Comparison between path length reduction factor models based on rain attenuation measurements in Malaysia

Attenuation due to rainfall can severely degrade the radio wave propagation at frequencies above 10 GHz. It restricts the path length of radio communication systems and limits the use of higher frequencies for line-of-sight microwave links and satellite communications. In order to predict the attenuation due to rain accurately, the reduction factor which is used to account for the inhomogeneity of rain along the propagation path need to be studied. This paper investigates reduction factor models, which have been proposed by ITU-R, Moupfouma, Lin, Assis and Dissanayake-Allnutt for the prediction of rain attenuation. A comparison was made between these models based on rain attenuation data measured at 15 GHz in two different locations in Malaysia