On the optimal antenna deployment for subterahertz V2X communications

Subterahertz (sub-THz, 100–300 GHz) communication should provide huge data transfer rates in 6G systems. However, the coverage area of base stations (BS) will be very limited, since the signal is quite strongly attenuated from the distance and is also easily blocked by the presence of any objects in the signal path. Thus, the BS will need to be located too often which is a costly process. To reduce the deployment density of the BS, a mechanism was proposed for relaying the signal using vehicles (V2V). This relaying method is characterized by various options for the location of the antenna on vehicles which raises the question of finding the optimal location. In this work, guided by the IEEE 802.15.3d specification and measurements of the signal propagation level at a frequency of 300 GHz, the authors developed a mathematical model for comparing multihop signal relay systems with different antenna locations. The authors consider the following quality of service indicators: coverage, BS availability, and data transfer rate. The results show that the windshield transmitter location has a lower data rate but more coverage while the bumper and engine levels show similar performance. A windshield location is recommended as it is less sensitive to the rate of technology integration and has a larger coverage area.