Line-of-Sight Probability Models for 5G/6G Millimeter-Wave Networks: A Review

Abstract

In the fifth-generation (5G) and future wireless networks, coverage planning for millimeter-wave (mm-wave) networks in a three-dimensional (3D) urban environment depends on the communication channel and line-of-sight (LoS) probability models. This is especially true when there are big stationary obstructions. The current literature lacks a complete review of the existing LoS probability models. To bridge this gap, this paper reviews modeling approaches and mathematical models of the LoS probability. We discovered that, due to the complexity of modeling a large number of 3D layouts, most existing models have focused on a few urban layouts. We developed a 3D synthetic urban layout generator that is based on game engine technology to simulate any ITU-R P.1410 urban layouts and collect the ray-tracing. We provided a proof-of-concept to show that the game technology could handle the complexity of simulating ray-tracing in 3D urban environments. Moreover, we addressed some of the biggest challenges and gaps in the current LoS probability literature and suggested some valid opportunities.