Angular dependency of line-of-sight building transmission loss at 1.8 GHz

In order to provide designers of mobile communication networks with more refined prediction tools, the angular dependency is studied of 1.8 GHz wave transmission through typical building walls. To this end, measurements are presented for two separate buildings, and compared to two existing path-loss models. Good agreement is found, especially with the COST-231 model, and the viability of using this model in micro cellular system design is assessed. In addition, it is shown how a near-constant loss of 28dB is to be expected under perfectly grazing line-of-sight conditions. Both moment method and ray-tracing simulations are presented to explain this, and to provide a better understanding of the propagation mechanisms behind building penetration at UHF frequencies.