Performance Analysis of Future 6G Networks Operating in the Upper Mid-Band and Sub-TeraHertz Spectrum

Abstract

This study simulates the performance of 6G networks in the Upper Mid-band (7GHz, 10GHz, 15GHz, and 20 GHz) and sub-THz (90GHz, 95GHz, and 100 GHz) bands. Models for calculating path loss, channel capacity, and error vector (EVM) are presented. The simulation results show that, by increasing the frequency or the distance between transmitter and receiver, the channel capacity may drop by up to 95% (upper mid-band) and 99% (sub-THz). Furthermore, Capacity analysis confirms the viability of sub-THz up to 70 m. EVM indicates that robust modulations, e.g., 64-QAM maintain the range between 90 and 230 m in the upper mid-band and up to 34 m in the sub-THz within the 3GPP limits. On the other hand, high-order modulations (1024-/4096-QAM) reduce the range to approximately 5 m in the sub-THz. The obtained metrics serve as a benchmark for planning future 6G networks.