Statistical characterization of line-of-sight microwave links

A ray tracing approach with a statistical model of the atmospheric refractivity is used to get angle-of-arrival, amplitude and delay time distributions in a multipath situation. The atmospheric model considers a single superrefractive layer. Statistics of the layer parameters (height, intensity, and thickness) are derived from meteorological data. Ray tracing calculations include rays reflected from a flat ground. The influence of the various layer parameters as well as the physical origin of the rays are analyzed and discussed. Some experimental evidence relating to, and confirming, the predicted values is also considered.