Propagation Model Details

Common Link Budget

Each model starts with the same link budget, derives the allowed path loss, and then converts that loss into distance.

Required edge RSSI = cell edge RSSI target + link margin
Allowed path loss = EIRP + RX antenna gain - required edge RSSI

Example: with EIRP 22dBm, RX antenna gain 1dBi, cell edge RSSI target -70dBm, and 0dB link margin, the allowed path loss is 93dB.

Advanced RX sensitivity mode uses receiver sensitivity plus link margin instead of a direct cell-edge target.

Free Space FSPL

Role: A standard free-space attenuation model, as used in references such as ITU-R P.525.

FSPL = 32.44 + 20log10(f MHz) + 20log10(d km)

Use: Theoretical upper-bound range under clear line-of-sight, or a baseline for model comparison.

Caution: It excludes walls, floors, people, furniture, reflection, and interference, so it is optimistic for indoor Wi-Fi design.

LOS PLE 2.2

Role: A log-distance path loss model using exponent 2.2, slightly more conservative than the free-space exponent 2.0.

d = (lambda / 4pi) * 10 ^ (pathLoss / (10 * 2.2))

Use: A modest line-of-sight estimate when the path is visible but not as ideal as free space.

Caution: The 2.2 exponent is an empirical approximation, not a regulatory or official Wi-Fi rule.

Indoor High-Ceiling PLE 3.3

Role: An empirical indoor log-distance model with lighter attenuation than the other indoor presets.

d = 10 ^ ((pathLoss - 40) / (10 * 3.3))

Use: Warehouses, factories, gyms, halls, and other high-ceiling spaces where line-of-sight components may remain.

Caution: It may be optimistic when metal racks, equipment, or dense occupancy dominate the environment.

Indoor Cubes PLE 3.6

Role: An empirical indoor model for partitioned or cubicle-style office areas.

d = 10 ^ ((pathLoss - 40) / (10 * 3.6))

Use: Work areas with low partitions and relatively open office layouts.

Caution: It does not model the number or material of walls individually.

Indoor Office PLE 3.8

Role: An empirical model for typical indoor office environments. It is the most conservative of the standard indoor presets.

d = 10 ^ ((pathLoss - 40) / (10 * 3.8))

Use: Rough estimates for offices, meeting rooms, and floors with walls and furniture.

Caution: It does not replace a site survey or measured validation.

COST-231 Hata Suburban

Role: The suburban correction of a well-known outdoor cellular empirical model. This tool treats it as an advanced reference model.

d = 1000 * 10 ^ (
  (pathLoss - 46.3 - 33.9log10(fMHz)
   + 13.82log10(hBase) + a(hMobile) - Cm)
  / (44.9 - 6.55log10(hBase))
)

Use: Outdoor or semi-outdoor reference estimates when environmental attenuation beyond FSPL is desired.

Caution: COST-231 Hata is primarily a cellular empirical model and is outside its original intended range for 5GHz/6GHz Wi-Fi. It is kept as an Advanced option, not a standard Wi-Fi model.

COST-231 Hata Urban

Role: The urban correction of COST-231 Hata. It is stricter than Suburban and produces shorter distances.

Use: More conservative outdoor or urban reference estimates.

Caution: This is also not a standard Wi-Fi design model. For normal indoor AP placement, prefer the Indoor PLE presets.

Practical Use

References

• ITU-R P.525: Free-space attenuation
• ITU-R P.1238: Indoor propagation
• 3GPP TR 38.901: Channel models