An Empirical Path Loss Model for Wireless Sensor Network Deployment in a Dense Tree Environment

This paper presents a model for predicting radio frequency (RF) propagation for Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) deployment in a dense tree environment. To create the model, data from a physical deployment are collected and an empirical path loss prediction model is derived from the actual measurements. Furthermore, the presented measurements and empirical path loss model are compared with measurements and models obtained from WSN deployments in other terrains, such as one characterized by long-grass and another by sparse-tree environments. The results from the comparison of these different terrains show significant differences in path loss and empirical models' parameters. In addition, the proposed model is compared with Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) and Two-Ray models to demonstrate the inaccuracy of these theoretical models in predicting path loss between wireless sensor nodes deployed in dense tree environment.