Millimeter-wave propagation characterization and modeling toward fifth-generation systems

New radio interface technologies such as massive arrays will render basic assumptions for statistical channel models obsolete. In this issue’s “Wireless Corner” column, the authors present an extensive and rigorous review of the propagation characterization and modeling of wave propagation in the millimeter-wave frequency range. An overview of propagation modeling including path loss, shadowing, stochastic, and ray-tracing models is presented. Aspects such as channel sounding techniques and standardization are also tackled. The article considers not only the well-studied 60-GHz frequency band but other bands with potential for future indoor/outdoor communications. The main challenges related to the use of these bands in future wireless systems are carefully discussed.