Channel Measurements and Models for High-Speed Train Communication Systems: A Survey

The recent development of high-speed trains (HSTs) as an emerging high mobility transportation system, and the growing demands of broadband services for HST users, introduce new challenges to wireless communication systems for HSTs. Accurate and efficient channel models considering both large-scale and non-stationary small-scale fading characteristics are crucial for the design, performance evaluation, and parameter optimization of HST wireless communication systems. However, the characteristics of the underlying HST channels have not yet been sufficiently investigated. This paper first provides a comprehensive review of the measurement campaigns conducted in different HST scenarios and then addresses the recent advances in HST channel models. Finally, key challenges of HST channel measurements and models are discussed and several research directions in this area are outlined

Propagation channel characterisation and modelling for high-speed train communication systems

High-mobility scenarios, e.g., High-Speed Train (HST) scenarios, are expected to be typical scenarios for the Fifth Generation (5G) communication systems. With the rapid development of HSTs, an increasing volume of wireless communication data is required to be transferred to train passengers. HST users demand high network capacity and reliable communication services regardless of their locations or speeds, which are beyond the capability of current HST communication systems. The features of HST channels are significantly different from those of low-mobility cellular communication systems. For a proper design and evaluation of future HST wireless communication systems, we need accurate channel models that can mimic the underlying channel characteristics, especially the non-stationarity for different HST scenarios. Inspired by the lack of such accurate HST channel models in the literature, this PhD project is devoted to the modelling and simulation of non-stationary Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) channels for HST communication systems. In this thesis, we first give a comprehensive review of the measurement campaigns conducted in different HST scenarios and address the recent advances in HST channel models. We also highlight the key challenges of HST channel measurements and models. Then, we study the characterisation of non-stationary channels and propose a theoretical framework for deriving the statistical properties of these channels. HST wireless communication systems encounter different channel conditions due to the difference of surrounding geographical environments or scenarios. HST channel models in the literature have either considered large-scale parameters only and/or neglected the non-stationarity of HST channels and/or only consider one of the HST scenarios. Therefore, we propose a novel generic non-stationary Geometry-Based Stochastic Model (GBSM) for wideband MIMO HST channels in different HST scenarios, i.e., open space, viaduct, and cutting. The corresponding simulation model is then developed with angular parameters calculated by the Modified Method of Equal Area (MMEA). The system functions and statistical properties of the proposed channel models are thoroughly studied. The proposed generic non-stationary HST channel models are verified by measurements in terms of stationary time for the open space scenario and the Autocorrelation Function (ACF), Level Crossing Rate (LCR), and stationary distance for the viaduct and cutting scenarios. Transmission techniques which are capable of utilising Three-Dimensional (3D) spatial dimensions are significant for the development of future communication systems. Consequently, 3D MIMO channel models are critical for the development and evaluation of these techniques. Therefore, we propose a novel 3D generic non-stationary GBSM for wideband MIMO HST channels in the most common HST scenarios. The corresponding simulation model is then developed with angular parameters calculated by the Method of Equal Volume (MEV). The proposed models considers several timevarying channel parameters, such as the angular parameters, the number of taps, the Ricean K-factor, and the actual distance between the Transmitter (Tx) and Receiver (Rx). Based on the proposed generic models, we investigate the impact of the elevation angle on some of the channel statistical properties. The proposed 3D generic models are verified using relevant measurement data. Most standard channel models in the literature, like Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), COST 2100, and IMT-2000 failed to introduce any of the HST scenarios. Even for the standard channel models which introduced a HST scenario, like IMT-Advanced (IMT-A) and WINNER II channel models, they offer stationary intervals that are noticeably longer than those in measured HST channels. This has inspired us to propose a non-stationary IMT-A channel model with time-varying parameters including the number of clusters, powers, delays of the clusters, and angular parameters. Based on the proposed non-stationary IMT-A channel model, important statistical properties, i.e., the time-variant spatial Cross-correlation Function (CCF) and time-variant ACF, are derived and analysed. Simulation results demonstrate that the stationary interval of the developed non-stationary IMT-A channel model can match that of relevant HST measurement data. In summary, the proposed theoretical and simulation models are indispensable for the design, testing, and performance evaluation of 5G high-mobility wireless communication systems in general and HST ones in specific

