Rainfall Rate Data Analysis and Site Diversity Statistics in Cyprus Using Synthetic Storm Technique

This paper examines the statistical performance of site diversity mitigation technique in Cyprus, based on measured rainfall data, collected in two locations in Cyprus, through the application of the synthetic storm technique (SST). Firstly, the long-term rain attenuation exceedance probability is calculated and assessed at Ka- and Q-bands and at various elevation angles, and then the joint-exceedance probability of hypothetical diversity downlink scenarios is presented. Finally, the number of switches as well as the required fade margins given a specific outage for various Selection Combining (SC) scenarios is also provided. The results indicate the crucial role of the elevation angle and frequency in propagation problems. For very low elevation angles or operating carriers at Q-band the number of switches is increased and lead to higher margins. However, a proper SC diversity when adopted can compensate the demands effectively.