2011 International Conference on Selected Topics in Mobile and Wireless Networking (iCOST)

Comparison of Path Loss Prediction Models and Field Measurements for Cellular Networks in Turkey
Erdem EKIZ
Avea Telecommunication Services Izmir, Turkey erdem.ekiz@avea.com.tr
Abstract Cellular network design for a specific area requires precise knowledge of the propagation characteristics of the radio channel in that area. This paper discusses the applicability of some well known theoretical models to the specific conditions in Izmir, Turkey. Three path loss models were used to predict the path loss in three different frequency bands. Advanced Okumura-Hata, Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami and Algorithm 9999 were used to predict the path loss in certain areas of Izmir, Turkey. The simulation results were compared to real signal strength measurements obtained from live GSM and WCDMA cellular networks and it was concluded that Algorithm 9999 performs best in the dense urban, urban and suburban environments of Izmir.

Radosveta SOKULLU
Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering Ege University Izmir, Turkey radosveta.sokullu@ege.edu.tr experimental work. Section IV summarizes the simulation and experimental results, providing evaluation of the applicability of the selected models to the specific environment. Section V concludes the paper. II. PROPAGATION MODELS

Keywords - Path loss, measurement, propagation model,

UMTS, GSM I. INTRODUCTION

Recently wireless communications have become a necessity in public with continuously increasing number of mobile subscribers. In order to tend to the demands, cellular network operators must enhance their network capacity by planning and building new base transmitter stations. While scheduling these plans, usually radio propagation models are applied. By performing simulations calculated by propagation models over the area of demand, the change in the network coverage can be predicted. The more accurate the prediction model, easier it gets to develop the cellular network. In Turkey, both second and third generation networks are on air. In second generation networks, the tolerance against interference is greater when compared to third generation networks. Third generation networks are based on a new air interface called Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA). In WCDMA, all of the transmitters broadcast over the same channel so this third generation networks are very vulnerable to interference [1]. In order to prevent the transmitters to interfere each other, the overlapping of different base stations serving areas must be minimized. To achieve this, the radio network must be designed carefully. At this point the accuracy of the propagation model used is vital. The study presented here focuses on the comparison of existing theoretical propagation models and their applicability to the area of Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey. From here on the paper is organized as follows: in Section II a general overview of the selected theoretical propagation models is presented followed in Section III by a definition of the approaches and conditions of the

Radio propagation models have a wide area of use from television broadcast to microwave links. The abundance and variety of radio propagation models is based on the fact that they were designed for different scenarios. Each of them has different limitations, most important operating frequency and transmitter-receiver distance. A propagation model aims to represent certain specifications that change with the environment at hand. Also, their characteristics tend to change in accordance with the system that they will be applied for. For example, a change over distance of hundred meters in a television broadcast may not have a great effect in the way of coverage, but in a cellular network it would be quite a different situation [2]. So the radio propagation model which will be used must be chosen carefully regarding both the system it is used for and the physical specifics of the terrain it is applied to. In general, the radio propagation models can be divided into two major categories, which are empirical models and deterministic models. Selected propagation methods, are briefly discussed below. Since the major objective of this work is to investigate their applicability in a specific area and due to limited space, further details of the underplaying algorithms are not discussed in the paper but are given in the list of references.

A. Empirical Models Empirical radio propagation models are based on measurement data rather than mathematically expressed environment. These models are well suited for the areas which the measurements were performed, but usually needs to be adapted for different places. 1) Okumura Model: The Okumura Model is one of the earliest radio propagation models suggested, based on signal strength measurements. Okumura studied the reduction in power density over distance in the Tokyo area [3]. This model is completely statistical

