Experiment 7

American International University- Bangladesh

Department of Faculty of Engineering
EEE 4209: Telecommunication Engineering Laboratory

Title: Mobile Wireless Propagation Models II and Path Loss Estimation.

Introduction:

Radio-frequency propagation is fuzzy in nature in multipath environments because of

irregular terrain, RF barriers, and scattering phenomena. The performance of mobile
communication systems is limited by the radio channel, and the transmission path between
transmitter and receiver varies randomly from simple line of sight (LOS) to one obstructed
severely by building and foliage [3]. Most cellular radio system operates in urban
environment there is no direct wave at the receiver. Rather, an integrated wave resulting from
diffraction, reflection, and scattering from various obstacles (buildings, moving objects, etc.).

Propagation models traditionally focus on the prediction of signal strength at the receiver,
and distance (d) between transmitter and receiver plays the most critical role on the received
signal strength. Figure 1.1 illustrates a typical point-to-point mobile wireless communication
system. A very common thing that could come in mind is what would be the distance d that
can provide good received signal quality, and the relevant factors that influence largely to
increase d the longest possible so as to increase cell coverage and consequently cost from
investment. The simplistic answer is to increase transmit power. However, increasing
transmit power causes additional interference such as intra-cell interference, inter-cell
interference.

In this experiment, we focus on changes in the system parameters (other than transmit power)
that result in increasing separation distance d, i.e. cell coverage. Figure 1.2 illustrates these
parameters in the system. We will primarily carry out the impact of carrier frequency f
(MHz) and distance d (km) on path loss. In addition, sensitivity analysis that provides critical
parameters in the system with most impact on d is incorporated for the system design and
planning purpose.

We consider the very pessimistic ITU-R model, and the more realistic Hata model. All
models are conceptually and analytically described, followed by respective simulation
performance evaluation. We finish this experiment with a comparison of these path loss
model simulation results in graph using the computational tool MATLAB.
 Figure 1. 2: Typical path loss variables (of physical medium) in mobile wireless
communication system [1].

Theory and Methodology:

System Model:

1. CCIR (ITU-R) model

This model [1] takes terrain profile and its induced path loss into account in addition to the free
space path loss and is given by
where,
a(hm )  [1.1Log10( fMHz)  0.7]hm  [1.56Log10( fMHz)  0.8]
B = (% area covered by building)

So, the maximum distance in ITU-R model is given by

2. Hata model
The Hata model is the empirical formulization of the graphical path loss information
provided by Okumora [3]. It is based on ITU-R model and extensive measurements of urban as
well as suburban radio propagation losses. This model provides a standard formula for path
loss in urban environment and correction equations for other environments (suburban and rural as
well) and is given by
LT  Hata(urban)  69.55 26.16log10 fc 13.82log10 hte  a(hre)  (44.9  6.55log10
hte)log10 d
(1.7)

where,
LT-Hata : Hata path loss in dB,
fc : carrier frequency in MHz (150-1500),
hte (effective base station height), 30-200m,
hre : mobile antenna height in m (1-10),
d : distance between transmitter and receiver in km, and

a(hre) : correction factor for effective mobile antenna height (function of the service area or city).
For small to medium sized city,
a(hre )  (1.1log10 fc  0.7)hre  (1.56 log10 fc  0.8)dB
And for a large city,

For suburban area, the path loss is given by

 (1.8)

For open areas (rural), the formula is modified as

(1.9)

Hence, the maximum distance in Hata model is given by

For higher carrier frequencies [2] of 1500 – 2000 MHz, the following modification of Hata

model for urban area has been proposed

LT Hata(urban)  46.3  33.9log10 f (MHz) 13.82log10 hte  a(hre)
 (44.9  6.55log10 hte) log10 d  C
(1.10)

Additional correction factor, C = 0 dB for medium-sized cities and = 3 dB for metropolitan

centers. These modified equations have been successfully used for cellular mobile network design at
1800 MHz band. However, it should be noted that (modified) Hata model is only valid for
macrocell (d > 1 km) design
Note that in the aforementioned models, hb and hte, hm and hre, as well as f (MHz) and fc are
used interchangeably.

Simulation Experimental Procedure:

Set values to simulation variables for path loss models as follows.

