Terrestrial Links Rain Attenuation Models: Comparison
Please note this is a comparison between Version 1 by Md Abdus Samad and Version 3 by Md Abdus Samad.

 Rain is a natural process that attenuates the propagating signal at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies. Therefore, it is necessary to mitigate rain attenuation to ensure the quality of microwave and millimeter-wave links. To this end, dynamic attenuation mitigation methods are implemented alongside attenuation prediction models that can predict the projected attenuation of the links. Studies on rain attenuation are used in geographically distributed locations to analyze and develop a rain attenuation model applicable over a wide frequency range, particularly radio frequencies over approximately 30 GHz for 5G and beyond network applications.

  • ITU-R model
  • rain attenuation
  • millimeter-wave
  • rain attenuation time series

1. Preliminaries

1.1. Rain Attenuation Factors

It is crucial to find a justification and insightful analysis to determine the variables that influence rain attenuation. Although rain is a crucial factor influencing rain attenuation, the link distance, frequency, and polarization play a significant role in the determination of rain attenuation. A brief review of more parameters for rain attenuation is presented here. In the literature, various researchers have found different rain attenuation factors for either terrestrial or slant links. In this regard, we compiled 17 parameters that can impact rain attenuation for microwave links using artificial or ML-based techniques [1].

It is crucial to find a justification and insightful analysis to determine the variables that influence rain attenuation. Although rain is a crucial factor influencing rain attenuation, the link distance, frequency, and polarization play a significant role in the determination of rain attenuation. A brief review of more parameters for rain attenuation is presented here. In the literature, various researchers have found different rain attenuation factors for either terrestrial or slant links. In this regard, we compiled 17 parameters that can impact rain attenuation for microwave links using artificial or ML-based techniques [14].

1.2. Rainfall Rate Data Collection Procedures

The rain rate is an essential parameter for determining rain attenuation. In this section, different data collection techniques for rain attenuation are discussed.

1.2.1. Available Databases

A newly devised model should check the efficiency for its validity the confirmation. In most cases, the model developer uses the ITU-R DBSG3 rain attenuation database. In some cases, weather databases 

European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts

 (ECMWF) or 

ECMWF re-analysis-15

 (ERA-15) were also used as secondary sources of determining the rainfall rate. These secondary databases lack rain attenuation information on terrestrial and earth-space links for tropical regions. Consequently, most of the models developed in tropical countries are needed to create facilities to prepare the rain attenuation databases.

1.2.2. Experimental Setup

A simple method of determining the rain rate is to set up an experiment to deploy measuring equipment such as the use of a disdrometer, weather station, and rain gauges that measure the rain rate at lower integration times (⩽1 min intervals), which can be saved in a personal computer with the help of a dedicated data logger [2][3][4][5]. In some cases, the radar information of the rain cell was used to measure the rain rate. The problem with radar-based techniques is that massive investments are required to collect rain rate information if radar systems have not been deployed for other purposes [6][7].

A simple method of determining the rain rate is to set up an experiment to deploy measuring equipment such as the use of a disdrometer, weather station, and rain gauges that measure the rain rate at lower integration times (⩽1 min intervals), which can be saved in a personal computer with the help of a dedicated data logger [2,5,15,16]. In some cases, the radar information of the rain cell was used to measure the rain rate. The problem with radar-based techniques is that massive investments are required to collect rain rate information if radar systems have not been deployed for other purposes [17,18].

1.2.3. Rain Rate Data Generation: Synthetic Technique and Logged Data

The rain rate time series in a specific area is essential because it is used to calculate the attenuation in a fixed radio transceiver infrastructure [8]. The general procedure for collecting the rain rate time series is to collect the data by employing an experimental setup. Thus, the general approach is time-consuming because a minimum of one year of data should be collected over a particular area. Cost is also associated with this process. In addition to this experimental technique, a synthetic method can be used to calculate the time series using a mathematical approach. 

The rain rate time series in a specific area is essential because it is used to calculate the attenuation in a fixed radio transceiver infrastructure [19]. The general procedure for collecting the rain rate time series is to collect the data by employing an experimental setup. Thus, the general approach is time-consuming because a minimum of one year of data should be collected over a particular area. Cost is also associated with this process. In addition to this experimental technique, a synthetic method can be used to calculate the time series using a mathematical approach. 

Table 1

, summarizes the various types of synthetic time series assessment techniques.

