Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
RF PlanningRF Planning
RF PLANNINGRF PLANNINGTraditional Wireless SolutionsTraditional Wireless Solutions
• Networks by Wireless has traditionally associated itself with providing fixed wireless access and backhaul solutions to its customers.
• These solutions are based on the provision of a Line Of Sight between two sites.
RF PLANNINGRF PLANNING New TechnologyNew Technology
• Technology is now commercially available to which no longer restricts wireless solutions to the provision of Line Of Sight between two sites.
• Near or Non Line Of Sight (NLOS) capability is a feature that NbW is now taking commercial advantage of.
RF PLANNING RF PLANNING Work efficiency Work efficiency
In addition, there is a need by the company to accommodate the increased workload being experienced and anticipated by making more efficient use of technical resources.
RF PLANNING RF PLANNING Better tools for the job Better tools for the job
In order for the Solutions Design Team to meet the company’s future business targets, by providing more accurate pre-sales reports and as quickly as possible, there is a business case for:
• More efficient use of technical resources• More advanced RF propagation models• Better resolution mapping data sets• The enhancement or replacement of the
current desktop planning software
RF Propagation ModelsRF Propagation Models
Demonstrated by
Bill Williamson
RF Propagation ModelsRF Propagation Models
• In the broadest sense, a model is a systematic representation of an object or event in idealized and abstract form. Models are somewhat arbitrary by their nature. The act of abstracting eliminates certain details to focus on essential factors. The key to the usefulness of a model is the degree to which it conforms in point by point correspondence to the actual fields measured.
RF Propagation ModelsRF Propagation Models
• Choosing a model, however, can present some difficulty since each model, good or otherwise, is an alternate reality. The four features of good models that can help in making an effective choice are:
• Simplicity.• Agreement with known facts.• Explanatory power.• Predictive capability.
Types of propagation modelsTypes of propagation models
• There are effectively two kinds of RF propagation models that are used in planning tools:
• Empirical models• Deterministic models
Difference between empirical and Difference between empirical and deterministic modelsdeterministic models
An empirical model is based on data collected from field surveys. From these results, a mathematical formula is derived.
A deterministic model is based on knowledge of the physics of a transverse electromagnetic wave (TEM) and the application of reflection, refraction, diffraction, polarisation and Faraday rotation.
Empirical models are usually provided as standard. Deterministic models are provided as add ons and are relatively expensive.
Empirical models are less accurate and require tuning with field data. Deterministic models are expensive but are more accurate and allow for “first pass” prediction.
Empirical modelsEmpirical models• The most common empirical models are:-• COST 231 Hata model which is used for 1500MHz <
fc<2000 MHz and was evaluated for medium size cities.
• Okamura-Hata model 200MHz<fc<2 GHz• Lee model which is a power law measurement and
used primarily for base station height.• Although these models are fairly accurate they have
three distinct disadvantages:
– They can only be used over the parameter ranges included in the original surveys
– Environments must be classified objectively for example urban, rural etc.
– They provide no physical insight into the propagation mechanism.
Deterministic modelsDeterministic models
• The usual deterministic models are:-• Ikagami model which only accounts for a single
diffraction.• Flat edge model in which all buildings are
assumed to be the same height and spacing.• Wolfish-Bertoni model which is a limiting case
of the flat edge model. This was the first model to demonstrate that multiple building diffraction accounts for the variation of distance and range. This is actually observed in practice.
Mapping data setsMapping data sets
Phil Graham
Mapping data setsMapping data sets
• These provide the digital representation of the real World. They are provided by third party geographical data suppliers at various resolutions.
• Higher resolution provides more accurate coverage predictions, but take longer to process (up to several hours). Data can be very expensive.
• Lower resolution provides less accuracy, but takes less time to process. Data is comparatively low cost.
Mapping data setsMapping data sets
– Digital Terrain Model (DTM)– Building vector/raster– Clutter/Foliage
These are provided by third party geographical data suppliers at various resolutions. Higher resolution provides more accurate coverage predictions, but is more expensive. Types of data are:
Digital Terrain ModelDigital Terrain Model
• Digital Terrain Model (DTM) represents the height of the ground above sea level.
