An accurate empirical path loss model for heterogeneous fixed wireless networks below 5.8 GHz frequencies

Abstract

Great progress has been made in providing convenient wireless communications with easy connectivity for users everywhere. Many empirical path loss (PL) models have been developed to assess the performance of new radio networks. This article first studies the state-of-the-art of empirical PL models, along with vegetation effects on radio signal propagation. Next, an accurate empirical PL model is proposed for fixed wireless networks under challenging rural propagation conditions. The proposed model is based on a Canadian dataset from a wireless internet service provider, using the Wireless-To-The-Home technology in the unlicensed 900 MHz, 2.4 and 5.8 GHz ISM bands and in the licensed 3.65 GHz band. The proposed model considers several parameters, such as line-of-sight obstructions, frequency bands and dynamic link distance splitting, in addition to seasonal variations in PL attenuation. It outperforms other models in terms of accuracy when tested on a dataset from a different Canadian region, and it provides excellent and steady accuracy when tested on a largely different open-access dataset for mobile communication technology from seven different regions in England.