Average BER Performance Estimation of Relayed THz Links with Losses, Molecular Attenuation, Adverse Weather Conditions, Turbulence and Generalized Pointing Errors

Abstract

In recent years, the THz frequency band (0.3 THz–10 THz) has attracted an increasing research interest for the realization of emerging high-speed wireless communication links. Nevertheless, the propagation of THz signals through the atmospheric channel is primarily subjected to signal attenuation due to free space path loss (FSPL), water vapor, adverse weather conditions along with atmospheric turbulence-induced and misalignment-induced scintillations. Therefore, in this work, a multi-hop line-of-sight THz system that utilizes serially connected decode-and-forward relays is proposed to extend the total THz coverage distance under the presence of fog, rain or clear weather conditions, as well as water vapor, atmospheric turbulence, non-zero boresight pointing errors and FSPL. Under these circumstances, an average bit error rate (ABER) analysis is performed. In this context, novel closed-form ABER expressions are derived. Their analytical results demonstrate the influence of each of the above limiting factors as well as their joint impact on the ABER performance. Finally, the feasibility of extending the total THz link distance through multi-hop relaying configurations is also evaluated.