Deterministic channel models, such as the three-dimensional (3D) ray launching method, can yield wireless channel parameters. In the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation, the outdoor 3D ray launching method that considers diffraction effects is more accurate than the one that does not. While considering the diffraction effect, obtaining the diffraction point is challenging. This paper proposed a method for determining diffracted rays using the receiving sphere method in 3D ray launching. The diffraction point is determined using the shortest distance method between two straight lines, and the signal loss from the transmitting to receiving antennas is obtained. Furthermore, experiments on a millimeter wave in a microcell scenario were performed. The test results of the wireless channel parameters were compared with theoretical calculations. The results obtained via the 3D ray launching method that only considers the specular reflection and direct rays agree with the experimental results in the line-of-sight (LOS); furthermore, they generate larger errors compared with the experimental results in the NLOS. The results obtained via the 3D ray launching method that considers the direct ray, reflected rays, and diffracted rays agree with the experimental results both in the LOS and NLOS. Therefore, the 3D ray launching method that considers the diffraction effect can improve the prediction accuracy of the millimeter wave channel parameters in a microcell.
Researching on the Deterministic Channel Models for Urban Microcells Considering Diffraction Effects