Channel Modelling

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of a given channel coding and processing technique before construction, some model of the channel must be developed that adequately describes the environment. Such analysis reduces the cost of developing a complex system by reducing the amount of hardware that has to be developed for evaluation of performance. Theoretical models have a second advantage in their ability to reproduce a channel for comparison between various communication strategies, resulting in an accurate measure of relative performance.

Indoor channels are highly dependent upon the placement of walls and partitions within the building. In such cases, a model of the environment is a useful design tool in constructing a layout that leads to efficient communication strategies. To achieve this aim, a channel model of an indoor environment must be applied to various layout plans of offices which will lead to the characterisation of design methodologies. Much work has been carried out in measuring the channel in buildings of various layouts, and structural compositions. In order to combine these results, some unified model of an indoor channel must be developed.

A channel model is useful in determining the mechanisms by which propagation in the indoor environment occurs, which in turn is useful in the development of a communication system. By examining the details of how a signal is propagated from the transmitter to the receiver for a number of experimental locations, a generic model may be developed that highlights the important characteristics of a given indoor environment. Generic models of indoor communications can then be applied to specific situations to describe the operation of a radio system, and may also be used to generate building designs that are particularly well-disposed to supporting radio communication systems.