Planning of WiMAX Networks Based on Modified Empirical Path Loss Model

Abstract The prosperity and demand of wireless access technology have drawn tremendous attention from researchers for the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) over the past decade. This paper presents developed and adapted empirical path loss model (Samir Model) for the planning of WiMAX networks. The empirical propagation path loss models have a significant influence in wireless communication systems design. Predicting and finding the path loss are essential in planning and designing WiMAX networks. Three empirical models, the Stanford University Interim (SUI) model, the COST-231 Hata model and Samir model have been investigated in this work. Reference path loss of 3.5GHz WiMAX networks data is compared with the above mentioned models to demonstrate the responses of WiMAX systems based Samir empirical path loss model and confirm it is more comprehensive to combine both SUI and COST-231 Hata models . Many dependent parameters of the WiMAX planning problems are tested in different types of topography (rural, urban and suburban) such as path loss, base station and receiver antenna height, shadow fading, transmitting power and receiver sensitivity against distance between transmitter and receiver.