TDMA-FDMA User Guide

>> TDMA-FDMAUser Guide

version 5.2.1

Copyright © 2010

Mentum S.A. All rights reserved.

Notice

This document contains confidential and proprietary information of Mentum S.A. and may not becopied, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, or reproduced in any format or media, in whole or inpart, without the prior written consent of Mentum S.A. Information contained in this documentsupersedes that found in any previous manuals, guides, specifications data sheets, or otherinformation that may have been provided or made available to the user. This document is providedfor informational purposes only, and Mentum S.A. does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy,adequacy, quality, validity, completeness or suitability for any purpose the information contained inthis document. MentumS.A. may update, improve, and enhance this document and the products towhich it relates at any time without prior notice to the user. MENTUM S.A. MAKES NOWARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE OFMERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TOTHIS DOCUMENTOR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN.

Trademark Acknowledgement

Mentum, MentumPlanet, MentumEllipse, andMentumFusion are registered trademarks owned byMentumS.A. MapInfo Professional is a registered trademark of PB MapInfo Corporation. RF-vu is atrademark owned by iBwave. This document may contain other trademarks, trade names, or servicemarks of other organizations, each of which is the property of its respective owner.

Last updatedOctober 18, 2010

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction I

Features of Mentum Planet ii

Project Explorer ii

Site Editor ii

Traffic Map Generator ii

Interference Matrix Generator iii

Neighbor List Generator iii

Network Data Import Wizard iii

Survey Data tool iii

Subscriber Settings iii

Data Manager iv

MapInfo Professional iv

Microwave Links iv

Using this documentation v

User documentation updates v

Online Help v

Resource Roadmap vi

Knowledge Base vi

Printing vi

Library Search vi

Frequently Asked Questions vii

“What’s This?” Help vii

User Guides vii

Documentation library vii

Notational conventions vii

TDMA-FDMA User Guide i

Textual conventions viii

Organization of this user guide ix

Contacting Mentum x

Getting technical support x

North America x

Europe, Middle East, and Africa x

Asia Pacific x

Send us your comments xi

Chapter 2 Overview Of Mentum Planet Planning 13

Overview of supported technologies 14

Optional tools 14

Network planning modeling best practices 15

Forecasting network traffic 16

Predicting the traffic of a target market 17

Traffic model outputs 17

Transforming census information into a traffic map 18

Geodata requirements 18

Workflow for WiMAXTDMA-FDMA network design using MentumPlanet 19

Chapter 3 Understanding The Fundamentals OfMentum Planet 23

Understanding projects 25

Understanding project data types 26

Understanding MapInfo tables 26

Understanding grids 26

What is a grid? 27

Understanding grid types 27

ii TDMA-FDMA User Guide

Numeric grids 28

Classified grids 29

Understanding project geodata 30

Heights folder 31

Clutter folder 31

Clutter Heights folder 32

Polygons folder 32

Custom folder 34

Understanding project files 35

Site files 35

Workspaces 36

Understanding the Project Explorer 37

Understanding the Project Explorer data window 39

Using multiple data windows 40

Access to commands 40

Defining user preferences 42

To define user preferences 42

User Preferences 44

Project Explorer 45

Performance 46

Zoom Automatically 47

User Preferences 49

Project Wizard Defaults 50

Geodata 51

Understanding the project folder structure 52

Creating and using workspaces 55

To create a workspace 55

To open a workspace 55

To associate a workspace with a project 56

Attaching files to a Mentum Planet project 57

TDMA-FDMA User Guide iii

To attach a file to a project 57

To open an attached file 57

To remove an attached file from a project 58

Working with site sets 59

Master site set 59

Site subsets 60

Active site set 60

Site table 61

To switch the active site set 61

To change the active site set 62

To merge a subset into the active site set 63

To create a shared site set 63

To update a shared site set 63

To remove a site set 64

To rename a site set 64

To view the site set description 64

To edit the site set description 64

Working with map layers 66

To manipulate map layers with the Project Explorer 67

To manipulate map layers with the Layer Control 68

Working with geodata folders 70

To manage geodata files 70

To group geodata files 71

Defining the coordinate systems to use in a project 72

To define the coordinate system for sites 72

Defining color profiles 74

To choose color profiles 74

To create a color profile 75

Color Profiles 77

Color 78

iv TDMA-FDMA User Guide

Chapter 4 Creating A Project 79


Creating projects 81

To create a project 82

To view or edit project settings 83

Migrating projects 85

Improved data validation 85

Upgrade paths 85

Workflow for migrating Mentum Planet projects 87

To migrate projects from Mentum Planet 4.x or 5.x 88

Creating a network overlay 90

To create a network overlay 90

Opening and closing projects 92

To open a project 92

Restoring projects 94

To restore a project 94

Saving projects 95

To save a project 95

To back up a project 95

Chapter 5 Working With Propagation Models 97

Workflow for propagation modeling 99

Workflow for model tuning 100

Understanding the role of propagation models 102

Understanding propagation model types 104

Planet General Model 104

PGM-A model 106

CRC-Predict model 107

Universal model 109

TDMA-FDMA User Guide v

Q9model 109

Longley-Rice model 111

References 112

Understanding model tuning 113

Understanding clutter classes and clutter properties 114

Tuning the Planet General Model using AMT 115

To tune the Planet General Model using AMT 115

Planet Automatic Model Tuner 118

Toolbar 119

Tuner Type 120

Model Parameters 121

Correlation/Cross-Correlation Threshold Values 122

Tuning models using the Clutter Absorption Loss tuner 123

To tune a model using the Clutter Absorption Loss tuner 124

Clutter Absorption Loss Properties 126

Survey Distance 127

Number of Radials 128

Tuning a propagation model 129

Guidelines for model tuning 130

Creating and editing propagation models 131

To define a new propagation model 131

To edit propagation model settings 132

To view or hide unassigned propagation models 134

Chapter 6 Defining Network Settings 135

Workflow for defining network settings 137

Understanding network settings 138

Technology types 138

Spectrum allocation 138

General TDMA-FDMA and GSM settings 139

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Noise settings 140

HCL settings 140

Illegal color codes 141

Carriers 141

Carrier groups 141

Carrier types 141

Defining network settings 142

To define network settings 142

To define frame configurations 143

Network Settings 144

General 145

Carrier Configuration 146

Interference 147


Noise 149

Downlink 150

Uplink 151

Network Setting 152

HCL 153

Default Settings 154

If No Server Exists from HCL Rules 156


Illegal Color Codes 158


Carrier 160


Transceiver Configuration 162

Signaling Time Slots Requirements 163

Chapter 7 Configuring And Placing Sites 165

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Workflow for configuring and placing sites 167

Using site templates 168

To create a site template 168

To rename a site template 169

To set the site template as active 169

To view a site template 169

To delete a site template 169

Understanding sites and sectors 170

General site parameters 171

General sector parameters 172

Link parameters 172

Sector user data 172

Implementation parameters 172

Configuration parameters 173

Frequency planning parameters 174

Power parameters 174

Antenna Systems 174

Placing sites automatically 175

Determining site placement in the Basic mode 175

Determining site placement in the Advanced mode 176

To place sites in Basic mode 178

To place sites in Advanced mode 180

Automatic Site Placement Tool 182

Site Templates 183

Traffic 184


Propagation Model 186

Frequency Band 187

Defining link configurations 188

Losses and gains 188

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To define link configurations 191

To view or hide unassigned link configurations 191

Link Configuration Editor 193

Uplink/Reverse 194


Downlink/Forward 196

Creating and editing sites 198

To create a new site 198

To edit site parameters 199

To create a new site based on an existing site 200

Site Editor 201

Link 202

Antennas 203

Predictions 204

Mode 205

Information 206

Site Editor 207

Sector - Implementation 208

Hierachical Cell Layers 209

Settings 210

Voice Traffic 212

Site Editor 213

Sector - Configuration 214

Non-Hopping Transceivers 215

Site Editor 216

Sector - Frequency Planning 217

Required Transceivers 218

Site Editor 219


Exceptions 221

TDMA-FDMA User Guide ix

Illegal Carriers 222

Minimum Carrier Separation 223

Site Editor 224



CC 227

Site Editor 228

Sector - Powers 229

Chapter 8 Adding Repeaters 231

Understanding repeaters 232

Types of repeater implementations 233

Using split sectors 233

Using distributed antenna systems 234

Repeaters and predictions 234

Workflow for adding repeaters to sectors 235

Adding repeaters to sectors 236

To add repeaters to sectors 236

Site Editor 238

Donor 239

Type 239

Site Editor 240

Link 241

Service 241

Predictions 242

Isolation 242

Site Editor 242

Configuration 243

Equipment 243

Locating repeaters in a Map window 244

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To locate repeaters in a Map window 244

Chapter 9 Defining Environment Settings 245

Understanding environment settings 246

Defining environment settings 249

To define environment settings 249

Environment Editor 250

Environment Editor Table 251

Chapter 10 Generating Network Analyses 253

Understanding TDMA-FDMA analysis layers 254

Best server analysis 254

Best Server analysis layers for TDMA/FDMA 255

Interference analysis 256

Interference analysis layers for TDMA/FDMA 256

Workflow for generating an analysis 260

Defining default analysis settings 261

To define default analysis settings 261

Defining default analysis layers 262

To define default analysis layers 262

Common TDMA-FDMA Simulcast Analysis Layers 263

Creating and generating a network analysis 265

To create and generate a network analysis 265

Network Analysis Wizard 267

Best Server Selection 268

Best Server Grids To Be Calculated 269

Best Server Limits 270


Interference Selection 272

Victim Carriers 273

TDMA-FDMA User Guide xi


TDMA-FDMA User-Defined BER/FER Settings/TDMA-FDMAGSM BER/FER Settings 275

FER vs C/I Curve 276


Traffic Selection 279

Traffic Options 280

Convert Captured/Offered to Carried Erlangs 282

Traffic Maps 284

Creating and generating a network analysis 285

To create and generate a simulcast analysis 285

TDMA-FDMA Simulcast Analysis Settings 288

System 289

Subscriber 290

TDMA-FDMA Simulcast Analysis Settings 291

Analysis 292

Signal Strength Threshold 293

Simulcast Interference 294

Generating an existing analysis 295

To generate an existing analysis 295

Viewing analysis layers 296

To view analysis layers 296

Generating multiple analyses 297

To generate multiple analyses 297

Deleting analyses 298

To delete analyses 298

Recoloring best serving sector layers 299

To recolor best serving sector layers 299

Examining layer statistics 300

xii TDMA-FDMA User Guide

Chapter 11 Generating Frequency And Preamble PlansAutomatically 301

Understanding automatic frequency planning 302

Automatic frequency planning and color code planning 302

Inputs for automatic frequency planning 302

Constraints for automatic frequency planning 302

Costs for automatic frequency planning 303

Optimization methods for automatic frequency planning 304

Planet Optimizer 304

Planet Fast 305

Workflow for automatic frequency planning 306

Creating a frequency plan 307

To create a frequency plan 307

Frequency Planning 309

General 310

Plan 311

Minimize Cost 312


AFP 314

Optimization 315

Carrier Usage 317


HSN/MAIO 319

HSN 320

MAIO 322

Generating a frequency plan 323

To generate a frequency plan 323

Applying a frequency plan to TDMA/FDMA sectors 325

To apply a frequency plan 325

TDMA-FDMA User Guide xiii

Chapter 12 Working With Frequency And Color CodePlans 327

Understanding frequency and color code planning 328

Constraints for color code planning 328

Costs for color code planning 329

Workflow for frequency and color code planning 330

Generating and viewing color codes 331

To generate color codes 331

To view color codes for TDMA-FDMA sectors in the Map window 332

To view color code properties 332

Color Code Planning 333

General Settings 334


Constraints 337

Enable 338

Constraints 339

Constraint Type 341

Using basic frequency and color code planning functions 342

To open a frequency and color code plan 342

To save frequency and color code assignments 342

To view a frequency and color code plan report 343

To apply a frequency and color code plan 344

To export a frequency and color code plan 345


To open a frequency and color code plan 346

To save frequency and color code assignments 346

To view a frequency and color code plan report 347

To apply a frequency and color code plan 348

To export a frequency and color code plan 349

xiv TDMA-FDMA User Guide

Viewing sector-to-sector interference based on a frequencyplan 350

To view interferers for a TDMA/FDMA sector based on a frequency plan350

Chapter 13 Generating Frequency And Preamble PlansInteractively 351

Understanding interactive frequency planning 352

Workflow for interactive frequency and preamble planning 353

Creating a frequency and preamble plan 354

To create a frequency or preamble plan 354

Editing the IFPP settings 358

To edit IFPP settings 358

IFPP Settings 359

Frequency 360

Interference Threshold 361

Channel Allocation Cost 362

IFPP Settings 363

Preamble 364

Editing the cost color assignments 366

To edit the cost color assignment 366

Applying a saved frequency and preamble plan 367

To apply a saved frequency and preamble plan 367

Viewing a saved frequency and preamble plan 368

To view a saved frequency and preamble plan 368

Chapter 14 Working With The Tabular Editor 369

Working with the Tabular Editor 370

To edit sites, flags, or link configurations 370

Chapter 15 Importing And Exporting Data 373

TDMA-FDMA User Guide xv

Importing, replacing, and exporting project data 374

Importing data 375

Replacing data 375

Exporting data 376

To export project data 376

To import project data 377

Importing network data into Mentum Planet projects 381

Binding network data 381

Viewing the results of data binding 381

To import network data 381

Appendix A Mentum Planet File Types 385

Understanding project folders and files 386

Project files 386

Output files 387

MapInfo files 388

xvi TDMA-FDMA User Guide

Introduction

Chapter 1 Introduction

This User Guide provides an overview of the full life cycle of a wirelessnetwork, and includes information on the tools and procedures that arecommon to all network technologies. Many procedures, for example networkanalyses, are dependent on the technology being used, and are not includedin this User Guide. For more information on technology-specific procedures,see the appropriate User Guide.

This chapter covers the following topics:

Features of Mentum Planet ii

Using this documentation v

Contacting Mentum x

TDMA-FDMA User Guide i

Chapter 1

Features of Mentum Planet

Mentum Planet provides you with all the tools you need to accurately design,analyze, and optimize wireless networks. You can add extensions and enableadditional technologies to support the planning functions that you require.

Below is a list of some of the main features of Mentum Planet. This list is notcomprehensive. For a detailed feature list, go to the Mentum web site athttp://www.mentum.com.

Project Explorer

The Project Explorer organizes all components of a project into a hierarchicalstructure, enabling you to easily manage all project-related data includingsites, project information, network analyses, network data, and surveys. Youcan sort components such as sites and antenna patterns by theircharacteristics and manage support documents such as census tract data,capacity planning information, or RF design review documents. Shortcutmenus give you quick access to a wide variety of commands.

Site Editor

The Site Editor brings together all the parameters you need to specify whendefining base station technologies, sites, and sectors. This includes the linkconfiguration, the implementation settings as well as general site and sectorsettings.

Traffic Map Generator

Using the Traffic Map Generator, you can create traffic maps based on varioussources of data, including market information, demographics, vehiculartraffic, and switch statistics. You can combine this information with clutterinformation for your coverage area for an even more accurate assessment oftraffic loading for your wireless network. You can also scale traffic maps tobetter meet your requirements.

ii TDMA-FDMA User Guide

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Introduction

Interference Matrix Generator

The Interference Matrix Generator analyzes the potential for co-channel andadjacent-channel interference in your wireless network. If required, you caninclude traffic map information in the interference matrix calculations.Interference matrices are required input for the Neighbor List Generator andthe Automatic Frequency Preamble and Perm Base Planning tool.

Neighbor List Generator

You can use the Neighbor List Generator to create, view, edit, and compareneighbor lists for single-technology networks and for multi-technologynetworks. Neighbor lists can be based on cell adjacency or interference.Multiple user-defined criteria determine neighbor selection. You can alsoimport and export neighbor lists.

Network Data Import Wizard

You can import switch statistics for use in traffic maps, interference matrices,neighbor lists, and other Mentum Planet analysis tools. Performance-relateddata you can import includes dropped call rates, blocked call rates, and trafficlevels. The Network Data tool can also produce a thematically mapped displayof the imported data by sector.

Survey Data tool

Using the Survey Data node in the Project Explorer, you can import, manage,and visualize survey data.

Subscriber Settings

The Subscriber Settings dialog box contains all the parameters you need todefine the characteristics of your network subscribers including the mobileequipment and services they use as well as the Quality of Service thresholds.

TDMA-FDMA User Guide iii

Chapter 1

Data Manager

The Data Manager enables you to store data centrally and manage projectsmore efficiently, thus facilitating project collaboration and data sharing.

MapInfo Professional

Mentum Planet includes a full version of MapInfo Professional, an industrystandard mapping tool that gives you access to a full suite of raster and vectoranalysis tools, cartographic-quality tools, and advanced thematic mappingcapabilities. For a list of new features in MapInfo 10.5, see the MapInfoProfessional User Guide.

Microwave Links

You can visualize microwave transmission links within the context of yourMentum Planet projects and perform basic microwave planning tasks whendesigning your wireless network.

A new Microwave category in the Project Explorer provides access to MentumEllipse Quick Link features through various shortcut commands. In addition,you can create a microwave link between two sites by selecting the sites in theProject Explorer Sites category and using the shortcut commands. You canalso view links in the Map window.

For more information, see the Microwave Link Planning User Guide.

iv TDMA-FDMA User Guide

Introduction

Using this documentation

Before using this documentation, you should be familiar with the Windowsenvironment. It is assumed that you are using the standard Windows XPdesktop, and that you know how to access ToolTips and shortcut menus,move and copy objects, select multiple objects using the Shift or Ctrl key,resize dialog boxes, expand and collapse folder trees. It is also assumed thatyou are familiar with the basic functions of MapInfo ProfessionalÒ. MapInfoProfessional functions are not documented in this User Guide. For informationabout MapInfo Professional, see the MapInfo online Help andMapInfoProfessional User Guide. You can access additional MapInfo userdocumentation from the Pitney Bowes Business Insight website at

http://www.pbinsight.com/support/product-documentation.

All product information is available through the online Help. You access onlineHelp using the Help menu or context-sensitive Help from within a dialog boxby pressing the F1 key. If you want to view the online Help for a specific panelor tab, click in a field or list box to activate the panel or tab before you pressthe F1 key. The following sections describe the structure of the online Help.

User documentation updates

User documentation is continually evolving to address feedback or introduceimprovements. You can download the latest user documentation from theCustomer Care Product Downloads page where it is available as a separatedownload from the software.

Online Help

From the Help menu, you can access online Help for Mentum Planet softwareand for MapInfo Professional. This section describes the structure of theMentum Planet online Help.

The online Help provides extensive help on all aspects of software use. Itprovides

TDMA-FDMA User Guide v

http://www.pbinsight.com/support/product-documentation

http://www.pbinsight.com/support/product-documentation

http://www.mentum.com/index.php?page=customer-care&hl=en_US

http://www.mentum.com/index.php?page=customer-care&hl=en_US

Chapter 1

n help on all dialog boxes

n procedures for using the software

n an extensive Mentum Planet documentation library in PDFformat

The following sections provide details about the resources available throughthe online Help.

Resource Roadmap

When you first use the online Help, start with the Resource Roadmap. Itdescribes the types of resources available in the online Help and explains howbest to use them. It includes a step-by-step guide that walks you through theavailable resources.

Knowledge Base

You can access the Knowledge Base maintained by the Customer Care groupby clicking the Knowledge Base button on the online Help toolbar. TheKnowledge Base contains current information on Mentum products such asFrequently Asked Questions, How To procedures as well as solutions to issues.

Printing

You have two basic options for printing documents:

n If you want a good quality print of a single procedure orsection, you can print from the Help window. Click Print in theHelp window.

n If you want a higher quality print of a complete User Guide, useAdobe Reader to print the supplied print-ready PDF filecontained in the Mentum Planet documentation library. Openthe PDF file and choose File Print.

Library Search

You can perform a full-text search on all PDF files contained in the MentumPlanet documentation library if you are using a version of Adobe Reader that

vi TDMA-FDMA User Guide

Introduction

supports full-text searches. The PDF files are located in theMentum\Planet\Help\User Guides folder.

You can also perform a search on all online Help topics by clicking the Searchtab in the Help window. Type a keyword, and click List Topics to display all Helptopics that contain the keyword. The online Help duplicates the informationfound in the User Guide PDF files in order to provide more complete results. Itdoes not duplicate the information in the Release Notes, or Glossary.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Frequently Asked Questions section provides answers to commonquestions about Mentum Planet. For easy navigation, the section is dividedinto categories related to product functionality.

“What’s This?” Help

“What’s This?” Help provides detailed explanations of all dialog boxes.

User Guides

All User Guides for Mentum Planet software is easily accessible as part of theonline Help.

Documentation library

Mentum Planet comes with an extensive library of User Guides in PDF format.You can access PDF versions of the user guides by navigating to the Help/UserGuides folder within the Mentum Planet installation folder or by choosing theGuides command from the Mentum Planet Help menu.

Additional documents, including Application Notes and Technical Notes, areavailable at http://www.mentum.com.

Notational conventions

This section describes the textual conventions and icons used throughout thisdocumentation.

TDMA-FDMA User Guide vii

http://www.mentum.com/

Chapter 1

Textual conventions

Special text formats are used to highlight different types of information. Thefollowing table describes the special text conventions used in this document.

bold text

Bold text is used in procedure steps toidentify a user interface element such as adialog box, menu item, or button.

For example:

In the Select Interpolation Methoddialog box, choose the Inverse DistanceWeighting Option, and clickNext.

courier

text

Courier text is used in procedures toidentify text that you must type.

Courier text is used in procedures toidentify text that a user must type.

For example:

In the File Name box, typeElevation.grd.

bright bluetext

Bright blue text is used to identify a link toanother section of the document. Click thelink to view the section.

Menu arrows are used in procedures toidentify a sequence of menu items that youmust follow.

For example, if a step reads “Choose FileOpen,” you would click File and then

click Open.

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Introduction

<>

Angle brackets are used to identifyvariables.

For example, if a menu item changesdepending on the chosen unit ofmeasurement, the menu structure wouldappear asDisplay <unit OfMeasurement>.

Organization of this user guide

This user guide is organized according to the workflow that you would typicallyfollow to model and analyze a network and contains detailed informationrelated to all of the main steps in the workflow. Secondary or optional steps inthe workflow include references to manuals contained in the Mentum Planetdocumentation library.

Each chapter in this guide provides details about how to perform a step in theplanning process and explains how it relates to the other steps. Before youbegin, you should read the “Understanding...” sections in each chapter for anoverview of the planning process.

TDMA-FDMA User Guide ix

Chapter 1

Contacting Mentum

Mentum is committed to providing fast, responsive technical support. Thissection provides an extensive list of contacts to help you through any issuesyou may have.

We also welcome any comments about our documentation. Customerfeedback is an essential element of product development and supports ourefforts to provide the best products, services, and support we can.

Getting technical support

You can get technical support by phone or email, or by visiting the Self-ServicePortal on the Mentum website at

http://www.mentum.com/index.php?page=customer-care&hl=en_US.

North America

Phone: +1 866 921-9219 (toll free), +1 819 483-7094

Fax: +1 819 483-7050

Email: [email protected]

Hours: 9am – 7pm EST/EDT (Monday-Friday, excluding local holidays)

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

Phone: +33 1 39264642

Fax: +33 1 39264601


Hours: 9am – 6pm CET/CEST (Monday-Friday, excluding local holidays)

Asia Pacific

Phone: +852 2593 1287

Fax: +852 2593 1234


Hours: 9am – 6pm HKT (Monday-Friday, excluding local holidays)

x TDMA-FDMA User Guide

Introduction

When you call for technical support, ensure that you have your product IDnumber and know which version of the software you are running. You canobtain this information using the About command from the Help menu.

When you request technical support outside of regular business hours, aProduct Support Specialist will respond the next working day by telephone oremail, depending upon the nature of the request.

Send us your comments

Feedback is important to us. Please take the time to send comments andsuggestions on the product you received and on the user documentationshipped with it. Send your comments to:

[email protected]

TDMA-FDMA User Guide xi

Overview Of Mentum Planet Planning

Chapter 2 Overview Of Mentum Planet Planning

Using Mentum Planet, you can model networks designed for WiMAXTDMA-FDMA communication. This chapter describes key planning processes and theworkflow you should adopt.


