A simplified deterministic channel model for user mobility investigations in 5G networks

High frequency bands are considered for the fifth generation (5G) mobile networks to handle the continuous increase in the demand for cellular data traffic. However, the propagation conditions in high frequency bands are more challenging than in low frequency bands, making the radio link more susceptible to obstruction. These new radio aspects impose new challenges on the design of user mobility procedures which shall be tested by means of simulations. Current statistical propagation models lack the accuracy in capturing spatial correlation, channel degradation when the user is obstructed and frequency correlation among different layers. On the other hand, deterministic channel models are too complex and inappropriate for mobility investigations since they require a high computational time. This paper proposes a simplified deterministic channel model which captures the propagation aspects that are relevant for mobility investigations. In addition, a model for signal measurement is proposed considering the impact of analog beamforming which is a key component in 5G networks. Simulations are performed to show the characteristics of the channel and received signal. The results corroborate that the signal degradation due to obstruction is faster for higher carrier frequency and user velocity, and slower for higher diffraction angle.