Enhanced Coverage in the Shadow Region Using Dipole Scatterers at the Corner

Abstract

Coverage in mobile communications systems requires an acceptable link gain over a maximum service area, with areas of low link gain being problematic. A standard approach to maximize link gain is to deploy multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) antennas that adapt to the changing multipath. There is also recent interest in using active surfaces for adaptive reflections within the multipath environments, and this calls for new ideas at the system and component levels. A critical mechanism in urban propagation is corner diffraction, which illuminates shadow areas but with low link gain. We present a simple add-on system for corners, comprising a simple scattering dipole or scattering array, which can significantly improve link gain in the shadow region over a wide bandwidth. The concept is demonstrated through analysis, simulation, and physical measurement. Only shadowed areas are boosted, and the line-of-sight coverage is not significantly affected. Our demonstration is for a passive, fixed configuration, which is suitable for retrofitting to existing systems.