Developing the Best 2.4 GHz Propagation Model from Active Network Measurements

As the deployment of outdoor WLAN networks continues to accelerate, it has become clear that network planning is an essential step in the deployment process. This paper outlines a study of the established 802.11g outdoor WiFi network deployed at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Analysis of measured data has shown that predictive planning for network coverage is possible without the need for overly complicated modeling techniques such as ray tracing. The proposed direct-ray, single path loss exponent, Seidel-Rappaport propagation model performs with accuracy comparable to other published models and is offered as a balance between model complexity and prediction accuracy.