An Analysis of WiFi Coverage Modeling for a Hotspot in the Parish of Checa Employing Deterministic and Empirical Propagation Models

Abstract

This study presents the analysis and comparison of Wi-Fi coverage modeling for a hotspot using deterministic and empirical propagation models developed by researchers from the Universidad de Las Américas in Quito, Ecuador. Signal intensity measurements were taken from both the hotspot and the repeater at various locations within the Checa parish using a Raspberry Pi and a Global Positioning System (GPS). To assess the accuracy of the models, heat maps were generated using Matlab (R2023A). The results showed that the adjusted model, comparing the received signal levels of the hotspot with the Stanford University Interim Propagation Model (SUI), exhibited a significant error margin, especially at distances below 60 m. However, starting at −70 dBm and beyond 60 m, the sampled data aligned better with the adjusted model. The discrepancy in the heatmaps was explained by the hotspot’s higher transmission power compared to the Wi-Fi repeater. Furthermore, the reception levels of the hotspot were low near the transmitter, which led to new measurements being taken with the Wi-Fi repeater (Raspberry Pi 3). With the new measurements, the adjusted model using logarithmic regression showed a better fit, particularly in the range from −40 dBm to −98 dBm, with a path loss exponent of 8.96. This demonstrated a significant improvement in prediction accuracy, particularly at short distances. The results emphasize the importance of using tools such as Matlab and reference models to optimize network planning, providing the Universidad de Las Américas with a valuable tool to generate heat maps in areas with characteristics similar to those of Checa in the context of their community outreach programs. This approach could be crucial for future research and optimization of community Wi-Fi networks in similar environments.