RADIO WAVE PROPAGATION MECHANISMS AND EMPIRICAL MODELS FOR FIXED WIRELESS ACCESS SYSTEMS

This paper provides a survey of the basic mechanisms which influence the propagation of electromagnetic waves at most. It also deals with features of empirical models often used in a process of fixed wireless access network planning and implementation. Four empirical models, SUI, COST 231-Hata, Macro and Ericsson, which are most suitable for path loss prediction for such a system, are presented. By using these propagation models the receiving signal levels are predicted for different types of environment for a WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) system installed in the city Osijek, Croatia. Measurement results of receiving WiMAX power at 3,5 GHz are also presented and compared with the results predicted by using the propagation models.