LTE-Advanced and Next Generation Wireless Networks: Channel Modelling and Propagation

Preface

In the nineteenth century, scientists, mathematician, engineers and innovators started investigating electromagnetism. The theory that underpins wireless communications was formed by Maxwell. Early demonstrations took place by Hertz, Tesla and others. Marconi demonstrated the first wireless transmission. Since then, the range of applications has expanded at an immense rate, together with the underpinning technology. The rate of development has been incredible and today the level of technical and commercial maturity is very high. This success would not have been possible without understanding radio-wave propagation. This knowledge enables us to design successful systems and networks, together with waveforms, antennal and transceiver architectures. The radio channel is the cornerstone to the operation of any wireless system.

Today, mobile networks support millions of users and applications spanning voice, email, text messages, video and even 3G images. The networks often encompass a range of wireless technologies and frequencies all operational in very diverse environments. Examples are: Bluetooth personal communications that may be outside, indoors or in a vehicle; wireless LAN in buildings, femtocell, microcell and macrocell sites; wireless back-haul; and satellite communications. Examples of emerging wireless technologies include body area networks for medical or sensor applications; ultra wideband for extremely high data rate communications and cognitive radio to support ...