Path reduction factor modelling for terrestrial links based on rain cell growth

Abstract

A new path length reduction factor that accounts for the growth and occurrence of multiple rain cells along a propagation path of a given terrestrial link is introduced in this work. In addition, the mathematical and empirical derivations that were used to come up with this new factor are outlined. This model is investigated by comparing it to other well-known models by utilizing attenuation statistics from a 19.5 GHz terrestrial link experiment carried out in Durban, South Africa. The predicted and measured attenuation values are then compared for the three models. Evaluation of the three models is then carried out by calculating their attenuation percentage error values. It is seen that the proposed model performs well over the ITU-R model in the terrestrial link thus validating it as a good model for rain attenuation predictions in the Southern Africa region.