Spring Semester
5
2024-2025
IT439
Wireless and Mobile Networks
Kamal Hamza, PhD Acknowledgement: This presentation contains
some figures and text from Balanis, C. A. Antenna
Theory: Analysis and Design, 4th Edition, Wiley
Part 1
Antennas
Fade Margin
Fade margin (also known as fading margin or link margin) is the extra signal power
(measured in decibels, dB) built into a wireless communication system to ensure that a
signal remains above the minimum threshold needed for reliable reception, even under
adverse conditions.
Fade Margin (cont.)
Formula for Fade Margin
Fade Margin=Received Signal Strength−Minimum Required Signal
Where:
Received Signal Strength (RSS): The actual signal power received by the receiver.
Minimum Required Signal Strength (Rx Threshold): The lowest signal power required for
a stable connection.
If the fade margin is too low, the signal may drop when interference or fading occurs. If it is
too high, unnecessary power is used, which may lead to interference with other networks.
How Much Fade Margin is Required?
The required fade margin varies depending on:
•Frequency of operation: Higher frequencies (e.g., millimeter waves) require higher fade
margins due to greater attenuation.
•Environment: Urban areas with many buildings require more fade margin than open
rural areas.
•Reliability requirements: Mission-critical systems (e.g., military, emergency services)
require a higher fade margin.
How Much Fade Margin is Required? (cont.)
Typical Fade Margin Values:
Application Typical Fade Margin (dB)
Urban Cellular Networks (4G, 5G) 10 - 20 dB
Rural Cellular Networks 20 - 30 dB
Wi-Fi (Indoor) 10 - 15 dB
Satellite Communication 10 - 15 dB
Point-to-Point Microwave Links 20 - 40 dB
Emergency & Military Networks 30 - 50 dB
Improve Fade Margin
1. Increase Transmit Power
Boosting the power at the transmitter increases received signal strength.
Limitation: Can cause interference with nearby networks.
2. Use High-Gain Antennas
Directional antennas focus power towards the receiver.
Example: Parabolic dish antennas in satellite and microwave links.
3. Reduce Path Loss
Use lower frequencies (e.g., 900 MHz instead of 5 GHz) since they travel further.
Install repeaters or base stations in areas with high obstructions.
Improve Fade Margin (cont.)
4. Implement Diversity Techniques
Antenna Diversity: Use multiple antennas at the receiver (MIMO in 4G/5G).
Frequency Diversity: Transmit the same signal on different frequencies.
Time Diversity: Transmit the same signal at different times to avoid temporary fades.
Spatial Diversity: Place antennas at different locations to counteract deep fades.
5. Error Correction & Adaptive Techniques
Forward Error Correction (FEC): Adds redundant data to recover lost information.
Adaptive Modulation & Coding (AMC): Adjusts signal encoding based on real-time channel
conditions.
Fresnel Zone
It is a fundamental concept in wireless communication and RF signal propagation that
describes how electromagnetic waves travel between a transmitter and receiver. It helps
engineers understand signal diffraction, interference, and loss, ensuring optimal system
design.
Fresnel Zone (cont.)
Why is the Fresnel Zone Important?
• It determines how much of the signal will reach the receiver without obstruction or
interference.
• Even if there is a clear Line of Sight (LOS), objects within the Fresnel zone can cause
diffraction, attenuation, or phase shifts.
• Proper Fresnel zone clearance improves wireless link reliability in applications like
satellite communication, microwave links, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks (4G/5G).
Fresnel Zone (cont.)
There are infinite Fresnel zones, but the first three are the most significant.
A. First Fresnel Zone (Most Important)
Contains most of the transmitted energy.
If more than 40% of this zone is obstructed, significant signal degradation occurs.
Rule of thumb: At least 60% of the first Fresnel zone should remain clear.
B. Second Fresnel Zone
Carries weaker signal energy.
If obstructed, the signal is still received but suffers interference and minor loss.
C. Higher-Order Fresnel Zones
Carry even weaker energy.
Typically, their effect is negligible in practical communication links.
Fresnel Zone Calculation
The Fresnel zone radius depends on:
• Frequency of the signal (f)
• Distance between transmitter and receiver (D)
• Position along the link path (d1, d2)
The radius of the first Fresnel zone at any point is given by:
𝜆𝑑1 𝑑2
𝐹1 =
𝐷
Where:
F1 = Radius of the first Fresnel zone (meters)
λ = Wavelength of the signal (meters)
d1 = Distance from transmitter to point of interest (meters)
d2 =Distance from point of interest to receiver (meters)
D = Total distance between transmitter and receiver (meters)
Fresnel Zone in Wireless Network Design
A. How Engineers Use Fresnel Zone Analysis
• Antenna Placement: Raising antennas clears the Fresnel zone.
• Link Budget Calculations: Ensures enough power margin to compensate for obstructions.
• Microwave Link Design: Requires at least 60% Fresnel clearance.
• Wi-Fi Bridge Setup: Ensures no buildings or trees block the Fresnel zone.
B. Solutions to Fresnel Zone Obstructions
• Increase antenna height (most effective method).
• Use relay stations to bypass obstructions.
• Choose a lower frequency (larger Fresnel zones, better diffraction).
• Optimize link distance to minimize zone size.
