Impact of Limited Hop Count on Connectivity of Millimeter Wave Networks

In this paper, we propose an analytical framework to characterize the hop count distribution for the minimum hop count (MHC) routing technique in mmWave networks. The hop count distribution is modelled as a phase-type distribution, and its parameters are derived using tools from stochastic geometry. Capitalizing on the hop count distribution, we investigate the impact of limiting the hop count on the connectivity of mmWave networks. We further demonstrate that the network connectivity varies according to specific system parameters, such as the densities of relays and blockages. Results obtained via both simulations and analyses reveal the trade-off between the network connectivity and the delay as a function of the hop count.