Comparison of Large-Scale Fading Models with RSRP Measurements

Abstract

Ray tracing methods are gaining popularity for modeling the propagation conditions of wireless links. This adds them to a series of propagation models for wireless channels, making the choice of the appropriate model difficult. This paper evaluates the reliability of several large-scale fading models by comparison with reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements obtained through a drive test in a low-rise urban environment in the 1.855 GHz band. The models integrate different levels of information regarding the link environment. The results show that all models underestimate the propagation loss and that an increase in available information about the environment does not always enhance the accuracy of a model. For system-level simulation, a statistical approach shows the best results, especially in absence of reliable environmental data.