A radio propagation model, also known as the radio wave propagation model or the radio frequency propagation model, is an empirical mathematical formulation for the characterization of radio wave propagation as a function of frequency, distance and other conditions.
In my work at Metercor, we are often asked about how to perform RF propagation modelling for the radio coverage for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network. In an effort to help answer this question, I have made this short video clip to demonstrate a real-time modelling solution.
So, why would you want to perform this sort of simulation or modelling effort? There are several important reasons to do this work in advance of a project build.
- It saves money by knowing exactly what the coverage will be before you spend the money, it avoids costly mistakes
- Modelling allows you to tweak your design for optimum coverage and to close any gaps or holes in your coverage before you find them after the build
- You save time and you can get your project completed on schedule
- It avoids redoing work and mistakes
- Your AMI network will be more accurate and dependable, after all the meter reading task is the cash register of the business. Ratepayers hate mistakes and this process helps to eliminate mistakes. Ultimately your customer service is enhanced and you earn happy customers
Please let us know if we can be of service and help you with your modelling needs. We only serve Canadian customers. Applicable services fees will apply.
About the Author:
Michael Martin is the Vice President of Technology with Metercor Inc., a Smart Meter, IoT, and Smart City systems integrator based in Canada. He has more than 40 years of experience in systems design for applications that use broadband networks, optical fibre, wireless, and digital communications technologies. He is a business and technology consultant. He was a senior executive consultant for 15 years with IBM, where he worked in the GBS Global Center of Competency for Energy and Utilities and the GTS Global Center of Excellence for Energy and Utilities. He is a founding partner and President of MICAN Communications and before that was President of Comlink Systems Limited and Ensat Broadcast Services, Inc., both divisions of Cygnal Technologies Corporation (CYN: TSX). Martin served on the Board of Directors for TeraGo Inc (TGO: TSX) and on the Board of Directors for Avante Logixx Inc. (XX: TSX.V). He has served as a Member, SCC ISO-IEC JTC 1/SC-41 – Internet of Things and related technologies, ISO – International Organization for Standardization, and as a member of the NIST SP 500-325 Fog Computing Conceptual Model, National Institute of Standards and Technology. He served on the Board of Governors of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) [now OntarioTech University] and on the Board of Advisers of five different Colleges in Ontario. For 16 years he served on the Board of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), Toronto Section. He holds three master’s degrees, in business (MBA), communication (MA), and education (MEd). As well, he has three undergraduate diplomas and five certifications in business, computer programming, internetworking, project management, media, photography, and communication technology. He has completed over 30 next generation MOOC continuous education in IoT, Cloud, AI and Cognitive systems, Blockchain, Agile, Big Data, Design Thinking, Security, Indigenous Canada awareness, and more.