An exact radio propagation model is important for coping up with new challenges in the field of communication like: appropriate design, deployment and service management strategies for any wireless network. Analysis of path loss for outdoor propagation models is important for the purpose of signal coverage prediction, data reception, reception schemes, and analysis of signal attenuation under different environments. The aim of this work is to survey different outdoor propagation models with respect to empirical data collected from DIT University (formally Dehradun Institute of Technology), Dehradun by drive testing using TEMS Investigation tools at 1. 8GHz. Predication of path loss is based on obtaining the mean received power distribution at specified receiver distance from the respective GSM base station. The measurement process was based on signal strength measurement and the study revealed that out of all the outdoor propagation models. COST Hata model, COST Hata W-B model and Ericsson model approximated the measurement characteristics and hence they can be deployed for network planning in this region and select the best propagation model for that region. Measurement process of signal strength and data collection methodology also discuss in this paper.

Path loss TEMS Drive testing Outdoor propagation models COST Hata COST Hata WB Ericsson model Comparative analysis Model selection