Understanding subterahertz radio channels: the impact of beamforming on wireless system design

Wireless connectivity in the subterahertz (sub-THz) band, spanning from 100 GHz to 300 GHz, is envisioned as an enhanced feature of 6G and beyond. Due to significant propagation losses at these frequencies, the transmission of sub-THz signals relies heavily on high antenna directivity, realized by beamforming. In this article, we present a newly developed sub-THz stored channel model, and perform a realistic evaluation of the impact of beamforming on sub-THz link establishment and data transmission. Unlike the propagation channel between the transmitting and receiving antennas, the radio channel is observed by a pair of beams. Incorporating the impact of beamforming into measured sub-THz propagation channel data enables to gain insights into the key factors that determine, among others, sub-THz beam alignment strategy and waveform design, ultimately enhancing spectral efficiency.