Pathloss 4.0 & MW Link Planning Part 1

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.
Agenda Day One

Introduction Microwave Link Planning Process Flow Chart DTM and Coordinate System
Pathloss 4.0
Summary Module Terrain Data Module
Antenna Height Module

Network Module Diffraction Module
Agenda Day Two
Network Module Worksheet Module Diffraction Module Reflection Module Multipath Module
Applying Divesity and Protection
Agenda Day Three
Design of Passive Repeaters Interference Analysis Protection and Diversity Practicle use of Pathloss 4.0
Microwave Applications
Transmission Cell Site / Base Station Interconnect
Long haul E1 / 45M / STM-1 transport

Local Wireless Links Access
Next-to-last mile transport for LMDS, WiMAX, WIP

Backhaul from digital loop carrier & DSLAM CLEC metropolitan wireless links Architectures Linear (tree & branch, hub & spoke) Ring (unidirectional path switch ring, ATM, IP) Hybrid SONET / Microwave
Microwave Transport
Requires line of site Frequency bands

Low frequency = 2 - 11 GHz High frequency = 13 - 38 GHz
Capacities range from 2 E1s to STM-1

Availability based on:
Distance
Terrain
Precipitation Climate
How Far Can You Go ?

Practical limits governed by many factors: Frequency Climate Propagation Anomalies Terrain
Antenna Performance / Center Lines

Rainfall Rate (for high frequencies) Radio Performance These are weighed against your desired . . . Availability Objectives
How Far Can You Go?
6 GHz (20-60 Km) 11 GHz (10-30 Km)

18/23 GHz (1-8 Km)
Longer
paths may require space diversity receivers Some bands are limited to 2-16 E1 radios
Frequency Spectrum
AM
0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.4
Marine
Short Wave - International Broadcast - Amateur

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 24 26
CB
28 30 MHz
VHF LOW Band

30 40 50 60 70 80
FM
90 100
120
VHF
140
VHF TV 7-13
160 180 200 240
300 MHz
Cellular UHF
0.3 0.4 0.5
GSM1800, GSM1900 GPS
UHF TV 14-69
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.4
3.0 GHz
10
12
14
16
18
20
24
30 GHz
Broadcasting Land-Mobile
Aeronautical Mobile telephony
Terrestrial Microwave Satellite

#
What bands to use?
4 GHz High capacity band (max STM-1) Satellite users hinder Good propagation L6 GHz Best high capacity band (max STM-1) Some low capacity channels Excellent propagation U6 GHz Best low-mid capacity band (max STM-1) Very good propagation 10 GHz Low capacity band (max STM-1) Low congestion Adverse rain impact begins
What bands to use?
11 GHz High capacity band (max STM-1) Some low-cap channels Adverse rain impact 18 GHz Low-medium capacity band (max STM-1) Small antennas More adverse rain impact Satellite users growing encroachment 23 GHz Low-medium capacity band (max STM-1) Small antennas More adverse rain impact Shared with govt. users
How Far Can You Go?
Below 8 GHz Minimal influence Above 8 GHz Rain begins to dominate Long paths may be practical up to 12 GHz
But only in dryer regions

The higher the frequency . . .
The more significant the impact
Propagation Regions
Good
Difficult
Average Average Good Average
Good
Average Moderate Difficult Very Difficult
Based on Bellcore c Factors

Basic Propagation Losses

Basic Propagation Losses fall into eight well defined categories:
Free-Space Propagation Loss - Basic transmission loss between two points in free space, each using an isotropic antenna. Atmospheric Absorption - Absorption of EM energy by the oxygen and water molecules in the atmosphere. Above ~ 8 GHz. Reflection Loss/Gain - Out of phase signals can cause 35-40 dB of attenuation, in phase can give 6 dB up fades. Rain Attenuation - Significant only above 8 GHz.. Diffraction Loss - Losses caused by insufficient clearance over intermediate terrain features Airborne Particles - Sand and dust only above ~ 14 GHz. Fog and Clouds - Problem only above ~ 20 GHz.
Propagation Anomalies
Super refractive
Subrefractive
Ducting
Path Clearance
Two factors are involved

The K factor Fresnel zones
The K factor
Describes the effective curvature of the earth
Relative to air density vs. elevation Influenced by pressure, temp and humidity
Fresnel zones
Describe the minimum clearance required for a microwave beam to travel as if through free space (i.e. a vacuum)
Atmospheric Propagation
Microwaves travel a straight line in free space

If a microwave beam is launched in free space (a vacuum) it will travel in a straight line.
The atmosphere is not free space

Vertical density gradients within the atmosphere cause a microwave signal to be curved The density gradients are a function of air pressure, temperature, and humidity.
Class Work.
Assignment: D= 20km D1= 14.5km D2= 5.5km Antenna Hight = 30meter Obstacle Hight = 18meter Freq = 18 GHz Find the First fresnel Zone and Check the Fresnel clearance
The Microwave Link ?
Microwave radio link, in the context of this course, refers to pointto-point fixed links that operate in duplex mode.
In its simplest form the microwave link can be one hop, consisting of one pair of antennas spaced as little as one or two kilometers apart, or can be a backbone, including multiple hops, spanning several thousand kilometers.
The Microwave Link (Contd)

Antenna Path Antenna
Tx Radio Data Multiplex

Feeder Feeder
Tx
Data
Radio Multiplex
Rx
Terminal A
Rx
Terminal B
The above drawing is functional block diagram of a typical microwave link consisting of set of multiplexers, digital microwave radios, antennas and transmission lines.

Sometimes radios are configured as outdoor units ( ODU ) and in this case transmission lines are not required and antennas are integrated as part of the radio RF head units. In GSM deployments where roll outs are quick, this is a very desirable feature. The fundamental aim of a microwave radio link is to deliver sufficient signal power to the radio at the far end of the link to achieve desired performance objectives. This is the challenge of link planning. For proper operation a microwave link must fulfill LOS condition.

Unfortunately, atmospheric conditions and rain effect modify the propagation of microwaves so that even if the link planner can see from point A to point B ( true LOS ), it may not be possible to place antennas at those two points and achieve a satisfactory communication performance. A valuable characteristic of LOS transmission is that we can predict the level of a signal arriving at a distant receiver with known accuracy under non fading conditions. ( The link budget method ). Microwave link performance and availability are predicted using a number of empirical prediction models. For different frequency bands, capacities and under different propagation conditions, microwave link distances vary.
Microwave Link Planning

General design considerations:
Specifications of the network and system Preliminary map study and site locations Field survey and site survey Preparation of path profiles
Determination of antenna heights
Ground-reflection calculations Performance and availability predictions Frequency planning Equipment selection Grounding and safety considerations
The Planning Process Teams

Network User: Fixed, Mobile, Utility, TV, PMP
Site Acquisition Team System Engineer
LOS Survey Team
Transmission Engineer
Field Survey and Site Determination
Field Survey shall include:

Verify exact site coordinates Confirmation of LOS Check-up of suspected reflection points,vegetation buildings and other man made obstacles Determination of height of, and distance to critical obstacles Check propagation conditions Classify Path types Site survey
Survey Report This report can include the following :
Confirmation of LOS indicating equipment used for accuracy

Site description and layout Antenna and tower heights Path Classifications ( overland paths, coastal links or water paths ) Path elevations, coordinates, heights of obstructions and vegetations Propagation conditions Frequency interference probabilities Photographs
#
Digital Terrian Models (DTM)
Digital Terrain Models

