Artificial Intelligence Enabled Radio Propagation: Path Loss Improvement and Channel Characterization in Vegetated Environments

Abstract In this paper, the application of AI and machine learning (ML) to the study of wireless propagation channels is investigated in two parts: first, an artificial neural network model is used to improve path loss prediction, and then, a pattern recognition model using multilayer perceptron (MLP) networks is used to identify and remove impulsive noise in power delay profiles (PDP). These studies were conducted based on field measurements in the 2400 MHz band in a public square with vegetation. The results are analyzed and compared with ordinary least squares (OLS) nonlinear regression results and results from similar studies. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values between the experimental results of mean path loss and those provided by each propagation model are presented. The adjustment performed by OLS nonlinear regression and ANN significantly reduced the RMSE. The best results are those presented by artificial neural networks, with RMSE of 0.39 when using four neurons in the hidden layer of the ANN. The ANN used to identify and remove impulsive noise in power delay profiles (PDP) through pattern recognition proved to be more efficient than the CFAR technique. ANN technique found a larger number of valid multipaths compared to the CFAR technique.