Assumptions used for model

To conveniently generate a propagation model, a number of assumptions about the location, the terrain, and the antenna were made, applicable to all cell sites of the type examined. As listed below, they are

 

1. If the elevation was constant throughout a cell site, then there would be absolutely zero power loss compensation by diffraction. In other words, the electric field at point ‘B’ any unobstructed distance away from a point ‘A’, both points at the same elevation on a flat surface, will have a negligible field component that is diffracted from A to B.

2. The azimuth of the antenna significantly limits the power received in areas not within a particular range of the antenna.

3. The Friis free space propagation model (path-loss exponent of 2) would be applicable if the elevation is constant throughout a cell.

4. The material properties of the earth do not vary considerably as a function of location on the surface of a cell site. Further, there is no considerable variation of the material properties from one cell site to another.

 

These are generic assumptions. More specific ones are also used in the theory sections.