Free-space model
Carrier frequency, f (MHz) = 900 and 1800,
Transmit power Pt = 39 dBm,
Cable loss Lc = 4 dB (total),
Antenna gain Gt =28 dBi (total).

CCIR model
hb=35 m,
hm=1 m,
B=25% area is covered by buildings, Carrier
frequency, f (MHz) = 900 and 1800, Transmit
power Pt = 39 dBm,
Cable loss Lc= 4 dB (total), Antenna
gain Gt =28 dBi (total).

Hata Model
hb=35 m,
hm=1 m,
Carrier frequency, f (MHz) = 900 and 1800,
Transmit power Pt = 39 dBm,
Cable loss Lc= 4 dB (total), Antenna
gain Gt =28 dBi (total),
for f (MHz) = 1800;
C = 0 dB for medium-sized cities,
= 3 dB for metropolitan area.

Simulation Algorithm:

Path loss versus distance (cell coverage)

Step 1 define variables;

Step 2 set values for dmax , f(MHz), Pt , Lc , Gt , hb, hm, a(hm), B;
Step 3 define path loss expressions for Free-space, CCIR, and Hata model (with various cases: urban,
suburban, and rural);
Step 4 repeat step 2 up to d=dmax ;
Step 5 plot distance versus path losses for all models and cases or display any result.
Develop other algorithms in similar on your own for the report question-answer part.

Performance Evaluation:
Plot experimental graphs and evaluate performance with relevant and appropriate methods. The
following is an example line graph for path loss versus distance performance evaluation. Using
 Figure 1.3: Path loss versus distance estimation

f(MHz)=900; hm (m)=1, hb (m)=8, d (km)=1 to 10.

MATLAB simulator, evaluate other performances relevant to this experiment (see report
question-answer part).
Pre-Lab Homework:
1. Explain wireless propagation model and its significance.
2. Briefly discuss about the different path loss models used in mobile communication
system.

Apparatus:

(1) A PC/Laptop with MATLAB installed.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Interpret the data/findings and determine the extent to which the experiment was successful in
complying with the goal that was initially set. Discuss any mistake you might have made while
conducting the investigation and describe ways the study could have been improved.

Report Questions:

1. Plot the path losses as a function of distance for all considered models. Draw a conclusion
on which model you should consider, based on the results, using comparative analysis
 method

2. Plot the received signal power Pr as a function of distance (similar to Question 01).
Assume transmit power Pt = 39 dBm, total antenna gain Gt = 28 dBi (14 dBi for each
antenna: Tx and Rx), total cable loss Lc = 4 dB (2 dB at each side; Tx and Rx). Hint:
use Equation 1.1.

3. How much dB (link budget or received signal strength) should there be increased so
as to increase the distance by double, covered by a cell. Carry out estimations for all
considered models. Assume all parameters remain unchanged.

4. Find the variables that influence most the maximum distance allowed by Hata
model. This gives you the maximum distance sensitivity analysis, and consequently the
considerations during planning phase of the system. Hints: vary transmit power,
transmit antenna height, carrier frequency, antenna gain, and receive power in
percentage (+/-1 to +/-8), and find the corresponding percentage change in distance.
Use graph for representing the result.

5. Write a summary on what you have learned, observed, things went wrong (if in
your experiment, you have not had the predicted result), and how you can
overcome the similar problem in future.

Reference(s):

[1] W. Debus, “RF Path Loss & Transmission Distance Calculations”, Technical Memorandum, Axonn
LLC, August 4, 2006.
[2] K. M. Ahmed, “Cellular Mobile Systems” Lecture notes: AT77.07, Asian Institute of Technology,
Thailand, January 2010.
[3] R. K. Saha, “A Report On Path Loss Models Used In Mobile Communications and a
Comparative Analysis of these Models for Urban Case using Suitable Parameters” Report on
AT77.07: Cellular Mobile Systems, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, January 2010.

Appendix:

Following MATLAB Functions would be helpful for this experiment.

 randint (1, x, [p q]): Generate one dimensional matrix of uniformly distributed random integers
between p and q with a maximum of x number.
 for i=1:0.5:10
end : this command continues a loop for a maximum of 10 with an increment of 0.5 starting from
1.
 plot(x,y): plots vector y versus vector x.
 disp(‘x’): display x on the command window.
 Legend(x1, x2, ...): puts a legend on the current plot using the specified strings as labels (x1,
x2). legend works on line graphs, bar graphs, pie graphs, etc.

