Air-to-land channel characterization

Abstract

This report constitutes the analysis of the complex characterizing of the air to land communication channel flight trial experiment conducted on the 12th February 2009. The analysis focuses on the effects of ducting affecting the wireless link using frequency of 5.69GHz operating in the C band. The experiment was conducted over three main flight altitudes of 400m, 1000m and 2000m above sea level in favor of maximizing the potential to observe ducting effect. The analysis involves a comprehensive understanding of the equipment set up in various experimental environments utilizing the Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum channel sounding technique with Pseudo-Noise (PN). Determination and justification of several factors to be included in the analysis shaped the focus of this report in order to meet the objectives to analyze this phenomenon. Channel measurement involving the duct heights and signal angles were compared to formulate the conditions for any signals to be subjected to ducting effects over this propagation channel.