1.2.4. Rain Rate Prediction from Spatial Interpolation Techniques

To accurately determine the rain attenuation, it is necessary to consider the spatial distribution of the rainfall intensity. The rain rate cannot be measured everywhere using the rain rate collector, which significantly reduces the accuracy of the experimental setup. However, an intense spatial resolution rain rate is required for accurate estimation. There exist some synthetic techniques by which the undetermined rain rate can be estimated to solve the problem at a particular location.The inverse distance weighting (IDW) technique as per Equation (1) can be used to determine the rainfall rate at ungauged locations [9][10]:

To accurately determine the rain attenuation, it is necessary to consider the spatial distribution of the rainfall intensity. The rain rate cannot be measured everywhere using the rain rate collector, which significantly reduces the accuracy of the experimental setup. However, an intense spatial resolution rain rate is required for accurate estimation. There exist some synthetic techniques by which the undetermined rain rate can be estimated to solve the problem at a particular location.

where N is the number of rain gauges. The rain value 

The inverse distance weighting (IDW) technique as per Equation (1) can be used to determine the rainfall rate at ungauged locations [20,21]:
Rp=i=1NwiRi,
where N is the number of rain gauges. The rain value 

wi

 depends on the location of 

di

 in the estimated position p is given by Equation (1), and 

wi

 is given by Equation (2):
 
wi=d2ii=1Nd2i.
The average rainfall rate was then determined from these estimated values, along with the rain gauge readings used in this analysis. Using Equation (

1

) the rain rate can be predicted up to 10–30 km. Unfortunately, the rainfall data available in the weather database ERA-40 provided by the ECMWF suffer from a low spatial resolution 

1.125×1.125

 latitude per longitude grid.

The spatial-temporal rainfall distribution mechanisms based on the top-to-bottom data analysis approaches are surveyed in [11]. This survey compared most techniques that predict high-resolution space-time rainfall using remote sensing, conventional spatial interpolation, atmospheric re-analysis of rainfall, and multi-source blending techniques, and discussed issues in integrating various merging algorithms. In the article, it was shown that the maximum spatial resolution is available by the 

The spatial-temporal rainfall distribution mechanisms based on the top-to-bottom data analysis approaches are surveyed in [22]. This survey compared most techniques that predict high-resolution space-time rainfall using remote sensing, conventional spatial interpolation, atmospheric re-analysis of rainfall, and multi-source blending techniques, and discussed issues in integrating various merging algorithms. In the article, it was shown that the maximum spatial resolution is available by the 

Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation Near Real-Time (GSMaP-NRT)

 dataset with a resolution of up to 

0.01

 with an update of once per hour, which is clearly higher than the ECMWF database. 

Table 2

 presents an analysis of different high-resolution spatial rainfall estimation techniques.

Another technique for generating the rain rate is applying the local rain data to the MultiEXCELL model [12]. This model was used in [13] to generate synthetic rain rates. Transmitting and detecting specific differential phase-shifted signals through a dual-band radar system has been experimented with in [14]. As a result of this experiment, the authors noticed the scattering effects in the detected signals that arise due to the radar signals’ differential reflection. A corrector factor should be used for the reflected and differently reflected signals in order to eliminate the scattering effects. The statistical uncertainties of rainfall are then calculated by considering the propagation of the power-law relations.

Another technique for generating the rain rate is applying the local rain data to the MultiEXCELL model [23]. This model was used in [24] to generate synthetic rain rates. Transmitting and detecting specific differential phase-shifted signals through a dual-band radar system has been experimented with in [25]. As a result of this experiment, the authors noticed the scattering effects in the detected signals that arise due to the radar signals’ differential reflection. A corrector factor should be used for the reflected and differently reflected signals in order to eliminate the scattering effects. The statistical uncertainties of rainfall are then calculated by considering the propagation of the power-law relations.
R(Zh,Zdr,Kdp)=9.6046Z0.072hZ0.017drK0.824dp.

 

Table 1.

 Estimation techniques of rain attenuation time series.
 Highly spatial resolution rainfall estimation models.

Table 3.

 Techniques to calculate effective path length (EPL) or path length coefficient factor (PCF).

Table 2.

Table 4.

 Error estimation techniques for rain rate prediction
The wet-antenna effect has relation with the bias value of the signal in the receiver section. However, an appropriate bias compensation technique has not yet been developed.

