PropagationModelling Study

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Nokia Siemens Networks
LTE Radio Network Planning Guidelines –

Annex A – Propagation Models Overview
NPO/NSO Capability Management Date: 09.21.2011
Annex A to LTE Radio Network Planning Guidelines Version 0.1 draft
Revision History
Date Rev. Summary of Change
21-Sep-2011 v 0.1 First Draft
Editor/s: Gert Ivory

Approved:
Date: 21-Sep-2011
Version: v 0.1
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Copyright © Nokia Siemens Networks 2010-12-06 Company confidential Page 2 (25)

Table of contents
1 Scope ........................................................................................................ 4
2 RF Propagation Models ............................................................................. 4

2.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Free Space .............................................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Hata ........................................................................................................................................ 7
2.3.1 Model Equations ................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.2 Example ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.3.3 References ........................................................................................................................... 9
2.4 COST-231 Hata ....................................................................................................................... 9
2.4.1 Model Equations ................................................................................................................... 9
2.4.2 Example ............................................................................................................................. 11
2.4.3 References ......................................................................................................................... 11
2.5 Erceg-Greenstein .................................................................................................................. 11
2.5.1 Model Equations ................................................................................................................. 12
2.5.2 Example ............................................................................................................................. 13
2.5.3 References ......................................................................................................................... 13
2.6 Comparison of Models........................................................................................................... 14
2.7 Semi-Deterministic Models .................................................................................................... 17
2.8 Ray Tracing Model ................................................................................................................ 20
2.9 Factors Impacting Propagation Models.................................................................................. 20
2.9.1 Frequency .......................................................................................................................... 21
2.9.2 Antenna Heights ................................................................................................................. 22

1 Scope
The intent of this document is to provide a high-level overview of various RF propagation models
that are used for wireless broadband technologies. It provides an overview and comparison of
different empirical propagation models (e.g. Free Space, Hata, COST-231 Hata, Erceg-
Greenstein). It also discusses the need for more detailed propagation models (e.g. semi-
deterministic and ray tracing models), that account for propagation factors such as terrain,
clutter, and antenna patterns, to provide more accurate results. In addition, this document
provides an overview of how various propagation parameters can impact the pathloss results
from the propagation model.
This document is applicable for both FDD and TDD LTE discussions.
2 RF Propagation Models
2.1 Introduction
An RF propagation model is a mathematical formula used to characterize the radio wave
propagation between the transmitter on one end and the receiver at the other end of the RF
path. It is typically a function of frequency, distance, antenna heights, terrain, clutter and other
conditions.
Figure 1: RF Path – BTS to/from Subscriber
It is difficult to formulate the exact loss for all telecommunication systems in a single
mathematical equation as terrain variations, obstructions, atmospheric conditions and other
phenomena will result in different behaviors being observed. As a result, different models have
been developed to meet the needs of realizing the propagation behavior in different conditions.
For instance, different conditions that the propagation models may account for include: outdoor
or indoor, point to point, impact of rain, foliage, or terrain, and impact of city densities (e.g.
urban, suburban, and rural).
Radio propagation models used in wide area RF system design are typically empirical in nature,
which means they are developed based on large collections of data gathered for a specific
scenario. For any empirical model, a sufficiently large amount of data must be collected to cover
all of the situations that can happen in that specific scenario. Like all empirical models, radio

propagation models do not provide the exact behavior of a link; rather, they predict the most
likely behavior the link may exhibit under the specified conditions.
Empirical models are based on observations or measurements typically done in the field to
measure pathloss, delay spread, or other channel characteristics. Empirical models are widely
used in mobile radio and cellular system engineering. Many cellular operators have ongoing
measurements or drive-test programs that collect measurements of signal level, call quality, and
network performance which are then used to tune the empirical propagation models used in
their RF system-planning tool.
The propagation model is used in conjunction with the RF link budget to obtain an estimate of
the site radius based on the allowable pathloss from the link budget. Empirical, also sometimes
referred to as statistical, propagation models are used in budgetary designs to give quick
estimates of site radii within various environments and ultimately to estimate the number of sites
required for a system. One level of budgetary design will make various broad assumptions to
classify the area as a certain environment (e.g. urban or suburban) and terrain as flat.
There are many RF propagation factors which could extend or restrict the coverage of a site
(e.g. proximity to buildings, actual terrain, antenna heights, topology, morphology, etc.). More
detailed propagation models, which include some or all of these factors, will produce more
accurate predictions of site radii.
When predicting signal strength in a site area, it is essential to make many calculations at
regular intervals from the BTS. In addition, calculations should be performed at regular
distances along each radial arm from the BTS, to map the signal strength as a function of
distance from the BTS. RF planning tools are essential to perform the thousands of calculations
required to predict the pathloss and coverage for each site.
The planning tool can be fed with all the details of the site, such as:
 Type of terrain
 Environment
 Heights of antennas
It can perform the necessary number of calculations required to provide an accurate picture of
the propagation paths of the site.
Several planning tools are available in the market, and it is up to the operators and system
designers to select the tool(s) that suit them best.
The following sections give additional detail concerning statistical propagation models.
2.2 Free Space

