RF systems performance in Smart Cities: Automated NeTwork EvaluatioN iN urbAn Settings – ANTENNAS

The densification of the population in urban environments and the use of wireless technologies and systems means that stress is being placed on the underlying phenomena of radio frequency (RF) transmission and reception. Hence, measuring and interpreting the use of the RF spectrum to deliver connectivity in the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) networks, as well as cellular mobile and Wi-Fi communications, in dense urban environments is crucial to ensure that critical messaging takes place without problems. Equally, gaining an understanding of how the ever-changing urban landscape affects the operation of wireless networks is essential to the planning of connectivity systems. To meet these needs, research needs to be conducted with equipment for RF surveys being installed on-board an electric vehicle, ‘drive-test’, complemented by the ‘walk-test’ equipment.