An empirical path loss model for wireless sensor network deployment in a sand terrain environment

Abstract

This paper presents a Radio Frequency (RF) propagation model to predict path loss between wireless sensor nodes deployed in a sand terrain environment. The model is derived from RF measurements of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) physical deployment. The model is compared with models obtained from WSN deployments in other environments, such as ones characterized by long grass and sparse tree. The comparison between these different environments demonstrates differences in empirical models' parameters and, as a result, path loss predicted by these models. Furthermore, the comparison between path loss predicted by the proposed model and largely used theoretical models such as Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) and Two-Ray indicates the inaccuracy of these models in predicting path loss between wireless sensor nodes deployed in sand terrain environments.