Analysis of bluetooth and zigbee signal penetration and interference in foliage

Signal penetration in the 2.4 GHz band, in terrains with thick foliage Is known to be an Issue. However, It is necessary to establish efficient wireless communication in this type of regions as well, both for the improved ernciency of sensor networks deployed for research and monitoring and also for the advancement In connectivity for suclo-economic data networks.. A study Is initiated and presented in this paper to analyse the actual effect of foliage on the 2.4GHz band, which is currently the most common signal frequency used for wireless connectivity. The study revealed a signal drop of more than 83% from the best case scenario, without obstacles or interference, to the worst case scenario in a jungle terrain with thick foliagc and interference, as chosen for this study.