Free space pathloss is the loss of signal strength that occurs as the radio waves are propagated
through free space. Free space is defined as the condition where there are no sources of
reflection in the signal path. This is typically not achieved in reality but it does give a good
starting point for all propagation loss calculations.
Equally important in establishing pathloss values is the effect that the device radiating the signal
has on the signal itself. As a basis for the calculation, the device is assumed as an isotropic
radiator. This is a theoretical pinpoint antenna, which radiates equally in every direction. If the

device is placed in the middle of a sphere it would illuminate the entire inner surface with equal
field strength.
The free space power received by a receiver antenna, which is at a distance of d from the
transmitter antenna, is given by the Friis free space equation.
2
  
PR  PT  GT  GR   
 4d 
Where:
PT is the transmitted power
GT is the transmitting antenna gain
GR is the receiving antenna gain
d is the separation distance between antennas
The pathloss, which represents the signal attenuation as a positive quantity, is defined as the
difference between the effective transmitted power and the received power. It may or may not
include the effects of the antenna gains. The pathloss for the free space model, when the
antennas are assumed to have unity gain, is provided by the following equation.
2 2
PT  4d   4df 
   
PR     c 
Expressed in dB as:
 PT   4 
LFS (dB )  10 log   20 log   20 log( f )  20 log( d )
 PR   c 
Where:
d is in meters
f is in Hertz
c is equal to the speed of light (3 x 108 meters per second)
The formula is dependent on distance and frequency. The higher the frequency, the shorter is
the wavelength, and therefore the greater the pathloss.
The formula is based on units measured in meters and Hertz. The following equations are
provided as convenience for different units of measure.

LFS (dB )  147.56  20 log( fHz )  20 log(dmeter )
LFS (dB )  32.44  20 log( fMHz)  20 log( dkm)
LFS (dB )  27.55  20 log( fMHz)  20 log( dmeter )
LFS (dB )  36.58  20 log( fMHz)  20 log( dmiles )
LFS (dB )  37.87  20 log( fMHz)  20 log( dfeet )
The above free space equations show that 6 dB of loss is associated with a doubling of the
frequency. This same relationship also holds for the distance, if the distance is doubled, 6 dB of
additional loss will be encountered.
2.3 Hata
Among the many technical reports that are concerned with propagation prediction methods for
mobile radio, Okumura’s report is believed to be the most comprehensive one. In his report,
many useful curves to predict a median value of the received signal strength are presented
based on the data collected in the Tokyo area. The Tokyo urban area was then used as a basic
predictor for urban areas. The correction factors for suburban and open areas are determined
based on the transmit frequency. Based on Okumura’s prediction curves, empirical formulas for
the median pathloss, Lp, between two isotropic antennas were obtained by Hata and are known
as the Hata empirical formulas for pathloss. The Hata propagation formulas are used with the
link budget calculation to translate a pathloss value to a site radius.
2.3.1 Model Equations

The Hata model has been tailored for the following limits.
Frequency (f) 150 to 1,000 MHz
Base Station Height (Hb) 30 to 200 m
Mobile Height (Hm) 1 to 10 m
Distance (d) 1 to 20 km
It is further assumed that the base station antenna heights are above roof-top levels of buildings
adjacent to the base station.
Urban
LU (dB)  69.55  26.16 log( f )  13.82 log( Hb)  a( Hm)  44.9  6.55 log( Hb)log(d )
a(Hm) correction factor for vehicular station antenna height

For a medium-small city (Urban):
a ( Hm )  1.1 log( f )  0.7  Hm  1.56 log( f )  0.8
For a large city (Dense Urban):
a Hm   8.29  log 1.54  Hm   1.1

2
for f ≤ 200 MHz
a Hm   3.2  log11.75  Hm   4.97

2
for f ≥ 400 MHz
Suburban
2
LsU (dB)  LU  2  log f   5.4
  28 
Rural Quasi Open
Lqo (dB )  LU  4.78  log f   18.33 log( f )  35.94

