A Proposal for a Master’s Research

To be Entitled

Indoor office Scenario of Path loss

Measurement and Modelling for 5G
Communication network

by

Nagalingeswaran Armugam

Supervisor

Dr Jong Siat Ling

04/08/2022

Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Title: Indoor office Scenario of Path loss Measurement and Modeling for 5G
Communication Network

Introduction

The usage of wireless networks is inevitable in our daily lives such as using our smartphones,
laptops, etc. The growth of computer devices has also been rising exponentially in the last 40
years [Rappaport, 2015]. One of the factors that affect the performance of this network is the
attenuated wireless signal as a function of the distance between transmitter and receiver in a
realistic environment [Philips, 2013]. Therefore, the accurate estimation of signal propagation
loss is very important in terms of planning the design of modern wireless communication.

Problem statement

Fifth generation (5G) networks are expected to deliver higher data rates and lower latencies
as part of an improved overall quality of experience (QoE) for both fixed and mobile users.
The concept of ultra dense small cells at sub-6 GHz has been recognized as a key 5G
technology enabler due to its simplified interference and mobility management [Ding, 2018]
as well as its NLoS propagation and backhauling capability [Siddique, 2015]. Consequently,
channel characterization of these newly allocated frequency bands become vital in radio
network planning and coverage analysis. More extensive measurement data for covering
millimetre-wave bands is needed especially in Malaysia where 5G is still new to us. It is
necessary to develop more path loss models. To this aim, path loss measurement for indoor
environment is proposed. Performance of the measurement data will be evaluated and
analysed. Path loss model will be developed for an indoor office environment at sub-6GHz
frequency. Such research work will be beneficial for future development of millimetre wave
channel model.

Objectives

The objectives of the research work are:

 To measure the path loss in an indoor environment for 5G communication network.

 To analyze the path loss in an enclosed environment.
  To propose an empirical channel model for an indoor environment.

Scope

 The measurement will be carried out in an indoor environment at UTHM campus.

 The 5G sub-6 GHz frequency ranges from 3.5 GHz up to 6 GHz.
 The measurement is planned to carry out at FKEE office building made up of 7 floors
or the Complex FKEE at block G or any other suitable in indoor area.

Literature Review

Path Loss

Path loss expresses wave propagation losses caused by many things such as the influence of
the earth’s surface (wave propagation through the earth’s surface, which tends to be
spherical/spherical), absorption losses, diffraction losses, and losses caused by the
phenomenon. Path loss can be calculated using the following equation [Sun et.al, 2017].

PLCI ( f , d )[dB ]  FSPL ( f ,1m)[dB ] 10n log10 (d )  AT dB  CI with d  1m (1)

where f represents the frequency in GHz, d represents the distance from the transmitter to the
receiver, n is the path loss exponent, AT is the attenuation caused by atmosphere, CI is a

zero-mean Gaussian random variable and FSPL is the free space path loss in dB.

The path loss of free space with a transmitter to receiver range of 1 m is then
calculated as

 4 f 109 
FSPL ( f ,1m )[dB ]  20 log  
 c  (2)
 32.4[ dB]  20 log10 ( f )

where c is the speed of light in free space.

LoS/NLoS
Radio wave containing information will propagation from the sender to the receiver. The
radio wave propagation process is divided into two categories: Line of Sight (LoS) and Non
Line of Sight (NLoS) [Capano, 2018] as shown in Figure 1. In LoS, the transmitting antenna
can see the receiving antenna directly to send the information signal directly to the receiver.
Whereas in the NLoS, the sending antenna cannot directly see the presence of the receiver
after passing through several obstacles or being reflected.

Fig. 1: Illustration of LoS and NLoS propagation of radio waves [Walidainy, 2021]

Review of Path Loss

With respect to radio coverage, path loss models characterize large-scale fading
effects and can be used to describe the signal attenuation with increasing distance. Path loss
measurements were carried out in an urban outdoor location around a city hall in [Lee at. al,
2017]. The path loss exponent and standard deviation of the shadow fading variable (Xσ)
obtained from the measurements over a 500 m Tx-Rx distance were 1.63 and 4.79 dB for LoS
with NLoS values at 5.76 and 19.1 dB. He et al. characterized the radio channel for 3.5 GHz
at Beijing Jiaotong University, China [He, et. al., 2016]. The measurement setup was made
up using National Instrument (NI) software defined radios (SDRs). The Tx-Rx separation
distances investigated were between 100 m and 250 m. In LoS scenarios, the path loss
exponent was 6.16 and Xσ was 4.21 dB. Path loss measurements were also taken in an indoor
industrial complex as reported by Chrysikos et al [Chrysikos, 2018]. The empirical models
presented covered same floor and multi floor propagation in LoS scenarios. The LoS path
loss exponent obtained was 1.8 for multi-wall-floor and 3.01 for all LoS locations. The Xσ for
same floor measurements in the office was 10.47 dB and 10.32 dB for the factory shop floor.
Methodology

The measurement campaign is planned to conduct using a real-time spectrum analyzer,

continuous wave signal generator and two omnidirectional antennas. The generator is able to
operate in sweep and CW modes. The spectrum analyzer (FSH 20) of up to 20 GHz
frequency will be used to measure the signal strength. The measurement will be carried out
for 2 scenarios which is Line of Sight (LoS) and Non Line of Sight (NLoS). For all
LoS/NLoS measurements, the transmitter is fixed with different points used as receiver
locations in a point to multipoint configuration. At each LoS/NLoS location, the receiver
power was recorded. In order to prevent body shadowing from the operator during the
measurement campaign, the spectrum analyser is planned to remotely controlled over Wi-Fi.
After each measurement run, the data from the real time spectrum analyzer will be exported
to a computer where the data will be processed using Matlab.

Expected Result

It is expected to get path loss result in LoS and NLoS scenarios as shown in Figure 2.
Expected to develop path loss model and compare with existing model.

Fig. 2 Comparison of the path loss model with measurement data for NLoS condition [Zhao
et. al. 2013]
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