A rain-rate-retrieval algorithm was designed using radar reflectivity derived from the rain rate in [45]. Based on the Doppler velocity, the derived radar reflectivity was classified as low-and high-rain cases. This model paved the way for blending reflectivity and attenuation to predict the rain rate. However, beyond reflectivity and attenuation, other factors, such as seasonal variation and rain type, were not considered.

A rain-rate-retrieval algorithm was designed using radar reflectivity derived from the rain rate in [55]. Based on the Doppler velocity, the derived radar reflectivity was classified as low-and high-rain cases. This model paved the way for blending reflectivity and attenuation to predict the rain rate. However, beyond reflectivity and attenuation, other factors, such as seasonal variation and rain type, were not considered.
The minimum observed attenuation and the maximum observed attenuation were calculated through a 

commercial microwave link (CML) within a fixed interval [46]. Using these minima and maxima, the observed attenuation value averaged rain intensity can be calculated as

 within a fixed interval [56]. Using these minima and maxima, the observed attenuation value averaged rain-intensity can be calculated as
R¯¯¯i=(max(Ar_maxiB,0)α˜L)−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−⎷b,
where B (in dB) is the induced bias value because of to the mixture of the transformation of the min/max with the quantizer, the negative values of (
where B (in dB) is the induced bias value because of to the mixture of the transformation of the min/max with the quantizer, the negative values of (
Ar_maxiB
) are counted as zeroes when they exist, 
a˜=a[ln(K)+0.57722]b
, and the 
a
 and 
b
 parameters refer to the power-law relationship of specific coefficients and 
K
 is the number of instantaneous samples per interval from which the maximum attenuation is extracted.

 

Since 2000, numerical weather prediction (NWP) has become popular in predicting rainfall and has drawn interest from the meteorological forecasting industries, researchers, and other stakeholders. However, owing to decreased portability and implementation coverage in remote locations, NWP-based techniques are not a potential technique for remote area application. Therefore, the prediction of learning supported rain diminution is standard because the problem of the NWP technique can be solved. In [47][48][49][50][51][52][53] ML-based rainfall prediction techniques were presented. 

Since 2000, numerical weather prediction (NWP) has become popular in predicting rainfall and has drawn interest from the meteorological forecasting industries, researchers, and other stakeholders. However, owing to decreased portability and implementation coverage in remote locations, NWP-based techniques are not a potential technique for remote area application. Therefore, the prediction of learning supported rain diminution is standard because the problem of the NWP technique can be solved. In [57,58,59,60,61,62,63] ML-based rainfall prediction techniques were presented. 

Table 4

 lists some of the error estimation techniques for rain rate prediction.

1.3. Distance Correction

The rain attenuation (

A

) was calculated by multiplying the specific attenuation and the distance between the transmitting and receiving antennas.
A=γLe.

 

Assuming the effective path length 

Assuming the effective path length 

Le

 to be 1 km, in Equation (

5

) the specific attenuation and the link attenuation are equal. Equation (

5

) is true if the rain and cloud are uniformly distributed over the entire path between the transmitting and receiving antennas. However, if the distance between the transmitting and receiving antennas is not 1 km:
Le=Aγ.

 

Owing to the non-uniform distribution of rain, the values of the specific and link attenuation (for 1 km length) are different, which defines a term called the effective path length. This implies that the effectual and actual distance varies for non-uniform rain distributions and links. The effectual distance is usually calculated based on the rainfall distribution [2]. Many models calculate the effective path length using a correction factor, referred to as the path adjustment factor. In terrestrial links, all the link lengths remain within a single rain cell for a short link or many cells for a long link. A brief discussion on the parameters that affect either the effective path length or path length adjustment factor is presented in the next section. In most cases, the accuracy of the model discussed above was calculated using the measured rain attenuation data, which was then compared to the attenuation derived through the attenuation formula. In some cases, the root means square (RMS) and standard deviation (STD) values were calculated to validate the model. 

Owing to the non-uniform distribution of rain, the values of the specific and link attenuation (for 1 km length) are different, which defines a term called the effective path length. This implies that the effectual and actual distance varies for non-uniform rain distributions and links. The effectual distance is usually calculated based on the rainfall distribution [2]. Many models calculate the effective path length using a correction factor, referred to as the path adjustment factor. In terrestrial links, all the link lengths remain within a single rain cell for a short link or many cells for a long link. A brief discussion on the parameters that affect either the effective path length or path length adjustment factor is presented in the next section. In most cases, the accuracy of the model discussed above was calculated using the measured rain attenuation data, which was then compared to the attenuation derived through the attenuation formula. In some cases, the root means square (RMS) and standard deviation (STD) values were calculated to validate the model. 