Overview of supported technologies 14

Network planning modeling best practices 15

Forecasting network traffic 16

Workflow for WiMAXTDMA-FDMA network design using Mentum Planet 19

TDMA-FDMA User Guide 13

Chapter 2

Overview of supported technologies

Mentum Planet supports networks containing any combination of the followingTDMA/FDMA technologies:

n GSM—Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), anopen, non-proprietary TDMA system that is constantlyevolving. One of its great strengths is international roamingcapability, which provides seamless and standardized samenumber contact ability in more than 170 countries. GSMsupport includes GPRS and EGPRS.

n iDEN—a Motorola proprietary TDMA technology.

n user-defined—almost any TDMA or FDMA technology that is notexplicitly supported by TDMA-FDMA.

Optional tools

You can purchase the following optional tools for Mentum Planet :

n Automatic Frequency Planning tool—enables you toperform automatic frequency planning.

n Interactive Frequency Planning tool—enables you tooptimize your frequency plans bymanaging interference costsand violations at the transceiver level.

This user guide includes information for these optional tools.

14 TDMA-FDMA User Guide


Network planning modeling best practices

As with any communication network, the cornerstones of the networkplanning process are:

n balancing coverage, quality, and capacity

n minimizing costs and complexity

To design a network that successfully addresses these basic tenets of networkplanning, you need to create an accurate model of the radio propagation andof the subscriber traffic. The accuracy of the networkmodel is highlydependent on the accuracy of the data you use as the foundation of theproject.

When you create a Mentum Planet project, you must have:

n up-to-date geodata

n accurate and up-to-date survey data

n tuned propagation models that are appropriate for theenvironment and data

n accurate and up-to-date site configuration information


Chapter 2

Forecasting network traffic

When analyzing a fixed WiMAX network, the traffic loading at each sector iscalculated based on the location of subscribers across the network, theirutilization of network resources, and the modulation assigned to them. Highermodulation formats means that a subscriber can support more traffic. Forexample, if a subscriber is assigned a modulation of 16QAM, they will supportmore traffic than a subscriber with a modulation of QPSK.

Knowing the location of users within a WiMAX network is an important networkdesign element. A network is designed to support the expected traffic and thequality of the design depends on how well the demand (i.e., the traffic model)and the capacity match. This is particularly true for WiMAX, which usesadaptive modulation. For this reason, it is very important that high-trafficareas are served with high signal quality in order to improve the overallsystem capacity.

When designing a new network, the traffic forecast typically comes frommarketing assessments while traffic models can be created from the networktraffic reports. There are various methods in Mentum Planet to generatetraffic so that all stages of network design are covered (i.e., from the earlystages of a new greenfield network to the later stages of a live network).

When analyzing a network, the traffic loading at each sector is calculatedbased on the location of subscribers across the network, their utilization ofnetwork resources, and the modulation assigned to them. Higher modulationformats means that a subscriber can support more traffic. For example, if asubscriber is assigned a modulation of 16QAM, they will support more trafficthan a subscriber with a modulation of QPSK.

Knowing the location of users within a network is an important network designelement. A network is designed to support the expected traffic and the qualityof the design depends on how well the demand (i.e., the traffic model) and thecapacity match. For this reason, it is very important that high-traffic areas areserved with high signal quality in order to improve the overall system capacity.



Predicting the traffic of a target market

The first stage of designing a network is to determine where the demand willbe (i.e., where potential subscribers are located). Using the GIS features ofMapInfo and Mentum Planet, you can identify regions where demand forservices exist.

There are various types of data upon which you can base your marketprediction:

n Census information: this data provides information such aspopulation, income, and age. This data is generally vectorbased.

n Clutter data: this data provides land use information. This datais generally raster based.

n Telecom related data: this data provides information such asmobile phone subscriber density, Internet connection density,and other related parameters that can be useful in identifyingthe location of potential subscribers. The processing of thisdata is verymuch dependent on the format (vector or raster)and units.

Processing the data can take many forms and requires that you understandsome of the Mentum Planet GIS features. The proposed sequence of dataprocessing described here should be seen as an example and might not beapplicable to your situation.

Traffic model outputs

Whenmodeling the traffic of a market, the objective is to spatially representthe density of potential subscribers. Such values are continuous in nature andwill therefore be best represented by a numeric grid (.grd file). You cangenerate a grid of the market demand using the GIS and traffic modelingfeatures of Mentum Planet.


Chapter 2

Transforming census information into a traffic map

Because census information is generally provided in a vector format whereattributes (such as the population) are attached to a region, you will need totransform this information into a traffic map. For information on generatingtraffic maps, see Chapter 9, “Working with Traffic Maps”, in the Mentum PlanetUser Guide.

Geodata requirements

Predicting network propagation accurately is highly dependent on the qualityand type of geographical data (i.e., geodata) you use. Table 1.1 indicates thesuitability of common data types for the different technologies.

Table 1.1 Data requirements for various data types

Frequency Range (GHz)

Data Type (Meters)2.5-3.6 GHz

Nomadic/Mobile2.5-3.6 GHzFixed

GreaterThan 3.6GHz Fixed

20-30 meter resolutionheight and clutter (landuse) data

Acceptable Acceptable Notsufficientfor LOSestimation

5-meter resolutionDigital Terrain Model(DTM)

Difficult to usewith standardmodels

Difficult touse withstandardmodels

Ideal forLOSanalysis atlow cost

High-resolution 3Dmodel (i.e., vectorbuilding models andhigh-resolution clutterdata)

Ideal for urbanareas

Ideal forurban areas

Ideal forurban areas



Workflow for WiMAXTDMA-FDMA network designusing Mentum Planet

The workflow outlined in this section shows the typical order of steps only.Depending on your work practices, you may not complete the steps in thesame order.

Step 1 Gather information about potential site locations, collect electronicantenna patterns, and obtain required geodata.

Step 2 If required, prepare your data.

n Verify that your data is in a format that Mentum Planet 5 can use.See the Grid Analysis User Guide for information on importinggrids.

n If you want to perform propagation model tuning or generatemerged predictions, you need to import survey data. See theMentum Planet User Guide for information on importing andfiltering surveys.

Step 3 Customize your Mentum Planet environment by specifying defaultsettings and actions for projects.

Step 4 Create a new project or open an existing project. A Mentum Planetproject stores all the information required to simulate the network.In other words, it contains the network and all details related to it.You can create a project with as little as a DTM and later add aclutter grid, propagation models, and so on. The Project Wizardmakes project creation simple.

Step 5 Define network settings.

Step 6 Configure and place sites.

At this stage of the workflow, you place sites using the defaultpropagation models. You can later create and fine tune propagationmodels to suit your requirements.


Chapter 2

Step 7 Optionally, create the groups and flags you need to organize andmanage sites. See “Chapter 2: Working with Sites and Sectors” inthe Mentum Planet User Guide.

Step 8 Define propagation models. Propagation models are the basis ofpredictions.

Step 9 Optionally, compare and analyze survey data. See “Chapter 5:Managing Survey Data” in the Mentum Planet User Guide.

Step 10 Optionally, if you have purchased Capesso, optimize your sites usingthe workflow described in the Capesso online Help.

Step 11 Optionally, generate predictions. You can generate predictionsindependent of network analyses or as part of the network analysisprocess. See “Chapter 8: Generating Predictions” in the MentumPlanet User Guide.

Step 12 Optionally, generate traffic maps for the services and area that youplan to analyze. See “Chapter 10: Working with Traffic Maps” in theMentum Planet User Guide.

Step 13 Define subscriber attributes including equipment and services.

Step 14 Define environment settings for each clutter class.

Step 15 Generate a nominal analysis or a Monte Carlo simulation and viewresults.

Step 16 Generate and review layer statistics.

Step 17 Optionally, generate interference matrices in order to determinewhether there is potential interference between sectors. See“Chapter 11: Working with Interference Matrices” in the MentumPlanet User Guide.

Step 18 Optionally, generate neighbor lists in order to examine the effectneighboring sites have on network coverage and capacity. See“Chapter 12: Working with Neighbor Lists” in the Mentum PlanetUser Guide.



Step 19 Optionally, create a frequency plan and colorcodepreamblephysical cell ID plan.

Step 20 Optionally, create coverage map reports and FCC Service AreaBoundary reports. See “Chapter 15: Generating Reports” in theMentum Planet User Guide.


Understanding The Fundamentals Of Mentum Planet

Chapter 3 Understanding The Fundamentals OfMentum Planet

In order to work effectively with Mentum Planet, it is important that you havean understanding of basic Mentum Planet concepts.



Understanding project data types 26

Understanding project geodata 30

Understanding project files 35

Understanding the Project Explorer 37

Defining user preferences 42

User Preferences 44

Project Explorer 45

Performance 46

Zoom Automatically 47

User Preferences 49

Project Wizard Defaults 50

Geodata 51

Understanding the project folder structure 52

Creating and using workspaces 55

Attaching files to a Mentum Planet project 57

Working with site sets 59

Working with map layers 66

Working with geodata folders 70

Defining the coordinate systems to use in a project 72


Chapter 3

Defining color profiles 74

Color Profiles 77

Color 78



Understanding projects

A project contains and organizes all of the information pertaining to aparticular wireless network. This includes

n digital terrain models

n clutter information

n propagation models

n site locations

n sector equipment, including antennas

n sector groups

n link configurations

n flags

n traffic maps

n survey data

n network data

n any documents you want to attach to the project

A project also contains the results of predictions and network analyses madeon the basis of this information.


Chapter 3

Understanding project data types

For GIS data, Mentum Planet uses MapInfo tables and grids. An understandingof these types of data will help you to use Mentum Planet effectively.

Understanding MapInfo tables

Tables are like spreadsheets. Each row in a table contains one record, andeach column in the record contains information about a particular field.

In Mentum Planet , MapInfo tables store

n site data, such as site name, sector name, and various site andsector labels

n points, such as tower locations or survey result

n lines and polylines, such as roads

n polygons, such as bodies of water or county boundaries

Once you have opened a table, you can view the contents of each record bychoosing Window New Browser Window.

Understanding grids

Grid data is the best way to represent phenomena that vary continuouslythrough space. Elevation, signal strength, path loss, and signal interferenceare excellent examples of properties that are distributed in constantly varyingdegrees through space and are best represented in grid format. Grids are partof the raster data format. Regions, points, and lines are part of the vector dataformat.

A grid can be used to effectively visualize the trends of geographic informationacross an area. Grids enable you to quickly compare and query layers ofinformation, create new derived grids, or analyze grid layers for such uniqueproperties as visual exposure, proximity, density, or slope. There are twotypes of Mentum Planet grids: numeric grids and classified grids. For moreinformation, see “Numeric grids” and ““Classified grids”.



What is a grid?

A grid is made up of regularly spaced square cells, called bins, where each binhas a value and a color representing the value. If there are several binsbetween two known locations, the change in color between these binsindicates how the values change. All data that varies through space iscaptured at discrete sample locations where the value is known. For example,an RF engineer performs a survey to record the signal strength from a sector.Readings are collected every second. In a vector-based GIS system, there arelimited ways to portray this kind of data. Some of the more traditional waysare to label each individual sample location with the known value, to creategraduated symbols at each sample site where the symbol size reflects thesample’s value, or to generate contour lines or contour regions depictinglocations of equal value (see Figure 3.1). Another commonmethod ofdisplaying survey data in a vector-based GIS system is to thematically shadepoints based on signal strength.

Figure 3.1: Three examples of how a traditional vector-based GIS systemdisplays data that varies continuously.

The problem with these methods is that it is difficult to portray how the datachanges between known locations. Grids, on the other hand, easily displayhow the data changes between locations.

Understanding grid types

Mentum Planet supports two types of grids:


Chapter 3

n numeric grids—use numeric attribute information

n classified grids—use character attribute information

Numeric grids

One example of a numeric grid is a DEM, where each bin is referenced to avalue measured in units of height above sea level (see Figure 3.2). Numericgrids are best used to define continuously varying surfaces of information,such as elevation, in which bin values are either mathematically estimatedfrom a table of point observations or assigned real numeric values. Forexample, in Figure 3.2 each bin was calculated (interpolated) from a table ofrecorded elevation points. In Mentum Planet , numeric grid files are given theextension .grd. Numeric grids have a corresponding .tab file containingimportant metadata that describes the grid file.

Figure 3.2: Numeric grid showing the continuous variation of elevation acrossan area



Classified grids

Classified grids are best used to represent information that is more commonlyrestricted to a defined boundary. They are used in the same way that a regionis used to describe a boundary area, such as a land classification unit or acensus district. In this case, the grid file does not represent information thatvaries continuously over space. In Figure 3.3 a land classification grid displayseach bin with a character attribute attached to it that describes the land typeunderlying it. A common type of classified grid is a Best Serving Sectoranalysis layer. In Mentum Planet , classified grid files use a .grc file extension.Classified grids have a corresponding .tab file containing important metadatathat describes the grid file.

Figure 3.3: Classified grid representing land use (called a clutter file) whereeach bin is referenced to a descriptive attribute

TIP: Grids can easily be converted to vector format by contouring andvector-based data can be converted to grids. For more information, see“Creating Grids Using Other Methods”, in the Grid Analysis User Guide.


Chapter 3

Understanding project geodata

Project geodata includes digital terrain models, clutter files, building outlines,region files along with other data required to accurately model a network. Allgeodata files must be saved in a geodata folder (using the naming conventionof your choice) but the folder itself can be saved locally or remotely dependingon your work requirements. The geodata folder must, however, contain afolder called “Heights” where the elevation file is saved and a folder called“Clutter”. The Clutter folder can be empty if you are not using clutter.

In Mentum Planet , geodata is organized into categories that are reflected inthe following folder structure:

n Heights—a mandatory folder that contains DEM files used todefine the height of the terrain above sea level.

n Clutter—a mandatory folder that contains files used todescribe land classification or land use. While it’s mandatory tohave this folder within the Geodata folder, you do not have toassociate a clutter file with the project.

n Clutter Heights—an optional folder that contains files used todefine the height of clutter Above Ground Level (AGL).

n Polygons—an optional folder that contains files used to define3D regions building models.

n Custom—an optional folder that contains geographic files thatdo not fit into the other geodata folders. This folder is typicallyused to store 2D vector data such as streets and demographicdata.

Each folder can contain multiple files, each of a different resolution and/orcoverage.

TIP: Specialized geodata is available from Mentum. See the MentumGeodata web page athttp://www.mentum.com/index.php?page=geodata&hl=en_US.


http://www.mentum.com/index.php?page=geodata&hl=en_US

http://www.mentum.com/index.php?page=geodata&hl=en_US


CAUTION: Files in the Heights, Clutter, Clutter Heights, and Polygons foldershould use the same map projection. Files in the Custom folder do not have touse the same map projection as other geodata files.

Heights folder

The Heights folder contains one or more Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). Eachgrid (.grd) file contains, for each bin, the height in meters or feet of theterrain above sea level. Using Mentum Planet , you can build height files frompoint data or use many industry standard data formats. Each height file has acorresponding .tab file that contains important metadata about the grid file.

When the Heights folder contains multiple grid files, each grid file must usethe same coordinate system, but may have a different resolution. Theprimary height file, defined on the Geodata tab in the Project Settings dialogbox, should geographically contain all of the other grid files in the Heightsfolder.

Clutter folder

The Clutter folder contains one or more clutter files in classified grid (.grc)format. Each classified grid file contains, for each bin, the clutter class thatcovers the majority of the bin. Clutter files are derived from aerial/satelliteimagery or generated from digitized maps. Each clutter file has acorresponding .tab file that contains important metadata about the classifiedgrid file.

You are not required to choose a clutter file when you create a project.However, using clutter files is fundamental to increasing the accuracy ofpredictions when using propagation models that support clutter attenuationparameters (e.g., CRC-Predict and the Planet General Model). Without land-use information, predictions cannot model the effects of man-madestructures or trees.

When the Clutter folder contains multiple classified grid files, each classifiedgrid file must use the same coordinate system, but may have a differentresolution. The primary clutter file, defined on the Geodata tab in the Project


Chapter 3

Settings dialog box, should geographically contain all of the other classifiedgrid files in the Clutter folder.

Clutter Heights folder

The Clutter Heights folder is an optional folder that contains one or moreclutter height files in numeric grid format. Each grid (.grd) file specifies, foreach bin, the mean height above ground level of the clutter specified in theclutter file over the bin. Height values must always be greater than or equal to-400 m.

Clutter height files are particularly useful in urban environments, for highresolution clutter files, to describe the height of buildings at the bin level. It isalso useful for lower resolution clutter files to describe clutter heights withmore granularity wherever the height of a clutter is not uniform over thecovered area. In this case, you would use a lower resolution grid file to specifyaverage clutter height, and a higher resolution grid file to provide moreprecise clutter height information.

When the Clutter Heights folder contains multiple grid files, each grid file mustuse the same coordinate system.

NOTE: You must add files to the Clutter Heights folder manually. See “Tomanage geodata files”.

NOTE: Not all propagation models use clutter height information. If themodel you are using does not support clutter height data, you can create aclassified grid from the clutter height data and merge it with the clutter file.

Polygons folder

The Polygons folder is an optional folder that contains one or more polygonfiles in MapInfo table (.tab) format. Each row in a table file specifies a polygonor region object. Typically, individual polygon files are used to define polygons



of different types (e.g., one polygon table defines building contours, andanother defines vegetation contours).

Polygon table files must contain at least the columns specified in Table 2.1,while 3D polygon tables files must also contain either of the columns specifiedin Table 2.2. Tables may contain other columns such as street address,building population, attenuation factor, or other user-defined or model-specific columns.

Table 2.1 Required polygon table columns

Fieldname

Type Comment

Polygon_ID

Character(64)

Unique ID to represent each polygonobject

Polygon_Type

Character(256)

Descriptive information about a polygon;such as, “Building”, “Vegetation”, or“Water”.

Height values for 3D polygons are specified in either this AMSL or AGL column.Polygons are considered 2D when a polygon table file does not contain eitherthe AMSL or AGL columns.

Table 1 Table 2.2 Required 3D polygon table columns

FieldName

Type Comment

AMSL FloatA floating point number representing theheight above average mean sea level.

AGL FloatA floating point number representing theheight above ground level.

NOTE: The measurement unit used by values in the AMSL and AGL columnsare specified in the metadata associated with the .tab file. Use the followinginteger values to specify measurement units:

n 2—Inchesn 3—Feet


Chapter 3

n 5—Millimetersn 6—Centimetersn 7—Meters

When the Polygons folder contains multiple table files, each table file must usethe same coordinate system as the primary heights file.

NOTE: You must add files to the Polygons folder manually. See “To managegeodata files”.

Custom folder

The Custom folder is an optional folder that contains one or more geographicfiles that do not fit in the other geodata folders. The following are someexamples of geographic files that you would add to the Custom folder:

n boundaries

n road networks

n railway networks

n water ways

n aerial or satellite photos

Mentum Planet can display custom data if it is a MapInfo grid or table file. Forother types of custom data, Mentum Planet will use an appropriate applicationwith which to display the chosen custom data.

NOTE: You must add files to the Custom folder manually. See “To managegeodata files”.



Understanding project files

When you create a project in Mentum Planet , you are prompted to select aproject folder, specify the project heights grid file and, optionally, a projectclutter file. You must also define the project technologies, the default settingsfiles, and the coordinate system. The site set is automatically created.

Site files

When you create a project, a default site set is added to the Project Datacategory of the Project Explorer as shown in Figure 3.1. A site set defines acollection of sites and contains the site data. You can create multiple site setswithin a Mentum Planet project but only one site set is active at any one time.It is the active site set that you modify when you change site parameters.Using multiple site sets enables you to have several versions of the samenetwork available and offers more flexibility to create and analyze “What-If”scenarios. See “Working with site sets”.

The site information required to display sites in the Map window is duplicatedin the site table (i.e., in the .tab file) as shown in “Appendix A: Site TableFormat”. Additional site table columns are also available if you want to querythe site data using MapBasic functionality; however, you cannot update sitedata bymodifying the .tab file as this data is always updated from the internalMentum Planet project,which is held in-memory and stored in the project file.

You can update site sets using the Tabular Editor or Import/Export Wizard.

CAUTION: To update the site table (.tab) file, right-click the Sites node andchoose Update Site File. Site updates are not automatically added to the sitetable.

CAUTION: Do not update the site table manually using MapBasic or MapInfofunctionality.


Chapter 3

Workspaces

A workspace (.wor) file records which MapInfo files are open, the position ofeach Map window and the properties of each layer it contains. You can saveyour working configuration to a workspace file whenever you want. Thisfeature is particularly useful for features such as print layouts. If you associatea workspace with a project, that workspace is opened whenever you open theproject.

Use of a workspace is optional. If you do not use a workspace, Mentum Planetwill automatically save the initial workspace configuration when you close yourproject. The initial workspace configuration will be restored when you reopenthe project unless you choose to use a workspace and have enabled theWorkspace Autosave feature.

For more information on workspaces, see “Creating and using workspaces”.



Understanding the Project Explorer

The Project Explorer simplifies viewing and manipulation of Mentum Planetproject data. It provides

n tree representation of hierarchical relationships such asgroups and sites, sites and sectors, analyses and analysislayers

n an indicator showing the number of sites and sectors containedin the Sites node and individual Group nodes; for example, if agroup name is followed by [10/25/76/5] (see Figure 3.1), thenthere are 10 sites, 25 base stations, 76 sectors, and 5repeaters contained in the group.

n Data Manager status bar, indicating the project status in DataManager (if applicable)

n easy access to all information about a site, sector, or group

n right-click access to relevant commands

n mouse operations (e.g., drag and drop) for tasks such asadding a site to a group

n copy and paste operations

n easy access to Restore functionality where minimized dialogboxes (e.g., the Prediction Generator dialog box and the Point-to-Point dialog box) can be maximized again.

The Project Explorer is present whenever a project is open, and is initiallydocked at the left side of the application window. You can also dock theProject Explorer on the right side of the application window by dragging it tothe right side of the screen. Drag the Project Explorer to the left side of thescreen to once again dock it on the left side of the application window. Whendocked, only the width of the Project Explorer is resizable.

You can also undock the Project Explorer by dragging it to any location on thescreen. When undocked, both the height and width of the Project Explorer areresizable. Drag the Project Explorer to the left or right side of the screen toonce again dock it with the application window.


Chapter 3

TIP: If you want to hide the Project Explorer from view, choose View HideProject Explorer. Choose View Show Project Explorer to once again viewthe Project Explorer.

Figure 3.1: Project Explorer



The Project Explorer can contain one, two, or three data windows. The DataWindow control buttons, located just below the title bar, control howmanydata windows the Project Explorer displays.

Button FunctionAdds another data window at the bottom of theProject Explorer. The button is unavailable when thereare three data windows.Removes the bottom data window in the ProjectExplorer. The button is unavailable when there is onlyone data window.Updates the content of the Project Explorer. Toreorder items in the Sites category, right-click theGroups, Repeaters, or Sites node and choose Refresh.

Understanding the Project Explorer data window

Project information is divided into several broad categories:

n Network Analyses

n Operational Data

n Project Data

n RF Tools

n Sites

n Microwave

n Windows

A data window displays a single category of information as a tree view. Youselect the category from the Category list.

The items in the tree view are generically called nodes. Specific nodes arealways referred to by name. A node can be


Chapter 3

n a collection of nodes of one type, such as the Groups node,which is a collection of Group nodes

n an item that contains subordinate items, such as a site thatcontains sectors

The tree view represents hierarchical relationships graphically. You canexpand or collapse nodes to reveal or hide subordinate nodes as needed.

You can define some relationships by dragging nodes. For example:

n To add a site to a group, drag the site into the group from theSites node.

n To change the order of layers in a Map window, drag the layerto where you want it in the list of map layers.

Using multiple data windows

If you configure the Project Explorer with multiple data windows, you can

n viewmultiple categories of information at once

n view different parts of a lengthy tree view so that you can easilyperform mouse drag operations between them

By default, a category can only be viewed in one data window at a time. Forinformation on how to view the same category in more than one data window,see “Defining user preferences”.

