Dynamic Wideband Channel Sounding in an Urban Macrocellular Scenario at 15 GHz

Fifth-generation cellular networks have become a part of infrastructure of modern society to support the effective and efficient information exchange. Despite significant advancements in mobile cellular technologies, the radio frequency range between 6 GHz and millimeter-wave 26 GHz, specifically around 15 GHz, remains underexplored in cellular mobile communications. This paper describes the implementation of a channel sounder based on a software defined radio and its application to dynamic field measurements to investigate the potential and challenges associated with mobile communications at 15 GHz carrier in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) radio channel conditions. The work provides initial insights into propagation losses in NLOS conditions in this frequency band due to foliage and urban structures. Our measurements revealed a 20 dB loss due to building corner shadowing, a 10–15 dB loss from foliage blockage, and an 8–15 dB penetration loss through building windows.