Measurement arrangement for the estimation of path loss exponent in wireless sensor network

• Published in: 2012 8th International Conference on Computing and Convergence Technology pp. 807 - 812
• Main Authors: Chuan Chin Pu, Soo Yong Lim, Pei Cheng Ooi
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.12.2012
• Subjects: Accuracy; Distance measurement; Estimation; Location estimation; Loss measurement; path loss model; Power measurement; Propagation losses; radio propagation; Radio transmitters; ranging; received signal strength; Receivers; Wireless communication; Wireless sensor networks
• ISBN: 1467308943; 9781467308946

Path loss model is generally used to relate distance and signal strength in wireless applications. This has been widely implemented in ranging, localization, and location tracking systems. A range of extension models have been proposed to enhance the performance for various environments and applications. Nevertheless, path loss exponent remains its significance as the main factor in the model regardless of how the model is varied. Based on the nature as an exponent of the model, inaccurate path loss exponent amplifies the error if it is used to estimate distance from received signal strength. Therefore, measurement of accurate value for path loss exponent becomes very important as it directly influences the output of distance estimation. Researchers have been studying the methods of measuring accurate path loss exponent in various environments. Instead of emphasizing the calculation process, this paper focuses more on the allocation of transmitters and receivers, and the arrangement among them. From the results obtained from experiments, properly arranged transmitter and receiver nodes provides better estimation of the path loss exponent. Based on the results, this paper also proposes a suitable nodes arrangement scheme for path loss exponent estimation.