Analysis of Radio Communication Coverage Using Path Loss and Digital Elevation Models in Various Propagation Environments

This paper proposes a method for analyzing propagation environments using terrain information and for predicting the communication coverage between a control tower and airborne platforms. This method involves collecting terrain data and implementing it in a Wireless InSite simulator. Digital elevation model data are used to model a communication environment, and mounting analysis allows the antenna pattern of an airborne platform to be generated. The analysis assumes flight scenarios in which the airborne platform follows a given trajectory at various altitudes. At altitudes of 600 m, 1,200 m, and 1,800 m, communication coverage increases with altitude, and communication is possible for 44.91%, 81.99%, and 95.45% of the total communication time in the predefined flight scenario, respectively. A dust particle attenuation coefficient model is used to observe changes in communication coverage due to weather conditions at the Ku-band. At altitudes of 600 m, 1,200 m, and 1,800 m, when dust particles are present, communication is possible for 37.48%, 61.91%, and 62.52%, respectively. A rainfall case is also evaluated using an ITU-R model-based rain attenuation calculation at 30 mm/hr. With rain, communication is possible for 29.72%, 40.16%, and 34.47% at 600 m, 1,200 m, and 1,800 m, respectively. These results demonstrate that terrain and weather conditions should be considered when analyzing the communication coverage between a control tower and airborne platforms.