• 200m – 1m is normally available• Rural areas – lower resolution (<50m)• Urban areas – higher resolution (10-5m)
Building vector/rasterBuilding vector/raster
• Data represents physical buildings and structures.
• 5m/1m required for urban areas• Used in conjunction with accurate
propagation models, produces more accurate coverage/link loss predictions.
Clutter/FoliageClutter/Foliage
• Data represents typical clutter types, such as urban, residential, industrial, rivers, woods, etc.
• 50m/25m required for rural/open areas
• 5m/1m required for urban areas
RF Planning Current Toolset
Phil Graham
RF Planning Current Toolset
The Enterprise suite of applications supplied by Aircom International (Connect and Asset) has formed the backbone of RF planning capabilities since 2004. Although the tool meets the basic requirement for LOS type link planning, there are limitations which will effect the company’s business requirements in the future.
RF PlanningCurrent Toolset
We currently have licences for CONNECT (3) and ASSET (2).
We have technology licences for GSM/UMTS, but not 802.11/802.16
RF Planning Aircom limitations
The software is in its present form does not support NLOS type access and backhaul planning.
Many tasks are long winded and time consuming.
Does not support ACM (IPMax2)Link and network data cannot be exported
to current popular formats, eg. Google, Visio.
AIRCOM ENHANCEMENT
Phil Graham
OVERVIEW
WiMAX module provides additional functionality on existing software platform for carrying out WiMAX networks.
Third party deterministic models are available to increase accuracy of coverage prediction (additional cost).
No change to existing database Licences are exportable for laptops
ADVANTAGES
Module is activated by licence upgraded Familiarity with existing platform 1 day training course for module required Stanford University Interim propagation model
supplied by default (issues with accuracy). Prompt technical support No upgrade or migration of Oracle DB
required
DISADVANTAGES
Additional propagation model required for more accurate coverage predictions (extra cost).
Additional terrain, clutter & building data required. Complex prediction process. Additional licences required to unlock extra features
offered (64bit processing, dual core processing, etc).
Outstanding issues with reliability and stability of platform (unreliable upgrades & patches).
Few clients to date (lack of feedback on usefulness & accuracy of predictions.
COST OF PRODUCT
£8000 (appx.) per licence. €16,000 for one Wavesight deterministic
model licence. Total for 3 planners: £41,000 appx.
CONCLUSIONS
Aircom does not have the benefit of extensive experience for WiFi/Wimax planning.
Aircom has serious stability and reliability issues which has commercial implications (recent near total loss of functionality).
Aircom does, however, have the advantage of having the easiest migration route.
It is also the cheapest migration option.
ALTERNATIVE PLANNING ALTERNATIVE PLANNING TOOLSTOOLS
THE ALTERNATIVESTHE ALTERNATIVES
• The following presentation of four The following presentation of four different planning tools is for the different planning tools is for the consideration by NbW for adoption as consideration by NbW for adoption as their principle planning tool for the futuretheir principle planning tool for the future
• The presentation will be given in the The presentation will be given in the same format to make the demonstration same format to make the demonstration uniformuniform
CONSIDERATIONS USED IN CONSIDERATIONS USED IN THIS EVALUATIONTHIS EVALUATION1.1. Relevant technology support Relevant technology support
(WiFi/WiMAX, ACM).(WiFi/WiMAX, ACM).2.2. Types of propagation models available.Types of propagation models available.3.3. Synchronisation with existing databases.Synchronisation with existing databases.4.4. Training requirement.Training requirement.5.5. Number of software releases per annum.Number of software releases per annum.6.6. Technical support.Technical support.7.7. Data export formats.Data export formats.8.8. Cost.Cost.
NbW REQUIREMENT FROM A NbW REQUIREMENT FROM A PLANNING TOOLPLANNING TOOL
• Ability to produce “first pass” coverage Ability to produce “first pass” coverage predictions based on technology being predictions based on technology being deployeddeployed
• Ability to design LOS & NLOS linksAbility to design LOS & NLOS links• Ability to design ACM linksAbility to design ACM links• Ability to work unconnected from central Ability to work unconnected from central
database (working away from main office)database (working away from main office)• Functional export formats (Excel, Visio, Functional export formats (Excel, Visio,
Google, MapInfo, pdf, jpeg, etc.)Google, MapInfo, pdf, jpeg, etc.)
