Path Loss Characterization of Long Term Evolution Network for Lagos, Nigeria

Results of propagation measurements campaign at 1900MHz in selected hotspot areas in Lagos, Nigeria, were compared against predictions made by some existing path loss models. Findings showed that the free space model, Ericsson 9999 model, ECC-33 model, and the SUI model over predict the path loss along the investigated routes in the hotspot areas, with root mean squared errors (RMSEs), relatively higher than the acceptable range of up to 6.0dB. The COST 231-Hata model showed the most promising performance with RMSEs of 4.63dB, 7.36dB and 4.45dB at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ikorodu and Oniru, respectively. In order to improve the prediction accuracy of the COST 231 Hata model, there is a need to optimize the model. Results showed that the optimized model predicted the path loss obtained from the fixed base stations at UNILAG, Ikorodu and Oniru with improved RMSEs of 4.61dB, 5.70dB and 4.43dB, respectively. These RMSEs are found to be within the acceptable range of up to 6.0dB; and are acceptable for quality signal prediction in the investigated environments.