Path Loss Models in Dense Urban Areas: A study of Lagos Island, Nigeria

Path loss is a major factor affecting the performance of wireless networks in dense urban areas. This paper investigates the path loss models in Lagos Island, Nigeria, a dense urban area with high-rise buildings and high population density. This paper presents a detailed large-scale 3D ray-tracing investigation of the Lagos Island environment. Path loss analysis was conducted using the Close-In path loss model at 700 MHz for a TR/RX height of 20/2 m. The optimal path loss prediction model for the investigated environment was compared with existing empirical models, and the results show favorable agreement. The Close-in path loss model had a better prediction accuracy with an RMSE of 0.4331 dB, the ECC-33 path loss model achieved an accuracy with the least RMSE of 0.6743 dB. The EGLI path loss prediction model showed a pessimistic performance with the highest RMSE of 2.2496 dB, followed by Hata-Okumura with 1.9606 dB and COST231 extension-to-Hata path loss model with 1.9399 dB. Network service providers can adapt the projected 4G LTE network path loss prediction model to benchmark-related wireless propagation environments. The findings of this study are important for network service providers in Lagos Island and other dense urban areas. The study provides insights into the factors that affect path loss in these areas, and it can help network service providers optimize their transmit power and improve the performance of their wireless networks in areas where 5G is still in development and pilot trials like Nigeria and other parts of developing nations.