Analysis of Radio Wave Propagation in Lagos Environs 1Shoewu, O and 2F.O
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AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH © 2011, Science Huβ, http://www.scihub.org/AJSIR ISSN: 2153-649X doi:10.5251/ajsir.2011.2.3.438.455 Analysis of radio wave propagation in Lagos environs 1Shoewu, O and 2F.O. Edeko 1Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Lagos State University, Epe Campus, Lagos, Nigeria 2Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, University of Benin, Benin, Nigeria ABSTRACT Various research studies have been carried out by different researchers on the behaviour of radio wave within different environment under different environmental and geographical conditions. The models derived are specific for the respective environment. To validate the model, field measurements were carried out at different locations within Epe town and its environs. The measurements system consist of live radio base stations transmitting at 900MHz and 1800MHz. Downlink signal strength level data were collected using drive test exercise consisting of test mobile phones, TEMS investigating software, MapInfo and Google earth. The respective path loss values were estimated and compared with existing model like Okumura- Hata model for rural, suburban and urban areas. The result indicated an appreciable consistency with the empirical models except for rural areas. Keywords: Pathloss, TEMS, MapInfo, Google earth, GSM, Communication INTRODUCTION These factors have motivated researchers to develop path loss propagation models capable to include Signal quality and drop calls of mobile essential characteristics of suburban and rural communication operators in buildings have being environments. The propagation medium is one of the studied extensively for the last six years. most critical components of mobile communication Knowledge of the phenomena involved in the path system, requiring an appropriate modeling of its loss propagation in the vegetation is an important elements in order to accomplish studies to attend factor in the wireless telecommunication project. demands of different coverage areas. However, the electromagnetic modeling of the radio This study is carried out at investigating the wave in this type of environment has been a effectiveness of commonly used Okumura-Hata, challenge due to the great complexity of the COST -231, and free space models, which are used environment aspects. The physical and geometric for macro cells within rural and suburban areas. This parameters of trees in nature are randomized. investigation of radio wave signals (GSM) is to cover Hence, areas with vegetation are difficult to find Lekki city to Epe town. This investigation is limited to models to represent them, characterizing the two different site within each of rural , suburban and environment and attending the system specification, urban area. The cities are Lekki and Victoria Island like frequency, transmitted power, and antenna for urban, Epe town for suburban area and Ejirin and heights. Imota villages as rural areas. Am. J. Sci. Ind. Res., 2011, 2(3): 438-455 Fig 1.0: Radio signal Base Station along Lekki-Epe Road Fig 1.1: Arial View of Lekki-Epe road Fig 1.2: Arial View of Lekki-Peninsular (Urban) 439 Am. J. Sci. Ind. Res., 2011, 2(3): 438-455 Application of study: In this study we investigated RADIO WAVES PROPAGATION MODELS how effective the existing propagation models like Okumura-Hata model, COST-231 model, and Free Free space model: Space model in Nigerian environment. If the path loss The free space model assumes an ideal situation distribution as proposed by these existing models are where there are no obstacles that could cause in consonance with the measurement then, these reflection, diffraction or scattering within the line-of- models will be regarded as valid for use in cellular sight between the transmitter and receiving stations. network planning for Nigerian rural, suburban, and Thus the attenuation of the radio wave signal is urban areas. proportional to the distance from the transmitter. The receiver power density, at a distance d from the The study is to investigate how effective are the transmitter, is expressed as: existing propagation models like Okumura-Hata D = Pt At 2 model model in Nigerian environment. If the path loss 4πd where At – BTS distribution as proposed by these existing models are Transmitter antenna gain in consonance with the measurement then, these The receiver power density can also be written as models will be regarded as valid for use in cellular D = Pr network planning for Nigerian rural, suburban, and A urban areas. The Receive Power Pr = Pt At Ar (λ /4d) Characteristics of radio wave propagation Path loss PL = 10log (Pt / Pr) models: As the path loss encountered along any radio link PL = 32.44 + 20 log (f) + 20log (d) serves as the dominant factor for characterization of propagation for the link, radio propagation models Practically, the ideal situation upon which this model typically focus on