Electromagnetic wave attenuation by plane concrete in the frequency range of 4G and 5G systems

This paper describes the electromagnetic wave (EM) attenuation by concrete blocks focusing on the frequency range 1.70 – 1.88 GHz and 3.40 – 3.80 GHz. The attenuation calculation of concrete was made according to ITU recommendation ITU-R P.2040-1 (07/2015) for conducting dielectric. Also, the attenuation calculation was made using simulated values of S11 and S21 parameters. These two sets of computationally derived data were compared with each other, and the differences were not significant. The values of EM wave attenuation during propagation through concrete were compared with the values from the available literature and the deviations are also minor. 5G systems use higher frequencies and the tested concrete materials shield the 5G signals better than 4G signals. The results of this research can be used in the building walls with high attenuation for 4G and 5G communication systems.