Indoor propagation model for TV Whitespace

Abstract

TV White Space (TVWS) is the unused channels in the TV spectrum. Spectrum is a scarce resource that should be efficiently and effectively used. Few propagation models for short distances(less than 1 Kilometer) have been reported especially for indoor environment. There is need to study the effectiveness of using the TVWS channel in relation to the existing propagation models to establish results for deployment in indoor environment. The indoor environment of CEDAT new building was used to determine the white spaces. The RF Explorer and a Yagi antenna were used with monitoring software (Clear Wave). The thresholds used were -90dBm and -95dBm for determining white spaces. The Register Transfer Level-Software Defined Radio (RTL-SDR) was used to receive signals transmitted by the HackRf-One at 560MHz. RF Explorer was used for measurement at floors 1(0-30 meters), floor 2(0-30 meters) then floor 3(0-18 meters) at 2 meters intervals from the transmitter. The measured results were compared with existing propagation models ITU-R P.1238, Linear Attenuation model (LAM) and COST 231 Multi-Wall model (MWM). The existing models vary from measurement results with a minimum average deviation of 2dB and maximum average deviation of 10dB; however MWM showed least deviation on floor 2, 3 and through walls with average deviation of 4dB.