Radio Wave Propagation in a Forested Channel

Abstract

The appearance of vegetation along radio communication channel can significantly reduce quality of propagating signal. Hence, the need for wireless signal operators to understand the characteristic of channel components for effective radio planning and deployment. This paper has investigated the influence of vegetative channel on wireless signals and examined the dependence of signal loss on path geometry. Measurements were conducted in a sort-depth forest (at SHF frequencies) following two different paths (paths 1 & 2) within the woodland. The experimentation was conducted in autumn and summer so as to determine likely seasonal effect on losses along different path geometries. Results show decay in signal level as the depth of penetration increases which also varies from path to path. These (results) were later compared with standard empirical models MED, FITUR and COST 235 and it shows a statistical adherence with only one of the models, the MED. It is therefore imperative that for effective signal deployment devoid of significant impairment, wireless network operators must take cognisance of the channel characteristics and path geometries in order to guarantee proper planning, modeling and deployment.