Access to commands

When you right-click on any node, you access a shortcut menu of commandsthat apply to that type of node. For example, the following menu appearswhen you right-click on a site node.



Figure 3.2: Right-click commands

Each shortcut menu has a default command that appears in bold. Forexample, the default command for a site node is Edit. You can access thesedefault commands quickly by double-clicking a node.

You can make multiple selections by holding the Shift or Ctrl key while clickingnodes, and then right-click to perform a command on all of them. In this case,the shortcut menu contains only commands that are valid for multiple nodes.For example, if you right-click on multiple sites, the New Sector command isnot available. You can add a sector to only one site at a time.


Chapter 3

Defining user preferences

In the User Preferences dialog box, you can specify default settings andactions for Mentum Planet . These defaults are maintained between MentumPlanet sessions and upgrades and preserved across all projects. Preferencesare user-specific so in a centralized work environment (such as when usingCitrix or Windows Terminal Server), user preferences are unique to theindividual who defines them.

User preferences are divided into the following categories:

n General—Mentum Planet startup actions and project datavalidation settings

n Units—units to be used across the project as well as theproject coordinate system.

n Project Explorer—performance, site selection, and layerdisplay settings

n Data Manager—logon settings and profile management

n Project Wizard Defaults—default folder settings andgeodata settings

n Miscellaneous—prediction view, import/export, and MonteCarlo simulation settings

NOTE: Descriptions of relevant parameters are listed after the procedure or,if you are using the software, press F1 for the online Help.

To define user preferences

CAUTION: The Transmitted Power, Height, Distance, and Coordinatessettings are global parameters that affect the interpretation of all the valuesstored for sites. Use the same units of measure consistently throughout yourproject to avoid inadvertently changing global parameters.

1 Choose Edit Preferences.



The User Preferences dialog box opens.

2 Define your user preferences as required.

User preferences are maintained between Mentum Planet sessions.

CAUTION: You must restart Mentum Planet to apply value changes for anyuser preference marked by an asterisk (*).


Chapter 3

User Preferences

Use the User Preferences dialog box to specify default settings and actions forMentum Planet. These settings are maintained between Mentum Planetsessions and upgrades.

NOTE: This section details key parameters. For descriptions of all availableparameters, see the online Help.



Project Explorer

Use this panel to define Project Explorer performance and selection settings.For more information about the Project Explorer, see Understanding theProject Explorer in the User Guide for the technology you are using.


Chapter 3

Performance

CAUTION: Enabling any of the options in this section will impact theperformance of the Project Explorer.

Enable Duplicate Categories—enable this check box to display the samecategory in two Project Explorer data windows. When this check box is cleared,categories are restricted to a single data window. Using duplicate categoriesincreases the time it takes to open a project and unless you are working withprojects that have less than 5 000 sectors, it is not recommended.

Show Horizontal Scrollbar in Sites Category—enable this check box toadd a horizontal scrollbar to the data window displaying the Sites categorywhen the window content surpasses the window width.

Sort Project Explorer Nodes Automatically—enable this check box to sortthe nodes in the Project Explorer when you add new items to the ProjectExplorer or rename existing items. When this check box is cleared, new itemsare added to the bottom of nodes, and you must right-click the Groups,Repeaters, or Sites node and choose Refresh to sort the chosen node.



Zoom Automatically

On Located Site—enable this check box to set the zoom distance when usingthe Locate command from the shortcut menu. To set the zoom distance,move the slider until the desired zoom distance is displayed next to the slider.

On Viewed Site Selection—enable this check box to set the zoom distancewhen using the View command from the shortcut menu. To set the zoomdistance, move the slider until the desired zoom distance is displayed next tothe slider.

Apply Translucency To Raster Layers—enable this check box to applytranslucency to raster layers. Enable the check box next to each layer forwhich you want translucency applied. Specify the degree of transparency bydragging the slider until the desired percentage is displayed. When you set atranslucency level of 0 percent, the layer is completely opaque (i.e., youcannot see through it). When you specify 100% translucency, the layer iscompletely transparent.

NOTE: Translucency is applied when you view a layer from the ProjectExplorer or from a menu. When you change a translucency setting, you mustremove the layer and re-display it in order to see the effect of your changes.

TIP: Using a translucency value of 50% on network analysis layers willenable you to see the geodata information or the aerial or satellite imagesthrough the network layers.

Analysis Layer (Numeric)—enable this check box to apply translucency tonumeric analysis layers and move the slider until the degree of translucency isdisplayed.

Analysis Layer (Classified)—enable this check box to apply translucency toclassified analysis layers and move the slider until the degree of translucencyis displayed.

Clutter—enable this check box to apply translucency to clutter layers andmove the slider until the degree of translucency is displayed.


Chapter 3

Heights—enable this check box to apply translucency to the elevation layerand move the slider until the degree of translucency is displayed.

Prediction—enable this check box to apply translucency to predictions andmove the slider until the degree of translucency is displayed.

Traffic Map—enable this check box to apply translucency to traffic maps andmove the slider until the degree of translucency is displayed.



User Preferences

Use the User Preferences dialog box to specify default settings and actions forMentum Planet. These settings are maintained between Mentum Planetsessions and upgrades.



Chapter 3

Project Wizard Defaults

Project Folder—this field displays the name of the default project folder fornew projects. You can change this folder while using the Project Wizard tocreate a new project.

Browse—click this button to locate the a folder to use as the default projectfolder for new projects.

Global Folder—this field displays the name of the folder where defaultproject files such as antenna files or curve files are saved. If you do not specifya global folder, the Global folder within the Mentum Planet installation folder isused.

Browse—click this button to navigate to where the folder you want to specifyis located.



Geodata

Use Default Geodata—enable this check box to define a default location forgeodata. When you create a new project, these defaults will be used.

Geodata Location—this field displays the name of the folder where geodatais saved. Geodata can be saved locally or remotely and the folder name canbe whatever best suits your needs; however, the geodata folder must containa Heights folder with the elevation grid and a Clutter folder, which can beempty of you are not using clutter.

Primary Heights File—choose from this list the elevation file you want toassociate with the project. All files contained in the Heights folder will belisted.

Primary Clutter File—choose from this list the clutter file you want toassociate with the project or choose None if you do not want to define adefault clutter file. All files contained in the Clutter folder will be listed. You canhave more than one clutter file in the folder.


Chapter 3

Understanding the project folder structure

Each project folder contains many sub-folders. These are described in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3 Project folders

Folder ContentsAntenna Algorithm Files that are used to describe the algorithms

used in various configurations of multipleantenna systems

Antenna Queries Antenna query files

Antennas Files for antennas used in the project

Areas Area classified grid files

Attachments Files you want to associate with a project. Onlyshared files are saved in the Attachments folder.These files will automatically be put into DataManager when you submit the project.

Backup project data backup

Bin Path loss files

CDMA2000_Analyses cdma2000 analysis files

CDMA2000MC_Simulations

cdma2000 Monte Carlo simulation parametersand results

Curves Curve files, which are used by the application toconfigure relationships between performanceindicators

Environment

FCC Contours FCC region and point files

Field Strength Combined signal strength files, which are createddynamically when viewing overall site fieldstrength

Filters Filter loss (.flt) files

FixedWiMAXFDD_Analyses

Fixed WiMAX FDD network analysis files

FixedWiMAXTDD_Analysis

Fixed WiMAX TDD network analysis files



Folder Contents

FrequencyPlan WiMAX frequency plans

General Settings files (e.g., contour.set)

Geodata Mapping data including elevation, clutter, clutterheight, 2D/3D polygon, and other types ofmapping data files such as streets andphotographic imagery. The geodata folder mustcontain a Heights folder and a Clutter folder. TheHeights folder must contain the mandatoryprimary DTM. The Clutter folder can be empty.

InterferenceMatrix Interference matrix files

LTE_Analyses LTE analysis files

LTEMC_Simulations LTE Monte Carlo simulation parameters andresults

Model Propagation model and clutter propertyassignment files

NeighborList Neighbor list files

Network_Data Imported network data files

PNOffsetPlanning PN offset plans

PredictionView Optimized pathloss storage used for networkanalyses and Monte Carlo simulations

PreQualAnalyses Nth best server layers

Profiles Grid color profile files, point-to-point profilesettings files, and contour color profile files

Propagation_Model_Analyses

Propagation model analysis files

Reports Report files

Scanner Data Scanner data files and templates

Scanner Survey Data Scanner survey data files and templates

ScramblingCodePlanningScrambling code plans

Sector Display Scheme Sector display schemes

Settings Files created by the Traffic Map Generator

SignalStrength Prediction files for individual sectors


Chapter 3

Folder ContentsSite Sets Local and shared site sets

Site Templates Local and shared site templates

SPT Files related to the process of merging surveysand predictions.

Subscriber Data Fixed broadband wireless access database

Surveys Survey files

TDMA_FDMA_Analyses TDMA/FDMA network analysis files

Test Mobile Data Test mobile data files and templates

TrafficMaps Numeric grid and clutter relative weighting filesfor traffic maps

WCDMA_Analyses WCDMA network analysis files

WCDMAMC_Simulations WCDMA Monte Carlo simulation parameters andresults

WiMAX_Analyses WiMAX network analysis files

WiMAXMC_Analyses WiMAX Monte Carlo simulation parameters andresults

WiMAXMC_Simulations WiMAX Monte Carlo simulation parameters andresults

Workspaces MapInfo workspace files including the defaultProjectOpening.wor file.



Creating and using workspaces

A workspace (.wor) file saves the current settings for each Map window and itslayers. At any time, you can save the current settings to a workspace file.

When you open a workspace, the Map windows and layers specified in theworkspace are re-created, opening any files that are required.

For more information about workspaces, see “Using Workspaces” in Chapter 4 of the MapInfo Professional User Guide.

You can define a workspace in your project settings that Mentum Planet willopen when you open the project. By default, Mentum Planet does notassociate a workspace with your project; it stores the working configuration ina default workspace. To automatically update a workspace file when youmake changes, you must use a defined workspace (.wor) file and enable theWorkspace Autosave check box on the General tab in the Project Settingsdialog box.

To create a workspace

1 Choose GIS Save Workspace.

2 In the Save Workspace dialog box, navigate to your projectfolder.

3 Ensure that Workspace (*.wor) is selected in the Save As Typelist.

4 In the File Name box, type a workspace name or accept thedefault, and click Save.

To open a workspace

1 Choose GIS Open Workspace.

2 In the Open Workspace dialog box, navigate to your workspacefile, and clickOpen.

3 Ensure that Workspace (*.wor) is selected in the Files of Type list.


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TIP: You can also view the contents of a workspace file using a text editorsuch as Notepad.

To associate a workspace with a project

You can specify a previously-saved workspace that Mentum Planet opens eachtime you open this project. By doing this, you can have the project open withthe same configuration of windows and map layers every time.

1 With a project open, choose Edit Project Settings.

The Project Settings dialog box opens.

2 Click the General tab.

3 In theWorkspace section, clickBrowse beside theWorkspacebox, navigate to the workspace you want to use, and then clickOpen.

4 To automatically save the workspace each time you close theproject, enable theWorkspace Autosave check box.



Attaching files to a Mentum Planet project

You can attach files of any type to a Mentum Planet project and organize theminto folders for easy access. This is useful when you want to include supportdocuments in a Mentum Planet project such as census tract data, capacityplanning information, or RF design review documents. And, you can updateattached information that is saved as a .xls or .csv file using the Importcommand.

NOTE: Files can be saved locally on your workstation or shared with otherusers using the Data Manager.

To attach a file to a project

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, expandthe Attachments node and do any of the following:

n To attach a file that you want stored locally, right-click Localand choose Add.

n To attach a file that you want stored in Data Manager, right-click Shared and choose Add.

2 In the Open dialog box, locate the file you want to add, and clickOpen.

The attached file is added to the Local or Shared attachments node inthe Project Explorer. Shared files are saved in the Attachments folderwithin the project folder.

TIP: You can also double-click the Local or Shared node to attach a file.

To open an attached file

n In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, right-click the attached file and choose Open.


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To remove an attached file from a project

n In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, right-click the attached file and choose Remove.

The file is deleted from the Attachments folder.



Working with site sets

A site set is a collection of sites. Every project has a Master site set, whichcontains all the sites in a project. When you create a project, a Master site setis created by default. Site sets can, for example, help you workmoreefficiently on the region for which you are responsible by allowing you tocreate a copy of the Master site set which contains only those sites you areworking on. When you make changes to sites in the subset, these changes areonly reflected in the project once you merge the subset into the Master siteset.

In contrast, when you work with groups, changes you make to sites in thegroup are reflected in the project as soon as you apply them. For moreinformation, see “Grouping sites” in the Mentum Planet User Guide.

When you are satisfied with the results and the changes you have made to asite subset, you can merge it back into the Master site set. And, if you areworking with the Data Manager, you can then submit the Master site set to theserver project so that others can access your changes. Site subsets are notstored in Data Manager.

NOTE: To help you identify a site set, you can add a detailed description byright-clicking on the site set and choosing Edit Description.

TIP: You can update site sets using the Tabular Editor or Import/ExportWizard.

Master site set

When you create a project, a Master site set is automatically created. Themaster site set contains all sites in the project and is identified with a greenplus sign. It is from the Master site set that you create site subsets in order toperform specific planning and optimization tasks outside the productionenvironment (i.e., in a virtual sandbox). In other words, you can, forexample, generate and examine predictions or network analyses and then


Chapter 3

make modifications to site or network parameters without changing theMaster site set.

You can create a copy of the entire Master site set (i.e., all the sites in theproject) if you want to backup all site data. In the Project Explorer, right-clickthe Master site set and choose Copy.

Site subsets

A site subset is a copy of specific sites contained in the Master site set. In theProject Explorer, a site subset is identified with a green minus sign as shown inFigure 2.6. Using site subsets, you can test various site configurations beforeapplying these changes to the project.

Active site set

The sites in the Active site set are those you change when you make site andsector modifications. The Active site set is identified with a green arrow asshown in Figure 2.6.

Figure 2.6 Icons identifies the active site set



Site table

The site table (or site file) is used mainly for display purposes. It contains theinformation required to display sites in the Map window as well as additionalsite table columns that can be used if you want to query site data usingMapInfo functionality.

You cannot permanently update site data bymodifying the site (.tab) file asthis data is always updated from the internal Mentum Planet project, which isheld in-memory and stored in the project file. Site data saved in the site tableis not updated automatically when you make changes to site or sectorparameters. You can, however, refresh the site data stored in the site tableusing the Update Site File command from the Sites node in the ProjectExplorer but these updates are not saved. The site table is re-written eachtime you open a project.

To switch the active site set

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, expandSite Sets, and then expand either the Local or Shared node.

2 Right-click the active site set and do one of the following:

n To copy the entire site set, choose Copy.

n To copy a subset of the site set, choose Copy Subset.

3 If you are copying a subset, in the Select Sites dialog box,specify the sites that you want to be part of the subset bychoosing one of the following options in the Sector Selectionsection:

n All Sites to include all sites in the subset.

n Current Selection if you have selected specific sectors in theMap window.


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n Flag Filtering if you have defined and assigned flags tosectors. Enable the Invert Conditions check box to select thosesectors for which the applied conditions do not apply.

n Group Selection if you have defined and created groups.

n Query Selection if you have defined and created sectorqueries.

4 In the Band Filtering section, enable the bands you want toinclude in your sector selection.

The sites that will be included in the subset are displayed in the SelectedSites list.

5 ClickOK.

The new site set is added to the Site Sets list.

NOTE: If the number of sites in a site set is high (i.e., greater than 5_000sectors), the action of switching between site sets can take some time tocomplete.

To change the active site set


2 Right-click the site set that you want to set as the active site setand choose Active.

The active site set changes, and the new site set is displayed in the Mapwindow.

NOTE: When you change site sets, only the sites change. Defined flags,groups, and link configurations are preserved. For example, flags you havedefined for the active site set will also be available for use with a subset of thesite set.



To merge a subset into the active site set

CAUTION: It is recommended that you backup the site set before doing amerge. Changesmade to the original site set cannot be undone.


2 Right-click the subset site set and chooseMerge To Active.

Site data in the original site set is overwritten with the data from thesubset.

To create a shared site set

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, expandSite Sets, and then expand the Local node.

2 Right-click the site set you want to share and choose CreateShared.

A copy of the selected site set is added to the Shared node.

To update a shared site set

You can only update a shared site set when the original site set is not theactive site set.

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, expandSite Sets, and then expand the Local node.

2 Right-click the original site set used to create the shared copy andchoose Update Shared.

The shared copy of the selected site set is updated to match the originalsite set.


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To remove a site set


2 Right-click the site set and choose Remove.

The site set is removed from the list, but the site set files are not deletedfrom the project folder.

CAUTION: If you right-click a site set and choose Delete, the site set files aredeleted from the project folder.

To rename a site set


2 Right-click the site set, choose Rename, type a new name, andpress Enter.

To view the site set description


2 Right-click the site set for which you want to view site set details,choose About.

3 Once you have read the description, clickOK.

To edit the site set description




2 Right-click the site set you want to edit and choose EditDescription.

3 In the Edit Description dialog box, type the details you want toassociate with the site set and clickOK.


Chapter 3

Working with map layers

You should be familiar with the concept of map layers when you work withMentum Planet . Each unique layer of information exists as a separate file thatcan be added as a layer in a Map window.

Just as each layer can be visualized above or below another layer, layers canbe compared using spatial analysis functions.

When you open a grid, the Map window consists of a cosmetic layer andindividual map layers. You can manipulate these layers using the ProjectExplorer or using the Layer Control.

Figure 2.7 Various map layers covering the same geographic area can holddifferent types of information.

In the Windows category of the Project Explorer, you can

n view the names of the individual layers

n add or remove layers

n change the position of individual map layers

n make layers visible or invisible, editable or not editable

n open the layer in a new Map window



n make layers selectable and/or editable

n enable automatic labeling of objects, such as sites

You can also manipulate map layers with the Layer Control. Right-click on theMap window and choose Layer Control. For more information about the LayerControl, click the Help button in the Layer Control dialog box.

NOTE: For information on visualizing map layers as Microsoft Bing Aerial orMicrosoft Bing Hybrid layers, see the MapInfo Professional User Guide,located by default in the \Program Files\Mentum\Planet5\mapinfo\Documentation folder.

NOTE: When you close a Map window by choosing File Close Table, the gridis not deleted or removed from the project, it is simply no longer visible.

To manipulate map layers with the Project Explorer

1 In the Project Explorer, in theWindows category, expand theMap Windows node to see the individual map layers.

2 Do any of the following:

n To add newmap layers, right-click the Map window name,choose Add Layer, then choose the layers you want to add,and clickOK.

n To remove a map layer, right-click the map layer and chooseRemove.

n To remove a map layer and close the associated file, right-clickthe map layer and choose Close.

n To move a map layer, drag it to the where you want it toappear in the list of layers.

n To hide a layer, right-click the layer and choose Visible if thecheck box is not already cleared.


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n To make a layer visible, right-click the layer and choose Visibleif the check box is not already enabled.

n To make a layer editable, right-click the layer and chooseEditable if the check box is not already enabled. The Editablecommand is available only for layers that can be madeeditable, such as vector and point layers.

n To make a layer non-editable, right-click the layer and chooseEditable if the check box is not already cleared. The Editablecommand is available only for layers that can be madeeditable, such as vector and point layers.

n To make a layer selectable, right-click the layer and chooseSelectable if the check box is not already enabled. TheSelectable command is available only for layers that can bemade selectable, such as vector and point layers.

n To make a layer non-selectable, right-click the layer andchoose Selectable if the check box is not already cleared. TheSelectable command is available only for layers that can bemade selectable, such as vector and point layers.

n To automatically label objects on a layer, right-click the layerand choose Auto Label if the check box is not already enabled.The availability of automatic labeling depends on the layer.Usually you use it on the site table.

n To view a layer in a Browser window, right-click the layer andchoose Browse.

n To scale the Map window to show the full extent of a layer,right-click the layer and choose View Entire Layer.

n To open a layer in a new Map window, right-click the layer andchoose New Map Window.

To manipulate map layers with the Layer Control

1 Do one of the following:

n In the Project Explorer, in theWindows category, right-clicka Map window node and choose Layer Control.



n In the Project Explorer, in theWindows category, right-clicka Map window node and choose Layer Control.

n Right-click in the Map window and choose Layer Control.

2 In the Layer Control dialog box, do any of the following:

n To add a newmap layer, click the Add Layers button, choosea layer, and then clickOK.

n To remove a map layer, choose a map layer and click theRemove Layers button.

n To move a layer up, choose a map layer and click theMoveLayers Up button.

n To move a layer down, choose a map layer and click theMoveLayers Down button.

n To make a layer visible, enable the Visible check box next tothe map layer.

n To make a layer editable, enable the Editable icon next to themap layer. Some layers cannot be made editable.

n To make a layer selectable, enable the Selectable icon next tothe map layer.

n To add labels to the layer, enable the Automatic Labels iconnext to the map layer.

For more information about the functionality available in the LayerControl dialog box, click the Help button.

3 ClickOK to close the Layer Control dialog box.

NOTE: Move the cursor over the symbols above each column in the Layer listto display the check box labels.


Chapter 3

Working with geodata folders

The Geodata node in the Project Data category of the Project Explorer bringstogether all of the geographic data contained in a project to enable you tomanage different types of data in a consistent manner. From the Geodatanode, you can

n view geodata files by type or resolution

n add or remove files from geodata folders

n view or hide geodata layers

The folder you define for geodata can be located within the project folderalthough it doesn’t have to be. In order to save disk space, the geodata foldercan be located on a server or in a common location where multiple users canaccess it. At a minimum, it must, however, contain a Heights folder and aClutter folder. The Heights folder must contain the primary DTM file but theClutter folder can be empty.

CAUTION: You must add the files you want in the Clutter Heights, Polygons,and Custom folders manually.

To manage geodata files

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, expandthe Geodata node to see the geodata folders.


n To add a file to a geodata folder, right-click the geodata foldername, choose Add, choose the file you want to add, clickOpen, then clickOK. If the chosen file was not in theappropriate Geodata folder, it will be copied to this folder.

n To remove a file from a geodata folder, expand the geodatafolder, right-click the file and choose Remove. The chosen file



is only removed the geodata folder, it is not deleted from yourcomputer.

n To hide a geodata file, expand the geodata folder, right-clickthe file and choose View if the check box is not alreadycleared.

n To make a geodata file visible, expand the geodata folder,right-click the file and choose View if the check box is notalready enabled.

n To view a geodata file in a Browser window, expand thegeodata folder, right-click the file and choose Browse. Youcan only browse MapInfo tables, not grids or other customdata files.

n To open the Grid Info tool, expand the geodata folder, right-click the file and choose Grid Info.

n To create a legend for the geodata layer, expand the geodatafolder, right-click the file and choose Grid Legend.

n To view the colors associated with the layer, expand thegeodata folder, right-click the file and choose Grid Color.

To group geodata files

n In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, right-clickGeodata, choose Group By, and then choose the type ofgrouping that you want.

The geodata files are listed based on the type of grouping you chose.


Chapter 3

Defining the coordinate systems to use in a project

You choose which coordinate system you want to use in a Mentum Planetproject when you create a project using the Project Wizard. You can changethe coordinate system on the Coordinate System tab in the Project Settingsdialog box as shown in Figure 2.8.

Figure 2.8 Coordinate System tab

To define the coordinate system for sites

1 Choose Edit Project Settings.

2 In the Project Settings dialog box, click the Coordinate Systemtab.

The coordinate system of the project height file is displayed in theTerrain Coordinate System field and cannot be changed because it is thecoordinate system of the geodata itself. The geodata coordinate systemis used for display purposes.

3 To change the coordinate system used for sites, click the Selectbutton next to the Network Coordinate System field.



In order to create the highest quality networkmodel, you should ideallyuse the same coordinate system for the site database as is used for thegeodata. Using a different coordinate system for sites could introduceinaccuracies in predictions.For information on specific unit settings, press the F1 key.


n ClickApply to save the project settings without closing thedialog box.

n ClickOK to save project settings and close the dialog box.


Chapter 3

Defining color profiles

In order to improve the appearance and readability of map layers, you canmodify the default color schemes that Mentum Planet uses for numeric grids.Changing the color profiles, affects the grids currently open in Mentum Planetand the new profiles will be used when creating a new project. Existingnetwork analysis layers are not updated.