realization of the path loss with the was derived is not realistic. auxiliary task of predicting the area of coverage for a transmitter or modeling the distribution of signals over Radio wave signal power attenuation depends largely different regions (Schmitz and Wenig, 2008). on the frequency band and terrain types between the transmitting and receiving antenna. The propagation Because each individual telecommunication link has path loss varies according to the terrain type and this to encounter different terrain, path, obstructions, should be given serious consideration in propagation atmospheric conditions and other phenomena, it is path loss modeling. This is done using the correction intractable to formulate the exact loss for all factor for each terrain. A more realistic path loss telecommunication systems in a single mathematical model is the Okumura-Hata model for macrocells in equation. rural and suburban areas. As a result, different models exist for different types HATA MODEL FOR SUBURBAN AREAS of radio links under different conditions. The models rely on computing the median path loss for a link The Hata Model for Suburban Areas, also known as under a certain probability that the considered the Okumura-Hata model for being a developed conditions will occur. version of the Okumura Model, is the most widely used model in radio frequency propagation for Radio propagation models are empirical in nature, predicting the behavior of cellular transmissions in which means, they are developed based on large city outskirts and other rural areas. This model collections of data collected for the specific scenario. incorporates the graphical information from Okumura For any model, the collection of data has to be model and develops it further to better suite the need. sufficiently large to provide enough likeliness (or This model also has two more varieties for enough scope) to all kind of situations that can transmission in Urban Areas and Open happen in that specific scenario. Like all empirical Areas.(Emagbetere and Edeko, 2009) models, radio propagation models do not point out Hata Model predicts the total path loss along a link of the exact behavior of a link, rather, they predict the terrestrial microwave or other type of cellular most likely behavior the link may exhibit under the communications. And is a function of transmission specified conditions. frequency and the average path loss in urban areas. 440 Am. J. Sci. Ind. Res., 2011, 2(3): 438-455 Applicable to/under conditions: This particular a (hR) = (1.1log f – 0.7)hr – 1.56log f – 0.8 version of Hata model is applicable to the transmissions just out of the cities and on rural areas where man-made structures are there but not so high and dense as in the cities (Shoewu and Adedipe, Where 2010). To be more precise, this model is suitable L = Median path loss. Unit: Decibel (dB) where buildings exist, but the mobile station does not f = Frequency of Transmission. Unit: have a significant variation of its height. This model is Megahertz (MHz) suited for both point-to-point and broadcast hB = Base Station Antenna effective height. transmissions. Unit: Meter (m) d = Link distance. Unit: Kilometer (km) Coverage hR = Mobile Station Antenna effective height. Frequency: 150 MHz to 1z. Unit: Meter (m) Mathematical Formulation a (hR) = Mobile station Antenna height Hata Model for Suburban Areas is formulated as, correction factor as described in the Hata Model for Urban Areas. METHODOLOGY This study involves obtaining the mean receive power Where, distribution at specified receiver distances from the LSU = Path loss in suburban areas in decibel respective Test GSM stations. In this study, (dB). measurements were taken at rural, suburban and LU = Average Path loss in urban areas in decibel urban areas within Lagos. Two sites each of rural, (dB). suburban and urban areas were used for this f = Frequency of Transmission in MHz research. A site verification exercise was done using Ericsson K800i mobile station & a piece of compass. COST-231 MODEL: The COST-Hata-Model is the This is to ensure that the BTS sites used were most often cited of the COST 231 models. Also called performing optimally and meets up with all the Hata Model PCS Extension, it is a radio parameters as stated: propagation model that extends the Hata Model BTS power: 40W (45dBm), MS Antenna ht: 1.5m, (which in turn is based on the Okumura Model) to Connector loss: 3dB, Feeder loss: 2.58dB, Duplexer cover a more elaborated range of frequencies. COST loss: 4.5dB, (Cooperation européenne dans le domaine de la MS Antenna gain: 14dBi recherché Scientifique et Technique) is a European BTS Antenna gain: 18.3dBi, EIRP P = 67.22dBm Union Forum for cooperative scientific research t Power conversion from Watt to dBm is done using which has developed this model accordingly to the expression: various experiments and researches. P= 10Log P dBm mW Then, the effective power radiated from the BTS Applicable To / Under Conditions: This model is antenna (P ) is given as: applicable to urban areas.