Performance analysis of propagation models in different terrain conditions for IEEE standard 802.16e WiMAX

To fulfill the end-users demand for access to the Internet “anywhere-anytime” and ensure quality of service, is the WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) technology standardized based on IEEE 802.16 that provides efficient packet radio interface enabling transmission of high data rates. WiMAX network became popular and receives growing acceptance as a Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) system which is the solution of “last mile” wireless broadband. WiMAX has potential success and is gaining hike all over the world for deployment of the network in its line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions for both fixed operation below 11GHz and Mobile operation below 6 GHz frequency range. In the first step of cell planning and deployment of wireless network, estimation of path loss is very important in turn to get better signal strength to access Internet. In this work, we have used well-structured propagation models for analysis and comparison at different terrain areas, the models are - COST231 Hata model, COST231 Walfisch-Ikegami model, ECC-33 model, Ericsson model, and SUI model for SIMO (Single-input Multiple-output) channels. Using environmental parameters and some correction factors path loss is calculated for all terrain (urban, suburban, and rural) conditions. This provides guidelines for cell planning of mobile WiMAX at cellular frequency between 2-6 GHz.