Ray tracing and channel modelling for slant communication links

Abstract

Wireless communication was discovered during the late 1890s, early 1900s period. James Clerk Maxwell had originally predicted the presence of electromagnetic (EM) waves. Heinrich Hertz verified Maxwell‟s equations and his prediction was valid. He then introduced the first form of wireless communication using a spark transmitter and resonator receiver to send signals wirelessly. Guglielmo Marconi found out that the transmission distance could be increased by earthing the transmitter and receiver. He improvised on Hertz‟s design and developed a wirelessly telegraphy system. Since then, wireless communication has evolved rapidly to provide us with the current technology that we enjoy today. The final year project aims to look at the characterization of wireless communication on board a ship. This report serves to provide a detailed description of the behaviours of wireless signal. The literature review will provide a description of the 5 behavioural aspects of wireless communication; waveguide effect, reflection, refraction, diffraction and free-space path loss. The report also compares results obtained from calculation, simulation and experiment. Simulations of the wireless communication models were performed using Wireless InSite.