Optimization of antenna beamwidth under blockage ımpact in millimeter-wave bands

Abstract

In this paper, beam expansion and optimization approach is proposed as a solution to alleviate blockage impact at millimeter wave (mm-wave) frequency bands. Directional communication in mm-wave bands provides opportunities to combat with high-level propagation loss. However, initiating communication over a certain direction makes the link vulnerable against blockage impact. In this study, an investigation on antenna directionality is conducted through indoor measurements and statistical analysis to elaborate directional link performance under blockage effect. Measurements are conducted at 60 GHz frequency band by using 15° half power beamwidth (HPBW) antennas at transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX). Beam expansion approach is evaluated by power azimuth spectrum (PAS) analysis. The proposed approach is also statistically analyzed using mm-wave channel simulator. It is shown that the beam optimization approach provides up to 13 dB gain (2 dB in average) on the received signal strength (RSS).