Prediction of best coverage area for outdoor wireless propagation at 2.4 GHZ using Walfisch-Ikegami Simulation Model

Abstract

Propagation prediction and measurement is one of the foremost processes that must be taken into consideration prior to any deployment of wireless networks. This will certainly eliminate issues such as weak received signals or even not in coverage areas. In front battle area where tactical communications normally consist of deployed wireless network, prediction capability is crucial to the success of operation since networks planners have limited time and access to the battle area. The continuous advent in the field of satellite mapping makes available more precise information about terrain that finally produces more accurate propagation prediction. The outdoor propagation and measurement was done at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Skudai Campus Residential Blocks of S08, S37-S40. The WCC wireless network carrier frequency is at 2.4 GHz. Measurement was done using AirMagnet Survey Solutions while Radiowave Prediction Software (RPS) is used as outdoor propagation prediction software using COST 231 Walfisch-Ikegami Outdoor Model. Signal strength was measures around these blocks and compared with predicted received signal level using RPS.