Investigation of GSM signal propagation and models verification in the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus

Abstract

The aim of this work is to investigate the Global System of Mobile (GSM) communication signals and verify the suitability of selected empirical models for radio planning at this frequency of radio communication at the University of Benin, Ugbowo campus. To carry out the work, signal strength measurement survey of GSM signal from a base station in the University of Benin Ugbowo Campus, Benin City was carried out. The measured field strength data collected at various distances from the base stations was used to estimate the pathloss. The measures pathloss is then compared to pathloss prediction from other existing models. The results showed that none of the existing pathloss models could explain the pathloss situation in the Ugbowo campus of the University of Benin as they all gave root mean square error values in excess of 6dB acceptable for the adoption of models developed outside environment of deployment. Further work would be needed to resolve this discrepancy.The Hata empirical model however, gave the closest fit to the measured data. Furthermore, the investigation showed that the Campus was within the threshold signal level for good voice quality.