Table 3

contains all of the most critical effective path length or distance correction factors proposed in the literature.

1.4. Frequency and Polarization

The specific attenuation can be determined from the rainfall rate, frequency and polarization using the following power-law relation[19][54][55] .

1.4. Frequency and Polarization

The specific attenuation can be determined from the rainfall rate, frequency and polarization using the following power-law relation [30,64,65].
Asp(dB/km)=xRy0.01,

 

where 

where 

R0.01 is the rain rate, and x and y are regression coefficients that depend on several factors such as: polarization, carrier frequency, temperature, and rain drop size distribution[54] . The values of x and y can be determined experimentally as empirical values. ITU-R P. 838-3[19], provides the prediction values for x and y for 1–100 GHz frequency bands at horizontal and vertical polarizations.In this section, various parameters of rain attenuation, rain rate data collection procedure, available public domain databases, time-series generation techniques, percentage of time exceedance of rain (Equation (

 is the rain rate, and x and y are regression coefficients that depend on several factors such as: polarization, carrier frequency, temperature, and rain drop size distribution [64]. The values of x and y can be determined experimentally as empirical values. ITU-R P. 838-3 [30] provides the prediction values for x and y for 1–100 GHz frequency bands at horizontal and vertical polarizations.
In this section, various parameters of rain attenuation, rain rate data collection procedure, available public domain databases, time-series generation techniques, percentage of time exceedance of rain (Equation (

7)), specific attenuation coefficient determination procedure, and the procedure of distance correction factor have been discussed. All the data collected or modified through these techniques can be used by the rain attenuation models, which will be discussed in the next section.

)), specific attenuation coefficient determination procedure, and the procedure of distance correction factor have been discussed. All the data collected or modified through these techniques can be used by the rain attenuation models, which will be discussed in the next section.

2. Rain Attenuation Models: Terrestrial Links

Existing terrestrial models can be classified into five categories based on the formulation of the rain attenuation model. These include the empirical, physical, statistical, fade slope, and optimization-based models.
  • Optimization-based model:
  •  In this type of model, the input parameters of some of the other factors that affect the rain attenuation are developed through optimization (e.g., minimum error value) process.
  • Empiricalmodel: The model is based on experimental data observations rather than input-output relationships that can be mathematically described. The model is then classified as an empirical category.
  • Physical model: The physical model is based on some of the similarities between the rain attenuation model’s formulation and the physical structure of rain events.
  • Statistical model: This approach is based on statistical weather and infrastructural data analysis, and the final model is built as a result of regression analysis in most cases.
  • Fade slope model: In the fade slope model, the slope of attenuation from the rain attenuation versus time data was developed with a particular experimental setup. Later, these data were used to predict rain attenuation.
  • Optimization-based model: In this type of model, the input parameters of some of the other factors that affect the rain attenuation are developed through optimization (e.g., minimum error value) process.
  • Empiricalmodel: The model is based on experimental data observations rather than input-output relationships that can be mathematically described. The model is then classified as an empirical category.
  • Physical model: The physical model is based on some of the similarities between the rain attenuation model’s formulation and the physical structure of rain events.
  • Statistical model: This approach is based on statistical weather and infrastructural data analysis, and the final model is built as a result of regression analysis in most cases.
  • Fade slope model: In the fade slope model, the slope of attenuation from the rain attenuation versus time data was developed with a particular experimental setup. Later, these data were used to predict rain attenuation.

Figure 1

, represents a taxonomy of the well-known and recently developed rain attenuation models used in this study.

Figure 1.

 Taxonomy of terrestrial rain attenuation models.

2.1. Empirical Models

2.1.1. Moupfouma Model

This model [35] uses the rain rate exceeded by 0.01 percent of the time and the calculation of the proportion of time-correlated with the excess of any given interest attenuation.

This model [45] uses the rain rate exceeded by 0.01 percent of the time and the calculation of the proportion of time-correlated with the excess of any given interest attenuation.
γR0.01=kRα0.01

where 

A0.01=γR0.01×Leq,
where 

Leq is the equivalent path length for which the rain propagation is assumed to be uniform.

 is the equivalent path length for which the rain propagation is assumed to be uniform.

