SPATIAL PREDICTION OF RECEIVED SIGNAL STRENGTH FOR CELLULAR COMMUNICATION USING SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE AND K-NEAREST NEIGHBOURS REGRESSION

Abstract. Signal strength maps are of great importance for cellular system providers in network planning and operation. Accurate prediction of signal strength is important for solving problems such as link quality. In this study, Received Signal Strength (RSS) prediction model is proposed for the 900 MHz band in the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University campus environment by using machine learning regression methods such as K- Nearest Neıghbours (KNN) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) together with Geographic Information Systems. For the training of this model, signal strength values taken from the RF Spectrum Analyser at different locations and distances were used. In addition, spatial data sets such as the digital elevation model, location of base stations and measurement stations, building heights and location, and land use/cover were used in the model. The effect of these data sets on RSS power is included in the model. The model aims to predict RSS accurately, visualize the estimated signal strength, and analyze the signal field strength coverage. Different kernels from the SVR model such as Polynomial, , and Sigmoid were tested. To increase the success of the model, appropriate parameter values were selected and configured according to SVR and KNN methods. For 900 MHz, the performances of SVR and KNN models were compared and the results of the models were verified using root mean squares (RMSE). Among the measured data, the lowest prediction is found in KNN Manhattan. According to the results of the simulation was observed that the SVR model created with spatial data performs better for Signal Strength. Finally, the lowest RMSE value (1.71 dB) was obtained from the Sigmoid kernel in the best signal strength estimation SVR model. The SVR model is recommended for Campus Area signal strength estimation.