The COST259 directional channel model-part I: Overview and methodology

This paper describes a model for mobile radio channels that includes consideration of directions of arrival and is thus suitable for simulations of the performance of wireless systems that use smart antennas. The model is specified for 13 different types of environments, covering macro- micro- and picocells. In this paper, a hierarchy of modeling concepts is described, as well as implementation aspects that are valid for all environments. The model is based on the specification of directional channel impulse response functions, from which the impulse response functions at all antenna elements can be obtained. A layered approach, which distinguishes between external (fixed), large-scale-, and small-scale- parameters allows an efficient parameterization. Different implementation methods, based on either a tapped-delay line or a geometrical model, are described. The paper also derives the transformation between those two approaches. Finally, the concepts of clusters and visibility regions are used to account for large delay and angular spreads that have been measured. In two companion papers, the environment-specific values of the model parameters are explained and justified. © 2006 IEEE.