978-1-4577-2004-8/11/$26.00 2011 IEEE

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so its result are presented as curves instead of spesific formulas. 2) Okumura-Hata Model: In order to apply Okumuras studies to an area different than Tokyo, Hata extended the Okumura model, deriving formulas from Okumuras curves [4]. Most of the radio propagation models used today are extensions to Okumura-Hata model. The Okumura-Hata model is well suited for large cells where the transmitter is higher than the receiver and the surrounding buildings. 3) COST 231 Hata Model (Advanced Okumura-Hata): The Okumura-Hata model is not suitable for path loss calculations above 1500 MHz. COST 231 group extended Hatas studies to cover a more elaborated range of frequencies. COST 231 extension on the Okumura-Hata made this model more suitable to use in cellular networks. COST 231-Hata model can be used in higher frequencies such as 1800 MHz [2]. 4) Algorithm 9999: In order to reflect the specific physical conditions in more detail further extensions are suggested to improve the COST 231-Hata and Okumura-Hata models. One of the latest models suggested is Algorithm 9999, a Okumura-Hata based propagation model developed by Ericsson [2]. In this model, radio propagation environment is taken into account by using the area of demands digital map. Furthermode, Algorithm 9999 includes tuning parameters which make the model easily adaptable to different application scenarios. B. Deterministic Models Deterministic models are based on theoretical analysis and unlike empirical models; deterministic models can be applied to various scenarios without much additional adaptation required. Deterministic radio propagation models usually use physical parameters related to the propagation environment like building heights, width of streets, etc. The accuracy of these parameters used is vital in deterministic models. 1) Walfisch-Bertoni Model: The Walfisch-Bertoni Model is the fist radio propagation model which takes the signal diffaction at the roof tops into account [6]. In this model it is assumed that the transmitter is higher than the receiver and it can not be seen from street level view. This model considers that the diffracted waves will follow multiple paths to the receiver and calculates multiple forward diffraction losses.

2) COST 231 Walfisch-Ikegami Model (Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami) : In cellular networks the cell radius is usually about a few hundred meters. While performing predictions in dense, highly populated areas, the radio propogation model must be able to calculate the path loss for small cells. COST 231 proposes COST 231 Walfisch-Ikegami model, which is a combination of Walfisch-Bertoni and Ikegami models [6]. This model uses the theoretical approach of Walfisch-Bertoni model for the scenarios where the transmitter is higher than the street level. The model uses measurement based data in cases where the transmitter height is lower than the buildings. Also there is a line of sight component included in this model. 3) Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami Model: the Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami model is based on similar principles as the COST 231 Walfisch-Ikegami model. However this model uses a digital map of the area of demand to calculate effective transmitter and receiver heights [2]. Building seperation distances, width of streets, building heights are also supplied by the digital map. Higher resolution maps make the propagation model more accurate. This model is well suited for dense urban environments. III. AREAS OF INVESTIGATION AND MEASUREMENTS SETUP

In this study the area of the City of Izmir in Turkey is classified into three types of clusters: dense urban, urban and suburban. Measurements were performed in ten different administrative areas constituting the city of Izmir; a total number of twenty eight transmitters were used. For three of the areas the operating frequency is 900 MHz, for another three of them - 1800 MHz and four of them are operating on 2100 MHz. The 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands are being used by GSM, the 2100 MHz frequency band is being used by UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) networks. In all sites the transmitters heights are above the average roof top level of their clusters. As an example, details of the properties for one site in each transmitting frequency are introduced below. A. Alsancak Site Properties Three sectored site. Maximum transmitting power is 46 dBm. Maximum pilot channel power is 32 dBm. Operating frequency is 2100 MHz. Kathrein K742236 with gain of 18 dBi antennas are mounted in all three sectors.

