ITU terrain model

This model is applicable on any terrain.

This model accounts for obstructions in the middle of the telecommunication link, and therefore, is suitable to be used inside cities as well as in open fields.

Frequency: Any

Distance: Any

The model is mathematically formulated as:

${\displaystyle A\;=\;10\;-\;20\;C_{N}}$

${\displaystyle C_{N}\;=\;{\frac {h}{F_{1}}}}$

${\displaystyle h\;=\;h_{L}\;-\;h_{O}}$

${\displaystyle F_{1}\;=\;17.3\;{\sqrt {\frac {d_{1}d_{2}}{fd}}}}$

Where,

${\displaystyle A\;}$ = Additional loss (in excess of free-space loss) due to diffraction (dB)

${\displaystyle C_{N}\;}$ = Normalized terrain clearance

${\displaystyle h\;}$ = The height difference (negative in the case that the LOS path is completely obscured) (m)

${\displaystyle h_{L}\;}$ = Height of the line-of-sight link (m)

${\displaystyle h_{O}\;}$ = Height of the obstruction (m)

${\displaystyle F_{1}\;}$ = Radius of the first Fresnel zone (m)

${\displaystyle d_{1}\;}$ = Distance of obstruction from one terminal (km)

${\displaystyle d_{2}\;}$ = Distance of obstruction from the other terminal (km)

${\displaystyle f\;}$ = Frequency of transmission (GHz)

${\displaystyle d\;}$ = Distance from transmitter to receiver (km)

To use the model, one computes the additional loss to each path obstruction (A). These losses are summed and then added to the predicted line of sight path loss which is calculated using Friis transmission equation or a similar theoretical or empirical model.

This model is considered valid for losses over 15 dB and may be valid for losses as low as 6 dB. In the event that the loss is less than 6 dB or is negative (i.e., gain), this A-value should be discarded.

This model's output is only as good as the data on which it is based and the LOS model it is used to correct.

• Egli model
• Radio propagation model
• Longley–Rice model