Analysis of Residential Sub-THz Deployments from Accurate Radio Simulations and Planning Techniques

Abstract

High-capacity bandwidth makes sub-THz spectrum a key element of beyond-5G or 6G networks. However wireless communications at frequencies such as in W-band, D-band or above do suffer from strong constraints at the physical layer, they may be greatly beneficial for adequately chosen ultra-broadband applications and network topologies. Multi-hop backhauling and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) networks are both candidates that we decided to assess as a combination. The physical-layer performance is estimated from LiDAR-based ray-tracing predictions and by considering a sub-THz polar-QAM modulation. The site placement is optimized by an automated heuristic method. Finally, analysis of a case study in a North American residential area demonstrates that a FWA design at 150 GHz is challenging due to propagation, but feasible. The comparison between a coverage-constrained sub-THz design and a capacity-constrained 5G design shows interesting complementarity.