Analysis of Link Loss in Wireless Mesh Networks Based on Field Trials in Disaster Communication Scenarios

Abstract

In this paper, we analyse received signal strength data from large-scale field trials, simulating realistic user behavior during a disaster event in build-up areas. Based on a simple framework, we identify the overall behavior of the link loss versus distance, as well as the characteristics of random local variability in the link loss. Particularly, we analyse the cross-correlation in the random variation between pairs of links, in dependence of the separation angle between them. Given the extent of the data set, we believe the findings have statistical significance and can be used as a reference for calibrating models in simulation of mesh network performance. To this end, we discus the main contributing effects to link loss variability, including environment and body loss shadowing.