A Unified Line-of-Sight Probability Model for Commercial 5G Mobile Network Deployments

In this paper we present a novel analytical approach used to derive a new multi-scenario line-of-sight (LOS) probability model for cellular network deployments in the UK. The approach considers the use of lamp post databases as statistically representative geo-spatial data points for evaluation of LOS likelihood from macro cellular base stations. Crucially, the proposed model is built on a high resolution (0.25-1 m) 3D digital surface model underpinned by real network and environmental datasets and validated with supporting field measurements. This work unifies all common cell site classification types; urban, suburban and rural into a single 3D LOS statistical probability model whilst also addressing the influence of endpoint height properties up to 10 m. The contributions outlined in this paper have applications in statistical path loss modelling and coverage/outage probability. They also have direct application in deployment modelling of mmWave (millimeter wave) mobile access networks (24.25-52.6 GHz) and wireless x-haul transport networks (71-174.8 GHz).