The application of a deterministic ray launching algorithm for the prediction of radio channel characteristics in small-cell environments

Propagation characteristics play a fundamental role in the design and implementation of radio systems. The application of broadband digital data services within the cordless environment requires close consideration of the dispersive nature of radio channels. A prediction algorithm is presented such that propagation characteristics can be estimated for small-cell high-data-rate systems. Through the use of geometric optics and geometric theory of diffraction the algorithm performs ray launching techniques in order to evaluate reflected, transmitted, and diffracted rays from a simplified description of a given environment. Both modeled and measured results are presented demonstrating the model's ability to predict typical rms delay spread values.>