You can specify common color profiles that will be applied globally across allproject data, or you can choose a color scheme (a .vcp file) for specificnumeric grids. Color profiles are text files saved with a .vcp extension. Thesefiles should be saved in the <Mentum Planet installationfolder>\Global\Profiles folder.

To choose color profiles

1 Choose Edit Color Profiles.

The Color Profiles dialog box opens.

2 In the Color Profiles dialog box, from the Analysis Type list,choose the type of analysis for which you want to create colorprofiles.

The values and colors defined in the profile are shown in the Colorstable.



To create a color profile

1 If the Grid Manager is not visible, choose View ► Grid Manager.

2 In the Grid Manager, choose a numeric grid (.grd).

3 Click the Color button.


n To add a color inflection point, clickAdd, define a value for theinflection point, and clickOK.

n To define a new color for the inflection point, double-click on acolor inflection point, choose a new color in the Color dialogbox and clickOK.

n To move an inflection point, click a color inflection point anddrag it to the new location. This will update the value for thisinflection point in the Color Scheme list. The calculated valuesin the Color Scheme List are automatically updated.


Chapter 3

n To change color values and percentiles, click an entry in theColor Scheme List to make the value editable and type a newvalue. This will move the inflection point to the appropriatelocation on the color ramp.

5 In the Color Profile section, do any of the following:

n Enable the Solid Band check box if you want hard breaksbetween colors instead of interpolated fading.

n Click Flip if you want the colors associated with inflection pointsin reverse order.

n ClickRevert if you want to return to the color pattern that wasin place before you clicked Flip.

6 If you want to redefine the grid colors based on how they would beilluminated by a single light source, in the Relief Shading section,enable the Enabled check box, and click Properties.

If you want this profile to be available for use with all Mentum Planetprojects, save the .vcp file in the <Mentum Planet installationfolder>\Global\Profiles folder. Otherwise, the default location is theProfiles folder within the project folder.

NOTE: In deciding whether to save color inflection points by value or bypercentile, use the following guidelines:

n If it is more important to assign specific colors to specific values in a seriesof related grid files, then save by value.n If it is more important to assign a particular color range to a series ofrelated grid files where the value range may vary considerably, then saveby percentile.

TIP: You can add a color inflection point in the Grid Color Tool by double-clicking on the color slider bar. Conversely, you can delete an inflection pointby clicking on an inflection point to highlight it and pressing Delete.



Color Profiles

Use this dialog box to assign color profiles to numeric grids. By default, colorprofiles are saved in the Global\Profiles folder within the Mentum Planetinstallation folder.


Analysis Type—choose from this list the type of analysis for which you wantto define color profiles. The Common Analysis Type applies the color profilesto analysis layers common to all technologies (i.e., path loss and signalstrength).


Chapter 3

Color

Profiles—this table displays the color profiles (.vcp file) used by numericgrids. Click a color profile file name in the Color Profile Name column to viewthe profile colors in the Profile list table.

Colors—this table displays the color scheme of a chosen .vcp file.

Select Color Profile—click this button to choose a .vcp file from the SelectColor Profile dialog box to associate with the chosen layer type.


Creating A Project

Chapter 4 Creating A Project

A project can include any of the technologies supported by Mentum Planet.



Creating projects 81

Migrating projects 85

Workflow for migrating Mentum Planet projects 87

Creating a network overlay 90

Opening and closing projects 92

Restoring projects 94

Saving projects 95


Chapter 4

Understanding projects

A Mentum Planet project contains and organizes all of the informationpertaining to a particular wireless network. At a minimum, a project is createdfrom a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) although you can also include clutterinformation (i.e., land use) in a project.

A project contains:

n digital terrain models (i.e., digital elevation models)

n project clutter information

n clutter information for specific environments

n propagation models

n site locations

n sector equipment, including antennas

n groups

n flags

n traffic maps

n operation data (e.g., surveys, networkmeasurement data,neighbor lists, interference matrices, frequency plans, etc.)

n any documents you want to attach to the project

A project also contains the results of predictions and network analyses madeon the basis of this information.


Creating A Project

Creating projects

The Project Wizard leads you through the process of creating a project. Inorder to streamline design work, you can specify that the Wizardautomatically displays when you start Mentum Planet. If you want MentumPlanet to automatically open the last project, instead of the Project Wizard, inthe Startup Options section of the User Preferences dialog box, choose theOpen Most Recent Project option.

You can use remote project folders to store and access Mentum Planet projectdata. For example, you can use shared project folders for the following typesof project files to conserve disk space on your workstation:

n bin files

n signal (field) strength files

n prediction view files

By default, these files are saved in the local project folder. If you use sharedproject folders, the project files are stored in the shared folders, instead ofthe local project folder. The shared folders must have read/write accesspermissions for all Mentum Planet users accessing the shared folders.

CAUTION: If you are using shared folders and do not enable thecorresponding check box in the Sharing section of the Advanced Options tab inthe Project Settings dialog box, the shared path is not stored in Data Managerwhen you check in the project. For any Data Manager users who perform aGet on the project, all data will be stored within their local project folder.

When you create a project, you can choose to use a workspace to save yourmap window settings, although this is not required. You can also choose thecoordinate system. For additional information about projections, see“Appendix B, “Elements of a Coordinate System” in the MapInfo ProfessionalUser Guide.


Chapter 4


CAUTION: Never save projects in the Mentum Planet installation folder.

To create a project

1 StartMentum Planet.

By default, the Project Wizard opens when you start Mentum Planet. Touse the wizard at any other time, choose File New Project.

2 On each page of the Wizard, provide the required information andclickNext.

3 On the Choose Default Settings For Each EnabledTechnology page, specify those technologies you want to includein the project and clickNext.

Default settings are saved in the <Mentum Planet installationfolder>\Global\Technologies folder. If you want to customize the default


Creating A Project

settings to use each time a new project is created, you can modify theExcel file.

4 On the Choose Geodata That Covers All Of Your SiteLocations page, click the Browse button and navigate to wherethe project geodata is saved and then clickNext.

The folder you define for geodata can be located within the projectfolder although it doesn’t have to be. In order to save disk space, thegeodata folder can be located on a server or in a common locationwhere multiple users can access it. At a minimum, it must, however,contain a Heights folder and a Clutter folder. The Heights folder mustcontain the primary elevation file but the Clutter folder can be empty.

5 Click Finish.

The project opens in a Map window.

NOTE: When you create a project, default propagation model (.pmf) filesare copied to the Model folder located within the project folder.

To view or edit project settings

1 Choose Edit Project Settings.

The Project Settings dialog box opens.


Chapter 4

2 Modify project settings as required.

NOTE: To open the Project Settings dialog box once a project is open, chooseEdit Project Settings, or click the Project Settings button on the Networktoolbar.

TIP: To make a copy of an existing project, close the existing project andcopy the contents of its project folder to a new project folder. It is notrecommended that you create the new project folder as subfolder of theexisting project folder.

TIP: In the new project folder, you can delete large folders (e.g., Bin,SignalStrength, PredictionView, and <technology>_Analyses) or you can electnot to copy them because Mentum Planet automatically recreates thesefolders.


Creating A Project

Migrating projects

Before installing Mentum Planet 5.2.1, it is important that you migrateexisting projects in order to take advantage of the new features in the latestrelease of Mentum Planet. Changes to the data storage and managementarchitecture in Mentum Planet 5.2.1 require that projects created in previousversions of the software be migrated in order to make it consistent with thenew data schema.

The migration of Mentum Planet projects from previous releases is anautomated process achieved using the Mentum Project Migrator utility that isavailable in Mentum Planet .

CAUTION: After a legacy project has been migrated to Mentum Planet5.2.1, it can no longer be opened in previous versions of Mentum Planet . It isrecommended that you create a complete project backup prior to openingyour project in Mentum Planet 5.2.1.

CAUTION: Whenmigrating from Mentum Planet 5.x to Mentum Planet5.2.1, ensure that the Master site set in your Mentum Planet 5.x project isactive.

Improved data validation

Mentum Planet includes stringent data validation controls aimed at preservingdata integrity and reducing the chance of error or data corruption. As aconsequence, project data must be free of inconsistencies to ensuresuccessful migration to Mentum Planet 5.2.1.

Upgrade paths

The Mentum Project Migrator supports the following upgrade paths:

n Mentum Planet 5.0 , 5.1, or 5.2 to Mentum Planet 5.2.1


Chapter 4

NOTE: If you are using versions prior to Mentum Planet 4.5, contactCustomer Care for assistance with project migration. If you are using DataManager and working in a multi-user environment, the software upgrade mustbe coordinated such that Mentum Planet and Data Manager Server are boththe same version. In this deployment model, it is also critical to coordinatedata migration from previous releases.


Creating A Project

Workflow for migrating Mentum Planet projects

CAUTION: It is recommended that you create a complete project backupprior to opening your project in Mentum Planet 5.2. After a legacy project hasbeen migrated to Mentum Planet 5.2, it can no longer be opened in previousversions of Mentum Planet.

Step 1 Run Data Inspector on the project you want to migrate to identifyany issues prior to migrating the project to Mentum Planet 5.2. Iferrors appear in the Project Status message window, contactCustomer Care for assistance. See ”Getting technical support”.

To run Data Inspector, choose Start Run. Type “<Mentum Planet5 Installation folder>\DataInspector.exe /expert” and click Open.For example, “C:\Program Files\Mentum\Planet5\DataInspector.exe /expert”

Step 2 Back up all local project data.

Step 3 Open the Mentum Planet Migrator, migrate the project, and thensave it. See ”To migrate projects from Mentum Planet 4.x or 5.x”

Step 4 Open your project in Mentum Planet 5.2.

Step 5 If issues arise, run Data Inspector on your local project to identifyany known issues. The Data Inspector shipped with Mentum Planetmay identify issues that are not detectable in previous versions ofthe tool. If errors appear in the Project Status message window,contact Customer Care for assistance.

NOTE: Whenmigrating a Mentum Planet project that contains networkanalyses, the analysis files are copied to the Obsolete folder within theMentum Planet project folder. You can open these files and view theassociated analysis layers in Mentum Planet 5.2. See “Viewing analysis layerscreated in Mentum Planet 4.5”.


Chapter 4

NOTE: If you have any questions or concerns about the migration process,contact Customer Care.

To migrate projects from Mentum Planet 4.x or 5.x

1 Click Start All Programs Mentum Planet 5.2 MentumPlanet Migrator.

The Mentum Planet Migrator opens.

2 Choose File Migrate.

3 In the Open Project dialog box, navigate to the folder where theproject is saved and clickOpen.

4 Choose File Validate Project.

5 If validation is fine, choose File Save Project.

The project is saved with a .planet extension.

6 Choose File Exit.

New project files are created including the Mentum Planet project(.planet) file and the associated .dat and .xml files.

7 Open the newlymigrated project in Mentum Planet 5.2.

8 Choose Edit Network Settings.

9 In the tree view, choose the technology you are working with.

10 Verify all network settings values and click OK on you are satisfiedwith the settings.

In particular, ensure that you define appropriate values for the UsefulBits Per Symbols column as well as Amplifier Backoff (dB) columns.

NOTE: The Migrate Files To command is used strictly when you want toconvert antenna files and propagation models contained in an existing project


http://www.mentum.com/mentum/customercare.php



Creating A Project

for use with the Network Overlay tool. Only site and sector information ismigrated. If you do not migrate the project first, the Network Overlay tooluses a default antenna file and propagation file.


Chapter 4

Creating a network overlay

Using the Network Overlay tool, you can add sites and sectors to a MentumPlanet 5.2.1 project using the project data you exported from Mentum Planet4.x or 5.0, 5.1, or 5.2. You can also create a network overlay within a MentumPlanet 5.2.1 project. The Network Overlay tool supports all technologiesincluding CDMA/EV-DO, GSM, and W-CDMA/HSPA.


CAUTION: If the exported worksheets or .csv files do not contain summaryinformation, data should use the same units and same coordinate system asthose defined in the User Preferences dialog box.

To create a network overlay

You can create a network overlay from comma-separated values (.csv) files orfrom Excel (.xls) files. This procedure uses Excel files.

1 To export the data to an Excel file, do one of the following:

n InMentum Planet 4.x, choose Data Export ProjectData.You must export the following worksheets: Sites and Sectors(with all fields selected).

n InMentum Planet 5.x, choose Data Export ProjectData.You must export the following worksheets: Sites and Sectors(with all fields selected) as well as the Antennas worksheet.

2 Once the export is complete, inMentum Planet, choose ToolsNetwork Overlay .

The Network OverlayWizard opens.

3 On the first page of the Wizard, specify the following:


Creating A Project

n the version of Mentum Planet used to created the data files.

n the format of the data files.

n the location of the data files.

4 ClickNext and follow the prompts to complete the networkoverlay.

5 When you have specified all required information, click Finish.

The network overlay file contains three worksheets: Sites, Sectors, andAntennas.


Chapter 4

Opening and closing projects

You must close an open project before opening a new one.

TIP: If you want Mentum Planet to automatically open the last project,choose the Open Most Recent Project option on the General panel in the UserPreferences dialog box. If you do not want the last project to open, choose theNone option.

CAUTION: When you open a project, existing 4.x predictions areautomatically migrated. After predictions have been converted for use in thelatest version of Mentum Planet, you cannot use them or view them inprevious versions of Mentum Planet. You should create a backup copy oflegacy predictions before opening the project.

To open a project


n Double-click the Mentum Planet (.planet) project file to startMentum Planet and open the project.

n Double-click the Mentum Planet (.planet) project file to startMentum Planet and open the project.

n In Mentum Planet, choose File Open Project and go toStep 2.

n In Mentum Planet, choose File Recent Projects<Project Name>.The path to the project is displayed in the Mentum Planettaskbar at the bottom of the application window.

2 In the Open dialog box, locate the project you want to open, andclickOpen.

The project opens in a Map window.


Creating A Project

TIP: To view two projects side-by-side, you can open multiple instances ofMentum Planet on your workstation.

TIP: Create a shortcut to your Mentum Planet project (.planet) file to quicklyopen projects that you use often.


Chapter 4

Restoring projects

Each time you save a project, a copy is stored in the Backup folder within theproject folder. When a project has been terminated abnormally, you canchoose to restore the last saved version of the project or the last openedversion of the project.

CAUTION: Do not open a .planet file saved in the Backup folder. Backup.planet files should only be opened from the Restore Project Files dialog box.

To restore a project

1 Start Mentum Planet .

2 Choose File Restore.

The Restore Project Files dialog box opens.

3 Click the Browse button next to the Restore Project Files Frombox and navigate to the .planet file saved in the Backup folderwithin the project folder, and then clickOK.

4 Click the Browse button next to the Restore Project Files Tobox and navigate to the original folder where project files weresaved, and then clickOK.


Creating A Project

Saving projects

You can save project data at any time without closing a project. It isrecommended that you save your project periodically in order to avoid theloss of data in the event of a network or system failure. You can also save anamed backup of your project. This can be useful if you want to save theproject at various stages in the network development.

To save a project

n Choose File Save Project.

The project is saved in the project folder.

To back up a project

1 Choose File Back Up Project.

2 In the Backup Project dialog box, in the Name box, type aname for the folder where the data will be saved and clickOK.

Project data is saved in the named folder within the Backup folder.


Working With Propagation Models

Chapter 5 Working With Propagation Models

Using the Propagation Model Editor, you can adjust the parameters ofpropagation models to account for the characteristics of the environment.

A set of propagation models is installed with Mentum Planet and is copied tothe project folder when you create a new project. This chapter describes howto choose and edit a number of propagation models.

It also describes how to use the Model Tuning tool to automatically adjust theparameters of a propagation model based on measurement data in order toproduce signal strength predictions that are as accurate and realistic aspossible.


Workflow for propagation modeling 99

Workflow for model tuning 100

Understanding the role of propagation models 102

Understanding propagation model types 104

Understanding model tuning 113

Understanding clutter classes and clutter properties 114

Tuning the Planet General Model using AMT 115

Planet Automatic Model Tuner 118

Toolbar 119

Tuner Type 120

Model Parameters 121

Correlation/Cross-Correlation Threshold Values 122

Tuning models using the Clutter Absorption Loss tuner 123

Clutter Absorption Loss Properties 126

Survey Distance 127


Chapter 5

Number of Radials 128

Tuning a propagation model 129

Guidelines for model tuning 130

Creating and editing propagation models 131



Workflow for propagation modeling

Step 1 Create and edit propagation model.

Step 2 Tune the propagation model.


Chapter 5

Workflow for model tuning

Step 1 Collect survey data and modify as required. See “Workflow forsurveys”.

Step 2 Configure the model (e.g., matching the frequency used whencollecting the survey data with the frequency in the tunedpropagation model). See “Workflow for editing propagationmodels”.

Step 3 Tune the propagation model. See:

n If you are tuning the Planet General Model, see “Tuning the PlanetGeneral Model using AMT”.

n If you are tuning any other propagation model, see “Tuningmodels using the Clutter Absorption Loss tuner”.

Step 4 Validate the model.

n Generate predictions for the survey sites using the tuned model.See “Generating predictions”.

n View a thematic map of survey points and compare them to theprediction layer. See “Displaying survey data”.

Step 5 Investigate discrepancies between the survey data and theprediction layer by comparing the survey data to the predictionoutput and reviewing survey reports. Once you have examined thedifferences, you may decide to remove additional points, modify theclutter properties, or change the propagation model settings. See“Viewing survey statistics”, “Creating survey reports”, and“Combining and comparing surveys”.

The data in the model tuning report does not provide a comparisonbetween the survey data and the final prediction. In most cases, thedifferences will be negligible; however, if required, you cangenerate an additional prediction and use the Compare to Grid



feature to view final comparison statistics. See “Combining andcomparing surveys” in the Mentum Planet User Guide.


Chapter 5

Understanding the role of propagation models

Propagation models simulate how radio waves travel through the environmentfrom one point to another. Because of the complex nature of propagationmodeling and the great amount of information needed to perform an accurateestimation of path loss, there will always be differences between the path lossestimation of a model and real-world measurements. Nevertheless, somemodels are inherently more accurate than others in specific situations, and it isalways possible to refine a model (or its understanding of the environment) sothat it better matches the real world. There are several things you can do inorder to minimize discrepancies between the propagation model and the realworld, including choosing an appropriate model and calibrating it effectively.

To model the real-world behavior of a network and account for how radiowaves react to elevation changes and clutter (e.g., reflection, diffraction, andscattering), you must account for features in the environment such as thesurface of the terrain (e.g., hilly or flat) and the presence of lakes. Groundcover such as buildings and trees must also be taken into considerationbecause of the influence they have on radio propagation, particularly at thefrequencies used bymobile networks.

Although it is possible to create predictions without a clutter file, using one willproduce much more accurate predictions. The clutter file (in the form of aclassified grid) details surface features that are classified into meaningfulcategories (or classes). It is important to be flexible in defining the physicalproperties associated with each clutter type. For example, land on the westcoast of North America categorized as forest may have physical propertiessignificantly different from similarly categorized land on the east coast.Because of the vast differences possible between clutter classes, it isimportant to create and tune a propagation model for each clutter class. Forexample, for a large urban city center, you might create a dense urban model,an urban model, and a suburban model each tuned to reflect a specific area ofthe region. In order to improve the accuracy of predictions, it is common touse three or four propagation models for a specific market. This is becausesome models are inherently more capable of adjusting to changes in theenvironment. Also, the more deterministic a model is, the more adaptable it isas well.



Propagation models are organized in the Project Data category of the ProjectExplorer. The icons of propagation models that have been assigned to asector are displayed in color. The icons of propagation models that have notbeen assigned to a sector, but are located in the Model folder of the project,appear dimmed.

You can find more information in the following documents:

n Federal Communications Commission. “Methods for PredictingInterference from Response Station Transmitters and toResponse Station Hubs and for Supplying Data on ResponseStation Systems.” MMDOCKET 97-217

n J. Epstein and D.W. Peterson. “An experimental study of wavepropagation at 850 Mc.,” Proc. IRE, vol. 41, no. 5, pp. 595-611, May, 1953

You can find detailed information about propagation models in the followingdocuments available in the <Mentum Planet installation folder>\Help folder:

n CRC-Predict Technical Note

n An Investigation Into CRC-Predict 4 Emulation of CRC-Predict 2

n Planet General Model Technical Note

n Mentum Planet User Guide

n Universal Model User Guide


Chapter 5

Understanding propagation model types

This section describes the propagation model types that Mentum Planetsupports. Slope-based models, such as the Okumura-Hata model, take clutterinto account automatically when generating predictions. Deterministicmodels, such as the CRC-Predict model, depend on the model of theenvironment and the specification of clutter property assignments. Table 4.1rates how each of the three main propagation models perform when usedunder certain conditions.

Table 4.1 Ratings for popular propagation models

Used... CRC-PredictPlanet General

ModelUniversalModel

For macro-cellplanning

Good Good Excellent

For mini-cell planning Poor Fair ExcellentFor micro-cellplanning

Very poor Fair Excellent

Over largepropagation distances

Excellent Fair Good

With no model tuning Fair Poor GoodWith cluster tuning Fair Poor GoodOn a per-sector basis Fair Fair ExcellentWith mergedpredictions

Good Fair Good

Planet General Model

The Planet General Model is a flexible hybrid model that can be used to modelmany different kinds of propagation environments. This model has beenavailable for more than 10 years and enables you to migrate data fromversions as far back as Planet 2.8 to Mentum Planet and obtain the samecoverage results. The Planet General Model has become an industry standardand can be used when migrating projects from other wireless planningproducts.



You can use the Planet General Model to model many different kinds ofpropagation environments. The path loss equation incorporates losses due toa number of models (such as Okumura-Hata), contributors, and coefficientsthat can be pieced together to create a user-defined propagation model.Some of these are defined by algorithms derived from statistical data. Thesealgorithms are quite accurate under specific conditions, but become lessappropriate as the terrain and clutter varies from these conditions. Variouscorrection factors exist to compensate for these varying conditions, and it isvery important for these values to be assigned accurately in order to makemodels simulate the real situation.

The Planet General Model predicts the path loss for each element within theprediction area. This is achieved by constructing a terrain and clutter profilefrom the base station (transmitter) to each element and then computing thepath loss for that profile. In order to ensure that path loss at each elementwithin the prediction region is computed, a profile can be constructed to eachelement on the perimeter of the prediction region. Thus the number ofradials, , is given by

However, for most practical applications, a fraction of the above number ofradials is sufficient. A corresponding signal strength at each element is alsocomputed using the antenna pattern.

One of the most visible differences between the Planet General Model usedwith Planet 2.8/Planet DMS and the one used with Mentum Planet is the shapeof the prediction area; Planet 2.8/Planet DMS uses a square prediction area,whereas Mentum Planet defines a circular prediction area. Although the shapeand the total area of the prediction areas are markedly different, this has noeffect on the computed path loss or signal strength values. Using simplegeometry, you can convert Planet 2.8 Prediction Size to Mentum PlanetPropagation Distance using


Chapter 5

The above equation overlaps the Mentum Planet circular prediction area withPlanet 2.8 square prediction region, thus assuring total coverage of theprediction zone.

For more information on the Planet General Model, see the Planet GeneralModel Technical Note.

You can use 3D building data with the Planet General Model. To do this, youmust first convert the 3D data into new clutter classes, which represent theheight of the buildings. Then, you need to define clutter properties such thateach class is assigned a height equal to the height of the building. Using themodel in this way can increase the accuracy substantially in urban areas. Thebest resolution for this type of model is 5-10 meters.

PGM-A model

PGM-A is a variation on the Planet General Model and is useful when migratingprojects from other wireless planning products. Contact Customer Care forsupport in determining when to use PGM-A.

Some of the characteristics that differentiate PGM-A from the Planet GeneralModel include the following:

n It may be unnecessary to retune models that you migrate fromanother wireless planning product to PGM-A.

n There is some variation in the method for computing receivedsignal strength and diffraction loss.

n The Planet General Model allows you to specify how the radiowave is modeled over the horizon as a result of the earth’satmosphere.

n The Planet General Model allows you to apply Okumuracorrection factors.