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Alsancak site is located in a dense urban environment of Izmir and is classified as dense urban. This site is part of a third generation network in Turkey. The azimuth of the first antenna of this site is 0, the second antenna is 90 and the third antenna has azimuth angle of 260 degrees. All of the antennas are located 36 meters above the ground. Electrical down tilt of six degrees are applied on all sectors, no mechanical tilts were applied. B. Buca Site Properties Three sectored site. Maximum transmitting power is 45 dBm. Maximum broadcast power is 33 dBm. Operating frequency is 1800 MHz. Kathrein K742215 with gain of 17.7 dBi antennas are mounted in all three sectors.

models discussed in section II for the different clusters defined in Section III. In all tables, stands for the mean error and stands for standard deviation of error. Path loss values are drawn against the number of samples since in statistically based comparisons it is a parameter that greatly influences the precision of the results.

TABLE I. ANALYSIS OF THE ERROR IN DIFFERENT CLUSTERS AT 900 MHZ

Cluster

Okumura-Hata
(dB) (dB) 11.10312 7.622417 16.692

Walfisch-Ikegami
(dB) 3.36228 11.37447 (dB) 11.5598 14.2009

Algorithm 9999
(dB) 9.6345 (dB) 10.0015

Dense urban Urban Suburban

13.8803 5.443902 8.3266666

Buca site is classified as urban environment. This site is part of a second generation network. The azimuth of the first antenna of this site is 90, the second antenna is 180 and the third antenna has azimuth angle of 270 degrees. All three antennas are located 20 meters above the ground. Electrical down tilt of four degrees are applied on all sectors, no mechanical tilts were applied.

-7.10732 8.202499 -0.89 9.706270

13.085808 11.39606

It can be seen from Table I that in dense urban environment at 900 MHz the Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami model gives the best results. For urban environment at 900 MHz the Advanced Okumura-Hata model gives the best results. For suburban environment at 900 MHz Algorithm 9999 gives the best results among the three models compared.
TABLE II. ANALYSIS OF THE ERROR IN DIFFERENT CLUSTERS AT 1800 MHZ

C. Narlidere Site Properties Three sectored site. Maximum transmitting power is 40 dBm. Maximum broadcast power is 33 dBm. Operating frequency is 900 MHz. Kathrein K739684 with gain of 15 dBi antennas are mounted in all three sectors.

Cluster

Okumura-Hata
(dB) (dB)

Walfisch-Ikegami
(dB) (dB)

Algorithm 9999
(dB) 2.15 (dB) 8.105025 6.380186 12.34829

Dense urban

0.04 10.98618 1.57778

5.640783 13.60384

Narldere site is located in the suburbs of Izmir and is classified as a suburban environment. This site is part of a second generation network. The azimuth of the first antenna of this site is 0, the second antenna is 145 and the third antennas azimuth angle is 215 degrees. All three antennas are located 31 meters above the ground. Two degrees electrical and two degrees mechanical tilts are applied on all three sectors. IV. SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

Urban Suburban

8.51884 -2.257272 7.171806 1.2522 -2.62532 12.34041 -4.525

3.61 9.588741

It can be seen from Table II that in dense urban and urban environment at 1800 MHz, Algorithm 9999 performs best. In suburban areas at 1800 MHz, the Advanced Okumura-Hata model gives the best results.
TABLE III.

A. Statistical Analysis of Measurements Versus Predictions

ANALYSIS OF THE ERROR IN DIFFERENT CLUSTERS AT 2100 MHZ

In our study the measured path loss values in different experimental sites are compared to simulation results which were calculated by using a 5 x 5 meters resolution digital map. As a major criterion of path loss prediction model comparison and applicability evaluation, the mean error and standard deviation of error between the predicted and the measured samples were used. Results in the Tables I to III, presented below, are grouped by frequency band and compare the performance of the

Cluster

Okumura-Hata
(dB) (dB) 10.23208

Walfisch-Ikegami
(dB) -5.55057 (dB) 10.1933

Algorithm 9999
(dB) (dB)

Dense urban Urban Suburban

6.58 6.34186 5.24515

-0.08824 4.949747

9.800037 4.766597 13.40951 0.495556 8.165599 14.14264 5.127854 13.08602 0.852071 10.17029

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It can be seen from Table III that at 2100 MHz Algorithm 9999 performs best results among the three models for all cluster types. From the above tables and observations we can conclude that the lately developed Algorithm 9999 is most suited for the third generation networks, specifically ones operating in the higher frequency band. However, it is better to keep to the Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami and Okumura-Hata models for the legacy second generation network, operating at lower frequencies of 900 MHz

B. Graphic Analysis of Measurements Versus Predictions Fig. 1 to 9 show simulation versus measurement graphs in three frequencies for different models.

