Investigating sub-THz PHY layer for future high-data-rate wireless backhaul

Abstract

Spectrum above 90 GHz is a promising investigation domain to offer future wireless networks with performance beyond IMT 2020 such as 100+ Gbit/s data rate or sub-ms latency. In particular, the huge available bandwidth can serve the backhaul transport network in the perspective of future ultra-dense deployments, and massive front-haul data streams. This paper investigates the feasibility and characteristics of the in-street sub-THz mesh backhauling. The study relies on the highly realistic simulation of the physical layer performance, based on detailed geographical representation, ray-based propagation modelling, RF phase noise impairment, and a new modulation scheme robust to phase noise. The achievable throughput is studied, and it is shown that each link of a dense mesh backhaul network can reliably deliver several Gbit/s per 1-GHz carrier bandwidth. The multi-path diversity is assessed, as well as the impact of rainfall and phase noise level.