Performance Investigation of High-Speed Train OFDM Systems under the Geometry-Based Channel Model

The high-speed of train (HST) in combination with the high carrier frequency of HST systems leads to the severe inter carrier interference (ICI) in the HST orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (HST-OFDM) systems. To avoid the complexity in OFDM receiver design for ICI eliminations, the OFDM system parameters such as symbol duration, signal bandwidth, and the number of subcarriers should be chosen appropriately. This paper aims to propose a process of HST-OFDM system performance investigation to determine these parameters in order to enhance spectral efficiency and meet a given quality-of-service (QoS) level. The signal-to-­interference-­plus-­noise ratio (SINR) has been used as a figure of merit to analyze the system performance instead of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as most of recent research studies. Firstly, using the non-stationary geometry-based stochastic HST channel model, the SINR of each subcarrier has been derived for different speeds of the train, signal bandwidths, and number of subcarriers. Consequently, the system capacity has been formulated as the sum of all the single channel capacity from each sub-carrier. The constraints on designing HST-OFDM system parameters have been thoughtfully analyzed using the obtained expressions of SINR and capacity. Finally, by analyzing the numerical results, the system parameters can be found for the design of HST-OFDM systems under different speeds of train. The proposed process can be used to provide hints to predict performance of HST communication systems before doing further high cost implementations as hardware designs

Measurements and analysis of large-scale fading characteristics in curved subway tunnels at 920 MHz, 2400 MHz, and 5705 MHz

ave propagation characteristics in curved tunnels are of importance for designing reliable communications in subway systems. This paper presents the extensive propagation measurements conducted in two typical types of subway tunnels—traditional arched “Type I” tunnel and modern arched “Type II” tunnel—with300- and 500-m radii of curvature with different configurations—horizontal and vertical polarizations at 920, 2400, and 5705 MHz, respectively. Based on the measurements, statistical metrics of propagation loss and shadow fading (path-loss exponent, shadow fading distribution, autocorrelation, and cross-correlation) in all the measurement cases are extracted. Then, the large-scale fading characteristics in the curved subway tunnels are compared with the cases of road and railway tunnels, the other main rail traffic scenarios, and some “typical” scenarios to give a comprehensive insight into the propagation in various scenarios where the intelligent transportation systems are deployed. Moreover, for each of the large-scale fading parameters, extensive analysis and discussions are made to reflect the physical laws behind the observations. The quantitative results and findings are useful to realize intelligent transportation systems in the subway system

Antennas and Propagation Aspects for Emerging Wireless Communication Technologies

The increasing demand for high data rate applications and the delivery of zero-latency multimedia content drives technological evolutions towards the design and implementation of next-generation broadband wireless networks. In this context, various novel technologies have been introduced, such as millimeter wave (mmWave) transmission, massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems, and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) schemes in order to support the vision of fifth generation (5G) wireless cellular networks. The introduction of these technologies, however, is inextricably connected with a holistic redesign of the current transceiver structures, as well as the network architecture reconfiguration. To this end, ultra-dense network deployment along with distributed massive MIMO technologies and intermediate relay nodes have been proposed, among others, in order to ensure an improved quality of services to all mobile users. In the same framework, the design and evaluation of novel antenna configurations able to support wideband applications is of utmost importance for 5G context support. Furthermore, in order to design reliable 5G systems, the channel characterization in these frequencies and in the complex propagation environments cannot be ignored because it plays a significant role. In this Special Issue, fourteen papers are published, covering various aspects of novel antenna designs for broadband applications, propagation models at mmWave bands, the deployment of NOMA techniques, radio network planning for 5G networks, and multi-beam antenna technologies for 5G wireless communications

MASSIVE MIMO FOR HIGH-SPEED TRAIN COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

