Investigation of propagation characteristics of UHF waves in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Propagation characteristics of 2.0 GHz ultra high frequency (UHF) waves in Akwa Ibom State (lat. 4.50°N 5.50°N, long. 7.50°E 8.30°E), Nigeria, have been investigated along their line-of-sight (LOS) links. The LOS was obtained in all the cities in the state where the investigation was conducted. There is good agreement between measured and calculated values of Fresnel zone clearance deducted from path profile. The difference between measured and calculated values varies from 0.92 m to 1.68 m for 0.6 zone number and from 2.56 m to 4.68 m for 2.0 zone number. Also calculated and measured values of path loss (isotropic radiator) vary in the range 109.09-132.00 dB for 0.6 zone number to 110.66-132.72 dB for 2.0 zone number. Results further show that signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are in the range of from – 87 to – 80 dm and 11-18 dB, respectively. Receiving antennae heights fall within 0.6-1.0 Fresnel zone numbers for good reception of UHF signals in Akwa Ibom State. City or degree of urbanization influences UHF propagation in a characteristic manner.