2
Rural Open
Lro( dB )  LU  4.78  log f   18.33 log( f )  40.94

2
As previously mentioned Hata is limited to specific ranges of the input parameters and is
applicable over moderately smooth terrain, but is frequently used to extrapolate pathloss values
beyond the model’s stated limits. For example, a scenario where the base station antenna
height is less than 30 meters or where the frequency is greater than 1 GHz. The RF system
designer should only leverage these equations to obtain a budgetary estimate for the distance
the site will propagate and should rely on more detailed propagation models and environmental
data to obtain better predictions.
2.3.2 Example
Assumptions:
Hb 30m
Hm 2m
Environment Suburban
f 700 MHz

a( Hm)  1.1 log(700)  0.7  2  1.56 log(700)  0.8  1.22

LU (dB )  69.55  26.16 log(700)  13.82 log(30)  1.22  44.9  6.55 log(30) log( d )
LU (dB)  122.3  35.22 log(d km )
 
LsU (dB)  122.3  35.22 log d km   2  log 700
28

2
 5.4  122.3  9.3  35.22 log  d km 
The following equation provides the pathloss exponent and 1 km intercept point based on the
provided assumptions.
LsU (dB)  113.0  35.22 log d km 
2.3.3 References
Okumura, Y., Ohmori, E., Kawano, T., Fukada, K.: "Field strength and ITs Variability in VHF and
UHF Land-Mobile Radio Service", Rev. Elec. Commun. Lab., 16 (1968), pp. 825-873
Hata, M.: "Empirical formula for propagation loss in land mobile radio services", IEEE Trans. on
Vehicular and Technology, VT-29 (1980), pp. 317-325
2.4 COST-231 Hata

The Hata-Okumura model was developed for the 500 to 1000 MHz frequency range using
measurements done by Okumura and equations fitting the pathloss curves by Hata. The COST
231 Subgroup on Propagation Models proposed a modified propagation model for urban areas
to extend the range of parameters to include 1500 to 2000 MHz. The COST 231 subgroup’s
modified model was based on Hata’s formula for the basic transmission loss in urban areas. The
“COST-231 Hata” model is an empirical model based on the measurements of Okumura (like
the Hata model) and devised as an extension to the “Hata-Okumura” model. The COST-231
Hata propagation model has been derived by analyzing Okumura’s propagation curves in the
upper frequency band.
The COST-231 Hata model provides the equation for the urban environment and will typically
use the Hata models adjustment equations for the suburban and open areas. The basic pathloss
equation for the various environmental areas are provided in the next sub-section
2.4.1 Model Equations

The COST-231 Hata model has been tailored for the following limits.
Frequency (f) 1,500 to 2,000 MHz
Base Station Height (Hb) 30 to 200 m
Mobile Height (Hm) 1 to 10 m
Distance (d) 1 to 20 km

It is further assumed that the base station antenna heights are above roof-top levels of buildings
adjacent to the base station.
Urban
LU (dB)  46.3  33.9 log( f )  13.82 log( Hb)  a( Hm)  44.9  6.55 log( Hb)log(d )  Cm
a(Hm) correction factor for vehicular station antenna height
a( Hm )  1.1log( f )  0.7 Hm  1.56 log( f )  0.8
For a medium-small city (Urban):
Cm = 0
For a large city (Dense Urban):
Cm = 3
Suburban
2
LsU (dB)  LU  2  log f   5.4
  28 
Rural Quasi Open
Lqo(dB)  LU  4.78  log f   18.33 log( f )  35.94

2
Rural Open
Lro(dB)  LU  4.78  log f   18.33 log( f )  40.94

2
As previously mentioned COST-231 Hata is limited to specific ranges of the input parameters
and is applicable over moderately smooth terrain, but is frequently used to extrapolate pathloss
values beyond the model’s stated limits. For example, a scenario where the base station
antenna height is less than 30 meters or where the frequency is greater than 2 GHz (e.g. UMTS,
LTE). It is standard industry practice to extrapolate this model beyond the above listed ranges.
For example, one paper that discusses the extrapolation of the model up to 6 GHz is the
following: Plitsis, G., “Coverage Prediction of New Elements of Systems Beyond 3G: The IEEE
802.16 System as a Case Study,” IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference, 2003, VTC 2003-
Fall, 2003. The RF system designer should only leverage these equations to obtain a budgetary
estimate for the distance the site will propagate and should rely on more detailed propagation
models and environmental data to obtain better predictions.

