The infuence of atmospheric radio refractivity on the WiMAX signal level in the areas of weak coverage

Abstract

The infuence of weather conditions on the signal level of the fourth generation (4G) wireless mobile network, working on the WiMAX standard, has been examined. The data of measurements are presented. The power level of the received signal was continuously measured and compared to the calculated values of atmospheric radio refractivity. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) method for determination of radio refractivity-value has been used. In the ITU method, the measured data of air temperature, pressure, and relative humidity are used. It was examined if changes of signal level and variations of the radio refractivity-value occur at the same time. The long-term measurements were carried out at the same time and place. The experiment was carried out in an area of weak coverage. It was concluded that in the areas of weak coverage, 4G (WiMAX) signals are strongly in°uenced by variations of the atmospheric radio refractivity.