Comparative Evaluation of Radio Network Planning for Different 5G-NR Channel Models on Urban Macro Environments in Quito City

Abstract

The 5th-Generation New Radio (5G-NR) network have been widely deployed around the world in the frequency range 1/range 2 bands. Once specific frequency bands within these ranges can vary across different countries and regions due to regulatory differences, it should be carried out radio network planning to evaluate the 5G coverage considering the particularities of different locations. In this regard, this paper performs a throughly analysis of the following methods for modeling wireless channel propagation in Quito, Ecuador: 3rd Generation Partnership Project, Knife Edge Diffraction (KED), ASTER and Dominant Path model (DPM). Specifically, we focus on KED, ASTER, and DPM for 3.5/28-GHz bands to determine the propagation models in three-Dimensional urban macro scenarios. In the radio network planning, the multiple-input multiple-output array antennas, 2×2/4×4 configuration radiation patterns are deployed using WINPROP tool and 64 × 64 array configuration with the ATOLL tool. 5G frequency specifications, pathloss, influence of diffraction, reflection, blocking, and fading between transmitter and receiver have been considered for scenarios of interest, such as dense urban and urban in Quito, by using fixed wireless access applications and Vehicular-to-Everything (V2X) communications. In addition, data rates, throughput, and the quality metrics of the received reference signal, i.e., the signal-to-noise plus interference ratio, the reference signal received quality, the reference signal received power, and the received signal strength indicator, are also assessed for each propagation model. Finally, we provide useful insights into propagation models and design usage rules for the bands mentioned in 5G networks for Quito city.