5G V2X communication at millimeter wave: rate maps and use cases

Millimeter wave (mmWave) has the potential to offer high data rates for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. In this paper, we provide an introduction to important use cases of V2X as they pertain to fifth generation (5G) communication networks. As 5G technology is still evolving to support vehicles, and mmWave is reflected and blocked by vehicles, it remains unclear if the target rates for the use cases can be achieved. Motivated by the different data rate requirements, we introduce a methodology for evaluating rates in 5G mmWave V2X scenarios. Our approach leverages available city CAD models, realistic traffic simulators, and industry standard ray tracing tools to allow site-specific propagation evaluation. This approach may be used to devise insight into the role of traffic density, antenna array placement, and base station density in important urban propagation settings. Results are provided that highlight the application to develop a rate map for an urban intersection. They show that rate increases in dense deployments by more than ten percent per base station, but only decreases about one percent when going from light to heavy traffic.