THE ALTERNATIVESTHE ALTERNATIVES
• ATDI : ATDI : Bill.Bill.
• TAPS:TAPS: Martin.Martin.
• Prophecy:Prophecy: PhilPhil
• Mentum Ellipse:Mentum Ellipse: MartinMartin
• Mentum Planet EV:Mentum Planet EV: Kath.Kath.
ATDI
Bill Williamson
ATDI OVERVIEW
ATDI is designed as a complete network planning tool it has basic network features built in such as services flow modelling.
The tool can work as a stand alone platform or on a database like Aircom.
All empirical propagation models come as standard. Aircom data would need to be converted. The data can be exported in most formats. There is on average one update a year Normally the tool is installed on a PC and data on
server so bandwidth requirements are minimal
COST OF PRODUCT
The simple price for ICS telecom is £25,900 for a single user licence with a year of technical support for multiple licences there is a discount and this breaks down as licences 2-4 £20,800 and 5 £15,600.
A training course is mandatory for support and this is priced separately at circa £5K dependent upon the scope of training. This would be for training on-site in Crawley for up to 8 trainees and would typically be 3 days. It is possible to hold off-site for additional costs. Geodata is extra, although if we have a source and it is in a format for Aircom, ATDI are able to convert it simply and for minimal cost.
ADVANTAGES
Technology independent. Versatile “auto” network planning feature Statistical and Deterministic propagation
models available. Prompt technical support available. Used by BT.
DISADVANTAGES
Additional propagation model(s) required for more accurate predictions (extra cost)
Additional terrain, clutter & building data required
Complex prediction process It is not particularly easy to use.
CONCLUSION
The tool is not very easy to use From my dealings I have doubts about their support
for the product. When they initially started they were the de-facto
standard. They do not appear to have maintained their high standards.
This is not technology dependent. The automatic network planning tool was very
attractive feature
Martin Cookson
Empirical analysis only. Relatively easy and intuitive to use.
Company appears to be reluctant to provide support The tool will only work with Windows Vista The company is based in the US with no support offices in
UK The software has quite a basic user interface and
functionality is much less than we have now. Mapping available to us is at best a 30m grid, going up to a
90m grid, and it is unclear if we can import our own maps into this (i.e. 1m data) – The question was asked, but the sales support team have not yet come back to us (not a good sign)
The link planning tool is on a fixed interface and detail is difficult to make out due to the size of the window available to show LOS. I could not ascertain whether a 2D viewer is available to see links or not as the demo tool provided was very restrictive.
Complex pricing structure c$7000 1st license, $4000 thereafter and $1400 per licence per year maintenance and support
20% of license costs per year maintenance costs
Training cost $1300 per person for a 2 day course in Denver, CO
We believe that TAPS would not be a good investment for the Company.
Several questions have been asked and no response has been forthcoming this does not bode well for support in the future.
The trial software was very limited in its functionality
PROPHECYPROPHECY
Phil Graham
PROPHECY OVERVIEWPROPHECY OVERVIEW
• Stand alone platformStand alone platform• Ideal for small scale planningIdeal for small scale planning• Accurate RF models come as standardAccurate RF models come as standard• 3D radiation patterns3D radiation patterns• Simple to set upSimple to set up• Ideal for one-off BS coverage plotsIdeal for one-off BS coverage plots• Relatively low cost per userRelatively low cost per user• Extensive product support offeredExtensive product support offered• Company is eager to adapt software Company is eager to adapt software
according to customers’ needsaccording to customers’ needs
DISADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGES
• Data not stored centrally (no database)Data not stored centrally (no database)• No migration path for existing data on No migration path for existing data on
Oracle DBOracle DB• Software is not mature (requires more Software is not mature (requires more
testing and tweaking)testing and tweaking)• Few clients to dateFew clients to date• API for Oracle DB still in developmentAPI for Oracle DB still in development• Re-training requiredRe-training required• Not ideally suited for migrating current Not ideally suited for migrating current
networksnetworks
COSTSCOSTS
• Base platform per user (1-5 users) £12,000Base platform per user (1-5 users) £12,000
• Multi base station module (1-5 users) Multi base station module (1-5 users) £4,000£4,000
• SMU 1yr (per licence) 20% of licence priceSMU 1yr (per licence) 20% of licence price
• Training (per person) £1,000Training (per person) £1,000
• Approximate total migration cost for 3 Approximate total migration cost for 3 planners £46,200planners £46,200
CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS
• It is felt that Prophecy does not yet meet It is felt that Prophecy does not yet meet the requirements of NbW as there is no the requirements of NbW as there is no central database support.central database support.
