A Study of Multihop mmW Aerial Backhaul Links

Abstract

The main contribution of this paper is to analyze a long networked flying platform (NFP)-based millimeter wave (mmWave) backhaul link that is offered as a cost effective and easy to deploy solution to connect a disaster or remote area to the nearest core network. The same network model can be considered for interlinking Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations with different geometry and channel characteristics. For this aim, we characterize the backhaul channel as a function of realistic physical parameters such as heights and distances of obstacles along the route, flight altitude and the intensity of NFPs' vibrations, the actual 3D antenna pattern, etc. For the characterized channel, we derive an analytical closed-form expression for the outage probability. Finally, using the obtained results, we provide a fast algorithm for the optimal parameter design of the considered system that minimizes the cost. 2022 IEEE.