CRC-Predict model

CRC-Predict is a general-purpose model intended for macrocell planning. It isnot a ray-tracing model and, as such, should not be used with high-resolutiondata. Instead, it is best used with geodata with a resolution between 20 to 30meters. You can use it in most circumstances, regardless of the kind ofterrain, if detailed terrain or clutter information or both are available. Thefollowing cases are exceptions:

n for very short paths, for example micro-cellular paths, in whichthe locations of individual buildings are important

n for very short paths, for example micro-cellular paths, in whichthe locations of individual buildings are important

n when a very rapid calculation is wanted, because the CRC-Predict model is more computationally intensive than mostmodels

The path loss calculation in the CRC-Predict model is designed for the VHF toUHF (30 MHz to 3 GHz) frequency range. The physical principles used by theCRC-Predict model are also applicable up to 30 GHz. However, accuratepredictions for that range depend on very detailed and accurate terrain data,and currently there are no supporting test measurements. Also, above 10GHz, rain attenuation becomes significant. The principal algorithm is adiffraction calculation, based on the Fresnel-Kirchoff theory that takes terraininto account in a detailed way. An estimate of the additional loss forobstructions such as trees, buildings, or other objects is included when dataon clutter classes are available. Tropospheric scatter is included for longpaths. Estimates of time and location variability can be made.

The diffraction algorithm samples the propagation path from the transmitterto the receiver and determines the signal strength at many points in space.First, the wave field is determined as a function of height (a vertical column ofmany values) above a terrain point close to the transmitter by an elementarycalculation. Then, using the Huygens principle of physical optics, each of thesefield points is regarded as a source of radiation, and from them, the signalstrength is calculated a little farther away. In this way, a marching algorithm


Chapter 5

simulates the progress of the radio wave from the transmitter to the end ofthe path. Even though the signal strength is calculated at many points, anefficient integration algorithm and a choice of only the most important signalstrength points permit the integration calculation to be fast enough forpractical use.

The CRC-Predict model also uses surface-type or clutter data in itscalculations. Because CRC-Predict is a deterministic model, the more preciseand physically realistic terrain and clutter information you use, the moreaccurate the output tuned model will be.

Clutter interacts with the algorithm in two ways:

n As the wave propagates over the ground toward a distantreceiver, the effective height of the ground is assumed to bethe real height of the ground plus the assumed clutter height.

n As the wave propagates over the ground toward a distantreceiver, the effective height of the ground is assumed to bethe real height of the ground plus the assumed clutter height.

n Clutter close to the receiver is assumed to terminate close tothe receiver, e.g., 50 meters. That is, the receiving antenna isnot assumed to be on the doorstep of a building, or in themiddle of a forest, but rather on a street or in a road allowancein the forest. Part of the calculation is an estimate of theattenuation from the clutter down to street level.

In addition to the height and distance of solid (opaque) clutter, there is anadditional attenuation, entirely empirical, which takes into account trees andother absorbing material adjacent to the receiving antenna. This attenuationfactor (expressed in decibels) is the parameter most easily used to makemedian predictions agree with measurements in a particular area (modeltuning).

NOTE: For more information on the CRC-Predict model, see the CRC-PredictTechnical Note.



Universal model

The Universal model is only available if you have purchased a license. You canobtain detailed information about the Universal model by pressing the F1 keyfrom the Universal Model Parameters dialog box. The online Help containscontext-sensitive help and provides access to the Universal Model User Guide.

The Universal model is a high-performance deterministic propagation modelthat has been integrated into Mentum Planet . Unlike other propagationmodels, the Universal model automatically adapts to all engineeringtechnologies (i.e., micro, mini, small, and macro cells), to all environments(i.e., dense urban, urban, suburban, mountainous, maritime, and open), andto all systems (i.e., GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, WIFI, WIMAX, LTE) in afrequency range that spans from 400MHz to 5GHz.

In addition, the Universal Model:

n uses a new AGL layer and a new polygon layer wheremodifications to the layers can be done directly in the Mapwindow.

n uses a new AGL layer and a new polygon layer wheremodifications to the layers can be done directly in the Mapwindow.

n outperforms other models in terms of the speed and accuracyof predictions.

Q9 model

The Q9 propagation model is based on the Okumura-Hata model. Using thevariables shown in Figure 1, it calculates the expected pathloss between thetransmitter and the receiver using the terrain profile. In other words, itconsiders a cross-section of the earth along a straight line between thetransmitter and the receiver. This propagation model is most useful forfrequency bands in the 150-2000 MHz range and works best within a radius of0.2-100 km. The Q9model is intended for use with high-resolution elevationand clutter data.


Chapter 5

Pathloss depends on frequency as well as the antenna heights of thetransmitter and the receiver. The Q9model allows for both uptilt and downtiltof antennas and takes into account the vertical antenna pattern.

There are three input values that the Q9model considers:

n Okumura-Hata’s wave propagation equations with modifyingparameters A0 to A3. See Equation 1. For more information,press the F1 key in the Q9 Parameters dialog box for onlineHelp.

n Extra losses that occur when wave propagation is disturbed byobstacles such as mountain peaks. When the distance betweenthe transmitter and receiver becomes sufficiently large, acorrection due to earth’s curvature is necessary.

n Land use code loss.

Figure 5.1 illustrates the variables that are taken into account to calculatepathloss.

Figure 5.1: The process of calculating pathloss

The equation below details the formula used to calculate pathloss.



Where:

Lbis the pathloss

HOA (Hata Open Area) is a variant of Okumura-Hata’s equation in dB asshown in equation Equation 2

mk[mobile] is the land use code at the mobile in dB

is a parameter related to the knife-edge diffraction

KDFR is the contribution from knife-edge diffraction in dB

JDFR is the diffraction loss due to the spherical earth in dB

Longley-Rice model

You can use the Longley-Rice area calculation for rural (non-urban) areas iflittle is known about the terrain and clutter.

The Longley-Rice model is applicable to point-to-point communicationsystems in the 20 MHz to 10 GHz range over different types of terrain(Rappaport, 1996). The Longley-Rice model operates in two modes. Thepoint-to-point mode uses terrain information if it is available, while the point-to-area mode uses techniques that estimate the path-specific parameterswhen little terrain information is available.


Chapter 5

In point-to-point mode, median path loss is predicted by using troposphericrefractivity and terrain geometry. However, only some features of the terrainare used. The terrain profile is used to find effective antenna heights, horizondistances and elevation angles as seen from the antennas, the angulardistance for a trans-horizon path, and the terrain irregularity of the path. Theprediction is performed in terms of these parameters. A ray optic techniqueusing primarily a two-ray ground reflection model is used within the radiohorizon. The two or three isolated obstacles causing the greatest obstructionare modeled as knife edges using the Fresnel Kirchoff theory. Forward scattertheory is used to make troposcatter predictions for long paths and far fielddiffraction losses are predicted using a modified Van der Pol-Bremmermethod (Rappaport, 1996). The Longley-Rice point-to-point model is alsoreferred to as the Irregular Terrain Model (ITM) (Hufford, et al. 1982).

Although the point-to-area mode is an old method, it is still perhaps the bestmethod of estimating path loss in open country if the only parameters knownabout the ground are its irregularity and (less importantly at UHF) its electricalconstants.

The Longley-Rice model is best suited to the following parameters:

n Frequency: 20 MHz to 10 GHz

n Distance: 1 km to 2000 km

n Antenna Heights: 0.5 m to 3000m

n Polarization: Vertical or Horizontal

References

For more information about the Longley-Rice model, see the followingreferences:

Rappaport, T.S.Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice. PrenticeHall, 1996.

Hufford, Longley, and Kissick. “A Guide to the Use of the ITS Irregular TerrainModel in the Area Prediction Mode”, U.S. Department of Commerce. April1982.



Understanding model tuning

The term model tuning applies generally to the process of adjusting theparameters of a propagation model in order to generate predictions that areas accurate and realistic as possible.

Model tuning is usually performed using measured signal strength datacollected during surveying. This survey data is used to change clutterabsorption loss values and other parameters in the propagation model. Formore information on collecting and working with survey data, see “Chapter 5:Managing Survey Data”.

To tune a model in Mentum Planet , you can use:

n the Clutter Absorption Loss tuner which enables you to tune allpropagation model types

n the Planet Automatic Model Tuner (AMT) which enables you totune the Planet General Model


Chapter 5

Understanding clutter classes and clutterproperties

Propagation models perform path loss calculations based on the types ofclutter through which the signal passes. The terrain is classified into clutterclasses based on land use or ground cover, e.g., Industrial, Residential,Forest. For each clutter class, a set of clutter properties is specified, dependingon the propagation model. All models (with the exception of the UniversalModel)specify clutter absorption loss. Some models specify additionalproperties, such as average obstacle height.

For your project, the clutter file specifies the clutter class for each bin of thecoverage area. Before you can generate signal strength predictions or domodel tuning, you must define the values of the clutter properties for eachclutter class. These values are saved in the Propagation Model File (.pmf).Your choice of ground type for each clutter class sets default values fornumeric properties, such as Clutter Absorption Loss. You can edit thesevalues. Usually this is done as part of model tuning.



Tuning the Planet General Model using AMT

You can use the Planet Automatic Model Tuner (AMT) to automaticallyoptimize components of the Planet General Model using survey data fromsingle or multiple sites. You can tune the Planet General Model using one ofthe following methods:

n Smart—simplifies the tuning process and is recommended ifyou have little or no knowledge of model tuning

n Standard—enables you to manually tune the model using acomplex, multi-step procedure. For detailed information onusing the Standard option, see “Tuning the Planet GeneralModel using AMT” in the Planet General Model Technical Note.

When you use the Smart option, all of the model parameters are set toOptimize. When set to Optimize, the Planet AMT runs various correlation andcross-correlation tests to determine which model parameters can beoptimized. If any parameters cannot be optimized, default values are used.

To tune the Planet General Model using AMT

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Operational Data category,right-click a survey and chooseModel Tuning.

The Model Tuning dialog box opens.

2 Provide the information for which you are prompted and, fromtheModel To Tune list, choose a Planet General Model template.

3 From the Model Tuner list, choose Planet AMT Version 1.5.

4 To edit the AMT, click Edit Tuner.


Chapter 5

5 In the Tuner Type section, choose the Smart option.

For information on using the Standard AMT option, see “Tuning thePlanet General Model using AMT” in the Planet General Model TechnicalNote.Custom model parameter values will not be optimized. If a factor cannotbe optimized, a suitable default value is used.

6 To define custom correlation or cross-correlation values, in theCorrelation/Cross-Correlation Threshold Values section,type values in any of the following boxes:

n Correlation P3T

n Correlation P4T

n Cross-Correlation P35T

n Cross-Correlation P45T

Defining a custom correlation or cross-correlation value is useful if youwant to optimize a particular factor that does not meet the threshold



requirements. For example, if p4T = 0.4, and p4 = 0.15, K4 cannot beoptimized. You can enable K4 to be optimized by setting p4T to 0.1.If you chose to define custom thresholds, the resulting factors mightproduce an invalid model. Before applying the model, you must ensurethat the ranges you have specified are valid. For more information, seethe Planet General Model Technical Note.

7 Save the settings in a Planet AMT settings (.set) file if requiredand clickOK.

8 In theModel Tuning dialog box, clickOK to begin the modeltuning process.

When the model tuning process is complete, the tuned model is addedto the Propagation Models node in the Project Data category of theProject Explorer.

NOTE: You can edit the properties of the tuned model using the PropagationModel Editor. To access the Propagation Model Editor, expand PropagationModels in the Project Data category of the Project Explorer, right-click thetuned model and choose Edit.


Chapter 5

Planet Automatic Model Tuner

Use the Planet Automatic Model Tuner Properties dialog box to define modeltuning parameters for the Automatic Model Tuner version 1.0.




Toolbar

Click this button to create a new template. New templates are added theTemplates list.Click this button to open a Planet AMT Parameter file. The opened file isadded the Templates list.Click this button to save the current parameters in a new Planet AMTParameter file.Click this button to save the current parameters.

Templates—choose from this list a template to load parameters from intothe Planet Automatic Model Tuner dialog box.


Chapter 5

Tuner Type

Smart—choose this option to use the Smart AMT method of setting K-factorvalues. When you use the Smart option, all of the model parameters are set toOptimize. When set to Optimize, the Planet AMT runs various correlation andcross-correlation tests to determine which model parameters can beoptimized. If any parameters cannot be optimized, default values are used.

Standard—choose this option to use the Standard AMT method of setting K-factor values.



Model Parameters

K1—choose from this list an option to set the value of the K1 factor. The boxto the left of the list displays the value of the chosen option. Choose Optimizeto have the Planet Automatic Model Tuner optimize the K1 factor. ChooseUser defined to type a value for the K1 factor in the box to the left of the list.The valid range is from -100 to 100.



K4—choose from this list an option to set the value of the K4 factor. The boxto the left of the list displays the value of the chosen option. Choose Optimizeto have the Planet Automatic Model Tuner optimize the K4 factor. ChooseUser defined to type a value for the K4 factor in the box to the left of the list.The valid range is from 0 to 1.

K5—choose from this list an option to set the value of the K5 factor. The boxto the left of the list displays the value of the chosen option. Choose Optimizeto have the Planet Automatic Model Tuner optimize the K5 factor. ChooseUser defined to type a value for the K5 factor in the box to the left of the list.The valid range is from 0 to 100.

Clutter Offset—choose from this list an option to define how clutter isoptimized. The box to the left of the list displays the value of the chosenoption. Choose Optimize to have the Planet Automatic Model Tuner optimizeclutter. Choose User defined to type a value for Clutter Offset in the box to theleft of the list. The valid range is from -20 to 40.


Chapter 5

Correlation/Cross-Correlation Threshold Values

Use this section to set correlation and cross-correlation thresholds.

Correlation P3T—type in this box a value for the Correlation P3T threshold.The valid range is from 0.01 to 0.99.

Correlation P4T—type in this box a value for the Correlation P4T threshold.The valid range is from 0.01 to 0.99.

Cross-Correlation P24T—type in this box a value for the Cross-CorrelationP24T threshold. The valid range is from 0.01 to 0.99.

Cross-Correlation P35T—type in this box a value for the Cross-CorrelationP35T threshold. The valid range is from 0.01 to 0.99.



Tuning models using the Clutter Absorption Losstuner

Using the Clutter Absorption Loss (CAL) tuner, you can determine theappropriate clutter property assignment values for clutter absorption loss fora single site. The CAL tuner can be used to optimize all propagation modeltypes, except for third-partymodels.

The Clutter Absorption Loss tuner enables you to calculate the mean errorbetween the predicted signal strength and the survey data for each clutterclass. The mean error is then used as the value for the clutter absorption lossof each clutter class in the clutter property assignment file.

Tuning is different for slope-based models and deterministic models such asCRC-Predict. Slope-based models take clutter into account automaticallywhen generating predictions. For example, when using the Okumura-Hatamodel, you can choose from four clutter classes: Urban, Suburban, Quasi-Open, and Open. Each clutter class implies a generalized clutter environmentthat affects the slope of the model’s algorithm. When using the Planet GeneralModel, you can set many parameters.

The CRC-Predict model, however, depends on the model of the environmentand the specification of clutter property assignments. The CRC-Predictalgorithm interacts with a model of the clutter environment in a deterministicfashion to predict path loss. Path loss is calculated by simulating thepropagation of a radio wave as it passes over various terrain features.

Model tuning with survey data for all models involves updating the clutterabsorption loss values. Model tuning for the CRC-Predict model involves theadditional step of adjusting the clutter property assignments for averageobstacle height and ground type.



Chapter 5

To tune a model using the Clutter Absorption Loss tuner

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Operational Data category,right-click a survey and chooseModel Tuning.

The Model Tuning dialog box opens.

2 Provide the information for which you are prompted and, from theModel Tuner list, choose the Clutter Absorption Loss Tuner.

3 To edit the CAL Tuner, choose Edit Tuner.

4 Modify Tuner settings as required and clickOK.

5 In theModel Tuning dialog box, clickOK to begin the tuningprocess.

The Model Tuning dialog box opens and displays the progress of themodel tuning process.

6 When the process is complete, click Close in theModel Tuningdialog box.

7 To view a model tuning report in text format, click Yes in theMentum Planet dialog box.



When the model tuning process is complete, the tuned model is addedto the Propagation Models node in the Project Data category of theProject Explorer.

NOTE: If the calculated Clutter Absorption Loss (CAL) values areoverwhelmingly negative, lower the clutter heights and retune the model. CALvalues should normally fall between -3 dB and +12 dB.

TIP: You can edit the properties of the tuned model using the PropagationModel Editor. To access the Propagation Model Editor, expand PropagationModels in the Project Data category of the Project Explorer, right-click thetuned model and choose Edit.


Chapter 5

Clutter Absorption Loss Properties

Use the Clutter Absorption Loss Properties dialog box to define model tuningparameters for the Clutter Absorption Loss model tuner.


Number Of Iterations—choose from this list the number of iterations toperform on clutter absorption loss values. Usually, performing two iterationswill give acceptable values. An iteration is the process of updating the clutterabsorption loss values with the survey analysis prediction values for eachclutter class. For each iteration, a survey analysis prediction is created. If morethan one iteration is applied, the updated values are applied to the .pmf filecumulatively.



Survey Distance

Use this section to define the distance from the survey antenna that surveypoints must fall within to be used by the Clutter Absorption Loss model tunerto tune the model.

Computed Propagation Distance—this field displays the distance in metersfrom the survey antenna location to the furthest survey point in the heightsfile.

NOTE: If you choose more than one survey in the Project Explorer, only thesurvey containing the survey point that is farthest from the survey antennawill be used to tune the model.

Enable Survey Filtering By Distance—enable this check box to define thedistance from the survey antenna that survey points used to tune the modelmust fall within.

Distance—type in this box or choose the distance from the survey antennathat survey points used to tune a model must fall within. The ClutterAbsorption Loss model tuner will ignore any survey points further than thisdistance from the survey antenna.


Chapter 5

Number of Radials

Use this section to define the number of radials originating from a site alongwhich to calculate predictions. More radials produce a more accurate butslower calculation.

Computed Number Of Radials—choose this option to use the computednumber of radials to calculate predictions. Planet divides the propagationdistance by the bin distance to compute the number of radials to use, which isdisplayed in the box to the right. For example,

Propagation distance: 15km (15000m)Bin distance: 30mCalculation: 15000m / 30mResult: 500 radials

User Defined Number Of Radials—choose this option to define the numberof radials to use to calculate predictions. In the box to the right, type or choosethe number of radials to use.



Tuning a propagation model

In order to model a network that is as close to the real-world network aspossible, you should calibrate the propagation model using surveymeasurements. Once you have calibrated the model, you can apply themodel to other sites that share the same general type of environment,provided that the model is not overly dependent on calibrations (empiricalmodels generally rely heavily on calibrations).

For detailed information about:

n using survey data with Mentum Planet, see “Managing SurveyData” in the Mentum Planet User Guide. In particular, see the“Workflow for surveys”.

n model tuning, see “Working with Propagation Models” in theMentum Planet User Guide .

NOTE: If you are using the Universal Model, you can tune it using theUniversal Model Tuning algorithm.


Chapter 5

Guidelines for model tuning

n Follow the recommended guidelines for collecting survey data.See “Collecting survey data” in the Mentum Planet User Guide.

n Aggregate survey data in order to account for Rayleigh fading.See “Modifying survey data” in the Mentum Planet User Guide.

n Ensure that the frequency of the input model used in modeltuning is accurate and the receiver height corresponds tomeasured data.

n Ensure that the clutter maps you use are accurate and up-to-date.

n Verify that the model uses clutter heights that arerecommended or appropriate for the model.

n Ensure that ground types, if used, are appropriate. Forexample, moist ground should be assigned to farmland.

n Create one model to cover all surveys with similarcharacteristics. For example, for a given metropolitan area,start with one input propagation model. Tune one model forthe sub-urban area. Using the same input model, tune asecond model for very dense urban and downtown area. Thetuned models will provide reasonably accurate predictions fortopologies of similar clutter characteristics (such as neighboringregions). This approach can be fine tuned by subdividing themetropolitan area to more than two areas and generatingcorresponding models for each area.



Creating and editing propagation models

Propagation models are organized in the Project Data category of the ProjectExplorer. The icons of propagation models that have been assigned to asector are displayed in color. The icons of propagation models that have notbeen assigned to a sector, but are located in the Model folder of the project,appear dimmed.

You can refine how a propagation model behaves bymodifying thepropagation model settings using the Propagation Model Editor. Once youhave refined the model, you can apply the propagation model to an individualsite or sector. Propagation models saved in the <Mentum Planet installationfolder>/Global/Model folder will be available each time you create a project.Models saved in the project folder are project specific.

To define a new propagation model

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, right-click Propagation Models and choose New.

The Create New Propagation Model dialog box opens.

2 From the Propagation Model Type list, choose the model onwhich you want to base your newmodel, and then clickOK.

3 In the Propagation Model Editor, on the Settings tab, click inthe Name field and define a name for the newmodel.

4 Modify the parameters of the propagation model to correspond toyour network design.

For detailed information on the settings available on these tabs, pressF1 for online Help.

5 ClickOK.


Chapter 5

To edit propagation model settings

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, expandPropagation Models, right-click a propagation model andchoose Edit.

The Propagation Model Editor opens.

The tabs that are displayed in the Editor depend on the model you havechosen.

2 In the Propagation Model Editor, modify the settings on any ofthe following tabs:

n Settings—allows you to set frequency, receiver height, andearth curvature. Enables you to use a different resolutionheights file or clutter file with the propagation model than thatwhich is specified in the project settings. This is useful if youwant to generate a prediction where you are using a high-resolution grid in urban areas and a lower-resolution grid in therest of the project area.

n Clutter Properties—allows you to specify whether or not themodel uses a clutter grid and allows you to define the physical



properties of the environment that affect predictions. Thevalues assigned to the electrical and physical properties foreach clutter class are determined from observations of thephysical area and from data gathered during surveys.

n General—allows you to define model-specific parameters.The parameters displayed on the general tab depend on themodel you chose.

n Path Clutter—allows you to adjust the effect of clutter basedon four weighting functions. This tab is specific to the PlanetGeneral Model.

n Troposcatter Effect—allows you to specify how the radiowave is modeled over the horizon as a result of the earth’satmosphere. This tab is specific to the Planet General Model.

n Okumura—allows you to apply Okumura correction factors.This tab is specific to the Planet General Model.

n Effective Antenna Height—allows you to define the effectiveantenna height using one of seven algorithms: base height,spot height, average height, slope, profile, absolute spotheight, or ground reflection slope. This tab is specific to thePlanet General Model.

n Rain Attenuation—determines whether or not rainattenuation is calculated. If you choose to include rainattenuation, you can define an attenuation rate or a rate ofrainfall. This tab is specific to the Planet General Model.

3 ClickOK to save propagation model settings.

When you choose the ground type for the CRC-Predict model, theClutter Absorption Loss is set to 0. When you optimize survey resultsusing the Model Tuning tool, the tool calculates the Clutter AbsorptionLoss.

TIP: You can also access the Propagation Model Editor in the Site Editor. Toedit the model for a sector, in the Site Editor, click the Link tab and click Editnext to the Model list.


Chapter 5

To view or hide unassigned propagation models

n In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, right-click Propagation Models and do one of the following:

n To display in the Project Explorer those propagation mod-els that have not been assigned to a sector, chooseShow Unassigned Propagation Models.

n To hide in the Project Explorer those propagation modelsthat have not been assigned to a sector, choose HideUnassigned Propagation Models.


Defining Network Settings

Chapter 6 Defining Network Settings

After you create a project, you must define the network settings. Networksettings include the technology type, supported modulations, frameconfiguration, and the spectrum allotment. This chapter describes how todefine network settings.


Workflow for defining network settings 137

Understanding network settings 138

Defining network settings 142


General 145

Carrier Configuration 146

Interference 147


Noise 149

Downlink 150

Uplink 151

Network Setting 152

HCL 153

Default Settings 154

If No Server Exists from HCL Rules 156




Carrier 160


Chapter 6


Transceiver Configuration 162

Signaling Time Slots Requirements 163



Workflow for defining network settings

Step 1 Specify the technologies supported by the network.

Step 2 Define the spectrum allocation.

Step 3 Define TDMA-FDMA related network settings as required.


