Assessment of 5G (Sub-6 GHz) Propagation Characteristics in Urban Microcells in Nigeria
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Assessment of 5G (Sub-6 GHz) Propagation Characteristics in Urban Microcells in Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The evolution of wireless communication systems has progressed rapidly from first-generation (1G) analog systems to the fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology. 5G networks are designed to support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC), enabling applications such as smart cities, autonomous systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced multimedia services (Andrews et al., 2014; Dahlman, Parkvall, & Sköld, 2018).
To achieve these capabilities, 5G systems operate across two major spectrum ranges: millimeter wave (mmWave) bands and Sub-6 GHz frequency bands. While mmWave provides extremely high data rates, Sub-6 GHz frequencies are preferred for broader coverage, better penetration, and cost-effective deployment, especially in developing countries (Rappaport et al., 2017). In Nigeria, regulatory spectrum allocation for early 5G deployment primarily focuses on Sub-6 GHz bands due to infrastructure readiness and propagation advantages in dense urban settings.
Accurate radio propagation modeling is fundamental to wireless network design and optimization. Propagation models predict signal attenuation (path loss), shadow fading, and multipath effects between base stations and mobile users. These predictions are essential for cell planning, interference management, and quality of service (QoS) assurance (Goldsmith, 2005). However, propagation behavior varies significantly depending on environmental characteristics such as building density, street orientation, vegetation, and terrain irregularities.
Urban microcell (UMi) environments are characterized by relatively low base station heights (typically below rooftop level), short inter-site distances, and dense building structures. These conditions create complex propagation mechanisms involving diffraction, reflection, scattering, and shadowing (3GPP, 2018). While standardized models such as the 3GPP Urban Microcell (UMi) model, Close-In (CI) model, and Floating Intercept (FI) model are widely used globally, their prediction accuracy depends on local calibration (Rappaport et al., 2015).
In Nigeria, urban cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt exhibit unique environmental features including irregular building patterns, high-rise commercial complexes, informal settlements, and tropical vegetation. These factors may influence signal propagation differently compared to environments where existing models were originally developed. Consequently, there is a need for empirical validation and performance evaluation of 5G Sub-6 GHz propagation models under Nigerian urban microcell conditions.
This study therefore evaluates the performance of selected 5G Sub-6 GHz propagation models using field measurement data collected in Nigerian urban microcell environments, with the aim of determining their prediction accuracy and suitability for network planning.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Efficient deployment of 5G networks requires accurate propagation models to minimize coverage gaps, reduce interference, and optimize infrastructure costs. Most existing propagation models were developed and validated using measurement campaigns conducted in Europe, Asia, and North America (3GPP, 2018; Rappaport et al., 2017). These models may not adequately capture the unique morphological and environmental characteristics of Nigerian urban microcells.
Inaccurate propagation predictions can lead to overestimation or underestimation of coverage areas, resulting in poor network performance, increased operational costs, and degraded user experience. Despite Nigeria’s growing investment in 5G technology, there is limited empirical research evaluating the performance of Sub-6 GHz propagation models under local urban microcell conditions.
Therefore, there is a need to assess the accuracy of existing 5G Sub-6 GHz propagation models using real-world measurement data collected in Nigerian cities and to determine whether model adjustments are necessary for improved reliability.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
Aim
To evaluate the performance of selected 5G Sub-6 GHz propagation models in Nigerian urban microcell environments.
Objectives
To conduct field measurements of signal strength and path loss in selected Nigerian urban microcell environments.
To implement selected 5G propagation models, including the Close-In (CI), Floating Intercept (FI), and 3GPP Urban Microcell (UMi) models.
To compare measured path loss data with model predictions.
To evaluate model performance using statistical error metrics such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE).
To determine the most suitable propagation model for Nigerian urban microcell deployment.
1.4 Research Questions
How does signal propagation behave at Sub-6 GHz frequencies in Nigerian urban microcell environments?
How accurately do existing 5G propagation models predict path loss in these environments?
Which propagation model provides the lowest prediction error under Nigerian urban conditions?
Is there a need for model parameter optimization to improve prediction accuracy?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
H₀₁: There is no significant difference between measured path loss values and predicted values from selected 5G propagation models in Nigerian urban microcells.
H₀₂: The performance of standard 3GPP UMi, CI, and FI models does not significantly differ when applied to Nigerian urban microcell environments.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant in several ways:
Network Planning: It provides empirical data for more accurate 5G network design in Nigeria.
Policy and Regulation: It supports evidence-based spectrum planning and infrastructure development.
Academic Contribution: It adds to the limited body of knowledge on 5G propagation modeling in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Economic Impact: Improved prediction accuracy reduces deployment costs and enhances service quality.
The findings will benefit telecommunications operators, regulatory bodies, researchers, and engineers involved in 5G deployment.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This research focuses on Sub-6 GHz frequency bands allocated for 5G deployment in Nigeria. The study is limited to urban microcell environments within selected Nigerian cities. It evaluates empirical propagation models using field measurement data and statistical performance metrics. Millimeter wave propagation and rural macrocell environments are outside the scope of this study.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
5G (Fifth Generation): The latest generation of mobile communication technology designed for enhanced speed, low latency, and massive connectivity (Dahlman et al., 2018).
Sub-6 GHz: Frequency spectrum below 6 GHz used for wide-area 5G coverage.
Urban Microcell (UMi): A small-cell deployment scenario with low base station height and short coverage radius (3GPP, 2018).
Path Loss: Reduction in signal strength as it propagates through space (Goldsmith, 2005).
RMSE: Root Mean Square Error, a statistical metric used to measure prediction accuracy.
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