A Review of Channel Simulators for Heterogeneous Microwave Networks

A review is performed of the current simulation tools able to produce simultaneous dynamic fading, due to a range of mechanisms, experienced by heterogeneous networks of SHF and EHF radio links. The primary focus is fading due to rain. A taxonomy of tools is proposed, based on the methods used to generate fields of meteorological parameters. The capabilities, deficiencies, and futures of these tools are discussed, and a series of research questions are proposed.