Modeling Processes of Radio Wave Propagation in Urban Areas

Currently, the need for the development of data networks and the latest generation of mobile communications is increasing significantly. The problem of locating base station and calculating maximum coverage areas is associated with calculating the propagation of radio waves in an urban environment. Various ways to solve this problem are used: the Okamura-Hata technique, the Walfish-Ikegami model, etc. The work uses the split-step parabolic-equation (SSPE) model. However, when analyzing the behavior of the electromagnetic field, it is necessary to solve the problem of the lack of information about the urban area. For this purpose, it is advisable to use programs that have building geometry data.The article presents the results of modeling radio wave propagation processes using the one-dimensional and two-dimensional parabolic equation method using a model of an urban area based on the "Overpass turbo" service. The article also presents the results of verification of the parabolic equation and geometric optics methods, as well as the results of verification of two discrete Fourier transforms: sine and cosine. Calculations are carried out in MATLAB/GNU Octave.To simulate the processes of radio wave propagation, a code was written that creates a model of an urban area. The program opens a file from Overpass Turbo, saved in .JSON format, for reading, displays information about coordinates from it, and builds a model based on the received data. Buildings are approximated by structures of simple geometric shapes. The result of the work is the construction of field distribution graphs for urban development in each section. The graphs show the shadow area of each building and the diffraction effect. To locate base station antennas, it is necessary to select a location that has the smallest shadow area in buildings.