---
title: "Ericsson multiple breakpoint model"
subject: "Wireless Communication"
chapter: 3
key: "semester_7/wireless_communication:ericsson-multiple-breakpoint"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/wireless_communication/ericsson-multiple-breakpoint
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Ericsson multiple breakpoint model

Wireless Communication · Chapter 3: Radio Wave Propagation in Mobile Networks

- Asked in: 2080 Bhadra, 2 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/wireless_communication/ericsson-multiple-breakpoint
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/wireless_communication/chapter-3

## Question

What do you mean by Ericsson Multiple Breakpoint model?

## Short answer

Ericsson multiple breakpoint model is an empirical indoor path-loss model with four breakpoints, where slope increases with distance. It assumes about 30 dB loss at 1 m, gives upper and lower bounds with uniform distribution between them, and is building specific.

## Answer

The **Ericsson multiple breakpoint model** is an empirical **indoor** path loss model, obtained by Ericsson Radio Systems from measurements in a multi-floor office building. Path loss versus distance is drawn as straight-line segments with **four breakpoints**, and the slope (path loss exponent) increases with distance.

- It assumes about **30 dB loss at d0 = 1 m**, which is accurate for 900 MHz with unity-gain antennas.
- It gives both an **upper and a lower bound** on path loss; the actual loss lies between them, with a uniform distribution assumed in between.
- The slope is small close to the transmitter (near free space, about 20 dB/decade) and rises sharply beyond a few tens of metres as more walls and floors block the path (typical lower-bound slopes about 20, 30, 60 and 120 dB/decade, with breakpoints near 10 m, 20 m and 40 m).
- It is easy to use and suits planning of indoor coverage (e.g. office PCS and WLAN), but it is building specific.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. The Ericsson multiple breakpoint model is what kind of model?
   A. Empirical outdoor macrocell model
   B. Theoretical satellite link model
   C. Empirical indoor path loss model from a multi-floor office building
   D. Small-scale fading model
   Answer: C. It was obtained from measurements in a multi-floor office building, so it is an indoor path loss model. (Key point: Type of model)

2. How does the path loss slope change with distance in this model?
   A. It stays constant at 20 dB/decade
   B. It decreases beyond a few tens of metres
   C. It is zero beyond the last breakpoint
   D. It increases as more walls and floors block the path
   Answer: D. The slope is near free space close to the transmitter and rises sharply farther away. (Key point: Slope with distance)

3. What does the model provide for path loss at a given distance?
   A. A single exact value
   B. An upper and a lower bound, with the actual loss in between
   C. Only a lower bound
   D. A Gaussian value with zero mean
   Answer: B. It gives upper and lower bounds with a uniform distribution assumed between them. (Key point: Bounds on path loss)

## Related in Wireless Communication

- [Multiple access and near-far effect mitigation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fwireless_communication%3Amultiple-access-near-far) — Wireless Communication, chapter 7

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