In previous works [9], [10], we have presented the connectivity performance of backhaul networks operating at outdoor millimeter-wave environments. At these frequencies the wireless network is more susceptible to a series of physical phenomena related to propagation of millimeter radio waves through the atmosphere that cause signal impairments.…”