MECHANISMS GOVERNING UHF PROPAGATION ON SINGLE FLOORS IN MODERN OFFICE BUILDINGS

Because of the potential implementation of indoor wireless local area networks (LAN's) and personal communication networks (PCN) it is important to understand propagation of signals in the UHF band inside buildings. This paper explores features of office buildings of modern construction that influences propagation between transmitter and receiver located on the same floor. One feature is the clear space between ceiling and furnishings or floor that results in excess attenuation of the signal. A second feature is reflection and transmission at interior and exterior walls. Diffraction at corners and propagation along the exterior wall are also shown to be a significant means for radiation to reach the receivers. The influence of the first two features are combined into a computer program that evaluates the sector average signal, which is then compared with measurements.