Indoor Propagation Models

The indoor radio channel differs from the traditional mobile radio channel in two
aspects ----- the distances covered are much smaller, and the variability of the
environment is much greater for a much smaler range of T-R separation distances. In
general, indoor channels may be classified either as line-of-sight (LOS) or obstructed
(OBS), with varying degrees of clutter. Some of the key models which have recently
emerged are as follows:

1. Partition Losses (same floor)

2. Partition Losses between Floors.
3. Log-distance Path Loss Model
4. Ericsson Multiple breakpoint Model
5. Attenuation Factor Model

Ericsson Multiple breakpoint Model

1. The Ericsson radio system model was obtained by measurements in a multiple

floor office building.

2. The model has four breakpoints and considers both an upper and lower bound on
the path loss.

3. The model also assumes that there is 30 dB attenuation at do = 1 m, which can be

shown to be accurate for f = 900 MHz and unity gain antennas.

4. Rather than assuming a log-normal shadowing component, the Ericsson model

provides a deterministic limit on the range of path loss at a particular distance.

5. Bernhardt used a uniform distribution to generate path loss values within the
maximum and minimum range as a function of distance for in-building
simulation.

6. Figure below shows a plot of in-building path loss based on the Ericsson model
as a function of distance.
Fig: Ericsson in-building path loss model