Modeling and computer simulation of wave propagation in lineal line-of-sight microcells

The model and implementation principles governing the computer simulation of line-of-sight (LOS) microcell wave propagation are presented. Multiray propagation above a plane earth constitutes the basic model. For rural microcells, two rays are used while, for urban microcells, 10 rays are used propagating in a dielectric canyon. The model is applied to two relevant problems. In the first, control of electric field falloff with distance, r, is studied. ln the second, the advantages of switched transversal antenna diversity are demonstrated. Power falloff rates of 1/r⁴ and 1/r⁶ were obtained for simple two-element array structures. This may provide an additional interference control tool in the layout and design of microcells. The interference between the various rays propagating in lineal urban microcells results in deep nulls at various locations. The deleterious effects of these nulls can be eliminated by employing simple switched transverse antenna diversity