Investigating the Performance of Point to Multipoint Microwave Connectivity across Undulating Landscape during Rainfall

Wilson Nwankwo; Kingsley Ukhurebor

doi:10.46481/jnsps.2019.16

Authors

Wilson Nwankwo Software Engineering/Cyber Physical Lab, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Edo University Iyamho, P.M.B. 04 Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria
Kingsley Ukhurebor
[email protected]
Climatic/Environmental/Telecommunication Physics Unit, Department of Physics, Edo University Iyamho, P.M.B. 04 Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria

Keywords:

Landscape, Microwave, Nodes, Performance, Signal

Abstract

One of the most debated issues surrounding wireless connectivity is performance especially under different topographic and climatic scenarios. Performance has a direct relationship with throughput measured in terms of how well a given wireless connectivity provides consistent services over a given period compared to the wired alternative. Research has shown that wireless connectivity is constrained by significant physical components such as topography, weather conditions, propagation frequency, and distance. It is commonplace to see notable vendors of wireless network products make claims as to how their technologies are designed to remedy any signal degradation that may arise from the aforementioned physical elements. This paper is aimed at evaluating the performance of a point to multipoint connectivity using Ubiquiti’s 5.8 GHz Point to Multipoint Base Stations deployed within a landscape marked by series of undulating highlands and lowlands. In this experiment, a base station node is established with connectivity to two other nodes of same specifications with one node as the destination radio whereas the other acts as the control which is located on a table land. The nodes were separated by triangular distances of 3 km and network connectivity was maintained over thirty days during periods of rainfall. Packets sent and received across each node was carefully recorded. The results from the analysis showed that packet losses to and from the control node was significantly lower than that of the other node under same weather conditions.

Author Biography

Wilson Nwankwo, Software Engineering/Cyber Physical Lab, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Edo University Iyamho, P.M.B. 04 Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria

Wilson Nwankwo holds a Ph.D in Information Technology, an M.Sc. in Computer Science, an MBA, a BSc in Business Computing and a LLB in Law. He is currently an Associate Professor in Software Engineering/Cyber Security at Edo University Iyamho Nigeria. Dr Nwankwo is a core industry expert and prior to joining the academic career train, he spent over 17 years in strategic management capacities and on ICT Projects in reputable organizations. He is an active member of learned professional societies including: Nigeria Computer Society; Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria; Project Management Institute; Information Systems Audit & Control Association (ISACA); Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers; Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria to name a few. His research interests are: Intelligent Enterprise Systems; Soft computing; Artificial Intelligence; Analytics; Embedded systems, Wireless Networks, and high availability Data systems.

Dimensions

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