Prediction of WiMAX radio wave propagation over outdoor irregular terrains and spacing

In this paper, the prediction of electromagnetic propagation coverage of WiMAX base station over irregular terrain locations is presented. Investigation is performed for WiMAX base station in plain, heavy, and medium terrain locations at different directions surrounding the base station located in Sharm-Al-Shiekh city. Calculations are conducted employing the well-known Longley-Rice propagation model. The theoretical calculation concepts of the employed electromagnetic propagation model are discussed. The predicted coverage employing Longley-Rice model was compared to the predicted coverage employing the basic typical free space model, which accounts only for free space loss, at two different altitudes of the possible receiver, 2m, and 30m. 29km beyond LOS communication was found to be possible in directions of plain terrain as predicted by Longley-Rice model, however, many blind zones appeared inside the circle of the free space model in the directions of medium and heavy terrains. For better visual insight, results (predicted coverage) were presented over colorful Google-Maps with 90m resolution.