Spatial Structure of the Radio‐Frequency Noise Field in a Large City

• Published in: Radio science 2024-07, Vol.59 (7), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Meyer, Aaron C., Breton, Daniel J., Kamrath, Matthew J., Vecherin, Sergey N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cities; city; Correlation; Electric devices; geospatial; high frequency; Land use; Morphology; Neighborhoods; noise; Noise measurement; Noise prediction; Point sources; Radio frequency; urban; Urban areas; Urban noise; Urban planning; Wireless communications
• ISSN: 0048-6604; 1944-799X
• DOI: 10.1029/2023RS007909

The urban radio‐frequency (RF) noise generated by our cities continues to change with time. Although models exist to describe the RF noise as functions of frequency and urban land use types, very few models describe the spatial character or structure of the noise on the scales of city blocks (50–150 m). The goal of this work is to investigate the connection between urban morphology and the higher‐order spatial statistics of the noise field. To achieve this goal, a large measurement campaign was conducted in Boston, Massachusetts. Many spatial measurements allowed for calculation of spatial correlation functions of noise power in three different neighborhoods, which were used to quantify the spatial structure of the fields. A statistical point source model is then developed, with adjustable parameters relating to urban morphology. Good agreement between the model and the experimental correlation functions suggests the 25 MHz urban noise field is well described by a random network of fixed point sources, radiating with a 1/r power law behavior. Plain Language Summary Our modern cities are filled with electronic devices. Each device can emit radiation and contribute to what is called the urban radio‐frequency noise field. The noise field is the combined effect from all these devices. If the noise field is strong enough it can negatively impact wireless communication, and the use of other electric devices. It is important to better understand the nature of the noise field in order to mitigate and plan for its negative effects. This paper describes in detail how the noise field is distributed in space, or its spatial structure. A theoretical model or tool is developed to help predict how the noise field looks spatially. Key Points Radio‐frequency noise spatial correlation functions were calculated for three different neighborhoods in Boston, Massachusetts Good theoretical agreement suggests the noise field is well described by a random network of point sources radiating with a 1/r behavior