A Review of Propagation models for Wireless Communication
Keywords:
5G/6G communication systems, Empirical and deterministic models, Path loss models, Radio wave propagation, Wireless channel modellingAbstract
Wireless communication is a rapidly advancing field, playing a pivotal role in modern technologies such as mobile networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and satellite communication systems. A fundamental aspect of wireless system design understands how radio signals propagate through diverse environments. Propagation models are critical in predicting signal behavior between transmitters and receivers, helping estimate path loss, signal strength, coverage area, and overall network performance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of various propagation models, classified into empirical, deterministic, and stochastic categories. The Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) model offers a basic yet essential approach for calculating signal attenuation over unobstructed, line-of-sight paths. For more realistic scenarios, the Two-Ray Ground Reflection model accounts for both direct and ground-reflected rays, making it suitable for open terrains. Widely adopted empirical models like the Hata, Okumura-Hata, and COST-231 Hata models are specifically designed for urban and suburban environments, incorporating parameters such as frequency, antenna height, and terrain characteristics. These models enable practical network planning, especially in cellular system design.
References
F. A. Dicandia, N. J. G. Fonseca, M. Bacco, S. Mugnaini, and S. Genovesi, “Space-Air-Ground Integrated 6G Wireless Communication Networks: A Review of Antenna Technologies and Application Scenarios,” Sensors, vol. 22, no. 9, p. 3136, Apr. 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/s22093136
M. Z. Chowdhury, Md. Shahjalal, Moh. K. Hasan, and Y. M. Jang, “The Role of Optical Wireless Communication Technologies in 5G/6G and IoT Solutions: Prospects, Directions, and Challenges,” Applied Sciences, vol. 9, no. 20, p. 4367, Oct. 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/app9204367
R. K. Saha, “Comparative Analysis of Path Loss Models in Mobile Communications for Urban Case,” A Contribution of R&D NextEvolution, Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.3665.8324
A. Joseph, D. E. Bassey, and D. E. Oku, “Novel effect of Vegetation (Foliage) on Radio Wave Propagation,” International Journal of Engineering Research and General Science, vol. 3, no. 6, pp. 787-794, Dec. 2015, https://pnrsolution.org/Datacenter/Vol3/Issue6/94.pdf
I. A. Hieder, “Compared to wireless deployment in areas with different environmentse,” International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE), vol. 9, no. 2, p. 934, Apr. 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v9i2.pp934-940
W. Saad, M. Bennis, and M. Chen, “A Vision of 6G Wireless Systems: Applications, Trends, Technologies, and Open Research Problems,” Arxiv.Org, Feb. 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.1902.10265
Y. Zeng, Q. Wu and R. Zhang, "Accessing From the Sky: A Tutorial on UAV Communications for 5G and Beyond," in Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 107, no. 12, pp. 2327-2375, Dec. 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/JPROC.2019.2952892
A. M. Mahdi, G. Geraci, A. Garcia-Rodriguez, and S. Pollin, “UAV-to-UAV Communications in Cellular Networks,” Arxiv (Cornell University), Jan. 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.1912.07534
B. Alzahrani, O. S. Oubbati, A. Barnawi, M. Atiquzzaman, and D. Alghazzawi, “UAV assistance paradigm: State-of-the-art in applications and challenges,” Journal of Network and Computer Applications, vol. 166, p. 102706, Sep. 2020, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnca.2020.102706
T. S. Rappaport, Wireless communications: principles and practice. New York, N.Y.: Institute Of Electrical And Electronics Engineers; Upper Saddle River, N.J, 1996. Available: https://telkom2013.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wireless-comm-princip-n-practice-theodoresrappaport.pdf
A. Goldsmith, “Wireless Communications,” Cambridge University Press, Jan. 2005, doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511841224
D. J. Parsons, The Mobile Radio Propagation Channel. Wiley, 2000, Available: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/0470841524
