As part of this project, we developed simulation environments that utilises the ray-tracing approach. We then started developing stochastic channel models for the FM Band. The models developed supported four different environments, namely typical urban, bad urban, rural area, and hilly terrain. These are the typical environments that FM Band can be utilised in. The models assumed some channel parameters, which then needed to be validated by the field measurements. We then continued on simulations using ray tracing to get the typical channels for the FM Band. The simulation results were used for the validation of the stochastic models. We then performed field measurements for the band. We obtained the permit for the field measurements from Turkish authorities. We picked a site where we can find the four environments mentioned above. The measurements were performed for multi-path channel, direction of arrival, and Doppler measurements. The measurements were performed in Gebze, Turkey, starting in September 2017. From the measurements, we have observed that the stochastic models developed for a given environment indeed represent a FM Band channel. Moreover, based on the measurements we performed, we proposed typical channel power delay profiles for the FM Band. Hence, we can use the developed models in the simulation of the wireless systems. We then extended the results for the relay channels, by simply cascading the channel models.
As part of dissemination, we have published one journal, one conference paper, one patent, and one technical document for Inclusive Radio Communication Networks for 5G and Beyond (IRACON) of EU H2020 Cost program. IRACON contains key European researchers in the area of 5G research. We submitted one more conference paper and will submit one more journal paper that consolidates the overall results of the project.
Apart from the publications, we have performed two meetings with Turkish frequency regulation body and conveyed the potential usage of the FM Band for future systems.