Chapter 6

Understanding network settings

Network settings define the technology type, supported modulations and theframe configuration settings that apply to your network as well as thespectrum definition. All network settings are grouped in the Network Settingsdialog box.

Technology types

Mentum Planet supports WiMAX TDD, Fixed WiMAX TDD, Fixed WiMAX FDD,LTE FDD, LTE TDD, cdma2000, and WCDMA technologies as well as a generictechnology. You define which technologies are available on the SpectrumAllocation tab. It is important to configure bands correctly in order to avoidcases where a single real physical band is defined to several sub-bands;therefore, making it difficult to manage the channels correctly at the sectorlevel.

Spectrum allocation

pectrum allocation involves assigning bands to technologies and networkoperators, and defining the spectrum range and carriers for each band.

If the band is assigned to the Home operator (which represents the wirelessoperator for which you work), you must define

n the technology

n the start and end downlink center frequencies, which must bewithin the ranges allowed for the technology in your area

n the starting carrier number, which will correspond to the firstcarrier at the start of the allocated band

If the band is assigned to another network operator (one of your competitors),you can only define the start and end downlink center frequencies, not thetechnology or the carriers.



For bands assigned to the Home operator, carriers are created based on thecarrier spacing for the technology and the frequency that you allocated.

A technology can occupymore than one band. This type of configuration isnecessary when the technology occupies spectrum in separate bands orblocks of spectrum within one band, but not contiguous carrier numbers.

General TDMA-FDMA and GSM settings

General settings consist of

n carrier configuration, which includes

n carrier spacing

n time slots per transceiver

n carrier separation between adjacent channels

n interference

Carrier spacing and time slots per transceiver are fixed for GSM. For a user-defined TDMA-FDMA technology, you must specify the time slots pertransceiver. The carrier spacing, which is the carrier bandwidth in kHz, is usedwhen you create carriers.

Carrier separation between adjacent channels enables you to create adjacentcarriers with carrier numbers that differ bymore than one. For example, acarrier separation of 1 will generate carrier numbers such as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. Acarrier separation of 2 will generate carrier numbers such as 1, 3, 5, etc. Inthis case, carriers 1 and 3 will be adjacent. This value is only used to supportthe carrier numbering scheme of a user-defined technology.

The interference settings enable you to specify the minimum interferenceratios required for service. You can specify the minimum C/I (co-channelcarrier-to-interference ratio) and the minimum C/A (adjacent channelcarrier-to-interference) required for acceptable service. These values areused to calculate the adjacent channel interference rejection factor (IRF),which is the amount of isolation the technology filter provides to adjacentchannel interference. It is given by C/I

min- C/A

min.


Chapter 6

Noise settings

Noise settings enable you to specify the effect of noise in your environment.Values calculated for Rx sensitivity can be used when you create analysislayers.

HCL settings

HCLs enable you to use information in addition to the strongest received signalstrength to determine which server is the best server for a cell. You can useHCLs for all technologies.

By enabling HCLs, you can define a priority for a sector that causes it to beconsidered before or after other sectors without considering whether it has astronger signal. This enables you, for example, to balance traffic by increasingthe coverage area for a sector with a weaker signal and less traffic anddecreasing the coverage area for a sector with a stronger signal but with moretraffic.

HCLs also enable you to manage and prioritize coverage for microcells andmacrocells in your network. For example, a microcell covering a portion of themacrocell area may provide a weaker signal but still be the preferred sector.Therefore, the best server can be determined using criteria other than onlysignal strength. For example, a microcell can have a priority=1, the macrocella priority=2 as long as the signal strength is > -75 dBm. Therefore, if thesignal strength > -75 dBm, the microcell is the best server regardless of themacrocell’s signal.

You enable and define HCL settings at the network level for each technology.However, you can override network HCL settings at the sector level.

If you enable HCL, all best server analysis layers are created based on HCLrules.

When you enable HCLs, you must define a default priority for all sectors and aminimum signal level that a sector must achieve to be a candidate for bestserver. If a sector does not meet the minimum signal level, then it is not



identified as a best server regardless of its priority, unless it is the only serverfor the area.

Illegal color codes

You can define illegal color codes for each technology at the network level.Illegal color codes are color codes that cannot be allocated for the technologyin the network. You can override these settings on a per-sector basis.

Carriers

Carriers define the frequencies available in your network and the bandwidthof each. Once you define the start and end downlink center frequencies for aband and technology type and identify the starting carrier, the carriers aregenerated automatically based on the carrier spacing for the technology.

The carriers that you define will be used when you define sites and sectors foryour project.

Carrier groups

Carrier groups are an option that you can use in frequency planning. Carriergroups enable to you to use specific groups of frequencies in a reuse pattern.When you assign carriers to transceivers in a sector, you can specify whichgroup to choose the carriers from.

Carriers can be assigned to no groups, one group, or multiple groups.

Carrier types

Carrier types are used by the Automatic Frequency Planning tool to limit thecarriers considered in a frequency plan.


Chapter 6

Defining network settings

When you define network settings, you specify the technology types for theproject. You also define the channels supported, the available downlink anduplinkmodulations, as well as the frame configuration.


To define network settings

1 Choose Edit Network Settings.

2 On the Network Technologies panel, enable the technologiessupported by the network.

3 In the tree view, choose Spectrum Allocation.

4 Click theWiMAX tab and modifyWiMAX parameters as required.

5 In the tree view, chooseWiMAX TDD.

6 Define channel and modulation parameters as required.

7 Click the Frame Setup tab, define OFDM settings.



8 In the Frame Configuration table and click any of the followingbuttons:

n Edit—to open the Frame Editor and modify frameparameters for the selected frame configuration.

n Edit—to open the Frame Editor and modify frameparameters for the selected frame configuration.

n Add—to add a new frame configuration.

n Remove—to delete a frame configuration.

To define frame configurations

1 In theWiMAX Frame Editor, define frame parameters asrequired.

2 ClickOK.


Chapter 6

Network Settings

Use the Network Settings dialog box to indicate which technologies you have inyour network and to define settings and allocate spectrum for eachtechnology. It provides

n tree representation of technologies and spectrum

n easy access to network settings


For more information about working with network settings, see the User Guidefor the technology you are using.



General


Chapter 6

Carrier Configuration

Carrier Spacing—displays the carrier spacing assigned to the technology.

Time Slots Per Transceiver—choose from this list a value between 0 and 16to indicate the total number of signaling time slots required for thetransceivers in a sector.

Carrier Separation Between Adjacent Channels—type in this box thecarrier separation between adjacent carriers. For example, a carrierseparation of 1 will generate carrier numbers such as 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on. Acarrier separation of 2 will generate carrier numbers such as 1, 3, 5, and soon. (Carriers 1 and 3 will be adjacent.)

This option enables you to support the carrier number scheme used by iDENnetworks, which uses only odd numbered carriers. You can also use this optionto define a custom numbering scheme for user-defined networks.



Interference

Min C/I—type in this box a value that you want to use for the minimum C/Irequired for service.

Min C/A—type in this box a value that you want to use for the minimum C/Arequired for service.

Adjacent Channel Interference Rejection Factor—this field displays theadjacent channel interference rejection factor (C/I

min—C/A

min) value.


Chapter 6

Network Settings








Noise

Thermal Noise Density—this fielddisplays the thermal noise density, whichis a constant value equal to –144 dBm/kHz. This is referred to as the kT factor,where k is Boltzmann’s constant (k=1.38*10-23 J/K), and T is the ambienttemperature in Kelvin, which is assumed to be 290 K.

(10log10(kT)=10log10(1.38*10-23 J/K *290 0K) = 10log10(4*10-21 J)=10log10(4*10-21 W*sec)= 10log10(4*10-21 W/Hz)= -204 dBW/Hz = -174dBm/Hz = -144 dBm/kHz)

Noise Equivalent Bandwidth—type in this box a value for the noiseequivalent bandwidth. For digital technologies this value is equal to thetechnology’s channel symbol rate. This value is used to calculate the thermalnoise density for both the downlink and uplink.

Required C/N—type in this box the value for the required carrier-to-interference ratio (C/N). The C/N is used with the uplink and downlink thermalnoise to calculate the uplink and downlink Rx sensitivity, respectively.


Chapter 6

Downlink

Mobile Noise Figure—type in this box the value for the noise figure of themobile device.

Thermal Noise Floor—this field displays the value of the downlink thermalnoise floor. The Thermal Noise Floor is the amount of noise power generatedby the mobile device. The temperature of each device causes random motionof electrons in the device that produces this noise power. It is typically referredto as the kTBF factor.

The following calculation is used to determine the downlink thermal noisefloor:

Thermal Noise Density + 10 log10

× (B) + Mobile Noise Figure,

where B is the noise equivalent bandwidth in kHz

Rx Sensitivity—this field displays the downlink Rx sensitivity value. The Rxsensitivity represents the minimum signal level that the mobile requires toreceive to provide acceptable quality. It is calculated using the receiver’sthermal noise floor and carrier-to-noise ratio C/N.

The following calculation is used to determine the downlink Rx sensitivity:

Downlink Thermal Noise Floor + Required C/N



Uplink

BTS Noise Figure—type in this field the value for the thermal noisegenerated by the base station transceiver (BTS).

Thermal Noise Floor—this field displays the value of the uplink thermalnoise floor. The Thermal Noise Floor is the amount of noise power generatedby the mobile device. The temperature of each device causes random motionof electrons in the device that produce this noise power. It is typically referredto as the kTBF factor.

The following calculation is used to determine the uplink thermal noise floor:

Thermal Noise Density + 10log10

× (B) + BTS Noise Figure,

where B is the noise equivalent bandwidth in kHz

Rx Sensitivity—this field displays the uplink Rx sensitivity value. The Rxsensitivity represents the minimum signal level that the receiver requires toreceive in order to provide acceptable voice quality. It is calculated using thereceiver’s thermal noise floor and carrier-to-noise ratio C/N.

The following calculation is used to determine the uplink Rx sensitivity:

Uplink Thermal Noise Floor + Required C/N


Chapter 6

Network Setting








HCL

Use the HCL tab to enable hierarchical cell layers (HCL) at the network level.HCLs enable you to determine the best servers for a cell using factors inaddition to strongest signal strength. For example, a microcell covering aportion of the macrocell area may provide a weaker signal but still be thepreferred server. Therefore, the best server can be determined using criteriaother than only signal strength. For example, a microcell can have apriority=1, the macrocell a priority=2 as long as the signal strength is > -75dBm. Therefore, if the signal strength > -75 dBm the microcell is the bestserver regardless of the macrocell’s signal.

Finally, HCLs can be used to improve the frequency planning reuse andprovide a tighter, more efficient frequency plan.

Although the HCL settings are defined globally, you can also override theglobal HCL settings on a per-sector basis in the Site Editor.

Use HCL (Hierarchical Cell Layers)—enable this check box to usehierarchical cell layers in your network. If this option is enabled, all the bestserver analysis layers are created based on the HCL rules.


Chapter 6

Default Settings

Priority—type in this box a value between 0 (highest priority) and 10 (lowestpriority) to set a default priority level for servers.

Signal Offset—type in this box a value for the signal offset. The signal offsetis used to calculate a best server when priorities are equal. In this situation,the offset is added to the true signal strength, and the server with the highesttotal signal strength, including the offset, is used as the best server. Somemanufacturer’s equipment uses the signal offset as the sole method of settingpriority (i.e., no priority values are assigned).

Max Range—type in this box a value to set the maximum distance a server'ssector may extend. A sector that exceeds the maximum range distance cannotbe designated as a best server regardless of priority.

NOTE: Setting the maximum range is equivalent to setting a timing advancethreshold. Timing advance is the amount of time required to travel thedistance between the base station and the mobile, rather than the physicaldistance itself. A timing advance-based handover is used in underlay/overlaysystems. For these networks, the granularity of the range is smaller (typicallyless than 10 km), and servers that exceed the maximum range are not chosenas best servers.

Minimum Signal Level—type in this box a value to set the minimum signallevel required for a server to be designated as the best server. If a server doesnot meet the minimum signal level, it cannot be designated as a best server,regardless of its priority, unless it is the only server for the area.

Examples

Example AIf you have a macrocell and microcell at the same location, the microcell isprobably at a lower height to cover a hot traffic spot close to the site. Now ifthe handover criteria are such that the macrocell requires 4 dB of a betterRSSI to be able to handover from the microcell, then the HCL parameters forthe 2 cells can be set as follows:

Microcell HCL Settings



Priority = 0Signal Offset = 4Max Range = 35 (assuming GSM)Min Signal Level = -104 dBm (using default GSM Access level signal. This valuecan be lower if you want to obtain a server below –104 dBm levels)

Macrocell HCL ParametersPriority = 0Signal Offset = 0Max Range = 35 (assuming GSM)Min Signal Level = -104 dBm (using default GSM Access level signal. This valuecan be lower if you want to obtain a server below –104 dBm levels)

If the Microcell has an RSSI = -70 dBm then the Macrocell must have an RSSI> -66 dBm to become the server.

Example BSame as above but a handover criterion is based strictly on RSSI. Forexample, it is recommended that the calls be on the microcell as long as themicrocell has an RSSI > -70 dBm. If that is the case then the HCL parameterscan be set as follows:

Microcell HCL SettingsPriority = 0Signal Offset = 0Max Range = 35 (assuming GSM)Min Signal Level = -70 dBm

Macrocell HCL ParametersPriority = 1Signal Offset = 0Max Range = 35 (assuming GSM)Min Signal Level = -104 dBm (using default GSM Access level signal. This valuecan be lower if you want to obtain a server below –104 dBm levels, i.e.,default –200 dBm)


Chapter 6

If No Server Exists from HCL Rules

Assume No Server—choose this option to show no server in the best serveranalysis if no best server is identified using HCL rules.

Use Strongest Server—choose this option to show the strongest availableserver in the best server analysis if no best server is identified using HCL rules.



Network Settings

Use the Network Settings dialog box to indicate which technologies you havein your network and to define settings and allocate spectrum for eachtechnology. It provides




For more information about working with network settings, see the UserGuide for the technology you are using


Chapter 6

Illegal Color Codes

Use the Illegal Color Codes tab to identify any color codes that you do not wantto be assigned within the network. Those color codes that you define as illegalcannot be assigned to any sector that uses the chosen technology when youplan color codes with the Color Code Planning tool.

Color Code Tables—enable the check box beside any color code that you donot want to be assigned to the sector.

The color code types and ranges displayed depends on the chosen technology.For example, GSM technology uses the BSIC color code type, whereas NAMPStechnology uses both DSAT and DCC color code types.



Network Settings





For more information about working with network settings, see the UserGuide for the technology you are using.


Chapter 6

Carrier

Carrier Name—type in this field an alphanumeric string to identify thecarrier.

Band Name—displays the band name. Band names are defined on theSpectrum Allocation tab.

Center Frequency a value in MHz, at the mid-point of the bandwidth, todefine the downlink center frequency of the carrier.

Number Of Carriers—displays the total number of carriers assigned to thetechnology.



Network Settings





For more information about working with network settings, see the UserGuide for the technology you are using.


Chapter 6

Transceiver Configuration

Use the Transceiver Configuration panel to define the number of signalingtime slots for the number of transceivers in a sector. Transceiver configurationinformation is used as input for traffic simulations, performance analyses, andanalysis layers (for example, interference, service quality, and servicecoverage analysis layers).

Signaling time slots are used for signaling information such as handovercommands, location updates, and paging, whereas traffic time slots are usedfor voice traffic (TCH for GSM) or packet traffic (PDTCH in GPRS).

The number of traffic time slots = the number of transceivers X the number oftime slots per transceiver — the number of signaling time slots.

The number of traffic time slots is used to calculate the C/I when there isfrequency hopping. When there are more signaling time slots, there are fewertime slots for traffic; hence, the loads will be higher resulting in higherinterference.



Signaling Time Slots Requirements

Number Of Transceivers In Sector—this column displays the number oftransceivers per sector. This information is not editable.

Total Number Of Signaling Time Slots Required—type in this column avalue between 0 and 8 to indicate the total number of signaling time slotsrequired for the transceivers in a sector.

Add—click this button to add a new row to the table, incrementing the numberof transceivers per sector by one. The default value for the number ofsignaling time slots required will be equal to the previous row; however, youcan increase the value (as long as the value is equal to or greater than theprevious row).

Remove Last Row—click this button to remove the last row from the table.


Configuring And Placing Sites

Chapter 7 Configuring And Placing Sites

Once you have created a project and defined network settings you canconfigure and place the sites in your network. This chapter describes how toconfigure and place sites.


Workflow for configuring and placing sites 167

Using site templates 168

Understanding sites and sectors 170

Placing sites automatically 175


Site Templates 183

Traffic 184


Propagation Model 186

Frequency Band 187

Defining link configurations 188


Uplink/Reverse 194


Downlink/Forward 196

Creating and editing sites 198

Site Editor 201

Link 202

Antennas 203

Predictions 204


Chapter 7

Mode 205

Information 206

Site Editor 207

Sector - Implementation 208

Hierachical Cell Layers 209

Settings 210

Voice Traffic 212

Site Editor 213

Sector - Configuration 214

Non-Hopping Transceivers 215

Site Editor 216


Required Transceivers 218

Site Editor 219


Exceptions 221

Illegal Carriers 222

Minimum Carrier Separation 223

Site Editor 224



CC 227

Site Editor 228

Sector - Powers 229



Workflow for configuring and placing sites

Step 1 Create a new site using one of the following methods:

n by defining a new site

n based on the settings of an existing site

n based on a site template

Step 2 Define the supported antenna system.

Step 3 Define sector parameters.

Step 4 Define traffic settings.

Step 5 If required, edit placed sites and sectors.

Step 6 If required, save a site template.


Chapter 7

Using site templates

Site templates store the settings defined in the Site Editor and make it easy toadd sites with the same configuration at a later time. You can create a sitetemplate from either a site or a repeater. You can create as many sitetemplates as required for your project. By default, the active site template isused in site creation. When you export a site template, you can view all the siteand sector parameters in Excel.

CAUTION: When the active site template is for a repeater, the donor sectorvalue in the template is not copied over to the new site. You need to manuallyset the donor sector for the new site using the Site Editor.

To create a site template

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, expand the Sitesnode, right-click the site upon which you want to base thetemplate and do one of the following:

n Choose Create Site Template Local if you want to savethe site template on your workstation

n Choose Create Site Template Local if you want to savethe site template on your workstation

n Choose CreateSiteTemplate Shared if you want to sharethe site template with other users using the Data Manager

2 Type a name for the site template.

3 Enable the Set as Active Template check box to set this sitetemplate as active.

The active site template is used when creating new sites. If there is noactive site template, default values are used.

4 ClickOK.

The site template is added to the Project Explorer.



To rename a site template

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, expand the SiteTemplates node, right-click the site template you want torename, and choose Rename.

2 Modify the name as required.

To set the site template as active

n In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, expand theSite Templates node, right-click the site template you wantto be active and choose Active.

The active site template is used when creating new sites. If there is noactive site template, default values are used.

To view a site template

n In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, expand theSite Templates node, right-click the site template you wantto view, and choose View.

The site template opens in Excel.

To delete a site template

n In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, expand theSite Templates node, right-click the site template you wantto delete, and choose Delete.


Chapter 7

Understanding sites and sectors

A site is a fixed geographical location. At the site, there are technology-specificbase stations, each with associated sectors as illustrated in Figure 6.1. Hence,antenna systems can be shared between sectors that support differenttechnologies.

Figure 6.1 Example of how a site, base stations, and sectors relate.

In the Site Editor, you can access all pertinent information about a site,associated base stations and the sectors they support. This includes linkinformation, quality and performance criteria, as well as details about thesupported antenna systems as shown in Figure 6.2.



Figure 6.2 Site Editor

A unique name identifies each site. You can add additional identificationinformation about a site such as a detailed site name, descriptive site details,and a Universal ID.

You can view and update site and sector parameters using the Tabular Editor.

General site parameters

On the General tab at the base station level, you define the area codes andnetwork elements used at the site.

On the General tab at the base station level, you select the modulations thatyou want the site to support and define the maximum pooled throughputallowed.


Chapter 7

General sector parameters

On the General tab at the sector level, you define the flags and groups that areapplicable to the sector and you specify the frequency band supported.

Link parameters

The parameters on the Link tab focus on the settings required to model acommunication link between the user and the sector. This includes antennaparameters, prediction parameters, and the link configuration (as defined inthe link configuration).

Sector user data

If you have an identification string that describes the sector more fully thansimply the sector name, you can define an additional universal ID on theSector User Data tab. Custom user data fields added by the Data ManagerAdministrator also appear on this tab.

Implementation parameters

The parameters on the Implementation tab center around performance andquality thresholds.

The parameters on the Implementation tab center around the performanceand quality of the signal provided by the sector. This includes filter lossparameters and quality parameters (such as the best server coveragethreshold) as well as the phase jitter effect.

You can use filters to suppress unwanted interference from adjacent channels.Filter characteristics are saved as filter (.flt) files. You can specify filters for thedownlink (i.e., the transmit mask) and you can also specify filters for the uplink(i.e., the receive filter).

The filter loss table allows you to specify the frequency offset and theassociated filter loss parameter. The frequency is the difference between the



first and second channel away from the center frequency. Filter loss valuesdepend on the filter chosen by the equipment manufacturer. These values willbe used to determine the nature of the adjacent-channel interference.

You can save the values in the Filter Loss table as a .flt file using the optionsfrom the File menu.

Figure 6.3 illustrates a filter that models a channel with a 10 MHz bandwidth.With a 5.45 MHz frequency separation, the excessive energy transmittedoutside the channel bandwidth is attenuated by 25 dB while at 9.75 MHz, it isattenuated by 32 dB.

If your filter files are not configured correctly, this could result in an excess orshortage of adjacent channel interference. The latter is a less desirablesituation because it could lead to overestimated coverage.

Figure 7.1: This figure illustrates a sample filter loss graph for the transmitsignal. In this example, the filter loss is specified as 32 dB for 9.75 MHzfrequency separation. You can also define a separate filter loss graph for thereceive signal.

Configuration parameters

Configuration parameters include the channel and frame configuration for thesector. You define the frame configuration in the Frame Editor.

Configuration parameters include the transceiver and frequency settings.


Chapter 7

Frequency planning parameters

Frequency planning parameters enable you to specify how to handlefrequency planning on each sector. You can define the number of transceiversrequired for specific carrier types as well as illegal carrier settings andminimum carrier separation settings.

Power parameters

Power parameters define the power requirements for the sector. You can viewthe power distribution.

Antenna Systems

In the Site Editor, the antenna pattern, associated antenna parameters, andlocation are grouped on the General tab making it easy to set up a non co-located sector. You can also access the Antenna Editor where you can definemore detailed elements of the antenna system including the settings relatedto the use of multiple antennas, the master antenna, or the antenna element.



Placing sites automatically

Using the Automatic Site Placement Tool (ASPT), you can place sites in adefined area quickly and easily. There are two modes that you can use withthe ASPT:

n Basic—the tool generates hexagons based on the criteria youdefine and places a site at the center of each hexagon usingeither the default site configuration or the site template youspecify. If you are using a clutter file, you can exclude clutterclasses such that no sites will be placed within them.

n Advanced —the tool generates complex shapes based on theplanning strategy you choose and the criteria you define(including clutter-specific criteria) and places a site at thecenter of the shape using the site template you specify. Eachsite is given a level of priority that determines whether itbecomes a possible site candidate. In Advanced mode, youcan use a traffic map in order to generate more accurateshapes. In addition, you can use existing and candidate sites inthe site placement process.

Determining site placement in the Basic mode

Step 1 The ASPT divides the selected polygon into a series of hexagonsbased on the hexagon radius or the number of hexagons you definein the generation options.

Step 2 A proposed site is placed at the center of each hexagon using thesite template that you specify.


Chapter 7

Step 3 When you create sites, sites are added to the Sites node in theProject Explorer and placed on the map.

Determining site placement in the Advanced mode

Step 1 The ASPT divides the selected polygon into a series of shapes basedon the planning strategy you define. There are two types of planningstrategies:

n Greenfield, where there are no existing sites in the network

n Expansion, where there are existing sites

Step 2 Depending on the settings you define, the ASPT displays possiblesite locations on the map. In Advanced mode, there are three typesof sites identified during the automatic site placement process:

n Existing Sites—sites you have placed in the network at existinglocations.

n Candidate Sites—sites you have placed in the network atpossible site locations.

n New Sites—sites that will be placed by the ASPT automaticallybased on the defined criteria to fill in any gaps.



