Mobile 4G LTE Networks Mobility and Coverage for Some Locations in Ibadan Using Path Loss Analysis

Abstract

The recent migration of most GSM service providers’ networks in Ibadan from 3G to 4G, in preparation for the deployment of 5G technology in the nation necessitated the need to re-examine the GSM networks’ mobility and coverage within the micro cells in-between a Base Station and a Mobile Station. This attempt is aimed at using existing Path Loss Propagation Models in proffering solutions to the negative consequences usually associated with call drops in the Urban and Suburban Areas of Ibadan due to inability of channels to handover as a result of path loss. The path loss (dB) analysis was carried out by measuring the Received Signal Strength RSS (dBm) at distances ranging from 0.05 km to 4 km in-between Base Stations and Mobile Stations using the factory fitted installed RSS software on Android phones. These measurements were taken for three weeks within the urban and suburban areas of the University of Ibadan campus, and its neighborhood community of Agbowo for ten selected existing Base Stations from four of the nationwide GSM Service Providers (SP1, SP2, SP3 and SP4) in Nigeria. The variation of path loss with the RSS for GSM Service Provider (SP1) propagating at 955MHz (reference distance of 0.05km), 1850MHz and 2120MHz, were 66.03 dB, 71.77 dB and 72.96 dB, respectively. However, at 4 km the path loss had risen to 101.59dB for 955MHz, 103.81dB for 1850MHz and 105dB for 2120MHz. Also, the path loss for the GSM service provider (SP2) propagating at 960MHz (reference distance of 0.05km), 1865MHz and 2150MHz were 66.07 dB, 71.84 dB and 73.08 dB, respectively. Moreover, in a similar manner to the SP1 service provider, at 4 km the path loss had risen to 104.14dB for 960MHz, 109.9dB for 1865MHz and 111.14dB for 2150MHz. Furthermore, the path loss for the GSM service provider (SP3) propagating at 950MHz (reference distance of 0.05km), 1835MHz and 2130MHz were 65.98 dB, 71.70 dB and 73.00 dB, respectively. Likewise, as was in the case of the SP1 and SP2 Service providers, the path loss at 4 km had risen to 104.05dB for 950MHz, 109.76dB for 1835MHz and 111.06dB for 2130MHz. Also, the path loss for the GSM service provider (SP4) propagating at 940MHz (reference distance of 0.05km), 1880MHz and 2140MHz, were 65.47 dB, 71.46 dB and 72.23 dB, respectively. Moreover, the path loss at 4 km had risen to 103.53dB for 940MHz, 109.52dB for 1880MHz and 110.29dB for 2140 MHz as was the case with the other GSM Service providers (SP!, SP2 and SP3) considered .Thus, the path loss increases with distance within the microcells of base stations. However, the path loss model with minimum path loss (dB) at a given distance enhances good coverage and handover postponement. Moreover, the mean square error values used in obtaining the accuracy between the measured and the Empirical models were 17.15dB, 59.69dB, 48.46dB, 60.52dB and 40.07dB for the C-model, Cost-OH, Sub-O, Lee-model and experimental model, respectively. . Key words: GSM networks, Base station, Mobile station, Signal strength, GSM service provider