Progress in modeling challenging propagation environments

This paper reviews the recent progress in propagation modeling for complex and challenging wireless communications environments. As more advanced wireless communication systems are being developed, detailed propagation and channel prediction research is needed for systems designs and for evaluating their performances. Complex propagation environments such as complex walls, windows and metal framed structures, and tree canopies are examples of environments that still need more detailed and accurate propagation modeling. New parameters, such as coverage, MIMO capacity, and bit error rate are needed to better evaluate and understand the performance of these systems under realistic communication environments. The paper will discuss some of the models and show some of the recent results in this area.