Path Profile and Coverage Statistics of Selected Radio Stations for Microwave Propagation Design over a Tropical Location

Abstract

Abstract Pathloss prediction is important for planning terrestrial radio communication at microwave frequencies. This necessitates the continuous evaluation of signal field strength dependence on path and channelcharacteristics. In this study, drive test analysis of received signal strength (RSS) from selected frequency modulated (FM) radio signals across different routes withinOndo State, Nigeria, was carried out. Signal strength distribution and coverage area statistics were evaluated for each channel on each route. The signals were measured from both high and low power transmitters using DBC BC 1173 digital signal level meter. Also, terrain elevations and location coordinates were measured using Garmin GPS 72 Personal Navigator. Location-specific pathloss model was developed for each transmitting station and their performance was evaluated against existing models. Dependence of signal strength on distance from the transmitter and path elevation was established following a least R2 value of 0.67 being returned from the comparative analysis between developed and existing models. This also indicates thatthe developed model is suitable for pathloss prediction within the location.