Radio-Frequency Propagation Measurements in Confined Ship Spaces Aboard the ex-USS Shadwell
Abstract
Understanding the propagation of RF energy in confined naval shipboard environments is extremely important to the operability and effectiveness of communication systems used by the Navy. Single-frequency communication systems are known to suffer from multipath interference that can render them ineffective in confined spaces. Spread-spectrum and frequency-hopping systems, currently used in wireless local area networks (LANs), have been shown to operate effectively in confined shipboard environments in the absence of other RF signals. However, the transfer characteristics of these signals relative to bulkheads, watertight doors, ducts, mast cable transits, compartment penetrations and obstructions, and steel deck plates are not well characterized. Also, the complex interactions of communication signals with competing RF signals are not well understood for confined ship spaces. To address these issues for systems between 800 MHz and 3 GHz, a broadband bistatic measurement system was designed, and initial measurements were taken on the ex-USS Shadwell (23-25 February 1998) in Mobile, Alabama. More than 100 sets of data were collected for various open/closed door configurations on three levels of the ex-USS Shadwell. The measurement system and the measurements are discussed. Initial observations indicate that received power levels over reasonably long propagation distances were sufficient to ensure communication, even when all closures were set.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 18, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA381789
Entities
People
- Brian T. Gold
- Edmond Tomas
- Eric L. Mokole
- Mark Parent
- Surendra N. Samaddar
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory