5G MMWave Network Performance Evaluation with Blockage Simulation

The fifth-generation (5G) technology is to support more wireless connections for a wider range of applications. The new characteristics employed in 5G wireless access networks, such as the millimeter wave (mmWave) network, make this activity possible. The mmWave network enables the transmission of enormous amounts of data in a shorter amount of time. 5G technology is expected to be the new infrastructure for wireless networks. Nevertheless, the mmWave frequency band cannot withstand interference or obstruction. Due to environment of no line of sight (NLOS), high-frequency wave energy is quickly lost in humid air and does not pass-through objects like trees, buildings, or people. As a result, in this study, the effectiveness of mmWave was assessed in an urban micro area (UMi) by taking into account the impact of the NLOS environment brought on by obstructions from objects like structures, trees, or people. The SINR as a measure for the network channel quality was evaluated through a series of simulations. The simulation results confirm that the SINR values were affected by blockages. Blockages such as trees, buildings, or humans had a significant impact to reduce the SINR (Signal Interference plus Noise Ratio) value, hence decrease signal quality.