Things may get confused

array(x): define any value of an one dimensional matrix array [x] with a variable x defines the
position of the element in the matrix.
array[x]: defines an one dimensional matrix.

If you do not know any command or the functionality of a command, simply write help space
that command in the command window. Example: help disp

Note that MATLAB has a few built-in M-files, which will guide you during your simulation
once called upon them in the command window.

It is a good way to write the program in separate M-file and save that file as .m since writing
directly on the command window may get you lost the written program, if you either forget to
save or clear the command window.

Code:

%++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++
% Wireless Communications Laboratory
%++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++
% CMCL 01: Wireless propagation models and path loss estimation
%
% Part I: Define Variables

fMHz=900; % define RF carrier frequency in MHz

Pt=39; % define BS transmitting power in dBm
dis_inc=1; % define incremental distance for the graph
dis_max=10; % define maximum distance (cell-edge distance)

% define path loss variable for different models

LT_FS=randint(1,dis_max,[0 0]); % free-space
LT_ccir=randint(1,dis_max,[0 0]); % CCIR or ITU-R
LT_Hata_ur_smci=randint(1,dis_max,[0 0]); % Hata urban: small/medum city
LT_Hata_sur_smci=randint(1,dis_max,[0 0]); % Hata suburban
LT_Hata_op_smci=randint(1,dis_max,[0 0]); % Hata open or rural
LT_Hata_ur_lci=randint(1,dis_max,[0 0]); % Hata urban; large city

% Part II: Path loss versus distance estimation

for d_km=1:dis_inc:dis_max
%==================================================================
======================
% Model 1: Free-space path loss model

LT_FS(d_km)=32.45+(20*log10(d_km))+(20*log10(fMHz)); % path loss

%==================================================================
======================
% Model 2: CCIR (ITU-R) path loss model

hb=8;% define BS height in m

hm=1; % define MS height in m
a_hm=((1.1*log10(fMHz)-0.7)*hm)-(1.56*log10(fMHz)-0.8);
B=log10(0.25); % 25% area covered by buildings

LT_ccir(d_km)=69.55+(26.16*log10(fMHz))-(13.82*log10(hb))-a_hm+((44.9-
(6.55*log10(hb)))*log10(d_km))-B; % path loss

%==================================================================
======================
% Model 3: Hata path loss model

hte=hb; % define BS height in m

hre=hm; % define MS height in m

% correction factor for small and medium sized city

a_hre_smci=(1.1*log10(fMHz)-0.7)*hre-(1.56*log10(fMHz)-0.8);
% Hata path loss for urban area: small and medium sized city
LT_Hata_ur_smci(d_km)=69.55+26.16*log10(fMHz)-13.82*log10(hte)-a_hre_smci+(44.9-
6.55*log10(hte))*log10(d_km);
% Hata path loss for suburban area
LT_Hata_sur_smci(d_km)=LT_Hata_ur_smci(d_km)-2*(log10(fMHz/28))^2-5.4;
% Hata path loss for open (rural) area
LT_Hata_op_smci(d_km)=LT_Hata_ur_smci(d_km)-
4.78*(log10(fMHz))^2+18.33*log10(fMHz)-40.98;

% correction factor for large city, carrier frequency>300 MHz

a_hre_lci=3.2*((log10(11.75*hre))^2)-4.97;
% Hata path loss for urban area: large city
LT_Hata_ur_lci(d_km)=69.55+26.16*log10(fMHz)-13.82*log10(hte)-a_hre_lci+(44.9-
6.55*log10(hte))*log10(d_km);
%=================================================================

% Define Output variables

disp('Path loss versus distance for wireless propagation models');
s=1:dis_inc:dis_max;
plot(s,LT_FS,s,LT_ccir,s,LT_Hata_ur_smci,s,LT_Hata_sur_smci,s,LT_Hata_op_smci,s,LT_H
ata_ur_lci),grid
legend('Free-space','ITU-R','Hata urban: small and medium city','Hata suburban','Hata open
(rural)','Hata urban: large city');
%==================================================================
====================