Wireless Network Modelling and Analysis Using Path Loss Models
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Wireless Network Modelling and Analysis using Path Loss Models S.O. Olatinwo1; L.I. Oborkhale1; and O.O. Shoewu2 1Department of Electrical and Electronics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. 2Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]* [email protected] ABSTRACT efficient mobile network design. Propagation path loss models are mathematical tools employed in In this paper, the network modelling and analysis wireless communications to plan and optimize of some selected areas such as nonurban, urban, wireless network systems [2]. The design of an suburban, exurban, dense urban, microurban, and efficient wireless network involves several periurban have been carried out through the phases, these phases can be classified into adoption of path loss models. The accuracy of the various perspectives that include planning, employed path loss models was determined using optimization, and design [3]. the Root Mean Square (RMS) error between the measured values and the estimated path loss of The planning phase of a wireless network is used the applicable empirical models. to predict the loss of signal strength (coverage) in an area of interest. The quality of coverage of (Keywords: path loss, COST231 model, COST WI any wireless network design depends on the model, free space model) accuracy of the propagation model. This implies that, the coverage reliability of a wireless network design depends on the accuracy of the INTRODUCTION propagation model. In wireless communications, path loss models are The optimization phase is used to ensure that a valuable tools employed to guarantee quality of network operates as close as possible to the service (QoS) provisioning in a network. Path loss original design by making sure handoff points are can be described as the reduction in power close to prediction, coverage is within design density of an electromagnetic wave as it guidelines such as indoor, incar, and onstreet propagates through space [1]. It is used to RSS, and co-channel interference is low at determine the difference in the transmitting power neighboring sites. Also, in the optimization phase, and receiving power of the information transmitted the measured data collected from a real network from the source to the destination as it propagates may be used to tune the propagation models in the form of electromagnetic (EM) waves. employed in the design phase. All transmitted information incurs path loss as Advances in wireless communications have electromagnetic waves propagate from source to made embedded built-in error estimation possible destination due to a number of factors that include in propagation models applied for cellular mobile reflection, diffraction, and scattering. The systems, generally of the order of 7.0 dB electromagnetic effects of parameters such as standard deviation, a factor of ten in signal power attenuation and deep fading also power. Any reduction in the estimated error value contributes to reduction in signal quality, resulting would increase the quality of service, reduce in several issues in wireless networks such as undesirable power losses, increase coverage dropped calls in cellular networks. area, and determine best arrangements of base stations [4]. Moreover, any reduction in the To address these drawbacks, accurate estimation estimated error value would result in a significant of propagation path loss is essential for an impact on the size and performance of a network, The Pacific Journal of Science and Technology –132– http://www.akamaiuniversity.us/PJST.htm Volume 18. Number 2. November 2017 (Fall) thus, improving, QoS and user’s satisfaction. To hardware imperfections, or the effects of any overcome the issues identified, the parameters of antennas gain. The FSPL is rarely used the adopted empirical models must be modified standalone, but rather as a part of the Friis with reference to an area of interest towards transmission equation, which includes the gain of achieving a minimal error between the predicted antennas. Free space path loss is proportional to and measured signal strength. the square of the distance between the transmitter and receiver, and also proportional to In network planning, the predication of path loss, the square of the frequency of the radio signal. coverage area, frequency assignment and Equation 1 is used to determine the free space interference are key parameters. However, the path loss of an environment. existing empirical models cannot be generalized to different environments (nonurban, urban, suburban, exurban, dense urban, microurban, and periurban), this connotes that, the suitability of these models differ for different environments. Therefore, the data obtained through measurements in this study were compared with (1) three empirical propagation models at 1800MHz in nonurban, urban, suburban, exurban, dense where: urban, microurban, and periurban, areas