In-building penetration loss modeling and measurement in suburban, urban and dense urban morphologies

The results of a study to evaluate current design criteria assumptions for PCS/MMDS (1.9/2.5 GHz band) wireless networks and how they relate to in-building coverage are reported. The analysis focuses on the actual signal density levels required on the outside of most buildings to penetrate and provide adequate service within the buildings. External and internal wall structures and pertaining signal attenuation for residential and office buildings were modeled which enabled the calculation of total penetration losses. Theoretical as well as some field studies were analyzed. For the shorter term, this is the best estimate of the penetration loss problem. Verification by conducting extensive in-building penetration loss measurements is reported for the Indianapolis market. Overall, the analysis shows that the level of capital investment of a telecommunication carrier should dictate the grade of service (GOS) that the network customers experience.