With the current development in wireless communications in high-mobility systems such as high-speed train (HST), the HST scenario is accepted as among the different scenarios for the fifth-generation (5G). Massive Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems, which are equipped with tens or hundreds of antennas has become an improved MIMO system which can assist in achieving the ever-growing demand of data for 5G wireless communication systems. In this study, the associated 5G technologies, as well as the equivalent channel modeling in HST settings and the challenges of deploying massive MIMO on HST, was investigated The channel model was modeled using the WINNER II channel model. With regrads, the proposed non-stationary IMT-A massive MIMO channel models, the essential statistical properties such as the spatial cross-correlation function (CCF), local temporal autocorrelation function (ACF) of the massive MIMO channel model using different propagation scenarios such as open space, viaduct and cutting was analyzed and investigated. The results from the simulations were compared with the analytical results in other to show that the statistical properties vary with time as a result of the non-stationarity of the proposed channel model. The agreement between the stationary interval of the non-stationary IMT-A channel model and the HST under different propagation scenarios shows the efficiency of the proposed channel model. Based on findings; the impact of the deployment of a large antenna on the channel capacity should be thoroughly investigated under different HST propagation scenario. Also, more HST train propagation scenarios such as the tunnel, hilly terrain, and the station should be considered in the non-stationary IMT-A massive MIMO channel models

Direct communication radio Iinterface for new radio multicasting and cooperative positioning

Cotutela: Universidad de defensa UNIVERSITA’ MEDITERRANEA DI REGGIO CALABRIARecently, the popularity of Millimeter Wave (mmWave) wireless networks has increased due to their capability to cope with the escalation of mobile data demands caused by the unprecedented proliferation of smart devices in the fifth-generation (5G). Extremely high frequency or mmWave band is a fundamental pillar in the provision of the expected gigabit data rates. Hence, according to both academic and industrial communities, mmWave technology, e.g., 5G New Radio (NR) and WiGig (60 GHz), is considered as one of the main components of 5G and beyond networks. Particularly, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) provides for the use of licensed mmWave sub-bands for the 5G mmWave cellular networks, whereas IEEE actively explores the unlicensed band at 60 GHz for the next-generation wireless local area networks. In this regard, mmWave has been envisaged as a new technology layout for real-time heavy-traffic and wearable applications. This very work is devoted to solving the problem of mmWave band communication system while enhancing its advantages through utilizing the direct communication radio interface for NR multicasting, cooperative positioning, and mission-critical applications. The main contributions presented in this work include: (i) a set of mathematical frameworks and simulation tools to characterize multicast traffic delivery in mmWave directional systems; (ii) sidelink relaying concept exploitation to deal with the channel condition deterioration of dynamic multicast systems and to ensure mission-critical and ultra-reliable low-latency communications; (iii) cooperative positioning techniques analysis for enhancing cellular positioning accuracy for 5G+ emerging applications that require not only improved communication characteristics but also precise localization. Our study indicates the need for additional mechanisms/research that can be utilized: (i) to further improve multicasting performance in 5G/6G systems; (ii) to investigate sideline aspects, including, but not limited to, standardization perspective and the next relay selection strategies; and (iii) to design cooperative positioning systems based on Device-to-Device (D2D) technology

Channel Simulators for MmWave and 5G Applications

Along with the tremendous growth of extremely high traffic demand, 5G radio access technology, is becoming the core component to support massive and multifarious connected devices and real-time, and to offer high reliability wireless communications with high data rate. And millimeter-wave (mmWave) range with a huge frequency spectrum from 3 GHz to 300GHz will perfectly meet the multi-gigabit communicative demand. However, mmWave usage also generally brings new challenges, such as coping with high attenuation or path losses. As an effective method to evaluate the performance of the new concept in communication networks, nowadays, several channel models and simulators have been proposed and developped, such as, WINNER, COST-2100, IMT-Advanced, METIS, NYU Wire-less and QuaDRiGa etc. The thesis goals have been to offer an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of various mmWave channel models existing in the literature, based on the published literature, and to compare based on simulations some of the main features of two selected open-source models, namely the WINNER 2 and QuaDRiGa channel models. In the future, more mmWave channel models are planned to be tested and simulated for a better understanding of their suitability for various mmWave applications