in Lagos. is the signal wavelength (in metres), The accuracy of the employed path loss model is the signal frequency (in hertz), was determined using the Root Mean Square is the distance from the transmitter (in metres), (RMS) error between the measured values and is the speed of light in a vacuum, 2.99792458 × the estimated path loss of the applicable empirical 108 metres per second. models. This equation is only accurate in the far field where spherical spreading can be assumed; it does not hold close to the transmitter. LITERATURE REVIEW Path Loss Theory and Models Radio transmission in mobile communication system often takes place over irregular terrain. Therefore, propagation models are employed to predict path loss over different types of terrains. This is important to achieving QoS provisioning in a wireless network. The models considered in this work are applicable to GSM bands (1800 MHz). (2) For typical radio applications, it is common to Free Space Path Loss Model find measured in units of MHz and in km, in which case the FSPL equation becomes: In telecommunication, free space path loss (FSPL) is the loss in signal strength of an electromagnetic wave resulted from a line of sight path through free space (usually air), with no (3) obstacles nearby to cause reflection or diffraction [4]. It is defined in "Standard Definitions of Terms for Antennas", IEEE Std 1451983, as the loss For in meters and kilohertz, respectively, between two isotropic radiators in free space, the constant becomes . expressed as a power ratio [5]. Generally, it is expressed in dB. So, it is often assumed that For in meters and megahertz, respectively, the antenna gain is a power ratio of 1.0 or 0 dB. It the constant becomes . does not include any loss associated with The Pacific Journal of Science and Technology –133– http://www.akamaiuniversity.us/PJST.htm Volume 18. Number 2. November 2017 (Fall) For in kilometers and megahertz, by the frequency dependency of the receiving antenna's aperture in case the antenna gain is respectively, the constant becomes . fixed. Antenna aperture in turn determines how well an antenna can pick up power from an The FSPL expression above often leads to the incoming electromagnetic wave. Dependency of erroneous belief that free space attenuates an antenna aperture from antenna gain is described electromagnetic wave according to its frequency. by the formula: This is not the case, as there is no physical mechanism that could cause this. The expression for FSPL actually encapsulates two effects. (6) Dependency of the FSPL on distance is caused by the spreading out of electromagnetic energy in free space and is described by the inverse square Equation 6 indicates that, the lower the frequency law, that is: (the longer the wavelength), the bigger antenna is needed to achieve certain antenna gain. Therefore for a theoretical isotropic antenna ( ), the received power is described in (4) Equation 7: where: is the power per unit area or power spatial (7) density (in watts per meters-squared) at distance , where is a power density of an electromagnetic wave at a location of theoretical isotropic receiving antenna. Note that this is is the equivalent isotropically radiated entirely dependent on wavelength, which is how power (in watts). the frequency dependent behavior arises. This is not a frequency dependent effect. The In simple terms the frequency dependency of the frequency dependency is somewhat more path loss can be explained like this: with the confusing. The question is often asked: Why increase of the frequency the requirement to should path loss, which is just a geometric inverse keep the gain of the receiving antenna intact will square loss, be a function of frequency? The cause an antenna aperture to be decreased, answer is that path loss is defined on the use of which will result in less energy being captured an isotropic receiving antenna ( ). This can with the smaller antenna, which is similar to be seen if we derive the Free Space Path increasing the path loss in the situation when Loss from the Friis transmission equation. receiving antenna gain would not have been fixed. (5) Cost 231 Hata Model Hence path loss is a convenient tool; it represents The COST Hata model is a radio propagation a hypothetical received power loss that would model that extends the urban Hata model (which occur if the receiving antenna were isotropic. in turn is based on the Okumura model) to cover Therefore, the free space path loss can be viewed a more elaborated range of frequencies [5]. This as a convenient collection of terms that have been model is applicable to urban areas. assigned the unfortunate name path loss. This name calls up an image of purely geometric effect To further evaluate Path Loss in Suburban or and fails to emphasize the requirement that Rural Quasiopen/Open Areas, this path loss has . to be substituted into Urban to Rural/Urban to Suburban Conversions. The COST Hata model is A better choice of the name would have given in Equation 8.