Numerical simulation of channel models for aicraft

Aerospace applications are particularly challenging for wireless networks. Not only are the constraints on emitted power very stringent but the network must display a guaranteed reliability. We also encounter a rather unfavourable propagation environment, in the form of highly resonant cavities (e.g. baggage holds) and complex mobile environments (e.g. the cabin). There is a further constraint that often the system performance needs to be characterised before that structure is built; making measurements impossible. In this study the fast multipole method is used to simulate wireless channels in two aeronautic environments: Propagation inside a cabin and external propagation along a wing. Methods are presented to simplify the complex cabin model, and to limit the complexity of the calculation of the delay profile of propagation along the wing.