60 GHz-Ultrawideband Real-Time Multi-Antenna Channel Sounding for Multi Giga-Bit/s Access

60 GHz technology has been proposed recently for multi-Giga-bit/s access within different application scenarios, e.g. in crowded multi-user public transportation (PT) environments. Hence, channel sounders that are used to investigate multipath propagation and multi-user access techniques including spatial diversity and beam-forming in time-variant shadowing environments require ultra-wideband (UWB) operation, multiple antennas, and real-time. This paper presents probably the first channel sounder architecture fulfilling these requirements. Moreover, an experimental study is described which is performed for planning purposes and deployment of 60 GHz WLAN/WPAN networks in PT scenarios. Coverage analysis based on different PHY channelization schemes, including multiple access point configurations and antennas is addressed for the Airbus 340 cabin. Additionally, distributions of time dispersion, coherent bandwidth, and Rice K-factor in the in-cabin coverage area are presented. Specifically, a brief analysis under dynamic channel conditions due to human activities is introduced. The suitability of the 60 GHz-UWB channels sounder for PT scenarios is demonstrated. Besides, some channel results for finding the most suitable system parameters for 60 GHz access deployment of in-flight-entertainment (IFE) systems are given.