# Use of Wireless Sensor Networks for Area-Based Speed Control and Traffic Monitoring
## 6 Radio Coverage of the LoRaWAN Area Speed Control System and Traffic Monitoring
This also involved selecting the CompleTech ComAnt CAS+ antenna [73], the parameters of which are shown in Table 3, with its radiation characteristics illustrated in Figure 6. Next, the impact of the system's transmitting station antenna installation height was tested at four values: 10, 15, 20, and 25 m. The obtained simulation results (Figure 7) confirm the general pattern that better propagation results (greater signal range and coverage) are achieved as the height of the transmitting antenna increases. This is, of course, associated with reduced attenuation caused by buildings, forests, land relief, and other obstacles. However, when selecting the final transmitting station antenna height, it is important to consider a number of technical, structural, and economic constraints related to the need for constructing dedicated masts or placing antennas on existing buildings. For this reason, the subsequent analysis was based on realistic height values of 20-25 m, which included the height of existing buildings that could serve as bases for antenna mast installations. Figure 5: “Area” sub-path attenuation method. (Source: authors’ own image based on [72]). HTZ Communication software (2024.9 version) [72], an advanced tool for radio network planning and design, was chosen as the simulation tool for this project. It is widely used across various sectors, including telecommunications, transport, military, aviation, and energy industries, to simulate, analyze, and optimize wireless networks. The software is capable of modeling a wide range of communication systems, such as radio networks, cellular networks (2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G), aeronautical and maritime communication systems, military systems, and LPWAN networks. It provides precise tools for assessing coverage, performance, and signal quality. The software focuses on signal propagation and uses advanced algorithms to predict coverage and signal quality in various environmental conditions, including urban, rural, forested, and mountainous areas. It allows users to model radio interference and assess how different sources of interference may affect network performance. Additionally, it enables the optimal placement of base stations, antennas, and other network elements to ensure maximum radio performance and coverage. Figure 6: CompleTech ComAnt CAS+ antenna radiation characteristics [73]. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l} Description: cross-polarized yagi, dual feed, physically phased a quarter wavelength along the boom \\ Frequency: 380–410 MHz, 405–440 MHz, 440–475 MHz, \\ 703–803 MHz, 791–862 MHz, 830–890 MHz, 880–960 MHz \\ Impedance: 50 ohm \\ Gain: 8/8 dBi \\ H -3 dB: 69/68\({}^{\circ}\) \\ E -3 dB: 68/65\({}^{\circ}\) \\ F/B: 12/12 dB \\ Polarization: circular/slanted \\ Isolation: 30 dB \\ Connector: 2*N–/2*TNC-/2*7/16-female \\ VSWR: \(<\)1.5 \\ Radome: UV resistant ABS/FG, RAL 7012, PU foam filling \\ Radiator: copper \\ Passive elements: coated aluminum \\ Attachment: \(\O\) 35–60 mm, aluminum alloy bracket, stainless steel \\ V-bolts and self-locking nuts \\ Lightning protection: DC short-circuited \\ Temperature: \(-\)40 \({}^{\circ}\)C\(\rightarrow\)80 \({}^{\circ}\)C \\ IP: 67 \\ \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 3: CompleTech ComAnt CAS+ antenna parameters. Variations in simulation parameters mainly included typical SF values and the influence of antenna radiation characteristics and placement height. The latter is particularly important as it directly affects the cost of the practical implementation of the proposed solution. The impact of the \(\mathrm{h_{EN}}\) end node receiving antenna installation height was determined in a similar manner. The results (shown in Figure 8) confirmed the general pattern: increasing the end node antenna installation height leads to an increase in the received signal strength.