Investigation and pathloss modeling of fourth generation long term evolution network along major highways in Lagos Nigeria

Abstract

This study presents propagation measurements of fourth generation long term evolution (4G LTE) network using Huawei Technologies drive test equipment. Measurements were taken from three transmitting evolved node base stations (eNodeBs) located along three major routes in Lagos Nigeria, at an operating frequency of 1800MHz.Measured pathloss was comparatively analyzed with respect to predictions made by free space, flat earth, Okumura-Hata, Walfisch-Ikegami, Ericsson, ECC-33, and Lee models. Results showed that the free space, flat earth, Walfisch-Ikegami, ECC-33, Ericsson, and Lee models over predict the path loss along the tested routes with root mean square errors (RMSEs) relatively higher than the specified range. The Okumura-Hata model showed the best performance with RMSEs of 7.42dB, 7.63dB and 9.64dB along the investigated routes 1, 2, and 3, respectively. This model was modified using the least square method in order to enhance its signal prediction accuracy. The modified Okumura-Hata model predicted the path loss along routes 1, 2, and 3, with RMSEs of 5.20dB, 4.89dB and 8.78dB, respectively. Overall, the modified Okumura-Hata model showed lower RMSEs closer to zero which are acceptable. This model could find very useful applications in the area of quality signal prediction and pathloss modeling for related wireless mobile environments. Keywords: Propagation measurements, 4G LTE network; measured pathloss; drive test; eNodeBs; Lagos highways; Okumura-Hata model; root mean square error; least square method