Channel Measurement and Characterization at 140 GHz in a Wireless Data Center

The Terahertz (0.1-10 THz) band wireless data center networks (DCNs) are promising to provide high data rates and low latency for next-generation cloud applications. However, one research gap that is still existed is the lack of measurement data and thorough characterization of the THz wave propagation in data centers. To address this problem, in this paper, two sets of measurement campaigns are conducted in a data center scenario at 130-140 GHz band, by using a vector network analyzer (VNA)-based channel sounder system with different receiver heights. The measured data is further processed to extract the multipath components (MPCs) and classify the MPCs into clusters. Furthermore, the channel characteristics, including the path loss, shadow fading, K-factor, delay and angular spreads are calculated and analyzed. Clustering results and MPCs propagation are analyzed and examined in light of the real geometry in the data center. Interestingly, comparison with measured results in meeting room scenarios at 140 GHz shows that the reflections and scattering from metal racks in the data center are more significant, resulting in lower path loss, smaller K-factor, and larger delay spreads. The measured results in this work substantiate guidelines for system design of THz wireless DCNs.

Automated summary

This paper conducts measurement campaigns in a data center scenario to analyze and study the characteristics of THz wave propagation, including path loss and shadow fading. The results show that reflections and scattering from metal racks in the data center significantly affect the signal propagation.