Indoor Propagation Analysis with IBWave Software

Example of a propagation study of a stadium from IBWave website (https://ibwave.com/ibwave-design/).

Learn to use the IBWave software and study how wireless signals propagate in an indoor environment, such as one of the buildings in the North Campus at UB. 

Project description

When designing a wireless network to operate indoor, such as in a building or in an apartment, key
challenges need to be faced and trade-offs need to be considered. There are key parameters that need
to be jointly defined, and their mutual effects on the propagation of the wireless signal within the desired indoor space are difficult to predict and model. Among these parameters are: number of antennas, transmit power of each antenna, Signal-to-Interference-and Noise-Ratio (SINR), wireless technology (e.g., WiFi/LTE/5G), desired quality of service for the users (e.g., average throughput). Besides network parameters, it is also important to accurately model the space where signals are propagating. When an electromagnetic wave encounters an object, it behaves differently depending on the type of material the object is made of: for example, metal blocks a large percentage of the transmitted power, differently from glass that has a less-blocking effect. IBWave software suite can support these operations by providing detailed 3D modeling of indoor spaces as well as an accurate simulation of the dynamics of a broad range of wireless networks.

Vision:
Work in collaboration with JMA Wireless to define a realistic problem in an indoor propagation scenario
and use IBWave software to provide an accurate solution.

Goal:
To be defined with JMA Wireless.

An example:
Do the indoor RF design of the DAS system to cover the buildings of the University Campus, for example by starting from Davis Hall or another building in the North Campus 

Project outcome

Learning how to use IBWave:

  • Collection of geo-based data for the area of interest
  • Definition of a simulation scenario
  • Detailed propagation analysis with IBWave software 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment About 3-5 months
Start time Anytime 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? Hybrid 
Level of collaboration Individual or small group project (2-3 students)
Benefits Research experience
Who is eligible All undergraduate students 

Core partners

Project mentor

Filippo Malandra

Assistant Professor of Research

Electrical Engineering

Phone: (716) 645-1151

Email: filippom@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

Watch intro video on IBWave:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xaVQiJyh8I
https://youtu.be/9AHV64lBt9I

 Watch intro class on IBWave held by JMA wireless as part of a senior design course lecture

https://jmawireless-my.sharepoint.com/personal/mfantuzzi_jmawireless_com/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fmfantuzzi%5Fjmawireless%5Fcom%2FDocuments%2FRecordings%2FiBwave%20webinar%20with%20JMA%20Wireless%2D20220207%5F190018%2DRegistrazione%20della%20riunione%2Emp4&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fmfantuzzi%5Fjmawireless%5Fcom%2FDocuments%2FRecordings&ga=1  

 

 

Keywords

Electrical Engineering