Physical optics and field-strength predictions for wireless systems

Physical optics, or Fresnel–Kirchhoff theory, is often used for studies of particular problems in terrestrial radio-wave propagation. With efficient techniques of numerical integration, it can also be used effectively for routine predictions and for designing terrestrial wireless systems. A computer program of this type has been in use for several years. It is most useful in situations in which the base station (BS) antenna is above local clutter, and over areas large enough that ground cover can be characterized with categories such as “open,” “forest,” “dense residential,” etc., rather than individual buildings. The main calculation is a marching algorithm that simulates diffraction over all the variations in terrain height along radials from the BS. A secondary calculation estimates the additional attenuation due to buildings and trees close to the mobile antenna. This part of the calculation is based on several parameters characterizing the local environment of the mobile antenna. Calculations are slow compared to many traditional methods, but are fast enough for routine use on a PC.