Planning Tool Evaluation
Martin Cookson
Ellipse is the PTP/PTMP planning tool 2-3 “dot” version releases annually Floating licenses mean they can move from user to user Works with Oracle Can be used on a laptop and changes saved to the
database at another time Current data can be imported straight from
Aircom, .xls, .txt, Google earth, Mapinfo, Visio Mapping data can easily be converted from Aircom Contains extensive deterministic and Empirical Models. Supports Adaptive Modulation this was developed with
Ceragon
Easy to use LOS function with clear demarcation between LOS and NLOS
Ability to plan using up to 3 colour-coded Fresnel zones.
Able to convert path profiles to links at a click Real-time B-end panning (essential with
Oncomms work) Contains editable filter templates for link
configuration. Flexible reporting mechanism to pdf or xls.
Complex LOS matrices possible Can work out common LOS points from 2 or more
sites Antenna masks and radio specs are readily
available from Mentum.
PMP and nLOS tools only available as optional bolt-on module.
Training will be required from the start and initial progress may be slow problems
Teething Problems
************************************************
Mentum Ellipse Floating License (Perpetual)* £9100.00 Yes
Point to Multipoint Optional Module £5460.00 YesTransport Optional Module £5460.00 NoAdvanced Channel Assignment Module £2730.00 NoCost Module £2730.00 No
Mentum Ellipse Annual Maintenance £1860.00 YesPoint to Multipoint Annual Maintenance £1125.00 YesACA Annual Maintenance £560.00 NoTransport Module Annual Maintenance £1125.00 NoCost Module £560.00 No
*1st Years Maintenance freeSales tax not included
Part Description Unit Cost Essential?
RF Access Planning Tool Evaluation
Kathryn Stolton
Access coverage prediction tool Single/ multi BS coverage predictions Map info based tool (not included) Developed from the ground up and independent
of network technology, eg. cellular. Based in Paris
◦ Huge customer database such as Sprint, Ericsson, Vodafone, Fujitsu etc.
◦ Detailed roadmap.◦ Bespoke deterministic model.◦ Over a dozen propagation models.◦ Adaptive modulation modelling◦ Frequency/ Capacity Planning
Retraining required. Complexity of tool. Current database will require converting.
Good support for WiMAX network planning. Better all round functionality than Aircom WiMAX
module. Facilitates faster turn round times for projects and
pre- sales. Based on Oracle database. Online/telephone technical support.
FINANACIAL SUMMARY
SW = Number of software updates or patches per year.
TOOL MODEL SYNC?
No updates COST COST FOR BUNDLE
AIRCOM Empirical Deterministic
Y 12+ £12,000 x 3 + maintenance etc £36,700.00
ATDI Empirical Deterministic
Y 1-2 £62,400+£5000+maintenance
79,579
TAPS empirical N 3-4 £9375+£700 training PP in US only+ £700 PA maintenance
£30,225
PROPHECY Empirical Deterministic
Y 2-3 £46,200+ maintenance £58,200
ELLIPSE Empirical Deterministic
Y 2-3 £52,635
£85971 + £32481 3-yearmaintenance costs
£118,452 PLANET EV Empirical Deterministic
Y 2-3 £77,030 3 x licnese, 1 x Universal Model, 3 x WiMax Module, 1 x Optimiser, 1 x Measurement Data Package
