Study on Rain Attenuation at Ku and Ka-Band in Malaysia Derived From TRMM Satellite Data

Attenuation due to rain can severely degrade the radio wave propagation at frequencies above 10 GHz. The impact is more severe in tropical and equatorial region like Malaysia which encounters higher rainfall intensity throughout the year. Total rainfall accumulation, obtained from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite have been used to derive 1-minute rainfall rates for a period two years (2011-2012) used to calculate the prediction of rain attenuation at Ku and Ka-band all over Penisular Malaysia and at random locations in Sabah and Sarawak. Measat 3 is applied for practical measurement to calculate rain attenuation prediction. The study of effect monsoons and La-Nina with El-Nino fenomenon on rain attenuation were conducted. In order to study the fenomenon of El-Nino and La-Nina, the period of this study are extend to five years, from 2008 to 2012. ITU-R model has been selected to calculate the rain attenuation because it is the best model based on the result of previous researchers. The results from this study shows that Sabah and Sarawak have lower rain attenuation compared to Peninsular Malaysia even though Peninsular Malaysia produces having heavy rainfall throughout the year. This studies is very useful to guide the design and applications of low availability of satellite-to-Earth communication systems specifi cally in Malaysia.