Investigation and Analysis of the Quality of Signal
Strength of Cellular Networks along Ethiope River Banks

Edogbeji Uwhubetine Comfort; Oghogho Ikpomwonsa; Obuseh Emmanuel Ewere; Oweh Victor

doi:https://doi.org/10.14445/23497157/IJRES-V12I6P103

Research Article | Open Access | Download PDF

Volume 12 | Issue 6 | Year 2025 | Article Id. IJRES-V12I6P103 | DOI : https://doi.org/10.14445/23497157/IJRES-V12I6P103

Investigation and Analysis of the Quality of Signal Strength of Cellular Networks along Ethiope River Banks

Edogbeji Uwhubetine Comfort, Oghogho Ikpomwonsa, Obuseh Emmanuel Ewere, Oweh Victor

Received	Revised	Accepted	Published
21 Oct 2025	29 Nov 2025	14 Dec 2025	30 Dec 2025

Citation :

Edogbeji Uwhubetine Comfort, Oghogho Ikpomwonsa, Obuseh Emmanuel Ewere, Oweh Victor, "Investigation and Analysis of the Quality of Signal Strength of Cellular Networks along Ethiope River Banks," International Journal of Recent Engineering Science (IJRES), vol. 12, no. 6, pp. 25-34, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23497157/IJRES-V12I6P103

Abstract

The quality of signal strength along riverine environments constitutes a vital parameter for ensuring dependable and efficient communication services, particularly in remote or semi-urban regions. This study presents a detailed investigation into the signal strength performance for major Nigerian cellular network providers of MTN, GLO, and Airtel along the banks of the River Ethiope in Delta State, Nigeria. Empirical data were systematically acquired across twenty geo-referenced locations using a GPS-enabled Android handheld device running the GMoN Pro application. Signal measurements were conducted while navigating the riverbanks via a manually operated boat to ensure consistent proximity to the waterway. The study focused on Reference Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) values, which were analyzed by the Log-Normal Distance Path Loss Model to characterize signal performance with increasing distance. The findings reveal a pronounced degradation in RSSI across all networks beyond 50km, indicating significant signal attenuation at extended distances. MTN exhibited the highest variability in RSSI values, with relatively stronger performance at intermediate distances but marked deterioration beyond 60km. GLO demonstrated sporadic and severe signal drops, particularly pronounced around the 65km mark, suggesting limitations in longrange stability. In contrast, Airtel maintained a comparatively stable RSSI profile across all measured distances, including the 100km range, positioning it as the most reliable network for extended coverage in the study area.

Keywords

Cellular Network, Reference Signal Strength Indicator, Base Transceiver Station, River Bank, Signal Measurement.

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