In the indoor environment, multipath fading causes the received signal amplitude to fluctuate rapidly over space and frequency. Multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) systems overcome this phenomenon through the use of multiple antennas on transmitters and receivers. This establishes multiple independent MIMO sub-channels between antenna pairs, which allows a theoretical increase in capacity which is linear with the number of antennas, while requiring no additional power or bandwidth expenditure. The capacity increase is reliant upon MIMO sub-channels being well decorrelated. Decorrelation may be achieved by separating antennas in space. On devices where space is limited, an alternative approach is to use antennas with orthogonal polarisations, which may be positioned closer together. Existing literature states that the performance of polarisation MIMO systems is typically inferior to that of spatial MIMO systems under diversity applications, but can be superior in multiplexing applications. These statements are based on the analysis of a statistical channel model, using channel conditions assumed to be typical of an ideal polarisation MIMO system. There is little existing literature which examines how close these assumptions are to a practical polarisation MIMO channel, or whether the above statements remain true of practical systems. This thesis presents a novel end-to-end, predominantly deterministic approach to the modelling of polarisation MIMO systems. A bespoke MIMO channel model is used to estimate capacity and error rate under diversity and spatial multiplexing applications in the indoor environment. The parameters of the channel model are obtained deterministically from a ray launching propagation model, using antenna patterns of orthogonally polarised small antenna systems positioned in the indoor environment. The individual differences in the channel gains and K-factors of each sub-channel are accounted for. Correlation is accounted for using a full correlation matrix, rather than the Kronecker model. Particular attention is paid to mutual coupling of closely spaced antennas. Using this analysis, it is shown that for practical antennas and systems conditions of the polarisation MIMO channel may differ from those assumed in literature. The effect of this in terms of channel capacity and system bit error rate is directly determined and presented. Performance of polarisation MIMO systems, using co-located and spatially separate orthogonally polarised antennas, is compared to that of spatial MIMO systems, which use co-polar antennas with limited spatial separation. Additionally, comparison is made between compact polarisation MIMO systems which use orthogonal linear polarised antennas and those using orthogonal circular polarised antennas. Further analysis examines the significant effect of objects in the antenna near-field regions. The effects of the presence of a metal case on antenna performance are presented, before its impact on the channel conditions and ultimately the resultant MIMO performance is shown.

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / In today's navy, it is becoming more and more important to reach all areas onboard a ship with key technical resources. In order to accomplish this goal, the already existing physical networks need to be complemented with wireless capability. A sophisticated Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) can provide that vital connectivity to the ship's network resources from almost anywhere on the ship. It would allow sailors to access critical information and immediately communicate with others throughout the ship from any standard wireless device (PDA, laptop and many other hand-held devices). In addition, WLANs greatly mitigate problems due to physical damage to wires or fiber optic cables that are used today. Because the navy's emphasis is on building ships with reduced manning, advanced technology, and lower cost in mind, the idea of a WLAN, which has a deep impact on all those areas, has been of a growing interest to the Navy. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze, model, and simulate a wireless environment on board a variety of naval ship compartments, using the Urbana code. Starting from known inputs (frequency, ship compartment geometry, material properties, propagation computation model, and antenna type), analytical results reflecting the propagation mechanisms, coverage area, and security posture of the WLAN are presented. Variable inputs can then be optimized to achieve a desired signal distribution and to meet security requirements for a specific shipboard environment. / Lieutenant Junior Grade, Tunisian Navy