Device-to-Device Millimeter Wave Communications: Interference, Coverage, Rate, and Finite Topologies

Abstract

Emerging applications involving device-to-device communication among wearable\nelectronics require Gbps throughput, which can be achieved by utilizing\nmillimeter wave (mmWave) frequency bands. When many such communicating devices\nare indoors in close proximity, like in a train car or airplane cabin,\ninterference can be a serious impairment. This paper uses stochastic geometry\nto analyze the performance of mmWave networks with a finite number of\ninterferers in a finite network region. Prior work considered either lower\ncarrier frequencies with different antenna and channel assumptions, or a\nnetwork with an infinite spatial extent. In this paper, human users not only\ncarry potentially interfering devices, but also act to block interfering\nsignals. Using a sequence of simplifying assumptions, accurate expressions for\ncoverage and rate are developed that capture the effects of key antenna\ncharacteristics like directivity and gain, and are a function of the finite\narea and number of users. The assumptions are validated through a combination\nof analysis and simulation. The main conclusions are that mmWave frequencies\ncan provide Gbps throughput even with omni-directional transceiver antennas,\nand larger, more directive antenna arrays give better system performance.\n