Map-based Millimeter-Wave Channel Models: An Overview, Guidelines, and Data

A wide range of available frequency bands is the promise of millimeter-wave (mm-Wave). For fifth generation (5G) communications, mm-Wave systems will service new applications such as enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communication, and ultra-reliable low-latency communication service types. In order to establish mm-Wave systems, engineers should be able to model a mm-Wave channel. Researchers have tried to develop geometry-based stochastic channel models of mm-Wave radio links. The METIS group has presented a mapbased channel model that is based on the ray-tracing algorithm; this model possesses a realistic channel in the given map to evaluate new technologies for 5G accurately. By now, map-based channel models have been widely discussed as a viable alternative to existing mm-Wave channels. This article presents an overview and an update of recent progress of mm-Wave channel models. We categorize map-based channel models and outline modeling guidelines for system-level evaluation including low-complexity modeling. Also, by utilizing map-based channel models, we put forward a concept of how to integrate a hardware and a software testbed/sounder. We next discuss some tips for designing a mapbased channel model as well as some technical challenges to such designs. Lastly, we share the measurement data and the mapbased channel parameters to the public.