Site Diversity in Satellite Communications: Modelling Using Copula Functions

This book describes multi-site diversity modelling of induced rain attenuation statistics for satellite communication systems using copula functions. It gathers all relevant state-of-the-art knowledge, provides the missing pieces and rounds them up in a way that the reader is given a complete picture of important modelling factors and ways to address them. The books’ main features include: 

• Data post-processing methodology for statistical analysis based on our Earth-satellite propagation experiments. 
• Two novel multi-site diversity prediction models based on Gaussian copula considering distance between stations or considering distance, baseline, and elevation angle.
• Two novel multi-site diversity prediction models based on hyperbolic cosecant copula considering distance between stations or considering distance, baseline, and elevation angle. 
• Exhaustive comparative tests and error performance of the prediction models showing that improved error performance is achieved compared to the ITU R model and to the state-of-the-art models. 

The results presented in the book are expected to contribute to the improvement of the system design and to the further research of modelling the next generation satellite links at higher frequencies.

Arsim Kelmendi received the Graduate Electrical Engineer degree from the University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo, in 2006, and the Ph.D. degree in information and communication technologies from the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 2017. From 2006, he worked for several years as an engineer in industry and as a teaching assistant in University. From 2013 to 2017, he was a research assistant and from 2017 to 2018 a post-doctoral researcher, both at the Department of Communication Systems, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana. He is currently with Telekom Slovenia, Ljubljana, and also a researcher with the Department of Communication Systems at Jožef Stefan Institute. He has extensive research in channel modelling and site diversity modelling at high frequencies for satellite communications. He participated in European Space Agency (ESA) projects related to Ka/Q-band Satellite Propagation Measurements and Modelling. His current work focuses on 5Gradio access network and satellite communication channel modelling. He has authored more than 20 papers in international-refereed journals and conferences and also is a reviewer in a few international impact journals and conferences. In 2003, he was awarded Eminent Student of the University of Prishtina, which is a traditional annual award for the students with the greatest achievements.

Aleš Švigelj (corresponding author) received his B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical engineering from the University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 1997, 2000 and 2003, respectively. He is a senior research fellow in the Department of Communication Systems at the Jožef Stefan Institute and a full professor at the Jožef Stefan Postgraduate School. He has extensive research in modelling, simulation and design of advanced telecommunications elements, systems and services also for satellite communications. His current work focuses on the advanced networking technologies for wireless systems. He has participated in several national and international projects including COST projects. Recently, he coordinated the extension of ESA SatProSi-Alpha project, “Ka/Q-band Propagation Measurements and Modelling”. He co-authored several books/book chapters and more than 100 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers. In 2004, he was awarded the Jožef Stefan Golden Emblem Prize for outstanding contributions made to science in doctoral theses in the field of natural sciences in Slovenia. He is a member of IEEE.

Tomaž Javornik received his B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 1987, 1990 and 1993, respectively. He is a scientific counsellor at the Communication Systems Department, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia, and an assistant professor at the Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana. He participated in several COST and Framework Programme projects. He has co-authored more than 100 refereed journal and conference papers and several books and book chapters in the field of mobile and wireless communications. He holds two international patents. His research experience is in the field of telecommunications, focusing on the development and performance analysis of fixed and mobile systems, radio-channel measurements, modelling and simulations for satellite, high altitude and terrestrial communication systems. Dr. Javornik serves as a TPC member or a reviewer for several IEEE conferences and journals.

Andrej Hrovat received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Ljubljana in 2004 and 2008 and finished his Ph.D. at the Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School in 2011. He is in the Department of Communication Systems at the Jozef Stefan Institute since 2004, at present holding the position of a senior research fellow. His research and working experience are in the field of telecommunications, focusing on development and performance analysis for fixed and mobile systems, including terrestrial, stratospheric and satellite systems, radio-channel modelling for fixed and mobile narrowband and broadband radio communication systems. He works on several projects connected with professional mobile communication systems, 2/3/4G, Wi-Fi and WiMAX technologies, satellite and sensor networks, including several COST actions, Framework Program projects, H2020 projects, European Space Agency (ESA) projects and numerous national research and applicative projects. Dr. Hrovat is the author or the co-author of more than 100 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, serves as a journal editorial board member and a guest editor, a reviewer for several international impact-factor journals and is a TCP member for various international conferences and workshops.