Comparative Evaluation of Path-Loss Models in a Typical African Terrain using Homogenous Grid Outdoor Foot Measurement Technique
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63746/njtd.v23i1.3389Keywords:
Loss, RMSE, SD, BTS, FSPLM, PEPLM, EPLMAbstract
Several works had been carried out on the comparative analysis of mobile signal propagation path loss at various locations in Africa. The assessments of relevant literature reveal that many, if not all, give no consideration to the peculiar African road networks, irregular building orientations, and patterns that usually prevent the driving of motor cars within when taking the signal strength measurements. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of mobile signal propagation path loss within the Ilorin metropolis. The method adopted for measurement is the homogeneous grid outdoor foot measurement technique; it gives consideration to the peculiar African road networks and irregular building orientations and patterns. GSM signal strengths were measured at various study locations within the Ilorin metropolis and the data obtained were used for path loss calculations. These results were then compared with several widely used and well-established empirical models that are commonly applied in contemporary research and practice. The findings revealed the measured path loss values at all the study locations swing between the COST-231-Hata and Eglis models forecast values. COST-231-Hata model may be adjusted to ensure precise forecasting of radio signals for cellular transmission in Ilorin and identical terrains.
References
Abiodun, I. C. and Idogho, J. (2022). The Study of Empirical Path Loss Models for Accurate Prediction of GSM Signal for Applications in Microcellular Environments. European Journal of Science, Innovation and Technology, 2 (4): 100–119.
Abraham, D.; D. Danjuma and C. N. Davou (2013). Computer Analysis of the COST 231 Hata Model and Least Squares Approximation for Path Loss Estimation at 900MHz on the Mountain Terrains of the Jos-Plateau, Nigeria. Computer Engineering and Intelligent Systems, 4 (9): 39–48.
Abu, K.; D. K. Jerome, S. O. Abolaji and A. R. O. Usman (2020). Path loss Prediction for TVWS Network for Urban Region of Onitsha, South-East Nigeria. International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering, Management and Applied Science, 9 (2): 47–54.
Akande, A. O.; F. A. Semire, Z. K. Adeyemo and C. K. Agubor (2023). A Modified Empirical Path Loss Model for 4G LTE Network in Lagos, Nigeria. Iranian Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 19(2), 2081-2081.
Akanni, J.; A. A. Isa, O. Ogunbiyi, B. J. Olufeagba and A. T. Sanni (2024). An Improved Practical Measuring Technique for Wireless Cellular Signal Path Loss Forecast in the African Terrain. ELEKTRIKA-Journal of Electrical Engineering, 23 (2): 109–115.
Akanni, J.; A. A. Isa, O. Ogunbiyi and B. J. Olufeagba (2024). A Modified COST-231-Hata Path Loss Model for Typical Semi-Urban Environments in Nigeria. KIU Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology, 3 (1): 112–120.
Akanni, J.; A. A. Isa, O. Ogunbiyi, B. J. Olufeagba and A. T. Sanni (2023). AJ-Olu-1: An Innovative Path Loss Model for Typical Nigerian Urban Environments. KIU Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology, 2 (1): 17–23.
Aremu, A. S.; A. O. Aremu and D. O. Olukanni (2015). Assessment of Noise Pollution from Sawmill Activities in Ilorin, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 34 (1): 72–79.
Ayidu, N. J. and Elaigwu, V. O. (2023). Pathloss Prediction Model in WLAN Propagation. FUDMA Journal of Sciences, 7 (3): 1–5.
Azevedo, J. A. and Mendonça F. A. (2024). Critical Review of the Propagation Models Employed in LoRa Systems. Sensors, 24(12): 3877.
Enyi, V. S.; M. A. Ahaneku, O. S. Ugwu and G. U. Akubue (2021). Outdoor Environment GSM Network Path Loss Measurements and Forecasting at Nsukka Urban Using Regression Analysis Model. International Journal of Engineering Science Invention, 10 (7): 47–55.
Erunkulu, O. O.; T. I. Gwebu, A. M. Zungeru, C. Lebekwe, and M. Modisa (2023). Propagation channel characterization for mobile communication based on measurement campaign and simulation. Results in Engineering, 20: 101620.
