Investigation of path loss prediction in different multi-floor stairwells at 900MHz and 1800MHz

Abstract

Wireless communication along the stairwell in a high rise building is important to ensure immediate response to take place via consistent relaying of necessary information or data in emergency situations. Thus, a good understanding of signal wave attenuation along the stairwell is necessary to allow a better wireless network planning. This paper presents empirical path loss prediction model for multi-floor stairwell environment. The proposed model is based on measurement at 4 different stairwells, at 900MHz and 1800 MHz which are near public safety communication bands. The model incorporates the effect of different floor heights and unique path loss-to-distance relation on selected stair flights observed during measurement campaign. The proposed model demonstrates higher accuracy than 3 standard path loss models at 2 other stairwells