Ray Tracing for Radio Propagation Modeling: Principles and Applications

Abstract

This paper reviews the basic concepts of rays, ray tracing algorithms, and radio propagation modeling using ray tracing methods. We focus on the fundamental concepts and the development of practical ray tracing algorithms. The most recent progress and a future perspective of ray tracing are also discussed. We envision propagation modeling in the near future as an intelligent, accurate, and real-time system in which ray tracing plays an important role. This review is especially useful for experts who are developing new ray tracing algorithms to enhance modeling accuracy and improve computational speed. INDEX TERMSRadio propagation, propagation modeling, ray tracing method, acceleration algorithm, GPU.

A Triply Selective MIMO Channel Simulator Using GPUs

“…However, assuming that the paths of all the subchannels have the same delay, then (11) transforms into (12), which coincides with the model proposed in [16]:…”

“…Likewise, the study in [11] presents an improved path loss simulation incorporating a three-dimensional terrain model using parallel coprocessors or GPUs. In addition, in [12] and references therein, a selection of GPU-based implementations is presented, which improves the computational processing time and reports GPU-based implementations with significant speedups. However, even though many GPUbased implementations have been reported in the state of the art, a complete triply selective fading channel simulator has not been reported in the open literature.…”

“…The purpose is to accelerate scientific computation and engineering calculations, among others. As a result, several works related to wireless channel simulators have been presented in order to handle the computational complexity in the implementation of channel simulators [9][10][11][12] and high demanding digital signal processing algorithms [13,14].…”

Channel Measurement and Modeling in Complex Environments

“…The Shooting and Bouncing Ray (SBR) method can offer a faster computation speed with lower accuracy. This method and the hybrid method with image theory is explained in detail in [52]. …”

“…It aims to determine all the contributing propagation mechanisms at the receiver side: such as the LOS component if it is present, reflected, refracted, diffracted, and the scattered components. For applying the ray tracing, a "ray" has to obey the rules as follows [52]:…”