DTM is a simple digital representation of a portion of the earths surface. DTM may be used as a digital model of any single-valued surface. e.g. Geological horizons Rainfall or pressure Population density
#
Digital Terrian Models (DTM)
DTM Generation
Most DTM data are derived from three alternative sources
Ground surveys
Survey data may be input directly into computer systems. DTM generated from survey data is very accurate. Expensive and time consuming process.
Photogrammetricdata capture
Based on the stereoscopic interpretation of aerial photographs or satellite imagery.
Cartographic data sources

Deriving DTM from cartographic documents
Map Scales
A defined dimensional relationship between reality and the map (Robinson et al., 1995):
Verbal: one cm represents ten kilometers Representative fraction: 1:10,000 Graphic scale:
5000 0 5000 1 0 0 0 0 M e te r s
a)
b)
c)
d)
Area scale:
Represents square kilometers
#
Calculate Map Scales
For example, if 2 cm on a map represents 1 km on the ground the scale would be 2 cm = 1 km, or...
Scale is unitless because it is a ratio.
Examples small vs. large scale
Large scale: 1:50,000
Small scale: 1:250,000
Coordinate systems
A coordinate system is a reference system based on mathematical rules for specifying positions (locations) on the surface of the earth. The coordinate values can be spherical (latitude and longitude) or planar (such as Universal Transverse Mercator). A coordinate system is usually defined by a datum, ellipsoid and projection, and is specified in terms of units (e.g. degrees, meters).
Types of Coordinate Systems
Geographic coordinate system:

Uses latitude and longitude for locating positions on the uniformly curved surface of the earth.
Rectangular/plane coordinate systems:

Used to locate positions on a flat map. For example Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
Geographic Coordinate System
The Equator (latitude) and Prime Meridian (longitude) are the reference points. Usually Greenwich, England is the Prime Meridian.
The Cartographic Boundary Files, the Road Network Files and the representative points are disseminated in latitude/longitude coordinates. Prime meridian Equator
Decimal Degrees (DD)
Decimal degrees are similar to degrees/ minutes/seconds (DMS) except that minutes and seconds are expressed as decimal values.
Decimal degrees make digital storage of coordinates easier and computations faster.
60.34444 instead of 6020'40"
Example: Converting DMS to DD
degrees
seconds
6020'40"
minutes 20 minutes.= 0.33333 (20/60) 40 seconds = 0.01111 (40/3600)
Add up the degrees to get an answer: 60 + 0.33333 + 0.01111=60.34444 DD
Introduction
The following Slides outlines the method of use and the parameters to be used when planning a transmission link In order for a link to operate reliably and provide the quality of service required for the transmission of data the recommendations outlined in ITU R.F1491 for quality of service and ITU-R.F1493 for availability of service are used as guide lines
Necessary Data for Microwave Network Design & How to place it in your PATHLOSS Program
Pathloss 4.0 (licensed) Rain File

This folder contents Rain data for each area of the world according to 4 standards (Canada, Crane, Crane_96 & ITU)
Equipment File Terrain Data File (GTOPO303)
Rain File
ITU World Rain Regions

The ITU rain region are from A to Q are based on Characterstics of precipation for propagation Modeliong Recommendation ITU-R Pn.837-1
A world Map showing the ITU rain region is given on Figure
Rain File
This data will automatically placed in Pathloss Folder after program set up
Equipment This folder contents 4 folders but for our Microwave design we just use 2 folders as the followings
MAS which contents Microwave Antenna Data for different Antenna Manufacturer (Andrew , RFS , ERICSSON , ..) as shown in Figure MRS which contents Microwave Radio Data for different Manufacturer
Equipment
Equipment Folder is available on Pathloss CD and can be download from Pathloss Website
Terrain Data File (GTOPO303)

This folder contents the Terrain data for all the world
WARNING
This data is not accurate so we usually get terrain data from contours maps or from path survey.
Just we use this data for reference So it isn't allowed to use this data to create path profile
How to set this data?