Gadze, J. D.; K. A. Agyekum, S. J. Nuagah and E. A. Affum (2020). Improved Propagation Models for LTE Path Loss Prediction in Urban and Suburban Ghana. arXiv Preprint arXiv: 2001.05227.
Google Map. (2023). Ilorin Maps: Road Map, Satellite View and Street. Accessed 10th January 2024.
Igbonoba, E. C. (2021). Investigated Performance of Okumura-Hata Model for Dvb-T2 Signal Propagation in Nigeria. International Journal of Recent Engineering Science, 8 (2): 10–15.
ITU-R P.525-2. (2000). Calculation of Free-Space Attenuation. International Telecommunication Union.
Ibe, P.; J. E. Akpasam and A. Njokuchukwudi (2019). Comparison of Path Loss Prediction Performance of Egli Model and Lee Model for Cellular Network Signal Along a Dual Carriage Way in Uyo. Science and Technology Publishing, 3 (9): 198–202.
Imoize, A. L. and Dosunmu, A. I. (2018). Path Loss Characterization of Long-Term Evolution Network for Lagos, Nigeria. Jordan Journal of Electrical Engineering, 4 (12): 114–128.
John O, F. and Yekeen O, O. (2013). Radio Frequency Propagation Mechanisms and Empirical Models for Hilly Areas. International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 3 (3): 372–376.
Leonard, A. and Nnamani, K. (2015). Path Loss Prediction of Wireless Mobile Communication for Urban Areas of Imo State, South-East Region of Nigeria at 910 MHz Journal of Academia and Industrial Research, 3: 397–400.
Mollel, M. and Kisangiri M. (2014). Comparison of empirical propagation path loss models for mobile communication. Computer Engineering and Intelligent Systems, 5(4): 1 – 10.
Nadir, Z. and Ahmad, M. (2010). Pathloss Determination Using Okumura-Hata Model and Cubic Regression for Missing Data for Oman. Lecture Notes in Engineering and Computer Science, 2181.
Nabaa, A. A. and Hussain A. H. A. (2024). A Comprehensive Review of Radio Signal Propagation Prediction for Terrestrial Wireless Communication Systems. Missan Journal of Engineering Sciences, 3(1): 100 – 120.
Ogochukwu, C. G.; J. A. Chioma, O. F. Ogochukwu, E. C. Chukwudi and I. M. Ogorchukwu (2022). Rapid spatial growth of cities and its planning implications for developing countries: A case study of Abuja, Nigeria. Indonesian Journal of Geography 54 (2): 313 - 320
Oguejiofor, O.; K. A. Akpado, A. Abe and A. C. Ejiofor (2013). Pathloss Prediction for a typical mobile communication system in Nigeria using empirical models. International Journal of Computer Networks and Wireless Communications, 3 (2): 207–211.
Oluwatoki, S.O.; S. A. Busari and J. J. Popoola (2023). Empirical Path Loss Modelling for Selected LTE Networks in FUTA Campus, Ondo State, Nigeria, Journal of Engineering Advancements, 4(1): 1–7.
Pawar, S. and Venkatesan, M. (2024). A novel pathloss prediction and optimization approach using deep learning in millimeter wave communication systems. e-Prime-Advances in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Energy, 9: 100737.
Seker, S. S.; S. Yelen, and F. C. Kunter. (2010). Comparison of Propagation Loss Prediction Models of UMTS for an Urban Areas. Paper presented at 18th Telecommunications Forum (TELFOR 2010), Serbia, Belgrade, 902 - 905.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Nigerian Journal of Technological Development
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
In accordance with the Copyright Act of 1976, which became effective January 1, 1978, the following statement signed by each author must accompany the manuscript submitted: "I, the undersigned author, transfer all copyright ownership of the manuscript referenced above to the Nigerian Journal of Technological Development, in the event the work is published. I warrant that the article is original, does not infringe upon any copyright or other proprietary right of any third party, is not under consideration by another journal, and has not been published previously. I have reviewed and approved the submitted version of the manuscript and agree to its publication in the Nigerian Journal of Technological Development." A copyright transfer form can be downloaded from the NJTD Website (http://njtd.com.ng/index.php/njtd). Author(s) will be consulted, whenever possible, regarding republication of material. All authors must have access to the data presented, and the authors and sponsor (if applicable) must agree to share original data with the editor if requested.