Innovative energy-efficient wireless sensor network applications and MAC sub-layer protocols employing RTS-CTS with packet concatenation

of energy-efficiency as well as the number of available applications. As a consequence there are challenges that need to be tackled for the future generation of WSNs. The research work from this Ph.D. thesis has involved the actual development of innovative WSN applications contributing to different research projects. In the Smart-Clothing project contributions have been given in the development of a Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) to monitor the foetal movements of a pregnant woman in the last four weeks of pregnancy. The creation of an automatic wireless measurement system for remotely monitoring concrete structures was an contribution for the INSYSM project. This was accomplished by using an IEEE 802.15.4 network enabling for remotely monitoring the temperature and humidity within civil engineering structures. In the framework of the PROENEGY-WSN project contributions have been given in the identification the spectrum opportunities for Radio Frequency (RF) energy harvesting through power density measurements from 350 MHz to 3 GHz. The design of the circuits to harvest RF energy and the requirements needed for creating a WBAN with electromagnetic energy harvesting and Cognitive Radio (CR) capabilities have also been addressed. A performance evaluation of the state-of-the art of the hardware WSN platforms has also been addressed. This is explained by the fact that, even by using optimized Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols, if the WSNs platforms do not allow for minimizing the energy consumption in the idle and sleeping states, energy efficiency and long network lifetime will not be achieved. The research also involved the development of new innovative mechanisms that tries and solves overhead, one of the fundamental reasons for the IEEE 802.15.4 standard MAC inefficiency. In particular, this Ph.D. thesis proposes an IEEE 802.15.4 MAC layer performance enhancement by employing RTS/CTS combined with packet concatenation. The results have shown that the use of the RTS/CTS mechanism improves channel efficiency by decreasing the deferral time before transmitting a data packet. In addition, the Sensor Block Acknowledgment MAC (SBACK-MAC) protocol has been proposed that allows the aggregation of several acknowledgment responses in one special Block Acknowledgment (BACK) Response packet. Two different solutions are considered. The first one considers the SBACK-MAC protocol in the presence of BACK Request (concatenation) while the second one considers the SBACK-MAC in the absence of BACK Request (piggyback). The proposed solutions address a distributed scenario with single-destination and single-rate frame aggregation. The throughput and delay performance is mathematically derived under both ideal conditions (a channel environment with no transmission errors) and non ideal conditions (a channel environment with transmission errors). An analytical model is proposed, capable of taking into account the retransmission delays and the maximum number of backoff stages. The simulation results successfully validate our analytical model. For more than 7 TX (aggregated packets) all the MAC sub-layer protocols employing RTS/CTS with packet concatenation allows for the optimization of channel use in WSNs, v8-48 % improvement in the maximum average throughput and minimum average delay, and decrease energy consumption

Analysis of millimeter wave ad hoc networks

Over the coming few years, the next-generation of wireless networks will be standardized and defined. Ad hoc networks, which operate without expensive infrastructure, are desirable for use cases such as military networks or disaster relief. Millimeter wave (mmWave) technology may enable high speed ad hoc networks. Directional antennas and building blockage limit the received interference power while the huge bandwidth enables high data rates. For this reason, understanding the interference and network performance of mmWave ad hoc networks is crucial for next-generation network design. In my first contribution, I derive the SINR complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) for a random single-hop mmWave ad hoc network. These base results are used to further give insights in mmWave ad hoc networks. The SINR distribution is used to compute the transmission capacity of a mmWave ad hoc network using a Taylor bound. The CDF of the interference to noise ratio (INR) is also derived which shows that mmWave ad hoc networks are line-of-sight interference limited. I extend my work in the second contribution to include general clustered Poisson point processes to derive insights in the effect of different spatial interference patterns. Using the developed framework, I derive the ergodic rate of both spatially uniform and cluster mmWave ad hoc networks. I develop scaling trends for the antenna array size to keep the ergodic rate constant. The impact of beam alignment is computed in the final part of the contribution. Finally, I account for the overhead of beam alignment in mmWave ad hoc networks. The final contribution leverages the first two contributions to derive the expected training time a mmWave ad hoc network must perform before data transmission occurs. The results show that the optimal conditions for minimizing the training time are different than the optimal conditions for maximizing rate.Electrical and Computer Engineerin