Impact of rain attenuation on 5G millimeter wave communication systems in equatorial Malaysia investigated through disdrometer data

Next-generation 5G cellular networks are expected to operate on the millimeter wavelength frequencies (e.g., 28 GHz and 38 GHz) to offer broader bandwidths and higher data rates. In this frequency band, rain is a major impairment to received signal power. This work aims to improve predictions of rain attenuation for 5G wireless networks operating at 28 GHz and 38 GHz in heavy rain regions, by exploiting three years of raindrop size distribution (DSD) data collected at Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The specific attenuation is calculated by means of point matching technique and each minute of DSD data. The empirical power law relationship between specific attenuation and rainfall intensity are subsequently derived and compared with those for Rec. ITU-R P.838-3 and Singapore results. The results indicate substantial local deviations from the ITU-R model, especially at 38 GHz. Next, gamma and normalized gamma models are employed to compute the specific attenuation values. The performances of these models are assessed in terms by cumulative distribution function. These results offer important information for predicting rain attenuation of 5G wireless communication systems in heavy rain regions.