You can specify when to place a site in individual clutter classes andwhich site template you use. You can also define propagation modelparameters including the site radius, the minimum and maximumsite radius, the Okumura class as well as the frequency band(whether network-defined or user-defined).

Step 3 A possible site is placed at the center of each shape using the sitetemplate that you specify. If the planning strategy you choose is"Expansion" with existing sites, then existing sites are consideredfirst in the planning process, candidate sites are considered next,and new sites are placed to fill in any gaps. In the illustration thatfollows, the blue sites are existing sites, the green sites arecandidate sites, and the purple sites are new sites. Candidate sitesare considered in order of priority (defined in the Site Editor).

Step 4 When you create sites, candidate sites become permenant sitesand are added to the Sites node in the Project Explorer. New sitesare placed in gap areas, added to the Project Explorer and placedon the map. A new local group is also created that contains thenewly created sites.


Chapter 7


To place sites in Basic mode

1 To specify the boundaries of the area within which you want toplace sites, do one of the following:

n Make the cosmetic layer editable, draw a polygon using thetools on the Drawing toolbar, and then select it.

n Create an area grid.

2 Choose Tools Automatic Site Placement.

The Automatic Site Placement dialog box opens.



3 In theMode section, choose the Basic option.

4 In the Region section, choose one of the following options:

n Polygon—to identify the region within which you want to placesites using a polygon. When you use this option, you mustcreate a polygon on the cosmetic layer using the tools on theDrawing toolbar.

n Area—to identify the region within which you want to placesites using an area grid. When you use this option, you mustfirst have created an area grid.

5 Click the Settings tab and define how to place sites.

6 ClickGenerate.


Chapter 7

To place sites in Advanced mode

1 To specify the boundaries of the area within which you want toplace sites, do one of the following:

n Make the cosmetic layer editable, draw a polygon using thetools on the Drawing toolbar, and then select it

n Create an area grid.

2 Choose Tools Automatic Site Placement.

The Automatic Site Placement dialog box opens.

3 In theMode section, choose the Advanced option.

4 Define the required parameters on each of the following tabs:



n General—includes network planning strategy (i.e., greenfieldor expansion), existing and candidate site selection, andregion definition.

n Site Templates—includes site template for each class, abilityto adjust antenna heights, minimum and maximum antennaheights as well as minimum and maximum traffic loads.

n Propagation Model—includes Okumura class, site radius aswell as minimum and maximum site radius.

5 ClickGenerate.

Cells are placed across the region.


Chapter 7

Automatic Site Placement Tool

In order to facilitate the placement of sites, you can use the Automatic SitePlacement Tool to automatically place sites within a defined area. In the Basicmode, sites are placed at the center of each hexagon and saved to the sitetable. In Advanced mode, sites are placed based on the criteria you define(although still placed at the center of the shape).

NOTE: If you are using a polygon to delineate the area where sites will beplaced, you must ensure that the cosmetic layer is editable and that you havecreated an area object using the Drawing tools that identifies where you wantto place sites.




Site Templates

Index—displays the index number for the clutter class.

Class Name—displays the clutter class name as defined in the clutter grid.

Place Site—choose from this list if you want sites placed in the associatedclutter class.

Site Template—choose from this list the site template you want to use toplace site within the associated clutter class. You define site templates in theSites category of the Project Explorer.

Adjust Antenna Height—choose from this list whether the antenna heightcan vary. This parameter is visible only when you are using a traffic map.

Minimum Antenna Height—type in this box the minimum required antennaheight if you are allowing antenna heights to be adjusted. This parameter isvisible only when you are using a traffic map.

Maximum Antenna Height—type in this box the maximum antenna height ifyou are allowing antenna heights to be adjusted. This parameter is visibleonly when you are using a traffic map.

Minimum Site Traffic Load—type in this box the minimum site traffic load.This parameter is visible only when you are using a traffic map.

Maximum Site Traffic Load—type in this box the maximum allowable sitetraffic load. This parameter is visible only when you are using a traffic map.


Chapter 7

Traffic

Use Traffic Map—enable this check box if you want site placement to beinfluenced by the distribution of traffic. Using a traffic map will reduce sitecoverage. Choose the traffic map you want to use from the associated list.



Automatic Site Placement Tool

In order to facilitate the placement of sites, you can use the Automatic SitePlacement Tool to automatically place sites within a defined area. Sites areplaced at the center of each hexagon and saved to the site table.

NOTE: If you are using a polygon to delineate the area where sites will beplaced, you must ensure that the cosmetic layer is editable and that you havecreated an area object using the Drawing tools that identifies where you wantto place sites.



Chapter 7

Propagation Model

Index—displays the index number for the clutter class.

Class Name—displays the clutter class name as defined in the clutter grid.

Class Weight—type in this box the weighting you want to assign to the class.The class weight affects the calculated average radial distance used todetermine site placement. A low class weight will give less significance to theclutter class while a higher class weight increases the significance of the clutterclass. This can be useful, for example, when a clutter grid includes roads andbuildings. If you assign a clutter weight of 0 to roads and a clutter weight of 50to buildings, site placement will focus on placing sites on the buildings.

Okumura Class—choose from this list the Okumura class for which you wantto define site placement parameters.

Default Antenna Height—type in this box the default antenna height to usewhen placing sites. If you are using a traffic map, the default antenna heightmust be between the Minimum Antenna Height and the Maximum AntennaHeight defined on the Site Templates tab.

Maximum Allowable Pathloss—type in this box the maximum allowablepathloss for the clutter class.

Site Radius—type in this box the radius of the placed site.

Minimum Site Radius—type in this box the minimum allowable site radius forsite placement.

Maximum Site Radius—type in this box the maximum allowable site radiusfor site placement.



Frequency Band

Network-Defined—choose this option to select one of the frequency bandsdefined in the Network Settings dialog box. Sites will use the specified band.

User-Defined—choose this option to define the frequency band in theassociated box. Sites will use the specified frequency band value.


Chapter 7

Defining link configurations

Link configurations track the gains and losses that occur as a signal travels. Inother words, a link configuration calculates the radiated power for a sectorbased on the power output of the sector’s power amplifier (PA) plus or minussystem gains and losses. In Mentum Planet , you define link configurations inthe Link Configuration Editor. You can define several link configurations for aproject. When link configurations are assigned to sectors, the linkconfiguration icon is blue as shown in Figure 6.3.

Figure 6.3 Assigned link configuration identified with a blue icon.

Losses and gains

For both the downlink and uplink, a default antenna gain value is added basedon the antenna type assigned to the sector. You cannot modify this value.Initially, the value is 0 but will be updated once the link configuration isassigned to a sector. A default Feeder value on both the downlink and theuplink is added to account for cable and connector losses and a main feederloss is calculated bymultiplying the cable length defined on the Link tab andthe main feeder loss per meter defined in the associated link configuration.The main feeder value is always included in the link configuration calculations.

A default BTS Noise Figure is assigned to the uplink to account for base stationreceiver noise gain. You should modify the BTS Noise Figure according to themanufacturer's hardware specifications.



You can add additional losses and gains as required. Because the Friis noiseformula (see Equation 6.1) is used to calculate the Uplink Noise Figure, theorder of the items in the Link Configuration Editor must match the hierarchy ofthe sector hardware (see Figure 6.4 ). By default, the BTS Noise Figure isalways the last item in the list.

Figure 6.4 Example sector hardware configuration

The Reverse Composite Noise Figure (Composite System Noise Figure (NFs))is calculated as follows, using the Friis noise formula:

Equation 6.1 Friis noise formula


Chapter 7

When you assign a link configuration to a sector, you can view the impact it hasin the Information section of the Link tab.

Figure 6.5 Information section on the Link tab in the Site Editor.

If you are using an Excel spreadsheet to import link configuration settings, youmust use the Index column to specify the order of the items in the Losses andGains list. For more information, see “Importing and exporting project data” inChapter 13, “Working With Network and Project Data”, in the Mentum PlanetUser Guide.




To define link configurations

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, right-click Link Configurations and choose New.

The Link Configuration Editor opens.

2 In the Name box, type a name to identify the link configuration.

3 Click the Uplink/Reverse tab and define link configurationparameters.

To view or hide unassigned link configurations

n In the Project Explorer, in the Project Data category, right-click Link Configurations and choose one of the followingcommands:

n Show Unassigned Link Configurations—displays inthe Project Explorer those link configurations that havenot been assigned to a sector.


Chapter 7

n Hide Unassigned Link Configurations—hides in theProject Explorer those link configurations that have notbeen assigned to a sector.



Link Configuration Editor

Use the Link Configuration Editor to define a common set of link settings thatyou can apply to specific sites, sector groups, or flags. When a linkconfiguration has been assigned, the link icon is blue while unassigned linkconfigurations are gray.

For example, you could use the Link Configuration Editor with a newly createdproject to define a common set of losses and gains according to the hardwareused most often in your network. Using these common settings as a base, youcould then define individual or unique sector power settings as required.



Chapter 7

Uplink/Reverse

Use the Uplink/Reverse tab to define specific uplink/reverse link losses andgains for the sectors that belong to sites, site groups, or flags. Losses andgains defined for the uplink affect the total power for the sectors. The mainfeeder loss is calculated based on the cable length you define on the Link taband is always displayed in the link configuration. You can add additional lossesand gains as required.

The Uplink/Reverse power settings initially display the power settings for thefirst sector in the group, the first sector with the specified flag condition, or thefirst sector chosen in the Project Explorer.

For both the downlink and uplink, the initial value is an antenna gain. Thisvalue is determined by the antenna type assigned to each sector. You cannotmodify this value.

Name—type in this box a name for the link configuration. This box is onlyavailable in the Link Configuration Editor.

Type—choose from this list whether the change to the sector's power is a lossor a gain.

Name—type in this box a name for the loss or gain.

Value (dB)—type in this box a constant value for the loss or gain.

Value (dB/m)—type in this box a value per meter for the loss or gain, to bemultiplied by the cable length of the antenna.

Move Up—click this button to move a chosen power loss or gain up oneposition in the list.

Move Down—click this button to move a chosen power loss or gain down oneposition in the list.

Add—click this button to add a power loss or a gain to the list.

Remove—click this button to delete a power loss or gain from the list.



Link Configuration Editor

Use the Link Configuration Editor to define a common set of link settings thatyou can apply to specific sites, sector groups, or flags. When a linkconfiguration has been assigned, the link icon is blue while unassigned linkconfigurations are gray.

For example, you could use the Link Configuration Editor with a newly createdproject to define a common set of losses and gains according to the hardwareused most often in your network. Using these common settings as a base, youcould then define individual or unique sector power settings as required.



Chapter 7

Downlink/Forward

Use the Downlink/Forward tab to define specific downlink/forward link lossesand gains for the sectors that belong to sites, site groups, or flags. Losses andgains defined for the downlink affect the total power for the sectors. The mainfeeder loss is calculated using the cable length you define on the Link tab in theSite Editor and the MainFeeder loss (dB/m) you define in the link configuration.This loss is always displayed in the link configuration. You can add additionallosses and gains as required.

The Downlink/Forward power settings initially display the power settings forthe first sector in the group, the first sector with the specified flag condition, orthe first sector chosen in the Project Explorer.

For both the downlink and uplink, the initial value is an antenna gain. Thisvalue is determined by the antenna type assigned to each sector. You cannotmodify this value.

Name—type in this box a name for the link configuration.

Type—choose from this list whether the change to the sector's power is a lossor a gain.

Name—type in this box a name for the loss or gain.

Value (dB)—type in this box a constant value for the loss or gain.

Value (dB/m)—type in this box a value per meter for the loss or gain, to bemultiplied by the cable length of the antenna.

Move Up—click this button to move a chosen power loss or gain up oneposition in the list.

Move Down—click this button to move a chosen power loss or gain down oneposition in the list.

Add—click this button to add a power loss or a gain to the list.

Remove—click this button to delete a power loss or gain from the list.




Chapter 7

Creating and editing sites

Once you have defined site and sector parameters, you can create a sitetemplate based on these settings and use this template to add similar sites tothe network. See “Using site templates”.

Once a site has been placed, you can change any of the settings that havebeen defined. If you have acquired GPS readings for all your sites and youwant to update the position of a sector, you can edit the site location manually.

For more information on general site, base station, and sector properties, see“Working with Sites and Sectors”, in the Mentum Planet User Guide.


CAUTION: By default, site updates are saved in the site set. To update thesite table (.tab) file, you must right-click the Sites node and choose UpdateSite File. Site updates are not automatically added to the site table.

To create a new site

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, do one of thefollowing:

n To use a specific site template, expand the Site Templatesnode, expand the Local or Shared node, and right-click thetemplate upon which you want to base the site, then chooseNew Site.

n To use the active site template, right-click the Sites node andchoose New Site.The active site template is identified with a green arrow.

2 Click in the Map window at the location where you want to placethe site.



To edit site parameters

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, expand the Sitesnode, right-click the site you want to edit, and choose Edit.

2 Modify site parameters as required.

3 To change the antenna systems available for this site, do one ofthe following:

n In the tree view, right-click the Antennas node, and chooseAdd.

n Click the Add Antenna System button at the top of the dialogbox.

A default antenna system is added.

4 Choose the newly-added antenna system and modify antennaparameters as required.


Chapter 7

TIP: To define parameters for all sectors at the site, click the Tabular Editbutton.

TIP: You can also edit sites by clicking the Edit Site button on the Site toolbar,and then clicking in the Map window to select the sector.

To create a new site based on an existing site

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, right-click the sitethat you want to copy and choose Place Copy.

2 In the Map window, click once on a location to place the site.

The created site is displayed in the Map window and a site having thename Copy of <site name> is added to the Sites category in the ProjectExplorer.

3 In the Project Explorer, right-click the newly copied site andchoose Edit.

4 In the Site Editor, adjust site parameters as required.



Site Editor

A site is the location where a sector is placed. Sites and sectors have commonattributes such as a geographic location and elevation. There can be morethan one sector at a particular site, each pointing in a different direction. TheSite Editor is a key editor where you can view and modify site, sector,repeater, and antenna data.

Use the Site Editor to view and manipulate site, sector, and antennainformation. It provides

n tree representation of hierarchical relationships such as sites,sectors, and repeaters as well as displaying the list of projectantennas

n easy access to all information about a site, sector, repeater, orantenna


NOTE: When you select an antenna beneath the Antennas node, sectorsusing that antenna are highlighted in blue.


Chapter 7

Link



Antennas

Antenna—choose from this list the antenna system for the selected sector.The antenna systems listed are those displayed in the Site Editor tree view.

Power Split—type in this box how the sector transmit power is to be dividedbetween multiple antennas. This field is only available if there is more thanone antenna.

Link Configuration—choose from this list the link configuration you want toassociate with the sector. Click the View button to view the details of the linkconfiguration.

Cable Length—Type In This Box The Length Of The Feeder Cable. This ValueIs Used To Calculate The Main Feeder Loss In The Associated LinkConfiguration.

Add—click this button to add secondary antenna systems to the sector if youare using split sectors. Split sectors use several directional antennas totransmit the same signal.

Antenna Algorithm—choose from this list the antenna algorithm to use withthe selected smart or MIMO antenna. Antenna algorithms are defined in theAntenna Algorithm Editor. Only antenna algorithms that are compatible withthe selected antenna system (smart antenna and MIMO capabilities) areavailable. Antenna algorithms are not available for cdma2000 sectors.


Chapter 7

Predictions

Use this section to define the propagation model, the number of radials, theprediction distance as well as the prediction mode.

Model—choose from this list the propagation model for the selected site.

Edit—click this button to modify the current propagation model.

Distance—type in this box the maximum distance from the sector to calculatesignal strength.

Number of Radials—type in this box the number of radials originating from asite along which to calculate predictions. More radials produce a more accuratebut slower calculation.

NOTE: If you are using the Planet General Model, the number of radials youdefine is rounded up to the closest number divisible by four. For example, ifyou set the number of radials to 357 then when generating predictionsMentum Planet uses 360 radials.



Mode

Use this section to specify the type of prediction to associate with the sector.Propagation models cannot always account for the complexities of signalpropagation in urban environments. Hence, to predict more accurately how asignal will behave, you can merge survey and prediction data. This is valuablebecause survey data represents the actual coverage provided by the network,improving the accuracy of your predictions.

Merged—enable this check box to merge model predictions with survey data.Clear the check box to generate predictions using only the assignedpropagation model.

Interpolation Distance—type in this box the distance used to set the surveyweighting value used to calculate merged prediction values. The surveyweighting value is a value between 0 and 1 determined using linearinterpolation and the distance between a prediction point and the nearestsurvey point. The weight of the prediction is 1 minus the survey weightingvalue.


Chapter 7

Information

The Information section displays the power settings for the sector.



Site Editor








Chapter 7

Sector - Implementation



Hierachical Cell Layers

Override Default Settings—enable this check box to define Hierarchical CellLayer settings.


Chapter 7

Settings

Priority—type in this box a value between 0 (highest priority) and 10 (lowestpriority) to set a default priority level for the sector.

Signal Offset—type in this box a value between 0 and 100 dB for the signaloffset. The signal offset is used to calculate a best server when priorities areequal. In this situation, the offset is added to the true signal strength, and theserver with the highest total signal strength, including the offset, is used as thebest server. Some manufacturer’s equipment uses the signal offset as the solemethod of setting priority (i.e., no priority values are assigned).

Max Range—type in this box a value between 0 and 150 km to set themaximum distance a server's signal may extend. A sector with that signal thatexceeds the maximum range distance cannot be designated as a best server,regardless of priority.

NOTE: Setting the maximum range is equivalent to setting a timing advancethreshold. Timing advance is the amount of time required to travel thedistance between the base station and the mobile, rather than the physicaldistance itself. A timing advance-based handover is used in underlay/overlaysystems. For these networks, the granularity of the range is smaller (typicallyless than 10 km), and servers that exceed the maximum range are not chosenas best servers.

Minimum Signal Level—type in this box a value between -200 and 0 dBm toset the minimum signal level required for a server to be designated as the bestserver. If a server does not meet the minimum signal level, it cannot bedesignated as a best server, regardless of its priority, unless it is the onlyserver for the area.

Example A

If you have a macrocell and microcell at the same location, the microcell isprobably at a lower height to cover a hot traffic spot close to the site. If thehandover criteria are such that the macrocell requires 4 dB or better RSSI tobe able to handover from the microcell, then the HCL parameters for the 2sectors can be set as follows:



Microcell HCL SettingsPriority = 0Signal Offset = 4Max Range = 35 (assuming GSM)Min Signal Level = -104 dBm (using default GSM Access level signal. This valuecan be lower if you want to obtain a server below –104 dBm levels)

Macrocell HCL SettingsPriority = 0Signal Offset = 0Max Range = 35 (assuming GSM)Min Signal Level = -104 dBm (using default GSM Access level signal. This valuecan be lower if you want to obtain a server below –104 dBm levels)

If the Microcell has an RSSI = -70 dBm the Macrocell must have an RSSI > -66dBm to become the server.

Example B

Same as above but a handover criterion is based strictly on RSSI. Forexample, it is recommended that the sectors be on the microcell as long asthe microcell has an RSSI > -70 dBm. If that is the case, then the HCLparameters can be set as follows:

Microcell HCL ParametersPriority = 0Signal Offset = 0Max Range = 35 (assuming GSM)Min Signal Level = -70 dBm

Macrocell HCL ParametersPriority = 1Signal Offset = 0Max Range = 35 (assuming GSM)Min Signal Level = -104 dBm (using default GSM Access level signal. This valuecan be lower if you want to obtain a server below –104 dBm levels, i.e.,default –200 dBm.)


Chapter 7

Voice Traffic

Carried Traffic—type in this box a value between 0 and 100 Erlangs for thecarried traffic. Carried traffic is the actual traffic carried by a sector. If the UsePer-sector Carried Erlangs option is chosen in the analysis settings, thespecified carried traffic value is used for the frequency hopping analysis usedwhen calculating C/I layers.

Offered Traffic—type in this box a value between 0 and 100 Erlangs for theoffered traffic. Offered traffic is the carried traffic plus any blocked traffic. Touse this value when calculating interference layers, you must choose the UsePer-Sector Offered Erlangs option in the Traffic panel of the Analysis Settingsdialog box.



Site Editor








Chapter 7

Sector - Configuration



Non-Hopping Transceivers

Carrier Type—choose from this list the type of carrier you want to assign tothe sector.

Carrier Group—choose from this list the type of carrier group you want toassociate with the sector.

Carrier—choose from this list the carrier you want to assign to the sector.


Chapter 7

Site Editor









Sector - Frequency Planning


Chapter 7

Required Transceivers

Carrier Type—displays the type of carrier.

Non-Hopping—type in this box the number of non-hopping transceivers toallocate for the carrier type.



Site Editor








Chapter 7




Exceptions

Cost Factor (Optimizer Algorithm Only)—type in this box a cost factor forthe sector. This value scales the cost based on whether the carrier is aninterferer or a victim of interference. The cost factor is used by the PlanetOptimizer planning method.


Chapter 7

Illegal Carriers

Carrier Number—enable the check box next to those carriers that you do notwant to be used for the sector in the frequency plan.

Center Frequency (MHz)—displays the center frequency for each carrier.



Minimum Carrier Separation

Site—choose from this list the site ID that the carriers you want to define thespacing values for belong to.

Sector—choose from this list the sector ID that the carriers you want todefine the spacing values for belong to.

Spacing—type in this field the minimum separation, in carriers, that you wantto have between the carriers assigned to this sector and other carriers.

Override—enable this check box to override the network-level minimumcarrier separation settings. Network-level minimum carrier separationsettings are defined for each carrier type on the General tab on the CarrierTypes panel of the Frequency Planning dialog box.

Add—click this button to add a sector to the Minimum Carrier Separationtable.

Remove—click this button to remove a chosen sector from the MinimumCarrier Separation table.


Chapter 7

Site Editor











Chapter 7

Illegal Color Codes



CC

Enable the check box beside any color code that you do not want to beassigned to the sector.


Chapter 7

Site Editor









Sector - Powers

PA Power—type in this box the PA power, in dBm.

Target Receive Level—type in this box the minimum receive level for themobile. This value is taken into consideration when generating the RequiredMobile Power analysis layer.


Adding Repeaters

Chapter 8 Adding Repeaters

In order to increase network coverage, you can add repeaters to yournetwork. Repeaters are electronic devices that receive a signal, amplify it,and then retransmit it at a higher power. This chapter describes how to addrepeaters to your project.


Understanding repeaters 232

Workflow for adding repeaters to sectors 235

Adding repeaters to sectors 236

Locating repeaters in a Map window 244


Chapter 8

Understanding repeaters

Repeaters are used to retransmit signals received from donor sectors tolocations that have insufficient coverage. For example, repeaters can be usedto extend coverage or fill in shadow areas caused by hills, large buildings, andother structures that obstruct signals.

A repeater receives a signal from the donor antenna of a donor sector, andthen amplifies and retransmits the signal through its service antenna.Repeaters are primarily used to reduce path loss without providing an increasein network capacity. Generally, repeaters add noise and amplify noise in theuplink, which can limit their effectiveness; however, a well placed repeater canreduce noise levels within a network and enhance the overall capacity.

Implementing repeaters can be an efficient and cost-effective method ofincreasing the received signal strength for mobiles in an area without having toplace additional sites.

A repeater’s power is defined by its Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP).EIRP measures the maximum radiated power in the direction of the maximumgain relative to an isotropic antenna (typically in the direction the antenna ispointing).

The EIRP of repeaters is based on the power of the first active carrier, and iscalculated as shown in Equation 7.1.

Equation 7.1 Repeater EIRP


Adding Repeaters

Types of repeater implementations

There are several different ways to implement repeaters in a network. Forexample, in areas where

n there are a lot of buildings, you could implement split sectorswhere several directional antennas are used to transmit thesame signal. See “Using split sectors”.

n you want to extend indoor coverage, you could implement aDistributed Antenna System (DAS). See “Using distributedantenna systems”.

