The impact of atmospheric pressure on the performance of 60GHz point to point links within 5G networks

There is growing interest in the use of millimetre-wave spectrum as a potential candidate for the provision of high capacity, short range, back-haul solutions within future 5G ultra-dense network infrastructures. However, it is recognised that these frequencies are highly susceptible to atmospheric conditions and therefore a more detailed understanding of such behaviour is required. This paper presents measurements obtained from a long-term trial of a 60GHz point-to-point link that is under test at the University of Salford, UK. Results obtained confirm a direct correlation between path loss and the impact of both atmospheric gases and rain but also highlight a discrepancy. Further analysis has revealed that changes in atmospheric pressure also appear to be having a detrimental effect on link performance. This in turn may be linked to complex changes in the spectral lines of Oxygen molecules as a function of pressure. Sample data from the trial is presented as evidence of the potential impact of changes in atmospheric pressure at 60GHz.