Log-distance path loss model

The log-distance path loss model is a radio propagation model that predicts the path loss a signal
encounters inside a building or densely populated areas over distance.

Mathematical formulation

The model

Log-distance path loss model is formally expressed as:

where

is the total path loss in decibels (dB).

is the transmitted power in

dBm where is the transmitted power in watts. Log-distance path loss model

is the received power in dBm

where is the received power in watts.
is the path loss in decibels (dB) at the reference distance calculated using the Friis
free-space path loss model.
is the length of the path.
is the reference distance, usually 1 km (or 1 mile) for a large cell and 1 m to 10 m for a
microcell.[1]
is the path loss exponent.
is a normal (or Gaussian) random variable with zero mean, reflecting the attenuation (in
decibels) caused by flat fading. In the case of no fading, this variable is 0. In the case of only
shadow fading or slow fading, this random variable may have Gaussian distribution with
standard deviation in decibels, resulting in a log-normal distribution of the received power in
watts. In the case of only fast fading caused by multipath propagation, the corresponding
fluctuation of the signal envelope in volts may be modelled as a random variable with
Rayleigh distribution or Ricean distribution[2] (and thus the corresponding gain in watts
may be modelled as a random variable with exponential distribution).

Corresponding non-logarithmic model

This corresponds to the following non-logarithmic gain model:

where

is the average multiplicative gain at the reference distance from the transmitter. This
gain depends on factors such as carrier frequency, antenna heights and antenna gain, for example due to
directional antennas; and

is a stochastic process that reflects flat fading. In case of only slow fading (shadowing), it
may have log-normal distribution with parameter dB. In case of only fast fading due to multipath
propagation, its amplitude may have Rayleigh distribution or Ricean distribution. This can be convenient,
because Power (Watts) is proportional to the square of amplitude. Squaring a Rayleigh-distributed random
variable produces an Exponentially-distributed random variable. In many cases, exponential distributions
are computationally convenient and allow direct closed-form calculations in many more situations than a
Rayleigh (or even a Gaussian).

Empirical coefficient values for indoor propagation

Empirical measurements of coefficients and in dB have shown the following values for a number of
indoor wave propagation cases.[3]

Building Type Frequency of Transmission [dB]

Vacuum, infinite space 2.0 0

Retail store 914 MHz 2.2 8.7

Grocery store 914 MHz 1.8 5.2

Office with hard partition 1.5 GHz 3.0 7

Office with soft partition 900 MHz 2.4 9.6

Office with soft partition 1.9 GHz 2.6 14.1

Textile or chemical 1.3 GHz 2.0 3.0

Textile or chemical 4 GHz 2.1 7.0, 9.7

Office 60 GHz 2.2 3.92

Commercial 60 GHz 1.7 7.9

See also
ITU model for indoor attenuation
Radio propagation model
Young model

References
1. "Log Distance Path Loss or Log Normal Shadowing Model" (https://www.gaussianwaves.co
m/2013/09/log-distance-path-loss-or-log-normal-shadowing-model/). 30 September 2013.
2. Julius Goldhirsh; Wolfhard J. Vogel. "11.4". Handbook of Propagation Effects for Vehicular
and Personal Mobile Satellite Systems (http://vancouver.chapters.comsoc.org/files/2016/05/
handbook.pdf) (PDF).
 3. Wireless communications principles and practices, T. S. Rappaport, 2002, Prentice-Hall

Further reading
Seybold, John S. (2005). Introduction to RF Propagation. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley-Interscience.
ISBN 9780471655961.
Rappaport, Theodore S. (2002). Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice
(2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall PTR. ISBN 9780130995728.

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