Building penetration loss at 900 MHz

Building penetration loss was measured at 937 MHz in an urban environment using a new method which unlike previous methods takes into account many of the variables present in an actual portable radio system. A 900 MHz portable transceiver was used to transmit a signal to a calibrated receiver connected to a 8.5 dB gain base station antenna. Measurements were made in buildings of the class 1 type (greater than 100' x 100' or higher than 4 floors). The buildings varied in age from 1 to 50 years. A comparison was made between signal strengths at the same height inside and outside the building, as well as comparing outside street level signals with signals in the building at different floor levels. Conclusions are drawn as to the effects of height above street level, type of building construction, and outside environment with respect to the base station, on building penetration loss.