2.4.2 Example
Assumptions:
Hb 30m
Hm 2m
Environment Suburban
f 2500 MHz
a( Hm )  1.1log(2500)  0.7 2  1.56 log(2500)  0.8  1.57

LU (dB )  46.3  33.9 log(2500)  13.82 log(30)  1.57  44.9  6.55 log(30) log(d )  0
LU (dB)  139.5  35.22 log(d km )
 
LsU (dB )  139.5  35.22 log d km   2  log 2500
28
  5.4  139.5  13.0  35.22 log d
2



km 
The following equation provides the pathloss exponent and 1 km intercept point based on the
provided assumptions.
LsU (dB)  126.5  35.22 log d km 
2.4.3 References
Okumura, Y., Ohmori, E., Kawano, T., Fukada, K.: "Field strength and ITs Variability in VHF and
UHF Land-Mobile Radio Service", Rev. Elec. Commun. Lab., 16 (1968), pp. 825-873
Hata, M.: "Empirical formula for propagation loss in land mobile radio services", IEEE Trans. on
Vehicular and Technology, VT-29 (1980), pp. 317-325
COST 231 - UHF Propagation, "Urban transmission loss models for mobile radio in the 900- and
1,800- MHz bands", COST 231 TD (91) 73 The Hagne, September, 1991
2.5 Erceg-Greenstein
The Erceg-Greenstein empirical propagation model was developed for multi-site broadband
fixed wireless applications. The group that created the Erceg-Greenstein model found that the
Hata-Okumura models were not suitable for lower base station antenna heights, and hilly or
moderate-to-heavy wooded terrain. This group created a model to account for lower base
station antenna heights in environments with flat to hilly terrain and light to moderate or heavy
tree densities. Further the Erceg-Greenstein model is targeted more towards a suburban
environment.

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1/25 Document Type Document Title

Author Date, Version

Nokia Siemens Networks

LTE Radio Network Planning Guidelines –

Date Rev. Summary of Change

21-Sep-2011 v 0.1 First Draft

Editor/s: Gert Ivory

Copyright © Nokia Siemens Networks 2010-12-06 Company confidential Page 2 (25)

2 RF Propagation Models ............................................................................. 4

Copyright © Nokia Siemens Networks 2010-12-06 Company confidential Page 3 (25)

Figure 1: RF Path – BTS to/from Subscriber

Copyright © Nokia Siemens Networks 2010-12-06 Company confidential Page 4 (25)

2.2 Free Space

Copyright © Nokia Siemens Networks 2010-12-06 Company confidential Page 5 (25)

PT is the transmitted power

GT is the transmitting antenna gain

GR is the receiving antenna gain

d is the separation distance between antennas

c is equal to the speed of light (3 x 108 meters per second)

Copyright © Nokia Siemens Networks 2010-12-06 Company confidential Page 6 (25)

LFS (dB )  147.56  20 log( fHz )  20 log(dmeter )

LFS (dB )  32.44  20 log( fMHz)  20 log( dkm)

LFS (dB )  27.55  20 log( fMHz)  20 log( dmeter )

LFS (dB )  36.58  20 log( fMHz)  20 log( dmiles )

LFS (dB )  37.87  20 log( fMHz)  20 log( dfeet )

2.3.1 Model Equations

Frequency (f) 150 to 1,000 MHz

Base Station Height (Hb) 30 to 200 m

Mobile Height (Hm) 1 to 10 m

a(Hm) correction factor for vehicular station antenna height

Copyright © Nokia Siemens Networks 2010-12-06 Company confidential Page 7 (25)

For a medium-small city (Urban):

a ( Hm )  1.1 log( f )  0.7  Hm  1.56 log( f )  0.8

For a large city (Dense Urban):

a Hm   8.29  log 1.54  Hm   1.1

a Hm   3.2  log11.75  Hm   4.97

Rural Quasi Open

Lqo (dB )  LU  4.78  log f   18.33 log( f )  35.94

Lro( dB )  LU  4.78  log f   18.33 log( f )  40.94

Copyright © Nokia Siemens Networks 2010-12-06 Company confidential Page 8 (25)

a( Hm)  1.1 log(700)  0.7  2  1.56 log(700)  0.8  1.22

LU (dB)  122.3  35.22 log(d km )

LsU (dB)  113.0  35.22 log d km 

2.4 COST-231 Hata

2.4.1 Model Equations

Frequency (f) 1,500 to 2,000 MHz

Base Station Height (Hb) 30 to 200 m

Mobile Height (Hm) 1 to 10 m

Copyright © Nokia Siemens Networks 2010-12-06 Company confidential Page 9 (25)

a(Hm) correction factor for vehicular station antenna height

a( Hm )  1.1log( f )  0.7 Hm  1.56 log( f )  0.8

For a medium-small city (Urban):

For a large city (Dense Urban):

Rural Quasi Open

Lqo(dB)  LU  4.78  log f   18.33 log( f )  35.94

Lro(dB)  LU  4.78  log f   18.33 log( f )  40.94

Copyright © Nokia Siemens Networks 2010-12-06 Company confidential Page 10 (25)

a( Hm )  1.1log(2500)  0.7 2  1.56 log(2500)  0.8  1.57

LU (dB)  139.5  35.22 log(d km )

LsU (dB)  126.5  35.22 log d km 

Copyright © Nokia Siemens Networks 2010-12-06 Company confidential Page 11 (25)

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