Adaptation of Path Loss Models for Terrestrial Broadcast in VHF Band in Minna City, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Propagation models are required for proper planning of a network and for accurate interference estimation, or else, it could result in networks with high co-channel interference and waste of power. The paper aims at adapting a propagation model that is best suitable for Minna city in Niger State, Nigeria. This is done by modifying some existing empirical propagation models-Free space, Hata, CCIR and Ericsson path loss models-to suit Minna city using VHF television signals of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Minna, channel 10. The station transmits at 210.25 MHz for video signal. The signal levels of the transmitted signal were measured along five radial routes from the transmitting station with a digital signal level meter, and Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to measure the corresponding distances. Data processing and computation were carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft (MS) Excel software package. The results showed that the Ericsson model gave more accurate prediction for path loss in Minna city after general modification with the correction factor of -38.72 and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 6.34 dB.