Figure 3. Comparison of Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami prediction results versus measurements at 900 MHz.

Simulation results of Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami model at 900 MHz, fig. 3 and table I indicate that Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami model underestimates the pathloss values at 900 MHz GSM networks when compared to signal strenght measurements. From fig. 2 and table II, it can be seen that real pathloss measurements are lower than the predicted values at 1800 MHz. According to fig. 1 and table III, Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami model underestimates the pathloss values at 2100 MHz UMTS networks.

Figure 1. Comparison of Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami prediction results versus measurements at 2100 MHz.

Figure 4. Comparison of Advanced Okumura-Hata prediction results versus measurements at 2100 MHz.

Figure 2. Comparison of Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami prediction results versus measurements at 1800 MHz.

Figure 5. Comparison of Advanced Okumura-Hata prediction results versus measurements at 1800 MHz.

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Figure 6. Comparison of Advanced Okumura-Hata prediction results versus measurements at 900 MHz.

Figure 9. Comparison of Algorithm 9999 prediction results versus measurements at 900 MHz.

As a general conclusion, based on observations in figures 4 to 6 and tables I to III, it can be pointed out that pathloss measurement values are lower than the prediction results calculated by Advanced Okumura-Hata model in all circumstances in zmir environment.

According to fig. 9 and table I, it can be said that Algorithm 9999 overestimate pathloss values when compared to 900 MHz GSM measurements. From fig. 8 and table II it can be seen that Algorithm 9999 slightly underestimates pathloss at 1800 MHz. Fig. 7 and table III indicates that Algorithm 9999 performs successfully for 2100 MHz UMTS networks in zmir environment. In order to provide a more concise representation of the collected results a comparison Table IV is presented below:
TABLE IV. ANALYSIS OF THE ERROR IN DIFFERENT CLUSTERS AT 1800 MHZ FREQUENCY BAND CLUSTER
Dense urban

Figure 7. Comparison of Algorithm 9999 prediction results versus measurements at 2100 MHz.

Urban Suburban

900 MHZ Advanced Walfish-Ikegami Advanced Okumura-Hata Algorithm 9999

1800 MHz Algorithm 9999 Algorithm 9999 Advanced Okumura-Hata

2100 MHz Algorithm 9999 Algorithm 9999 Algorithm 9999

In 7 out of the 10 sites under invstigation Algorithm 9999 has given results closest to the field measurements. It is well suited for higher frequency bands (1800 and 2100 MHZ). The other two discussed methods, Advanced Okumura-Hata and Advanced Walfisch-Ikegami prove to be more suitable for design in legacy GSM systems, operating in the 900 MHz frequency band. V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Figure 8. Comparison of Algorithm 9999 prediction results versus measurements at 1800 MHz.

The work presented in this paper has been done in cooperation with AVEA, Turkey as part of a MSc Thesis at the Department of EEE, Ege University. It is partially sponsored by a research grant from the Research Fund of Ege University, under project 09-MUH-2009. VI. CONCLUSION

In this paper three propagation models were studied in three different frequency bands and were compared to field

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measurements, made in the area Izmir, the third biggest city in Turkey. The area under consideration was classified in three groups: dense urban, urban and suburban. Algorithm 9999 was roved to be the most suitable propagation model among the compared models, whose path loss results match the closest to the numerous experimentally taken results. The precision of the algorithm increases with increasing the number of field data samples. REFERENCES
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