Statistical channel modeling for low-elevation in LEO satellite communication

Abstract

Channel modeling plays a crucial role in measuring wireless communication performance. This paper describes statistical channel modeling for a recorded signal from a ground station in an urban area in Tehran. This signal was recorded from the GRBALPHA satellite at 170–180° elevation and fixed azimuth. The three-state Markov channel modeling is used for this case. Markov models are often used for Land Mobile Satellite Channels (LMSC) because when the user is moving at different speeds between different environments, this causes, Variety in received power. By analyzing the communication channel in the lower elevations, the link budget can be designed with a suitable margin by considering the channel specification and its limitations. In addition to increasing communication time, reducing the bit error rate (BER), lowering costs, etc., this causes a more accurate channel analysis from the beginning to the end of the satellite passage.This work presents a statistical model for channel simulation using the Markov multi-state chain, estimating the Markov channel model between a fixed ground station and a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite at low elevations. The comparison of simulation data with recorded data demonstrates the proposed approach's effectiveness in modeling the channel.

Keywords

• Markov chain model
• Channel modeling
• Satellite communication
• Path loss
• Space propagation