On Advanced Channel Modelling for Network Planning

With the increasing demand for high speed wireless network services, the next generation wireless networks are proposed to use advanced wireless communication technologies. These technologies include massive MIMO, mmWave and distributed MIMO. In order to deploy wireless networks equipped with these technologies, channel models capturing the channel features and characteristics of these wireless technologies are essential in the planning and optimisation of networks. However, conventional channel models lack the capability to support these next generation network technologies. In this PhD thesis, I investigated the channel models for the next generation wireless technologies, including massive MIMO, mmWave communications and distributed MIMO. I developed channel models for network planning and optimisation based on conventional ray launching algorithms for these wireless technologies. The models have been validated and applied to optimise network performance. The existing challenge in wireless channel modelling is the improvement of modelling accuracy without increasing modelling complexity. In order to achieve this goal, a new calibration method is developed to improve the accuracy of the predication model when measurements are available. Moreover, in order to use the channel models as an effective tool in wireless network planning and optimisation, a new wireless capacity definition from radio propagation perspective is also investigated. It provides insight to the physical limit of wireless channel capacity from a radio propagation perspective.