2.1.2. Budalal Model

In this model [42] according to the 300 m link’s attenuation analysis with frequencies of 26 and 38 GHz, the authors found attenuation inconsistency provided by the latest ITU-R model. They then investigate the specific attenuation (

In this model [52] according to the 300 m link’s attenuation analysis with frequencies of 26 and 38 GHz, the authors found attenuation inconsistency provided by the latest ITU-R model. They then investigate the specific attenuation (

γth) as per ITU-R P.838-3 [19] and found an inconsistency between the effective specific attenuation (

) as per ITU-R P.838-3 [30] and found an inconsistency between the effective specific attenuation (

γeff

) can be defined as Equations (

10

) and (

11

):
Ifγ=[11.77d0.77R0.050.01],forf40GHz,d<1km
Ifγ=[10.477d0.633R0.0730.01f0.123]2,forf>40GHz,d<1km.
It is inferred that the model can be used for short-range outdoor links with frequencies higher than 25 GHz in 5G networks.

2.1.3. Perić Model

This model is also referred to as a dynamic model [56]. It depends on the cumulative distribution function of the rain intensity of the area of interest, the number of rain events in which the rain intensity threshold is exceeded, the rain advection vector intensity, and the rain advection vector azimuth. The model considers the spatial distribution within a 10 km radius around an antenna and is suitable for small geographical areas, up to 10 km × 10 km. Furthermore, it has not been tested in a real-world network environment.

This model is also referred to as a dynamic model [66]. It depends on the cumulative distribution function of the rain intensity of the area of interest, the number of rain events in which the rain intensity threshold is exceeded, the rain advection vector intensity, and the rain advection vector azimuth. The model considers the spatial distribution within a 10 km radius around an antenna and is suitable for small geographical areas, up to 10 km × 10 km. Furthermore, it has not been tested in a real-world network environment.

2.1.4. Garcia Model

It is one of the modified version [57] of Lin model [32], assuming that the 

It is one of the modified version [67] of Lin model [42], assuming that the 

path length reduction coefficient

 changes with the path length and rainfall rate. The developed model was tested with in Paris, Stockholm, Dijon (France), and Kjeller (Norway), with variations in frequency and path length. The model is best suited for temperate European regions.
A=kRα1minL10.5+[L(3R1min3.9L+245)/2636],forR>10mm/h,L>5km.
This model improves the limitation of the 5-min rain rate requirement of the original Lin’s model. This model’s drawback is that it was only tested at 11 GHz and not at higher frequencies. Furthermore, the model did not consider spatial rain distribution variations. Another limitation of this model is that it only applies to terrestrial links.

2.1.5. Da Silva/Unified Model

This model [58] uses the full rainfall rate distribution with multiple nonlinear regressions from the rain attenuation database. It is primarily developed for terrestrial links and can be later extended to slant links. For a terrestrial link,

This model [68] uses the full rainfall rate distribution with multiple nonlinear regressions from the rain attenuation database. It is primarily developed for terrestrial links and can be later extended to slant links. For a terrestrial link,
Ap=k[(ReffT(Rp,d))]α.d1+d/d0(Rp),

where 

where 

ReffT

 is the approximate effective rain rate for terrestrial links and the and the cell diameter 

d0

 is given by Equations (

14

) and (

15

) respectively.
ReffT=1.74R0.786+0.197/d
d0=125R0.33
Reff(Rp,Ls,θ)=1.74R0.786+0.197/Lscosθ(cosθ+120Ls2.88R0.186sinθ).
For the terrestrial case 

Ls=d

, the second term in the brackets vanishes as 

θ=0

, and the expression is reduced to the terrestrial case prediction method. With the correct consistency for terrestrial and slant paths, the model exhibits good performance; however, the error has not been compared with real attenuation data.

2.1.6. Mello Model

According to this model[59] the cumulative probability distribution of rain attenuation for terrestrial link can be determined by the Equation (

According to this model [69] the cumulative probability distribution of rain attenuation for terrestrial link can be determined by the Equation (

17

):
Ap=k[1.763R0.753+0.197/Lscosθ]αd1+d119R0.244.

