Evaluation of Signal Propagation Losses in Indoor Environments at Federal University of Technology, Akure

Indoor radio wave propagation presents unique challenges for wireless network designers due to the complex multipath, attenuation, and shadowing effects introduced by building materials, internal partitions, and occupant density. This study evaluates signal propagation losses in representative indoor environments at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, South West Nigeria. Received signal strength measurements were collected at 150 predetermined grid points across three building types on campus: a lecture hall complex, a laboratory block, and a multistory administrative building. Measurements were conducted using a calibrated spectrum analyzer at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands during occupied and unoccupied conditions. Path loss exponents and shadowing standard deviations were derived using the log-distance path loss model. Measurements at 5 GHz revealed path loss exponents of 3.4 in the lecture hall and 4.1 in the laboratory block, indicating greater attenuation at higher frequencies due to increased interaction with reinforced concrete and metallic laboratory equipment. Signal coverage at 5 GHz was restricted to within 18 meters of access points in the laboratory block. The 2.4 GHz band demonstrated superior penetration, with path loss exponents averaging 3.0 across all environments. The study provides locally derived empirical propagation parameters for use in wireless network planning at similar Nigerian university facilities. Keywords: indoor propagation, path loss, signal attenuation, FUTA, wireless network planning.