Issues Associated with Decimeter Waves Propagation at 0.6, 1.0 and 2.0 Peak Fresnel Zone Levels

Radio waves propagation is dependent on many variables. Any of these variables employed must ensure that the antennae at both sides of the link can see each other. This is because the radio horizon extends beyond the optical horizon. Inspite of this porch, telecommunications’ long distance signal suffer degradation. The ratio of the transmitted power to the receiver power is empirically deteriorated. The level of the received signal fluctuation is usually a function of the configured characteristics between the TX-antenna and the RX-antenna. In view of this, operating considerations are usually focused on LOS, NLOS and the FZ of the area, among other environmental issues. The study, therefore, focuses on issues associated with Radio waves propagation under Fresnel zone peak levels of 0.6, 1.0 and 2.0. Five locations were considered along a major economic route (Eket-Mobil Oil giant and Uyo capital city). Signal strength pattern along the route was evaluated using a wireless radio link established in all the surveyed interceptions. This aided to determine any impeding structure tending to obstruct signal propagation; and measurements were taken at five respective nodes along the route. Results indicated the best line-of-sight (LOS) at Etinan (-81dB signal strength). AfahaNsit, recorded the second best on the table (-82dB). On the other hand, locations like Eket and Nsit-Ubium established very poor line-of-sight (signal strength of -84dB and - 83dB respectively). The study further noted that obstruction like trees along the route to Eket contributed greatly to the poor results obtained at the terminal point of the signal; except for the meticulous positioning of the antennae. The variance recorded in this work from the previously reported study by the same author, was due to modified Fresnel zone levels and corresponding decrease in transmitting frequency. Comparatively, it was observed that the reduction in the channel frequency, increased the rate of attenuation across the locations, as well as the signal strength.