5G networks offer a leap improvement in user experience that is mainly focused around the much higher channel throughput, spectrum efficiency, low latency, low energy consumption, and increased robustness and security. Despite their significant advantages, there still remain open issues regarding the “mode d’ emploi” of these networks. Communication links in mmWaves require clear line‐of‐sight (LΟS) while the specific wavelength (1‐10 mm) make them susceptible in weather conditions. On top of that, typical attenuation values of building materials are important but still not available, despite that they will determine the overall link budget from base station to the user and vice versa. At the same time, it is still an open issue whether and to which extent mmWaves antennas interact with the human body with most recent studies in the field being limited at lower frequencies (< 20 GHz). As such, the work during this Ph.D. research will focus in the following two areas: 1. Interaction between mmWaves antennas and the human body 2. Effect of building materials’ attenuation on mmWaves propagation. In this context there will be developed a prototype and modular measurements’ testbed, based on simulation results that will be extracted a priori and in parallel. Novel mmWaves antennas prototypes as well as a separate testbed for the characterization of materials with respect to their electrical properties will be also designed, developed, and included in the aforementioned testbed. It is noted that this research will be implemented in cooperation with the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications of the NCSR “Demokritos”, where there is available relevant equipment and specialized measuring devices.
Σύντομη Παρουσίαση του Τμήματος Η.&Η.Μ.