Different kinds of walls and their effect on the attenuation of radiowaves indoors

This paper describes a study of how different walls and wall materials affect the attenuation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies 433MHz, 868MHz, 2.4GHz, and 5.0GHz. The attenuation of the transmitted signals has been studied by creating propagation models using an advanced computer tool. Concrete, wood, and plaster board are the studied wall materials. Furthermore, different wall thicknesses (0.15m, 0.20m, 0.25m, 0.30m, 0.40m) have been used. The long term goal of the research is to compile an easy-to-understand manual containing information on what kind of an effect do walls that differ by material and thickness have on the attenuation of electromagnetic waves. Thus, the simulation construction has been left fairly simple on purpose. Finally, an example of how the information can be used in practice is shown.