Comparison of Coverage-Prediction Models for Modern Mobile Radio Networks
The accurate prediction of a signal’s attenuation is essential for the development of reliable, modern, mobile radio-communication networks. In this study, the accuracies of four propagation models in diverse terrains and environments were analyzed using field measurements along a comprehensive test...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-11-01
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| Series: | Electronics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/12/22/4554 |
| _version_ | 1797459534451572736 |
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| author | Tomi Mlinar Urban Podgrajšek Boštjan Batagelj |
| author_facet | Tomi Mlinar Urban Podgrajšek Boštjan Batagelj |
| author_sort | Tomi Mlinar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The accurate prediction of a signal’s attenuation is essential for the development of reliable, modern, mobile radio-communication networks. In this study, the accuracies of four propagation models in diverse terrains and environments were analyzed using field measurements along a comprehensive test route. We evaluated the ability of the models—Egli, Okumura, Hata–Davidson, and Longley–Rice—to predict signal propagation in the Very-High-Frequency (VHF) and Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) bands. Based on a meticulous comparison, we present valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of these models, enhancing coverage-prediction methodologies for evolving mobile radio networks. The Egli model, despite its simplicity, introduces significant inaccuracies due to its assumptions and a lack of consideration for the terrain. The Okumura model, which is widely used in urban areas, requires careful correction selection, while the Hata–Davidson model improves upon the former’s weaknesses. The Longley–Rice model excels in flexibility and accuracy, especially in the VHF bands, using topographical data, though it can overestimate the attenuation in shadowed areas. The study concluded that no single model was universally accurate, as each model has its strengths and limitations. It highlights the need for informed model selection based on the terrain’s characteristics and specific requirements. The results will be useful to network planners, helping them to design efficient, mobile communication networks with reliable coverage and optimal spectrum utilization. The Longley–Rice model emerged as particularly powerful, offering detailed predictions across diverse environments. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T16:52:45Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-63d438c76d9e45a6be17d73eae959677 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2079-9292 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T16:52:45Z |
| publishDate | 2023-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Electronics |
| spelling | doaj.art-63d438c76d9e45a6be17d73eae9596772023-11-24T14:38:57ZengMDPI AGElectronics2079-92922023-11-011222455410.3390/electronics12224554Comparison of Coverage-Prediction Models for Modern Mobile Radio NetworksTomi Mlinar0Urban Podgrajšek1Boštjan Batagelj2Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaThe accurate prediction of a signal’s attenuation is essential for the development of reliable, modern, mobile radio-communication networks. In this study, the accuracies of four propagation models in diverse terrains and environments were analyzed using field measurements along a comprehensive test route. We evaluated the ability of the models—Egli, Okumura, Hata–Davidson, and Longley–Rice—to predict signal propagation in the Very-High-Frequency (VHF) and Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) bands. Based on a meticulous comparison, we present valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of these models, enhancing coverage-prediction methodologies for evolving mobile radio networks. The Egli model, despite its simplicity, introduces significant inaccuracies due to its assumptions and a lack of consideration for the terrain. The Okumura model, which is widely used in urban areas, requires careful correction selection, while the Hata–Davidson model improves upon the former’s weaknesses. The Longley–Rice model excels in flexibility and accuracy, especially in the VHF bands, using topographical data, though it can overestimate the attenuation in shadowed areas. The study concluded that no single model was universally accurate, as each model has its strengths and limitations. It highlights the need for informed model selection based on the terrain’s characteristics and specific requirements. The results will be useful to network planners, helping them to design efficient, mobile communication networks with reliable coverage and optimal spectrum utilization. The Longley–Rice model emerged as particularly powerful, offering detailed predictions across diverse environments.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/12/22/4554propagation modelVHF and UHF frequency bandsignal attenuationradio waveEgliOkumura |
| spellingShingle | Tomi Mlinar Urban Podgrajšek Boštjan Batagelj Comparison of Coverage-Prediction Models for Modern Mobile Radio Networks Electronics propagation model VHF and UHF frequency band signal attenuation radio wave Egli Okumura |
| title | Comparison of Coverage-Prediction Models for Modern Mobile Radio Networks |
| title_full | Comparison of Coverage-Prediction Models for Modern Mobile Radio Networks |
| title_fullStr | Comparison of Coverage-Prediction Models for Modern Mobile Radio Networks |
| title_full_unstemmed | Comparison of Coverage-Prediction Models for Modern Mobile Radio Networks |
| title_short | Comparison of Coverage-Prediction Models for Modern Mobile Radio Networks |
| title_sort | comparison of coverage prediction models for modern mobile radio networks |
| topic | propagation model VHF and UHF frequency band signal attenuation radio wave Egli Okumura |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/12/22/4554 |
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