Elevation angle effect on slant path attenuation along earth-space paths: A Northern Nigeria perspective

Abstract In the network planning and design of terrestrial earth-space communication links, slant path attenuation caused by rain its associated strong winds is interest. Rain causes severe link degradation to radio links absorbing parts or whole signal during propagation. This study predicts in three (3) Northern Nigerian zones using International Telecommunications Unions (ITU-R) model for 10 40 GHz. The effect specific attenuation, elevation angle on received strength analyzed. ITU-R suggests values ranging from 4.26 dB 31.67 Jaji, Wudil, Potiskum. results further indicate a decrease with an increase up 50.1° monitored stations, which starts steadily after this threshold. Results can aid engineer anticipating changes fade mitigation techniques where necessary.