[Openbts-discuss] Hata model coverage estimates

[David A. B. <dbu...@jc...>]

All -

I still owe John a complete answer on coverage estimates.  I ran some  
numbers using the Hata model.  Here we go...

For the 50' mast (16 m), our estimated range is 6 km for the suburban  
model and 20 km for the open rural model.

For the 75' mast (22 m), our estimated range is 7 km for the suburban  
model and 23 km for the open rural model.

These assume a receiver sensitivity of -110 dBm, antenna gain of 13  
dBi and cable losses of 0.22 dB/m (LMR-400) going down the mast.

Based on last year's experience, I'd say that the suburban model  
holds inside BRC and the open rural model holds for the playa outside  
of BRC, with the rural model assuming that the mast is well above the  
other ground clutter in BRC.

For reference, Gerlach is 17 km away and the playa itself is about 7  
km wide at BRC.  So if we can actually get the standard -110 dBm  
sensitivity we should be able to reach the North end of Gerlach  
wherever there's a clear view of the playa, even with the 50' mast.

I also ran the Hata model for a 10 m meter mast, 10 dBi antenna and a  
receiver sensitivity of -90 dBm, which is about what we had last  
year.  That indicated a suburban range of about 2 km, which is about  
what we had last year.  So that model matches the one data point we  
actually have.

-- David