An Air-Ground Channel Modeling Approach for Multiple Antenna Systems

Abstract

In recent years, multiple antenna systems have demonstrated significant improvements in communication system performance. However, little research has been conducted on their application in air-ground communication systems, especially for the L-band Digital Aeronautical Communications System (LDACS). Thus, it is necessary to understand the extent to which multiple antenna systems can enhance air-ground communications and whether they are worth installing. To address this, we propose developing a geometry-based stochastic channel model to simulate various scenarios in air-ground channels for performance analysis. We study the propagation effects in air-ground channels and analyze them for the use of multiple antenna systems. Our preliminary results show that using beamforming techniques can significantly decrease the disruptive effects caused by multipath components. Based on these findings, we propose a channel modeling approach to evaluate the performance benefits of multiple antenna systems in air-ground communications and to develop a framework for their future implementation.