Measurements of construction materials penetration losses at frequencies from 26.5 GHz to 40 GHz

This paper presents results of measurements of penetration losses for common construction material in frequencies between 26.5 GHz and 40 GHz. The results are important to the design and deployment of 5G cellular communication systems that will possibly operate in millimeter wave bands, in addition to the currently used frequencies. The penetration losses were in laboratory using a signal generator, two 20 dBi horn antennas and a spectrum analyzer. The materials tested were thin and thick Styrofoam, thin and thick pressed wood, thin and thick solid wood, window glass, a wooden door and a brick wall and measurements show that brick almost completely blocks the millimeter wave signal, causing attenuations up to 64 dB at 34 GHz, whereas the penetration loss is negligible, as expected. Penetration loss in pressed wood and wood significantly depends on the material's thickness.