Reliable Propagation Model for Satellite Communication over lraqi Regions

Abstract

Satellite communication systems are an important part of the worldwide telecommunication systems especially in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or unreliable. Their performance is highly dependent on the accuracy of models for the propagation of radio waves, which have to account for the effects of the atmosphere such as rain, humidity, airborne dust. This paper shows a comprehensive review and analytical analysis of the satellite signal propagation over Iraqi regions by taking into consideration the unique climatic conditions of this country that are associated with the existence of frequent dust storms, high humidity for a long time in southern regions and seasonal rainfalls in northern areas. The results of the review demonstrate that the accuracy of widely used international propagation models such as ITU-R P.618, Crane and Longley-Rice can be reduced when applied directly to the dust dominant and spatially heterogeneous environment of Iraq mainly because of the lack of local calibration and the representation of the attenuation related to aerosols. Global, regional and Iraqi studies are systematically analysed to assess physical, empirical and hybrid strategies of the propagation to reveal critical gaps of long-term measurements, spatial coverage and standardized modelling practices. Based on these findings, a conceptual hybrid framework which is called the AI-Based Iraqi Propagation Model (AI-IPM) is proposed. The framework combines the use of ITU-R physical formulations with machine learning techniques to adaptively predict the attenuation based on the indicators of meteorological conditions and the link quality. While enhanced robustness is a feature that is anticipated for dust- and humidity-dominated conditions, large-scale validation for across the country scale necessitates the use of standardised long-term propagation data sets. The paper concludes with recommendations of the need for a national Iraqi propagation database to aid reliable planning of satellite communications, especially where Ka-band and Q/V-band systems are concerned.