Radio Propagation Measurement and Channel Modelling

Foreword

A full understanding of radio wave propagation is fundamental to the efficient operation of many systems, including cellular communications, radio detection and ranging (RADAR) and global positioning system (GPS) navigation to name a few. It is essential in these, and other systems, to be able to measure or ‘sound out’ the channel and collect the channel impulse or frequency response characteristic. This may then be used in the transmitter and/or receiver to ensure that data or other traffic is transferred in the most effective manner with minimal distortion, interference and signal loss. With relative motion between the transmitter or receiver, for example from a moving vehicle, these responses will vary with time and the channel characteristic will require to be continuously updated.

Radio propagation has been a well-studied topic in laboratories worldwide, over many decades, most probably starting in earnest with the advent of wireless communication systems in the 1950s.

This new volume, from a recognized UK expert, provides an excellent summary of the state of the art in channel models, sounders, propagation and data analysis with application examples to current wireless standards and will be an essential addition to the library collection of many of today's practitioners in wireless communications.

Peter GrantEmeritus Regius Professor of Engineering,The University of EdinburghAugust 2012