Create new folder in your PATHLOSS folder & name it as Gopo30303 Copy inside it the necessary area files (each area has 2 files) Run PathLoss program Go to configure menu & click terrain database as shown in fig. Set Primary (No Selection) & Secondary (GTopo30 Global 30sec) as shown in Fig. Click Set Up Secondary Set Directory choose Gtopo30303 folder then kick OK click Close click OK as shown in Fig.
Terrain Data File
How to operate PATHLOSS
PATHLOSS program is full Microwave Network design software. For our work we shall use PATHLOSS for the following Make Network Configuration Make Path Profile to find antenna height in each station Calculate Link Budget to find Antenna diameters , RX level & Link Availability Frequency Plan for overall network Frequency Interference calculations for overall network
Setting up Pathloss 4
Before PL4 can be used certain parameters need to be set up.
When the program is first launched the Summary Module will open.
In the Summary Module select the Configure dropdown tag
Geographic defaults
Click on Geographic Defaults and the Geographic Defaults setup box will be displayed. Set up the parameters applicable to your region.
Terrain Database
If you are using a DTM for profile generation then set up the terrain database as described, if not omit this step. Reselect the Configure dropdown menu and select Terrain Database. The e Configure Terrain Database dialog box will appear. Set the Primary Data Base for your DTM from the dropdown box. Next select Setup Primary and from the dialog box choose Set Directory and configure the path to the directory where the DTM is stored. If the DTM requires an index table follow the steps below, if not omit them. Once this has been completed select Index in the same dialog box. When the Index Screen appears select Files, and then select Import List. The index list will be imported, but you will need to fill in the UTM Zone numbers. The zone numbers are attached at the end of this document, UTM Index File.
Directories
Close all open dialog boxes and reselect the Configure dropdown menu and select Directories
Chose Microwave Antenna Codes and set up the path for the program to locate the directory containing the Antenna Files.
Repeat the process for Microwave radio Codes.

PL4 is now set up for use. Next we will discuss the various modules to be used.
Modules
PL 4 is divided into a number of modules each module is used to plan different parts of the link or transmission network. Only the basic functions of the modules required for transmission planning are discussed in this document. Summary Module Terrain Data Module Antenna Height Module Work Sheet Module Diffraction Module Reflections Module Multipath Module Print Profile Module Network Module
Summary Module
Summary Module Site Names - enter an abbreviated name code. Call Sign enter the site call sign code. This code is used when performing interference calculations. Station Code enter the station code if available or leave blank. Owner Code enter the owner code if available or leave blank. Latitude make sure that the same latitude is entered for the same site each time this field in filled in. Longitude make sure that the same longitude is entered for the same site each time this field in filled in. Tower heights enter the height of the towers on each site. Operator Code enter the operator code if available or leave blank. Frequency (MHz) enter the frequency band the link will operate in e.g. 7500 or 15000. Selecting the Report tag can generate a report of the Summary Module.
Terrain Data Module

From the Modules dropdown menu select Terrain Data and the Terrain Data Worksheet will be displayed. It is assumed that a DTM will be used to enter the terrain data. If it is not available the data will have to be recorded using a 1:50,000 map and entered into the module manually.
Terrain Data Module (Contd):
Generate Profile
Select the Operations dropdown menu and choose Generate Profile, tick the Span Missing Files box and click Generate
Close the Generate Profile dialog box. The DTM records data points every 200 meters and there will be a number of points indicating the same ground elevation. These duplicated data points are not required for the accuracy of the profile so they can be deleted.
Select the Operation dropdown menu and choose Strip Redundant Points. Set the tolerance to 0 and click OK. Next reselect the Operations dropdown menu and Accept-Reject Changes. Choose Yes when the Delete Marked Point dialog box opens.
Terrain Data Module (Contd): Ground Clutter Ground clutter can be added to the profile in the form of trees, buildings, water towers and off path obstructions. Double click in the Structure Field of the display and select the type of structure you wish to insert. In the structure dialog box enter the structure information.
If a range of 25 meters high tress had been inserted on to the profile the following dialog boxes would have been used and the profile will be as shown.
Terrain Data Module (Contd):
Selecting the Report tag at the top of the profile will generate a Report detailing the terrain data.
#
Antenna Height Module

