Radioclimatic Variable Characterization and Statistical Validation for Tropical Microwave Link Applications
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Date
2024-06-24
Journal Title
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Publisher
Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review
Abstract
The main factor impairing radio wave propagation is atmospheric refraction. To account for fade margin, a crucial
component of a reliable radio link, accurate estimates of the refractivity gradient and geoclimatic factor are vital for radiowave
signal transmission. In this study, three years of data from 2019 to 2021, collected from six distinct locations in
Nigeria were utilized to analyse the radioclimatic variables to determine their influences on microwave linkages. The
obtained values for surface refractivity show seasonal variation, with higher values during the wet season and lower values
during harmattan. Makurdi, located in the north of the country, is mostly impacted by sub-refraction, whilst Lagos and
Port-Harcourt, in the south, are impacted by super-refraction. The findings demonstrate that the shift of the intertropical
discontinuity had an impact on how the seasons varied across the studied locations. The result would be an excellent tool
for designing microwave wireless links in Nigeria.