Assessment and Modeling of GSM Signal Propagation in Uyo, Nigeria

High quality of service is a paramount concern in wireless networks. One of the strategies in achieving optimal performance is to use wireless empirical models to predict wireless link quality factors such as path loss and the received power in any given transmission domain with irregular terrain. The primary goal of this study is to develop a radio wave propagation model for Uyo metropolis. An assessment was carried out in three major roads within the city of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, to determine the quality of GSM signal reception by measuring the signal field strength, magnetic field strength, and power density of the base transceiver stations. The measurements were carried out using radio frequency electromagnetic field strength meter over a distance of 2000 meters from the base stations. The results of the measurements were analysed and a path loss model was developed for Uyo using linear regression model. Three empirical models: Okumura-Hata model, COST-Hata model, and Egli model were also applied in predicting the path loss in Uyo and the results obtained were compared with the developed model for Uyo metropolis. The comparison showed that Route D model had a better comparison factor with the developed model while the Okumura-Hata and COST-Hata were almost the same with more loss as the distance increased. In all the measurements, the standard deviation was between 3.31 dB and 3.36 dB.