^b Department of Computer Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria.

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Abstract: Wireless communication technologies in smart grid covers a variety of environments such as indoor, outdoor, and electric-power-system facilities. The characteristics of wireless and power line communication channel in smart grid networks are usually in terms of several parameters such as propagation (path) loss and attenuation, time dispersion and so on. Today, a number of empirical propagation prediction models for mobile radio communication systems are available in the literature. However, the accuracy of these models suffers when they are used in an environment other than that for which they have been developed. In this research work, the log-normal shadowing method was used to model mobile cellular signal propagation loss in a smart grid environment. The data used for this analysis were gathered between 2012 and 2013 in a suburban area cellular link in Niger-delta Nigeria. The measured data were applied to some propagation loss model equation and analyzed using linear regression method to obtain the link parameters such as the propagation loss exponent n = 3.38, the standard deviation = 9.2dB, to formulate the model equation PL(dB)= 75.16 + 33.8logd for the design of a mobile radio link in the test bed areas. The knowledge shared here will assist researchers apply the concept to other geographical environments, it will assist system engineers determine signal strength in error and as efficient propagation loss prediction tool thus improve the quality of wireless signal and also the model can be use as validation tool where measurement is done in different geographic areas.

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Keywords: Average signal level, linear regression, log-normal shadowing, propagation loss, models, radio link, smart grid