2.1.7. Abdulrahman Model

According to this model[60]

the rain attenuation is given by the Equation (

According to this model [70] the rain attenuation is given by the Equation (

18

):
A%p=μ[S(R%p)]

where

where

S(R%p)=βRα1%p
β=k[α+b(1r%p)]deff

μ=[R%pα+b(1r%p)].

2.1.8. Crane Model

This model [61] establishes rain distribution from a global perspective and the USA’s precise rain distribution maps. From these maps, the rain rate distribution can be calculated.

This model [71] establishes rain distribution from a global perspective and the USA’s precise rain distribution maps. From these maps, the rain rate distribution can be calculated.

If the path length 

If the path length 

D>22.5km

, then the rain rate should be modified:
RP=RP[D0D]

where 

where 

D0=22.5km

A(Rp,D)=kRαp[euαd1uαbαecαdcα+bαecαDcα],dD22.5kmA(Rp,D)=kRαp[euαD1uα],0<Dd

where the constants are given by Equation (

where the constants are given by Equation (

24

)
u=ln[becd]d,dinkmb=2.3R0.17p,Rpinmm/hc=0.0260.03lnRpd=3.80.6lnRp.

2.2. Physical Models

2.2.1. Crane Two-Component (T-C) Model

This model [62] is based on different integration techniques for heavy and light rainfall regions. The author proposed two versions of the T-C models: the first is a simple T-C model and was published in 1982. The model consisted of several steps. (1) Determining the propagation path for the global climate. (2) Finding a mathematical relation between the projected path length in the rain cell and debris region. (3) Fixing the expected amount of attenuation. (4) Deriving the required rain rate to produce rain attenuation and calculating the probability that the specified attenuation is fixed in step (3).

This model [72] is based on different integration techniques for heavy and light rainfall regions. The author proposed two versions of the T-C models: the first is a simple T-C model and was published in 1982. The model consisted of several steps. (1) Determining the propagation path for the global climate. (2) Finding a mathematical relation between the projected path length in the rain cell and debris region. (3) Fixing the expected amount of attenuation. (4) Deriving the required rain rate to produce rain attenuation and calculating the probability that the specified attenuation is fixed in step (3).
P(a>A)=Pc(a+Dc/Wc)eR/Rc+PD(1+DD/WnD)η(lnRnlnRDσD).
The model was primarily developed for Western Europe and the USA, and has difficulty in determining rainfall parameters, such as the probabilities of occurrence and mean rainfall, for weak and strong rain cells. Sometimes these weak and strong rain cells are referred to as 

debris

 and 

cell

, respectively. The model was verified for both the satellite and terrestrial links.

2.2.2. Ghiani Model

This model [63] is based on a PCF-correction-based model for terrestrial links. It can be modeled by simulation with Equation (

This model [73] is based on a PCF-correction-based model for terrestrial links. It can be modeled by simulation with Equation (

26

) and analyzed with Equation (

27

):
A=LγR(l)dl=LkR(l)αdl.
(1) Calculate
A=kRTXαLPF.
(2) Calculating the PCF: 

PCF=A/kRTXαL

 for the number of rain maps generated by the MultiEXCELL model. This results in the following expression:
PFav=a(f,L)eb(f,L)R+c(f,L),
where the symbols 

a

b

, and 

c

 are taken from the regression coefficients. These three coefficients depend on the values of frequency and path length.
(3) Because the effect of the frequency is negligible
A(P,L)=kR(P)αL[a(L)eb(L)R+c(L)],

where the constants are given by the set of equations in (

where the constants are given by the set of equations in (

30

),
a=0.8743e0.1111R+0.9061b=0.0931e0.0183R+0.1002c=0.6613e0.178R+0.3965.
This model’s drawback is that the RMS of the prediction error against the ITU-R database did not exhibit better performance compared to the ITU-R and Brazilian models. Thus, a better terrestrial link rain database from DBSG3 or Comité Consultatif International des Radiocommunications (CCIR) was required for examination before its final application.

