60 GHz millimeter-wave indoor propagation path loss models for modified indoor environments

Abstract

The 60 GHz band has been selected for short-range communication systems to meet consumers’ needs for high data rates. However, this frequency is attenuated by obstacles. This study addresses the limitations of the 60 GHz band by modifying indoor environments with square loop (SL) frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) wallpaper, thereby increasing its utilization. The SL FSS wallpaper response at a 61.5 GHz frequency has been analyzed using both MATLAB and CST Studio Suite software. ‘Wireless InSite’ is also used to demonstrate enhanced wave propagation in a building modified with SL FSSs wallpaper. The demonstration is applied to multiple input multiple output system to verify the effectiveness of FSSs on such systems’ capacity, as well as the effect of the human body on capacity. Simulation results presented here show that modifying a building using SL FSS wallpaper is an attractive scheme for significantly improving the indoor 60 GHz wireless communications band. This paper also presents and compares two large-scale indoor propagation path loss models, the close-in (CI) free space reference distance model and the floating intercept (FI) model. Data obtained from ‘Wireless InSite’ over distances ranging from 4 to 14.31 m is analyzed. Results show that the CI model provides good estimation and exhibits stable behavior over frequencies and distances, with a solid physical basis and less computational complexity when compared to the FI model.