PL4 is able to calculate antenna heights for various combinations of antennas. The combinations most commonly used are Single antennas per site, TR-TR and space diversity antennas using two antennas per site, TRDR-TRDR.
From the Module dropdown menu select Antenna Heights. The screen below displayed the Antenna Height information for a diversity link
Calculating Kmin
In order to calculate the antenna heights we need to know what the Kmin value for the link. To do this select the Operations dropdown menu and select Minimum K.
Record the calculated value.
Set Clearance Criteria
Next reselect the Operations dropdown menu and choose Set Clearance Criteria and enter the recorded value of Kmin in the dialog box for the 2nd Criteria K and set the 2nd Criteria - %F1 to 60. If space diversity is used enter the following under the Diversity Option enter 1.333 for 1st Criteria K and set the 1st Criteria - %F1 to 30. This is in accordance with the ITU recommendations for diversity link operations. If a non-diversity path is being planned then the Diversity criteria are left blank.
Calculate Antenna Heights

Press F9 to calculate the main antenna heights. Press F7 to change the calculation to the Diversity Path, if used, and press F9 again. The calculated antenna heights will be displayed in boxes at the top of the screen. Click in one of the Antenna Height boxes and the Microwave Antenna Heights dialog box will be displayed Adjust the antenna heights to the nearest metre to the calculated antenna heights. Diversity antenna heights are normally set 200 wavelengths below the main antenna, in a 7,500 MHz link this is approximately 8 metres. Diversity antennas can be set further apart from the main antenna to combat multipath or ducting, but these greater distances will not improve the link quality significantly, but will improve the link availability. The antenna height calculations are similar for non diversity links, only the diversity calculation is omitted.
Print Profile Module
Select Module Print Profile and the profile to be printed will be displayed. Three formats of display are available:
Flat Earth Drawn using multiple K values Curved Earth Straight Axis Only drawn for a single K value Curved Earth Curved Axis Only drawn for a single K value The profile below is an example of the Flat Earth Display.
Print Profile Module (Contd)
The various display options are selected by Clicking on Format and then selecting an option from the dropdown menu. The profile Title Block can also be selected from this menu, this provides information about the link including the initials of the person planning the link as well as drawing number. This information should be included with each profile.

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Agenda Day One

Antenna Height Module

Agenda Day Two

Applying Divesity and Protection

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Agenda Day Three

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Long haul E1 / 45M / STM-1 transport

Next-to-last mile transport for LMDS, WiMAX, WIP

Requires line of site Frequency bands

Capacities range from 2 E1s to STM-1

How Far Can You Go ?

Antenna Performance / Center Lines

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

How Far Can You Go?

6 GHz (20-60 Km) 11 GHz (10-30 Km)

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Short Wave - International Broadcast - Amateur

VHF LOW Band

GSM1800, GSM1900 GPS

Aeronautical Mobile telephony

Terrestrial Microwave Satellite

What bands to use?

What bands to use?

How Far Can You Go?

But only in dryer regions

The more significant the impact

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Average Average Good Average

Average Moderate Difficult Very Difficult

Based on Bellcore c Factors

Basic Propagation Losses

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Two factors are involved

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microwaves travel a straight line in free space

The atmosphere is not free space

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Microwave Link ?

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Microwave Link (Contd)

Tx Radio Data Multiplex

The Microwave Link (Contd)

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Microwave Link (Contd)

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microwave Link Planning

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Planning Process Teams

Site Acquisition Team System Engineer

LOS Survey Team

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Field Survey and Site Determination

Field Survey shall include:

Copyright 2007 Telefocal Asia Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.