2.2.3. Excell/Capsoni Model

The parameters of this statistical model [64] of the horizontal rain structure can be determined based on the local statistical distribution of the point rainfall intensity. The model was validated using the COST 205, 1985 database. This model consists of several rain cell structures, collectively refereed to as kernels. In such a rain cell, the rainfall rate at a distance 

The parameters of this statistical model [74] of the horizontal rain structure can be determined based on the local statistical distribution of the point rainfall intensity. The model was validated using the COST 205, 1985 database. This model consists of several rain cell structures, collectively refereed to as kernels. In such a rain cell, the rainfall rate at a distance 

l

 from the center is given by:
R=Rpeakel/l0.
Probability of attenuation equation:
P(A)=REE.[0.5ln2(Rpeak/RE)+rln(Rpeak/RE)].[P(Rp)′′′]d(lnRpeak)

where 

where 

r=1/4πl¯0

.
Rain distribution can be calculated as:
P(R)=P0lnn(RR).
Here, 

P(R)=0

 indicates that the probability of rain is zero, which will be true at the rain cell boundary. A simplified version of the model with the point rain intensity at point (x,y) can be defined as:
R(x,y)=RMe(xlx)2+(yly)2

along a cell radius:

along a cell radius:
R(x,y)=RMex2+y2l0.

In the sense of the rain attenuation model, this model does not provide attenuation. However, it facilitates the generation of a synthetic rain rate from which attenuation can be predicted using a suitable prediction model. There are critics that the exponential rain peak is not present [65] in nature, and the model does not differentiate between stratiform and convective rain.

In the sense of the rain attenuation model, this model does not provide attenuation. However, it facilitates the generation of a synthetic rain rate from which attenuation can be predicted using a suitable prediction model. There are critics that the exponential rain peak is not present [75] in nature, and the model does not differentiate between stratiform and convective rain.

2.3. Statistical Models

2.3.1. ITU-R Model

This model [40] is primarily based on a distance factor that relies on the rain rate 

This model [50] is primarily based on a distance factor that relies on the rain rate 

R0.01

, frequency, link length, and power-law relationship coefficients of the specific attenuation 

α

 (furthermore, it is a function of frequency and polarization). The attenuation and the distance factors can be calculated as:
A0.01=kR0.01αdr
r=10.477d0.633R0.073α0.01f0.12310.579(1e0.024d).
The attenuation, 

Ap

, which exceeded for a percentage of time 

p

 other than 0.01%, was determined by the simplification of the attenuation 

A0.01. This model, validated in Malaysia, showed good agreement with the measured attenuation [66].

. This model, validated in Malaysia, showed good agreement with the measured attenuation [76].

2.3.2. Singh Model

This model [67] provides an easy calculation mechanism compared to the ITU-R model. The specific attenuation follows the ITU-R model for the frequency band of 1–100 GHz. After calculating the specific attenuation, the curve fitting technique using the MATLAB software cubic polynomial Equation (

This model [77] provides an easy calculation mechanism compared to the ITU-R model. The specific attenuation follows the ITU-R model for the frequency band of 1–100 GHz. After calculating the specific attenuation, the curve fitting technique using the MATLAB software cubic polynomial Equation (

38

) is approximated for the specific attenuation.
A(dB/km)=c3f3+c2f2+c1f+c0,

where the coefficients 

where the coefficients 

c3

c2

c1

c0

 of Equation (

38

) for the horizontal polarization are given by:
c3h=1.422×109x2+2.03×107x1.21c2h=1.963×107x2+8.618×107x+0.0019c1h=2.114×106x2+0.01x0.036c0h=3.10×105x20.040x0.031

and for the vertical polarization:

and for the vertical polarization:
c3v=5.520×1012x3+3.36×109x21.21×107x6.10×106c2v=8.10×109x34.552×107x23.03×105x+0.001c1v=5.71×109x3+6×107x2+8.707×103x0.018c0v=1.073×107x3+1.068×104x20.0598x+0.0442.

A similar approach-based technique was proposed in[68] . However, it was considered the original power-law relationship rather than the simplified polynomial form in that proposal. The second difference is that the constants 

A similar approach-based technique was proposed in [78]. However, it was considered the original power-law relationship rather than the simplified polynomial form in that proposal. The second difference is that the constants 

k

α

 referring to the Equation (

42

) depends only on frequency and either vertical or horizontal polarization.
A(dB/km)=kRα

ah=4.21×105f2.42,av=4.09×1020f0.069,bh=1.41f0.0779,bv=2063f0.272,for2.9GHzf54GHzfor54GHzf180GHzfor8.5GHzf25GHzfor25GHzf164GHz.

