- #1
Why Do We Lose Cell Phone Connection Outdoors Without Buildings or Cars Nearby?
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SUMMARY
Cellular network connectivity issues outdoors, even without nearby buildings or vehicles, are primarily caused by multipath propagation, where signals take multiple paths to reach the receiver, resulting in nulls at certain locations. This phenomenon occurs regardless of proximity to reflective surfaces. Additionally, the presence of multiple cell towers in close proximity often serves different carriers, and while they may seem to cause interference, they typically operate on different frequencies to avoid such issues. The honeycomb layout of cell towers is ineffective in varied terrains due to natural obstructions and the lack of concern for fringe reception by service providers.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of multipath propagation in wireless communication
- Familiarity with cellular network architecture and frequency allocation
- Knowledge of signal attenuation and its effects on connectivity
- Basic concepts of interference in telecommunications
- Research the principles of multipath propagation in wireless networks
- Explore the impact of terrain on cellular signal strength and quality
- Learn about frequency reuse and its importance in cellular network design
- Investigate the role of different cell phone carriers in network coverage
Telecommunications engineers, network planners, and anyone interested in understanding cellular connectivity issues and the factors affecting signal quality outdoors.
- #2
berkeman
Admin
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Multipath issues can exist even if you are not near a reflecting surface. If there are multiple paths that transmissions can take between you and the tower, you can get nulls at your location. If the paths are different lengths, or there is some attenuation in the way, it is less likely that you will be in a deep null.
As for multiple towers near each other, one reason may be that they are for different cell phone carriers.
(Cool avatar, BTW -- Out foxhunting with your HT!)
As for multiple towers near each other, one reason may be that they are for different cell phone carriers.
(Cool avatar, BTW -- Out foxhunting with your HT!)
- #3
Tech2025
- 47
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Can't multiple different cell towers that close to each other cause interference? Thanks lolberkeman said:Multipath issues can exist even if you are not near a reflecting surface. If there are multiple paths that transmissions can take between you and the tower, you can get nulls at your location. If the paths are different lengths, or there is some attenuation in the way, it is less likely that you will be in a deep null.
As for multiple towers near each other, one reason may be that they are for different cell phone carriers.
(Cool avatar, BTW -- Out foxhunting with your HT!)
- #4
sophiecentaur
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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The reason that the honeycomb layout does not work is that the Earth is not flat and all terrain (towns particularly) had high structures which cause shadows and reflections. The companies do not care about fringe reception. They shamelessly work to a price and marginal users just don’t count. That diagram represents a general principle for political purposes and not reality.
Adjacent cells do not interfere because they use different frequencies.
Adjacent cells do not interfere because they use different frequencies.
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