Coverage prediction of new elements of systems beyond 3G: the IEEE 802.16 system as a case study

Calculations on the expected coverage of millimeter-wave propagation in suburban areas of systems beyond 3G are presented. Considering that these systems are envisioned to have a minimum aggregate cell payload of 100 Mbps, the cell ranges are estimated. These calculations are performed with the use of different coverage prediction methods and propagation models. The results of these calculations are compared and the best model for each case is defined. Specific emphasis is given to the WirelessMAN^™ (IEEE 802.16), the under standardization American air interface for broadband wireless access.