Channel Measurement and Comparative Analysis of 6.8 GHz and 13 GHz in Outdoor Scenarios

The extensive rollout of next-generation wireless communication systems demands additional spectrum resources, with mid-frequency electromagnetic waves showing significant potential for application. To comprehend the signal characteristics within this frequency band, this paper presents channel measurements at 6.8 GHz and 13 GHz conducted in an outdoor campus setting, including both line-of-sight (LoS) and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) scenarios. The analysis and comparison cover channel power delay profile (PDP), path loss, delay spread, and azimuth angle Spread of Arrival (ASA). The path loss for both frequency bands aligns well with the path loss model specified by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) TR 38.901. When compared to the 13 GHz channel, the 6.8 GHz channel shows more pronounced multipath effects, exhibiting higher delay spread and angular spread values. However, the observed angular spread is lower than the reference values provided by 3GPP. These research findings offer valuable insights for applying new frequency bands in 6G massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems.