Atmospheric impact on the performance of a 60GHz point-to-point link for 5G infrastructures

There is growing interest in the use of millimeter-wave spectrum as a potential candidate for the provision of high capacity, short range, back-haul solutions within future 5G ultra-dense network infrastructures. However, it is recognized that these frequencies are highly susceptible to atmospheric conditions and therefore a more detailed understanding of such behavior is required. This paper presents the initial results from a long-term trial of a 60GHz short range point to point link that is under test at the University of Salford, UK. Results clearly show the direct correlation between path loss and rainfall but also prove that link throughout can be maintained except in the most extreme conditions. Data for the month of August 2017 is presented during which there was only one brief occasion where an 18% drop in throughput was recorded.