Characterization of Vegetation Loss and Impact on Network Performance at V-Band Frequencies

Wireless communication systems using millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies can be used for high-throughput applications such as fixed wireless access, where static line-of-sight links are used to provide internet connectivity. The directive antennas are typically mounted on building facades above street level. Therefore, the wireless links are mainly subject to attenuation due to atmospheric absorption, rain, and vegetation. In this letter, we present vegetation loss measurements at $V$-band frequencies ranging from 50 to 75 GHz, using a spectrum analyzer-based channel sounder. Existing vegetation models, including the vegetation-dependent exponential decay (VED) model, are validated based on the measured vegetation loss. Furthermore, IEEE 802.11ad transceivers are used for the validation of the vegetation models, and to evaluate the influence of vegetation on the network performance via packet error rate (PER) and throughput measurements.