Simulation of radio relay link performance using a deterministic 3D wave propagation model

Presents an approach for the prediction of radio relay link performance (probability distribution of path loss and IBLAD) and diversity improvement parameters (space, angle, pattern diversity) under varying tropospherical propagation conditions (k-factor-statistics, refractive index structure). Based on a deterministic 3D wave propagation model, the statistical behavior of the propagation conditions is simulated for varying input parameters according to available meteorological statistics. The wave propagation model takes into account scattering and diffraction in the vertical transmitter-receiver plane, and in addition rough surface scattering in the real three-dimensional environment. A digital terrain database for topographical and morphographical information is applied. The influence of the atmosphere is modeled with respect to k-factor-statistics, or, if the refractive index structure is available, by a ray-tracing algorithm