Architectural features and urban propagation

• Published in: IEEE transactions on antennas and propagation Vol. 54; no. 3; pp. 774 - 784
• Main Authors: Dimitriou, A.G., Sergiadis, G.D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.03.2006; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Antennas; Applied sciences; Buildings; Computer simulation; Diffraction; Diffraction, scattering, reflection; Doors; Exact sciences and technology; Frequency; Geometrical theory of diffraction; Light scattering; Mathematical models; Physical theory of diffraction; Power measurement; Predictive models; Propagation; propagation modeling; Propagation modes; Radio transmitters; Radiocommunications; radiocoverage; Radiowave propagation; Ray tracing; Studies; Telecommunications; Telecommunications and information theory; uniform geometrical theory of diffraction (UTD); urban areas; Urban environments; Wave propagation; Windows; Wireless communication; Wireless communications; Electromagnetic wave scattering; Electromagnetic wave diffraction; Wireless telecommunication; Radiation source; Urban area; urban areas; Modeling; radiocoverage; Wave propagation; Diffraction; Electromagnetic wave propagation; Simulation; uniform geometrical theory of diffraction (UTD); Power distribution; Telecommunication system; Ray tracing; Structural model; Geometrical theory of diffraction; Propagation mode; propagation modeling
• ISSN: 0018-926X; 1558-2221
• DOI: 10.1109/TAP.2006.869919

Radiocoverage measurements in urban environments often unveil unexpected power distribution patterns. Architectural features seem to be the cause of this behavior, as demonstrated in this paper. We demonstrate that the elements of a typical building facade, such as windows, exterior doors, balconies and railings, should be considered as significant "sources" of EM radiation in several current wireless communication systems. We propose a method for modeling the influence of those scatterers in EM wave propagation. In our model, the major structural elements are represented by two sets of orthogonally arranged wedges. The uniform geometrical theory of diffraction is employed to calculate the scattering field. The simulation results show that such "urban" scatterers may create a dominant propagation mode in an urban canyon. Our predictions are additionally verified by experimental measurements, performed at two different sites. Finally, the influence of roadside foliage is investigated and conclusions are drawn on the resultant field