60GHz millimeter-wave radio in South Africa: Link design feasibility and prospects

The need to deliver efficient wireless services has spurred many network providers to access higher frequency bands on the millimetre-wave (mm-wave) platform which caters for larger system bandwidth and throughputs. This option offers networks the benefits of increased carrier flexibility and robust channel capacity, for many user applications, which are currently in high demand. The 60 GHz band is currently among the millimeter radio bands with high global appeal because of its capacity to provide multigigabit wireless solutions, for both outdoor and indoor applications. However, in many African countries, technological specifications required to initiate widespread deployment of this wireless technology is almost non-existent. Therefore, this paper will foray into some technical aspects concerning the future deployment of the 60 GHz wireless radio technology in South Africa. The major attenuation sources militating against the application of this frequency for seamless outdoor signal communication are mainly of two kinds: atmospheric and inclement weather conditions due to precipitation. With the deployment of this technology almost in the offing at urban areas, there is need to ascertain key infrastructural components required for link design of base stations at selected areas of South Africa. This will address fundamental radio resource issues pertaining to power levels, minimum link distances, network adaptability and transmission issues. In this paper, the overall fade margin required to deploy outdoor 60 GHz Line-of-Sight (LoS) radio systems in South Africa is investigated at ten urban sites under clear air and precipitation conditions. It is found that the role played by system antennas, alongside the peripheral receiving amplifier circuits, may hold the key to improving achievable signal levels, especially during intense events of precipitation.