Drone Based 3-Dimensional Measurement and Analysis of Wireless Signal Propagation in Urban Environments

Abstract

Wireless mesh networks are an alternative means of home Internet delivery that could provide cheaper connectivity options for Americans. Connecting wireless links has its challenges due to obstacles and interference in the environment. This work proposes a robust, 3-dimensional measurement technique to assess the propagation of a wireless signal in an urban environment. The Drone Based Measurement (DBM) system collects spatial and spectral datasets and joins these into point clouds representing signal propagation. This system was used to measure wireless link propagation during a simulation in the Friend Center courtyard and, using aggregation-based analysis, found that the courtyard actually provides a more favorable configuration for signal propagation than an open field. The DBM system could be used to perform simulations around many other urban features, enabling new entrants into the wireless home Internet delivery space to build better mesh networks.