Atmospheric propagation effects in the D-band with application to 5G-6G wireless communication systems

The evolution of 5G wireless communications systems towards 5G-advanced and 6G technologies will need the use of millimeter-wave frequency bands above 60 GHz, including the D-band (110-170 GHz). Relevant propagation effects are present in this band because of the gases and hydrometeors in the troposphere, with the consequence that high attenuation can be produced even in relatively short links. These effects are studied in this paper on the basis of advanced meteorological measurements and physical models that could allow a reliable prediction of the attenuation caused in these frequencies. Some examples are provided for Madrid, Spain. The main conclusion of the paper is that the expected variability of the atmospheric attenuation is much higher than at lower frequency bands and must be taken into account in new radio planning procedures. However, D-band links with distances up to 1-2 km could be considered as feasible and can provide huge transmission capabilities in future wireless networks.