Propagation Model for Evaluating the Interference between Neighboring Indoor Micro Operators

Recently introduced 5G micro operator concept aims at providing high-quality mobile services in specific high-demand (indoor) locations to complement the coverage and capacity offered by the traditional mobile network operators (MNOs). For reliable service delivery, micro operators need local spectrum access rights with predefined levels of quality guarantees. This can be obtained via granting spectrum micro licenses, where the license areas can be the different buildings. To coordinate the interference between the micro operators themselves and potential incumbent spectrum users, accurate interference characterization between the involved systems is a necessity. This requires proper modeling of the radio wave propagation characteristics, which is currently missing for micro operator deployment scenarios in their target frequency bands. This paper introduces a new propagation model for evaluating the interference between neighboring micro operators located inside different buildings. The proposed model is based on a number of sub-models and components, and the basis for each of the components has been taken by selecting appropriate path loss models described in the literature. In all, the introduced propagation model is valid for deployments in different frequency bands, and for various types of buildings and outdoor environments surrounding the buildings with micro operator deployments.