A Comparison of Path Loss Models for WiMAX in Suburban and Open Urban Environments

WiMAX signals, like all RF signals, are susceptible to path loss as it propagates through various terrains. Path loss is a crucial consideration in the link budget to close a wireless link. This paper investigates the applicability of the COST-231 Hata, the Stanford University Interim (SUI) and the Egli models in estimating the path loss of WiMAX signals in the 2360-2390 MHz. Path loss measured in Cyberjaya, Malaysia is compared to the theoretical path loss estimated by the various models. The results conclude that the COST-231 Hata model is the best model in predicting the path loss in open urban and suburban environments in Cyberjaya. The COST-231 Hata model estimated a path loss exponent of 3.59 at 2m and 4m respectively. For suburban environment, the measured path loss exponent values were 2.68 and 2.50 for 2m and 4m respectively, while for the open urban environment, the measured path loss exponent values at 2m and 4m were 3.31 and 3.14 respectively. In both environments, the SUI and Egli models over-estimated the path loss experienced in the 2360-2390MHz band.