- Conference Article
- 10.1109/sta66620.2025.11364898
The Effect of Rain Attenuation on the Efficiency of Wireless Communication Systems in Millimeter Wave Frequencies
- Dec 20, 2025
- Mohamed Farag Abughalia + 3 more +3
The advent of millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies in wireless communication systems has opened new frontiers for high-data-rate applications. However, mmWave signals are highly susceptible to atmospheric impairments, particularly rain attenuation, which significantly degrades system performance. This paper investigates the impact of rain attenuation on the efficiency of wireless communication systems operating in the mmWave band, focusing on frequencies ranging from 30 GHz to 300 GHz. A comprehensive analysis is conducted using empirical rain attenuation models, including the ITU-R P. 838 and P. 837 recommendations, to estimate the specific attenuation under various rainfall intensities. The study evaluates the effects of rain on signal degradation, link budget, and system availability. Simulation results demonstrate that rain attenuation introduces substantial signal loss, which can reduce link reliability and throughput in mmWave systems. Strategies such as adaptive modulation, power control, and site diversity are discussed to mitigate these effects. The findings underscore the critical need for robust design and planning of mmWave wireless links to ensure efficient and reliable communication in rain-prone environments.
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