2.4. Fade Slope Models

2.4.1. Andrade Model

In the Andrade model [69] the variance of the fade slope is proportional to the attenuation as per Equation (

In the Andrade model [79] the variance of the fade slope is proportional to the attenuation as per Equation (

43

):
f(fs|A)=1.38kA−−−−√[1+fs2kA]6.7.
The predictor can estimate the next attenuation level 

A(ti+tp)

 from the current attenuation value 

A(ti)

 and fade slope:
A(ti+tp)=A(ti)+fstp,

where 

where 

tp

 is the prediction time, it can be considered that 

tp=10

, which corresponds to the minimum prediction time, that is, the sampling time of the experimental data.

2.4.2. Chebil Model

In the Chebil model[5] the variance of the fade slope is proportional to the attenuation as per Equation (

In the Chebil model [16] the variance of the fade slope is proportional to the attenuation as per Equation (

45

):
p(ξA)=1σξ2π−−√exp(0.5(ξσξ)2),

where the 

where the 

σξ

 is given by Equation (

46

)
σξ=0.00012A30.003A2+0.027A0.0016.

2.5. Optimization-Based Models

2.5.1. Develi Model

This model [70] is based on the Differential evolution approach (DEA) optimization technique and experimentally tested at 97 GHz on terrestrial link in the United Kingdom (UK). The steps of the DEA attenuation model are as follows:

This model [80] is based on the Differential evolution approach (DEA) optimization technique and experimentally tested at 97 GHz on terrestrial link in the United Kingdom (UK). The steps of the DEA attenuation model are as follows:
(1) The rate of rainfall and percentage of the time exceedance is related to the rain attenuation by equation:
z(t)=k=0Kakxk(t)+n=1Nbnyn(t),

where 

where 

ak,bn

 (

k=0,1,,K

n=1,2,,N

) are the model parameters. 

K+N

 is the total number of input variables in the model.
(2) The mean absolute error is:
E=1Mk=1M|mk(t)zk(t)|,

which can be alternatively represented as:

which can be alternatively represented as:
E=1Mk=1M|mk(t)f(xk(t),yk(t),a0,,aK,b1,,bN)|.
The mean absolute error given by this equation is treated as the cost function and used to obtain the optimized error by applying the DEA algorithm.
(3) Mutation:
ζM,i=ζn,opt+Pmut(ζn,p1ζn,p2),forip1andip2,

where 

where 

n

 is the generation index, 

Pmut

 is the mutation variable, 

p1,p2

 and 

i

 are three arbitrarily chosen individual indexes, and the 

M

 and 

opt

 refer to the 

gene pool

 and the 

optimal entity

 in the population, respectively.

2.5.2. Livieratos Model

This model [71] was developed using a DBSG3 database-based on a supervised machine-learning (SML) technique. In this rain attenuation model, the SML technique was blended with a Gaussian process (GP). A rain attenuation algorithm must be trained in a particular area of interest to measure the different interdependencies of the parameters for detecting rain attenuation in a specific region, weather, or carrier frequency.

This model [81] was developed using a DBSG3 database-based on a supervised machine-learning (SML) technique. In this rain attenuation model, the SML technique was blended with a Gaussian process (GP). A rain attenuation algorithm must be trained in a particular area of interest to measure the different interdependencies of the parameters for detecting rain attenuation in a specific region, weather, or carrier frequency.

2.5.3. Pinto Model

This model [72] is based on the actual distance correction mechanism through the distance correction factor (

This model [82] is based on the actual distance correction mechanism through the distance correction factor (

r

) along with the effective rainfall rate distribution (

Reff

). It uses the quasi-Newton method in addition to particle swarm optimization (PSO); minimizing the root mean square error (RMSE) is the objective function in both cases.
Ap=k[a1Rp(a2+a3/d)]αd1a4da5Rpa6fa7+a8(aea9d).
The 

ai(i=1,2,,9) coefficients can be calculated using quasi-Newton multiple nonlinear regression (QNMRN) and the Gaussian RMSE (GRMSE) algorithm. These coefficients were further fine-tuned using the PSO technique. The model performance has not been compared with the recently developed model, except for ITU-R P.530-17 [40]. Thus, there is a need for further verification before application, except for the temperate climate and Malaysia rainfall database areas.

 coefficients can be calculated using quasi-Newton multiple nonlinear regression (QNMRN) and the Gaussian RMSE (GRMSE) algorithm. These coefficients were further fine-tuned using the PSO technique. The model performance has not been compared with the recently developed model, except for ITU-R P.530-17 [50]. Thus, there is a need for further verification before application, except for the temperate climate and Malaysia rainfall database areas.
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