Comparison of Shadowing Environments in Ka-band Mobile Satellite Communications Due to Differences in Urban Structures

Abstract

NICT of Japan has been conducting communications research using a high-speed Ka-band internet satellite. The project includes the development and operation of a mobile earth station mounted on a van, hereafter called the vehicle earth station. The vehicle earth station is equipped with an antenna system that can automatically detect and track the satellite at a longitude of 110 degrees east. Understanding the propagation environment is key for the construction of a communications system because shadowing between satellites and earth stations affects mobile satellite communications. In this study, we conducted propagation measurements to compare the effects of shadowing due to differences in urban structures (i.e., urban, suburban, and rural areas). Furthermore, a simulation based on GIS was conducted to evaluate shadows on buildings. The results of propagation measurements and GIS simulations were compared to evaluate the effects of shadowing due to buildings and other factors (vegetation, etc.).