Evaluation Of Signal Strength And Quality Of A Ku-Band Satellite Downlink During Raining Season In Guinea Savanna Region Of Nigeria

Abstract

This study presents the evaluation of signal strength and quality of a ku-band satellite downlink signals during raining season in Guinea Savanna region of Nigeria. Rain rate data and ku-band signal over Jos were retrieved from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET). Rain rate data was measured using Davis Vantage Vue weather station while microwave signal were obtained using spectrum analyzer. The measured data were analyzed using Microsoft office excel. Rainfall is broadly classified into two types: stratiform (drizzle: ≤5mm/hr and widespread: >5≤25mm/hr) and convection (shower: >25≤50mm/hr and thunderstorm: >50mm/hr). Results were calculated based on ITU-Recommendations P.618-12 and P.838. The results obtained revealed that the effect of rain on signal strength and quality on a ku-band link depend on the rain type and duration of rainfall. The effect of drizzle (≤5mm/hr) on the ku-band link is not significant regardless the duration of rainfall. The results also shows that severe signal losses above 60dB were obtained under shower (>25≤50mm/hr) and thunderstorm (>50mm/hr). Also, widespread (>5≤25mm/hr) that prevailed for a longer period causes severe signal losses. This is to say that lower rain rate of about 25mm/hr that prevailed for a very long time have significant effect on Kuband link. The results of this study will serve as crucial design parameters for communication systems engineers for providing fade margins and developing accurate fade mitigation techniques (FMTs) for the Guinea Savanna region of Nigeria. It was observed from this study that the experimental studies within the Ku-band frequency are getting over exhausted. Therefore, experimental studied in the region of higher band like K and Ka are highly recommended.