Clutter and terrain effects on path loss in the VHF/UHF bands. Issue 1 (8th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faruk, Nasir; Bello, Olayiwola W.; Oloyede, Abdulkarim A.; Surajudeen‐Bakinde, Nazmat T.; Obiyemi, Obiseye; Olawoyin, Lukman A.; Ali, Maaruf; Jimoh, Abdulhameed
• Is Part Of: IET microwaves, antennas & propagation. Volume 12:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2017-12-08
• Subjects: clutter -- radio networks -- telecommunication network planning -- electromagnetic wave scattering -- spectral analysers -- telecommunication network routing; terrain effects -- clutter effects -- VHF‐UHF bands -- radio frequency path loss models -- wireless network planning -- geographical location characteristics -- scattering irregularities -- terrain dielectric -- frequency‐dependent path loss models -- very high frequency band -- ultra high frequency bands -- multitransmitter scenarios -- transmitters -- measurement routes -- frequency 100 Hz to 7 GHz -- models prediction errors -- PEs -- SDEs -- near constant standard deviation errors -- ArcScene software environment -- terrain profile visualisation -- global DEM data sets -- advanced spaceborne thermal emission radiometer -- contour line extraction -- DEM -- three‐dimensional digital elevation model -- Agilent N9342C spectrum analyser; Microwaves -- Periodicals; Microwave antennas -- Periodicals; Antennas (Electronics) -- Periodicals; Radio wave propagation -- Periodicals; Microwave communication systems -- Periodicals; 621.381305
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-map.2016.0809
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8725

Abstract

Abstract : Path loss models are essential in the planning of wireless networks. However, the peculiar ambient characteristics of geographical locations necessitate a wide range of these models to take into consideration the different terrain dielectric, scattering irregularities, and clutter. This study investigates the effects of terrain and clutter on frequency‐dependent path loss models in the very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) bands using multi‐transmitter scenarios. Seven transmitters and 15 measurement routes were covered using an Agilent N9342C spectrum analyser. The measured results show that the models' prediction errors (PEs) follow the terrain profile and also that the clutter effects are noticeable along each route with varying degrees of impact. Near constant standard deviation errors (SDEs) were observed across all the models for the specific routes as well as a strong dependency on the terrain profile and clutters along the measurement routes. The UHF and VHF bands have average SDEs of 10.5 and 7.5 dB, respectively. A three‐dimensional digital elevation model (DEM) showing the terrain and PE was also developed. Contour lines were extracted from the advanced spaceborne thermal emission radiometer and global DEM data sets. Visualisation of the terrain profile was achieved in the ArcScene software environment.