Channel Characterization and Modeling for 6G UAV-Assisted Emergency Communications in Complicated Mountainous Scenarios

Regarding the new demands and challenges of sixth-generation (6G) mobile communications, wireless networks are undergoing a significant shift from traditional terrestrial networks to space-air-ground-sea-integrated networks. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications in complicated mountainous scenarios are typical applications and have practical implications, especially in emergency communications. In this paper, the ray-tracing (RT) method was applied to reconstruct the propagation scenario and then acquire the wireless channel data. Channel measurements are also conducted in real mountainous scenarios for verification. By setting different flight positions, trajectories, and altitudes, channel data in the millimeter wave (mmWave) band was obtained. Important statistical properties, such as the power delay profile (PDP), Rician K-factor, path loss (PL), root mean square (RMS) delay spread (DS), RMS angular spreads (ASs), and channel capacity were compared and analyzed. The effects of different frequency bands on channel characteristics at 3.5 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 28 GHz, and 38 GHz bands in mountainous scenarios were considered. Furthermore, the effects of extreme weather, especially different precipitation, on the channel characteristics were analyzed. The related results can provide fundamental support for the design and performance evaluation of future 6G UAV-assisted sensor networks in complicated mountainous scenarios.