Multipath Channel Analysis at 30 GHz for 6G Wireless Networks Based on BER Performance

Abstract

The development of sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks has encouraged the utilization of millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum to support extremely high data rates and network capacity. However, signal propagation at mmWave frequencies is highly susceptible to multipath effects and severe path loss, particularly under Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) conditions. This study analyzes the characteristics of a 30 GHz multipath channel using the NYUSIM channel simulator and evaluates its impact on Bit Error Rate (BER) performance. Simulations were conducted in an Urban Microcell (UMi) NLOS scenario with a bandwidth of 400 MHz, employing 64-QAM modulation, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), and a rate-1/2 Convolutional Code. Channel characterization results indicate a path loss of 127 dB, an average received power of −96.1 dBm, and an RMS delay spread of 14.6 ns. Furthermore, the Angle of Arrival (AOA) and Angle of Departure (AOD) analyses reveal that signal propagation is dominated by reflected paths due to the absence of a direct Line-of-Sight (LOS) component. BER performance evaluation shows that increasing the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) from 0 dB to 14 dB reduces the BER from approximately 4.8 × 10⁻¹ to 9 × 10⁻³. At an SNR of 16 dB, the system achieves a BER below 10⁻³, indicating a substantial improvement in transmission reliability. The results demonstrate that the combination of OFDM and Convolutional Coding effectively mitigates the effects of multipath fading in mmWave channels, making it a promising solution for future 6G wireless communication systems operating at 30 GHz.