Transmission Loss Analysis of Indoor Building Materials in the 24–30 GHz Frequency Range

Abstract

The new generations of mobile communications use radio waves with increasingly higher frequencies to provide greater bandwidth, thereby offering users higher transmission rates. However, these waves suffer greater attenuation as they propagate and also experience higher transmission or penetration losses due to materials found in the wireless channel. In this study, an analysis of the transmission loss of radio waves in the frequency range 2 (FR2), from 24 GHz to 30 GHz, in materials typically found in indoor building environments was conducted measuring the s21 parameter with a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and two horn antennas. The materials considered were Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), expanded polystyrene, glass, plywood, brick with tiles, drywall and metal. It was found that metal, as well as glass and MDF, exhibit the highest specific attenuation, while expanded polyestyrene is practically transparent to radio waves. Results can be used in predicting the coverage of beyond fifth generation mobile systems. The same methodology can be applied to measure the attenuation introduced by materials used to camouflage the new antennas that will operate in the millimeter band range.