Connectivity evaluation and error performance of millimeter-wave wireless backhaul networks

The general trend in the backhaul link technology arena is the increasing use of high-speed microwave solutions. The ever-rising demand for high capacities at low cost has recently enhanced the interest in wireless backhaul networks. Evaluating the connectivity of the wireless multi-hop backhaul networks is a significant task. Taking into account the high frequency of operation, a novel analytical and engineering propagation model is presented for the calculation of connectivity. Furthermore, the minimum required node density in order to keep the network connected is also calculated. The sensitivity of network connectivity on frequency operation, transmission power, and climatic conditions is also investigated. Finally, the error performance of the backhaul network links is finally presented, and some very useful conclusions are drawn.