Measured attenuation data and predictions for a gigabit radio link in the 80 GHz band

Radio links for high capacity telecommunication networks have been widely used since many decades. Even with the major transport delivered by fibre optics the usage of radio links is still very high in all part of the network. Gigabit single channel radio links are quite recent and offer an interesting solution for the demanding transport network parts close to the end users, mobile broadband base sites, and broadcast stations for handheld terminals. This paper addresses the dimension of links operating ay 80 GHz, in particular the effects of precipitation and provide a validation of precipitation attenuation methods. It shows that recommend method by the International Telecommunication Union is close to the observed data, but slightly optimistic. The paper also demonstrates that other effects preferably should be included, and combined methods worked out including precipitation, attenuation due to gases, clouds, fog, and scintillation.