Determination of an Outdoor Path Loss Model and Signal Penetration Level in Some Selected Modern Residential and Office Apartments in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This article involves the site specific determination of an outdoor path loss model and Signal penetration level in some selected modern residential and office apartments in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. Measurements of signal strength and its associated location parameters referenced globally were carried out. Propagation path loss characteristics of Ogbomosho were investigated using three different locations with distinctively different yet modern building materials. Consequently, received signal strength (RSS) was measured at a distance d in meters, from appropriate base stations for various environments investigated. The data were analyzed to determine the propagation path loss exponent, signal penetration level and path loss characteristics. From calculations, the average building penetration losses were, 5.93dBm, 6.40dBm and 6.1dBm outside the hollow blocks B1, solid blocks B2 and hollow blocks mixed with pre cast asbestos B3, buildings respectively with a corresponding path loss exponent values of, 3.77, 3.80 and 3.63. Models were developed and validated, and used to predict the received power inside specific buildings. Moreover, the propagation models developed for the different building types can be used to predict the respective signal level within the building types, once the transmitter – receiver distance is known. The readings obtained from the developed models were compared with both the measured values and values computed using some existing models with satisfactory results obtained.