Path Loss and Models: A Survey and Future Perspective for Wireless Communication Networks

Modern wireless systems for mobile communication use electromagnetic waves to transmit information over the air, enabling seamless connectivity for a wide range of devices. However, one of the key challenges in wireless communication paths is loss in the strength of propagated signals. Path loss refers to the reduction in signal strength as it propagates through the wireless channel. Path loss models are mathematical representations that capture the attenuation of signal power due to various factors such as distance, frequency, obstacles, and environmental conditions. Understanding and modeling path loss is crucial for designing and optimizing wireless communication systems, as it directly impacts the coverage area, link quality, and overall performance of the network. By accurately modeling path loss, engineers can also optimize various aspects of a wireless communication system, such as antenna placement; transmit power control, and interference mitigation, ultimately improving the broad-spectrum performance and reliability of the network. This paper investigates the concept of path loss in wireless communication networks and provides a comprehensive overview of its various models and their use in designing and implementation of networks. Furthermore, it reviews existing path loss models, and explains their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, it discusses the current trends future research directions related to path loss and its models. The findings in this study can help them better design and implement robust wireless communication networks with improved signal quality and capacity.