Modeling of Mobile Communication Systems by Electromagnetic Theory in the Direct and Single Reflected Propagation Scenario

In this paper, we employ electromagnetic theory to analyze the phenomenon of signal propagation and thereby model mobile communication systems. Using electromagnetic theory is different from conventional modeling techniques applied in communication engineering, the advantage being that a more in-depth and accurate model can be provided. This is because the electromagnetism-based model exactly measures the electromagnetic behavior of a signal and hence, more details of the ambient environment are involved in the modeling procedure. However, it should not be tendentiously ignored that the disadvantage is also obvious. Because superabundant details should be involved, this model is sometimes inefficient and even impractical. To investigate this innovative modeling technique in more detail, we provide a simplified propagation scenario through only considering direct and single reflected paths between the transmitter and the receiver. By means of this special case study, the pros and cons of electromagnetism-based modeling can be revealed extensively. A series of familiar concepts and jargons frequently referred to in wireless mobile communication are also interpreted in view of the electromagnetism-based modeling technique. More importantly, in this paper, the nature of signal transmission and reception in free space can be analyzed in depth by virtue of this modeling technique.