Impairments of Atmospheric Attenuation on a Wideband E-Band Outdoor Communication Link

This paper analyses experimental data of the atmospheric propagation effects affecting millimeter wave communication links using wideband complex modulation formats with up to 3.3 GBd symbol rate. The main focus is on attenuation caused by atmospheric gases and water droplets and the influence of the air temperature and humidity on an E-band link (71–76 GHz), operated over 1.6 km distance for a period of more than 2 months. Statistics of the expected losses, according to the pertaining International Telecommunication Union models and some experimental results, as in the case of rain and snow attenuation, obtained in Stuttgart, Germany, are discussed and provide further insights in link stability and availability. 3.3 GBd are correctly transmitted regardless of the weather conditions. The presented link can also serve as calibration system for further atmospheric effects studies.