Characterization of RF Signal Propagation for Wireless Sensor Network Deployed in Mountainous Environment
Abstract
Wireless sensor network (WSN) nodes, in mountainous forests, report
real-time data to base stations concerning events, in which researchers and
decision makers are interested in. A thorough research reveals the deficiency
of any study modeling radio frequency (RF) in that environment. The lack of
accurately modeling RF signal propagation in any environment can have a
great impact on the network life, connectivity, and coverage. This dissertation
models the loss of RF signal in the mountainous environment and
demonstrates the inconsistency of theoretical models, compared to actual
measurements. The models proposed in this research yield satisfactory
results, and the theoretical models produce underpredictions of 29% to 45%. Environmental and technical factors are characterized to determine the
impact of each factor on the RF signal propagation, and to investigate the
interactions between those factors. The factors being studied are distance,
power, transmitter level, and obstruction level. The results of the
characterization reveal which factor has highest and lowest effect on the RF
signal propagation. This dissertation can aid in the design and deployment of
WSNs in harsh mountainous environment.