Using split sectors

When split sectors are used in the network, sectors use several directionalantennas to transmit the same signal. In Mentum Planet , you define split


Chapter 8

sectors in the Site Editor by adding additional antennas on the Link tab for thesector you want to use.

Using distributed antenna systems

When distributed antenna systems are used in the network, the transmittedpower is divided between several elements in the network and consists of splitsectors and repeaters depending on the maximum distance betweenantennas.

Repeaters and predictions

When you generate predictions for a sector that has one or more repeatersassigned to it, signal strength grid (.grd) files are generated for the sector andfor each repeater. The analyses use the separate predictions for the donorsectors and repeaters.

A combined signal strength file is also generated, which merges the separatesector and repeater signal strength files. Combined signal strength predictionsare used when the full coverage area of a sector is required, such as when yougenerate a traffic map or interference matrix, or analyze the interferencebetween two sectors.

After you have generated predictions for a sector, you can choose to view aprediction for the donor sector or individual repeaters. You can also view acombined prediction that displays the combined signal strengths of the donorsector and all of its repeaters. For information on generating and viewingpredictions, see “Chapter 8: Generating Predictions” in the Mentum PlanetUser Guide.


Adding Repeaters

Workflow for adding repeaters to sectors

Step 1 Configure and place sites.

Step 2 Add repeaters to sectors with insufficient coverage.


Chapter 8

Adding repeaters to sectors

When you add a repeater to a sector, you define general settings, such as thedonor sector for which the repeater will retransmit a signal, and the location ofthe repeater. You must also define settings for service and donor antennas,predictions, repeater links, implementation criteria (such as filters and qualitylimits), as well as configuration settings.

The gain of a repeater in Mentum Planet is maintained at a constant level. Anychanges to the donor sector and repeater system that affect the powerreceived by the repeater will result in a similar change in the EIRP of therepeater. For example, a change in the masked pathloss between the donorsector and the repeater, the donor sector’s pilot power, or the antenna systemat the donor sector which results in a change to the EIRP of the sector, willresult in a similar change in the EIRP of the repeater. The EIRP value at therepeater will also change in line with a change in either of the repeater’santenna systems. As such, it is important to review repeater settings followingany changes of this nature.


To add repeaters to sectors

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, right-click thesector to which you want to add a repeater, and choose AddRepeater.

2 Click in the Map window in the location where you want to add therepeater.

A repeater is added to the Map window and, in the Project Explorer, arepeater node is added beneath the associated sector. In addition, anew site is added to the Sites node. This new site contains only therepeater location and repeater parameters. For example, if you add arepeater to Site 2, sector 2, an additional site is added.


Adding Repeaters

3 To view the repeater settings, in the Project Explorer, double-click the repeater node.

4 Define repeater parameters as required.


Chapter 8

TIP: You can change the status of a repeater by right-clicking a repeaternode in the Project Explorer and choosing Active. A checkmark indicates thatthe repeater is online.

TIP: For maximum accuracy, enter a measured value of pathloss in theMasked Path Loss From Donor box. The measured pathloss can be determinedbymeasuring the signal strength with a known EIRP from the donor sector. Ifyou choose to calculate the masked path loss, ensure you specify anappropriate model. The most appropriate propagation model will depend onthe specifics of the environment between donor sector and the repeater donorantenna. If you suspect obstruction at the repeater location, choose adeterministic model with the correct receiver height. You may need to create amodel specifically for repeater installations.

Mentum Planet will not update the stored masked pathloss automatically, evenif the current value is generated using the Calculate Masked Pathloss dialogbox. If there are changes to the network that would impact the pathlossbetween the donor sector and the repeater, you must apply a new value to therepeater, either bymanually entering a new value in the Repeater Settingsdialog box or re-calculating the value using the Calculate Masked Pathlossdialog box.

Site Editor





Adding Repeaters




Donor

Use the Donor tab to define the parameters of the relationship between therepeater and its donor sector, including the donor antenna (i.e., the repeaterantenna that receives the signal from the donor sector on the downlink andtransmits the amplified signal to the donor sector on the uplink) for RFrepeaters.

Type

RF—enable this option to indicate that the donor antenna receives the signalfrom a conventional RF signal.

Fiber—enable this option to indicate that the donor antenna receives thesignal from a fiber-optic cable. When the Fiber option is enabled, the DonorAntenna parameters are not available.

Donor Antenna—displays the name of the donor antenna.

Edit—click this button to change the antenna parameters and location.

Link Configuration—choose from this list the link budget you want toassociate with the repeater.

View —click this button to open the link configuration dialog box. Values areread-only.


Chapter 8

Cable Length—type in this box the length of the feeder cable. This value isincluded in the main feeder loss calculated in the associated link budget.

Model—choose from this list the propagation model with which to calculatethe masked path loss.

Edit—click this button to open the Propagation Model Editor where you canchange the settings defined for the model.

Masked Pathloss—click in the box to define a masked pathloss value for thedonor.

Calculate—click this button to automatically calculate the masked pathloss forthe donor using the selected propagation model.

NOTE: For maximum accuracy, enter a measured value of pathloss in theMasked Pathloss box. The measured pathloss can be determined bymeasuring the signal strength with a known EIRP from the donor sector. Tocalculate the masked pathloss, ensure you specify an appropriate model. Themost appropriate propagation model will depend on the specifics of theenvironment between the donor sector and the repeater donor antenna. Ifyou suspect obstruction at the repeater location, choose a deterministic modelwith the correct receiver height. You may need to create a model specificallyfor repeater installations.

Site Editor




Adding Repeaters





Link

Service

Antenna—choose from this list the antenna pattern that the service antennawill use to retransmit the signal received from the donor sector.

Power Split—type in this box how the power is to be divided between theservice antennas. This field is only available if there is more than one serviceantenna.

Edit—click this button to open the Antenna - General tab where you canchange the antenna parameters.

Remove—click this button to remove the antenna.

Link Configuration—choose from this list the link budget you want toassociate with the service antenna.

Cable Length—type in this box the length of the feeder cable. This value isincluded in the main feeder loss calculated in the associated link configuration.

View—click this button to open the link configuration dialog box. Values areread-only.


Chapter 8

Add—click this button to add additional service antennas to the link. When youclick add, a new Antenna section is added on the tab.

Predictions

Model—choose from this list the prediction model for the repeater.

Edit—click this button to open the Propagation Model Editor where youcan modify propagation model settings.

Distance—type in this field the maximum distance from the repeater tocalculate signal strength.

Number of Radials—type in this field the number of radials originating froma site along which to calculate predictions. More radials produce a moreaccurate but slower calculation.

Isolation

Additional Isolation—type in this box a value in dB that will be added to thetotal isolation calculated.

Isolation—displays the calculated isolation based on the masked pathloss(including antenna gains) between the donor and service antenna as well asthe additional isolation value you define. The Isolation box is not available ifthere is no defined donor sector (i.e., this is an orphaned repeater) or if thedonor type is fiber. If you are using split sectors, the isolation calculation isbased on the first service antenna.

Site Editor



Adding Repeaters






Configuration

Equipment

Power EIRP—displays the total EIRP.

Repeater Gain—type in this box the system gain experienced by therepeater. The value in the Power EIRP box is updated based on the value youenter.

System Losses—type in this box the system losses experienced by therepeater. The value in the Power EIRP box is updated based on the value youenter.


Chapter 8

Locating repeaters in a Map window

You can use the Project Explorer to locate repeaters in a Map window.

To locate repeaters in a Map window

n In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, right-click therepeater and choose Locate.

The repeater is selected in the Map window.


Defining Environment Settings

Chapter 9 Defining Environment Settings

Environment settings are used in network analyses to determine the impact ofthe environment on the signal and the service.


Understanding environment settings 246

Defining environment settings 249

Environment Editor 250

Environment Editor Table 251


Chapter 9

Understanding environment settings

During a network analysis, Mentum Planet determines in which clutter class asubscriber is located and assesses the impact of environmental traits on thesignal and service using the environment settings you define. For all of theenvironments, you can define the penetration loss and the required fast fadingmargin.

For each clutter type, you can define the characteristics of the environmentswithin that clutter type. The available environments are:

n Outdoor—open air environments

n Vehicular—moving vehicles

n Indoor—buildings or structures (normally representing areaswhere single wall penetration is required)

n Deep Indoor—in-building areas where two-wall penetration isrequired, or dense buildings where higher than normalpenetration losses are experienced

You can enable one or more of the environments for a clutter type. For eachclutter class, you indicate which environments you want to account for andthen specify the following parameters:

n Downlink Orthogonality—this value represents the signal’sorthogonality factor in the environment of the clutter.

n Slow Fading Standard Deviation—this value is used to modelthe shadowing from obstacles that cannot be handled by apropagation model. Slightly higher values (approximately 8 dB) may be appropriate for high density urban areas, lowervalues (approximately 6.5 dB) for open areas.

n Outdoor Fast Fading Margin—this value represents the extramargin required for fast power control to overcome Rayleigh(fast) fading in the Outdoor environment of this clutter type.Rayleigh fading is a variation of spatial path loss that occurs onthe scale of a few wavelengths; the wavelength of a 2 000 MHzcarrier is about 15 cm (6 inches).



n Outdoor Penetration Loss—this value represents thepenetration loss to apply on received and transmitted signalsin the Outdoor environment for a specific clutter type.

n Vehicular Fast Fading Margin—this value represents thetransmit power headroom required for fast power control tooccur and overcome Rayleigh (fast) fading in the Vehicularenvironment of this clutter type. Rayleigh fading is a variationof spatial path loss that occurs on the scale of a fewwavelengths; the wavelength of a 2 000 MHz carrier is about15 cm (6 inches).

n Vehicular Penetration Loss—this value represents thepenetration loss to apply on received and transmitted signalsin the Vehicular environment for a specific clutter type.

n Vehicular Speed—this value represents the typical movingspeed of a mobile subscriber in a vehicular environment for aspecific clutter type.

n Indoor Fast Fading Margin—this value represents the extramargin required for fast power control to occur and overcomeRayleigh (fast) fading in the Indoor environment of this cluttertype. Rayleigh fading is a variation of spatial path loss thatoccurs on the scale of a few wavelengths; the wavelength of a2 000 MHz carrier is about 15 cm (6 inches).

n Indoor Penetration Loss—this value represents thepenetration loss to apply on received and transmitted signalsin the Indoor environment for a specific clutter type

n Deep Indoor Fast Fading Margin—this value represents theextra margin required for fast power control to take place andovercome Rayleigh (fast) fading in the Deep Indoorenvironment of this clutter type. Rayleigh fading is a variationof spatial path loss that occurs on the scale of a fewwavelengths; the wavelength of a 2 000 MHz carrier is about15 cm (6 inches).

n Deep Indoor Penetration Loss—this value represents thepenetration loss to apply on received and transmitted signalsin the Deep Indoor environment for a specific clutter type


Chapter 9

When you generate the analysis, you specify the subscriber environment youwant to model (i.e., Outdoor, Indoor, Deep Indoor, Vehicular).



Defining environment settings

Use the Environment Editor to define how the signal behaves in specificenvironments.

To define environment settings

1 Choose Edit Environments.

The Environment Editor opens.

2 For each clutter class, define environment settings as requiredand clickOK.


Chapter 9

Environment Editor

Use the Environment Editor to define how the signal behaves in specificenvironments within each clutter class. Environment settings are used inMonte Carlo simulations to determine the impact of the environment on thesignal and the service.



Environment Editor Table

Use this table to edit environment settings. To modify data:

n Double-click in a table cell and type a new value.

n Click the down arrow in a table cell and choose a new value.

n Enable or clear the check box for the chosen setting.

n Click the down arrow next to a table heading to display all thedata or a particular subset.

n Right-click in a table cell to copy and paste data.

When you type an invalid value in a table cell, the cell is highlight in red and amessage is displayed.

To change the Environment Editor display:

n Place the pointer between column headings to increase ordecrease the size of the column.

n Enable the Freeze Panes check box to lock rows and columns inone area so that they remain visible when you scroll. This isuseful, for example, if you want to freeze a particular columnand then scroll through subsequent columns comparing thevalues.

Freeze Panes—enable this check box to lock rows or columns so that theyare always visible as you scroll through the worksheet.


Generating Network Analyses

Chapter 10 Generating Network Analyses

WiMAXTDMA-FDMA analyses contain the information you require todetermine the coverage of your network. This chapter describes how togenerate WiMAXTDMA-FDMA analyses and view results. It also explains howto create statistics that you can use to validate your network design.

For information on how to generate detailed subscriber information or cellloads, see “Generating Monte Carlo Simulations”.


Understanding TDMA-FDMA analysis layers 254

Workflow for generating an analysis 260

Defining default analysis settings 261

Defining default analysis layers 262

Common TDMA-FDMA Simulcast Analysis Layers 263


Chapter 10

Understanding TDMA-FDMA analysis layers

The following types of analysis layers are available for TDMA/FDMA and GSMtechnologies to enable you to visualize and plan your network:

n Best server analysis

n Interference analysis

n Service quality metrics

n Service coverage analysis

n Required mobile power analysis

Analysis layers are stored in the TDMA_FDMA_Analyses folder within theproject folder.

Best server analysis

If the Hierarchical Cell Layers (HCL) setting is not enabled in a network, thebest server analysis enables you to view the sector that provides the strongestsignal to a particular location and to determine how strong the coverage is.The strongest server is the sector that provides the greatest signal strength ata location. If two servers have identical signal strength, the first server that isfound in the analysis is considered the best server.

If HCL is enabled in a network, the choice of the best server is based on boththe relative signal strengths of the received signals and the HCL properties ofthe serving sectors.

The choice of best server can be limited by two distance factors:

n If you have enabled HCL, you can define the maximum rangefor a sector, beyond which it will not be considered as a bestserver.

n You can also define the timing advance limit for a sector,beyond which it will not be considered as a best server, andthen choose to use this value for a best server analysis.



In a network where HCL is not enabled, the distance is limited only by thetiming advance limit if you choose to enable the option when defining bestserver analysis settings.

In a network where HCL is enabled, the distance is limited by the morerestrictive of maximum range or timing advance limit. For example, if themaximum range defined for the sector is 20 km, but the timing advance limitfor the sector is 35 km, then 20 km is the maximum distance that a sector canbe from the bin in question to be considered as the best server for that bin.

Best Server analysis layers for TDMA/FDMA

The table below describes the analysis layers available for the Best Serveranalysis.

Table 1 Best server analysis layers

Analysis Layer DescriptionBest Serving Sector Stores the identification of the best server in a classified grid. The ID

is composed of the site ID and the sector ID.Best Server SignalStrength

Stores the received signal strength from the best server in anumeric grid (.grd).

Best Server Classes Stores the received signal strength from the best server in aclassified grid (.grc) using class profiles with a user-defined set ofsignal strength ranges.

Best Server Traffic Stores a text file summary of the offered and carried Erlangs servedby each sector in the network based on a traffic map. If you do notchoose a traffic map for your technology when you are definingtraffic settings, this file is not generated.

Coverage probability Stores the probability of a mobile user being served at any location.

The coverage probability uses the best server signal strength as themean value and calculates the probability that the signal strength isbetter than the RSSI threshold. The coverage probability is alsoreferred to as coverage reliability.

The following equations are used to calculate coverage probability:


Chapter 10

Analysis Layer Description

Number of serversStores the number of servers available in a classified grid (.grc).Valid values are null (0 servers), 1-99 and >99.

Interference analysis

Interference analysis enables you to determine the interference at everylocation in the network. Interference analysis is dependent on best serveranalysis and is computed based on a frequency plan, which enables thecalculation of co-channel and adjacent channel interference. A frequency planassigns carriers to sectors.

If any sectors in the network do not have carriers assigned, warning messagesidentify these sectors. These sectors are ignored in the analysis.

Interference analysis layers for TDMA/FDMA

The table below describes the analysis layers available for interferenceanalysis.



Table 2 Interference analysis layers

Analysis Layer DescriptionTotal C/I Stores the carrier-to-interference ratio

where the interference, I, is the total of allco-channel interferers. For sectors withmore than one carrier assigned, this resultis for the worst carrier or the hoppingtransceiver group in the sector. This resultis also dependent on the Victim Carriersoption in the Analysis Settings dialog box.

Total C/A Stores the carrier-to-interference ratiowhere the interference, A, is the total of alladjacent channel interferers. For sectorswith more than one carrier assigned, thisresult is for the worst carrier in the sector.

Total C/(I+A) Stores the total carrier-to-interferenceratio including all co-adjacent channelinterferers. For sectors with more than onecarrier assigned, this result is for the worstcarrier in the sector.

Total C/(I+A+N) Adds the impact of the thermal noise (N) tothe C/I calculation. This value is computedas C/(I + A + N), where I and A are equal tothe same value as in the Total C/(I + A)layer.

Carrier AveragedC/I

Stores the carrier-to-interference ratiowhere the interference, I, is the averageinterference of all co-channel interferers.For non-hopping transceivers, the averageinterference is not weighted by traffic. Forhopping transceivers, the averageinterference is weighted by traffic.

Carrier AveragedC/A

Stores the carrier-to-interference ratiowhere the interference, A, is the averageinterference of all adjacent channelinterferers. For non-hopping transceivers,the average interference is not weighted bytraffic. For hopping transceivers, theaverage interference is weighted by traffic.


Chapter 10

Analysis Layer DescriptionCarrier AveragedC/(I+A)

Stores the carrier-to-interference ratiowhere the interference, I+A, is the averageinterference of all co and adjacent channelinterferers. For non-hopping transceivers,the average interference is not weighted bytraffic. For hopping transceivers, theaverage interference is weighted by traffic.

Carrier AveragedC/(I+A+N)

Adds the impact of thermal noise (N). Thisvalue is computed as C/(I + A + N), where Iand A are equal to the same value as in theCarrier Averaged C/(I + A) layer. For non-hopping transceivers, the averageinterference is not weighted by traffic. Forhopping transceivers, the averageinterference is weighted by traffic.

Number ofco-channelinterferers

Stores the number of co-channel interferersaffecting the sector. For sectors with morethan one carrier assigned, this resultcorresponds to the number of co-channelinterferers affecting the carrierexperiencing the worst total interference.

Number ofadjacent channelinterferers

Stores the number of adjacent channelinterferers affecting the sector. For sectorswith more than one carrier assigned, thisresult corresponds to the number ofadjacent channel interferers affecting thecarrier experiencing the worst totalinterference.

Worst carrier Stores the worst carrier in the sector usedto calculate the Total C/(I + A) and theTotal C/(I + A + N) layers.

Best carrier Stores the carrier that provides the best C/Iratio (only meaningful if all carriers on asector are being considered for theinterference calculation).

Worst offendingco-channel sector

Stores the co-channel sector thatcontributes the most interference to thebest server.

Worst offendingadjacent channelsector

Stores the adjacent channel sector thatinterferes the most with the best serversignal.



Analysis Layer DescriptionWorst offenderC/I

Stores the carrier-to-interference ratiowhere the interference, I, is from the worstoffending co-channel sector only.

Worst offenderC/A

Stores the carrier-to-interference ratiowhere the interference, A, is from the worstoffending adjacent channel sector only.


Chapter 10

Workflow for generating an analysis

Step 1 If you want to use the same settings for a number of analyses,define default analysis settings.

Step 2 If you want to generate the same layers for a number of analyses,define default layers settings.

Step 3 Create and generate a new analysis.

Step 4 View analysis layers.

Step 5 Generate layer statistics for analysis layers.



Defining default analysis settings

If you want to use the same settings for a number of analyses, you can definedefault settings. When you create a new analysis, these defaults areautomatically used.

To define default analysis settings

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Network Analyses category,right-clickWiMAXLTETDMA-FDMA Analyses and chooseDefault Analyses Settings.

The WiMAXTDMA-FDMA Analysis Settings dialog box opens.

2 Define the default settings that you want to use, and clickOK.


Chapter 10

Defining default analysis layers

By default, all of the available analysis layers are generated. To avoid lengthygeneration times when working with a large project, you can exclude layersfrom the analysis generation that you do not need. The analysis layer filterenables you to define a default list of analysis layers that is available for all ofthe WiMAXTDMA-FDMA analyses that you create for the current project.

To define default analysis layers

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Network Analyses category,right-clickWiMAXTDMA-FDMA Analyses and choose DefaultLayers.

2 In theWiMAXTDMA-FDMA Analysis Layers dialog box, enablethe check box next to those layers you want to generate bydefault, and clickOK.



Common TDMA-FDMA Simulcast Analysis Layers

TDMA-FDMA Simulcast analysis layers are grouped into common layers, whichrepresent the performance of sectors on the best carrier or the compositeplots of multiple carriers (e.g., downlink best carrier layer). Table 1 details thecommon layers.

Table 1 Table 19.2 Common TDMA-FDMA Simulcast analysis layers

Layer DescriptionBest Server This layer displays the name of the sector that has

the strongest signal strength. Time arrival from thevarious sectors is not considered in this layer.

Composite Best Server This layer is the same as the best server layer,except that for sectors with repeaters, the repeaterand its donor are treated as one combined sector.

Best Server Signal Strength This layer displays the signal strength for the bestserver. The penetration loss associated with theselected environment (e.g., indoor) and the clutterclass of the bin for which the value is calculated isconsidered in this layer.

Best Server Time Arrival This layer displays the time arrival of the best server.<Nth> Strongest Server This layer displays the name of the server with the

<Nth> strongest signal strength.<Nth> Strongest SectorSignal Strength

This layer displays the name of the sector with the<Nth> strongest signal strength.

<Nth> Strongest Server TimeDifferential

This layer displays the difference between the timearrival of the Nth strongest sector and the timearrival of the best server.

Total Simulcast C/(N+I) This layer displays the sum of the useful signals,interfering signals, and the thermal noise.

Total Simulcast C SignalStrength

This layer displays the sum of all useful signals.

Useful signals are determined using the time arrivalof the signal, the time arrive of the best server, andthe capture window.

The penetration loss associated with the selectedenvironment (e.g. Indoor) and the clutter class of thebin for which the value is calculated are considered inthis layer.


Chapter 10

Layer Description

Total Simulcast I SignalStrength

This layer displays the sum of the intra-cellinterfering signals, the sum of the inter-cellinterfering signals, or the sum of the intra-cell andinter-cell interfering signals depending on the optionyou chose in the analysis settings. The totalsimulcast I signal strength is calculated for eachcarrier assigned to the best server.

Simulcast CoverageProbability

This layer displays the coverage probability forsimulcast signals.

Worst Interferer This layer displays the name of the sector with thestrongest signal strength that is considered aninterferer.

Worst Interferer SignalStrength

This layer displays the signal strength of the worstinterferer.

Worst Interferer C/I This layer displays the C/I of the worst interferer.

Worst Interferer TimeDifferential

This layer displays the difference between the timearrival of the worst interferer and the time arrival ofthe best server.

Multipath Delay Spread Time This layer displays the difference between the time ofarrival of the first signal component and the time ofarrival of the last signal component.

BER This layer displays the Bit Error Rate thatcorresponds to the calculated multipath delayspread.


Creating A WiMAX Analysis

Creating and generating a network analysis

When you create a new analysis, it is displayed in the Project Explorer in theNetwork Analyses category under the WiMAXTDMA-FDMA Analyses node. Youcan create any number of analyses for a project.

When you finish creating a network analysis, you can generate it immediatelyor save the analysis settings without generating it.


To create and generate a network analysis

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Network Analyses category,right-clickWiMAXTDMA-FDMA Analyses and choose New.

The Network Analysis Wizard opens.

2 On each page of the Wizard, provide the required informationand clickNext.

3 On the System page, provide the required information and clickNext.


Chapter 11

4 On the Analysis page, provide the required information, and clickNext.

5 On the last page of the Wizard, complete the final step and clickFinish.


Network Analysis Wizard TDMA Best Server Selection

Network Analysis Wizard

The Network Analysis Wizard steps you through the process of generating anetwork analysis (i.e., a nominal analysis).

Using a network analysis, you can perform a preliminary analysis of yournetwork based on the sector downlink and uplink traffic loads (as defined onthe Configuration tab in the sector settings). You define load values forsectors based on:

n the traffic load projections of your network,

n the sector loads from a Monte Carlo simulation, or

n traffic statistics collected from the real network data.

A network analysis allows you to generate analysis layers that representcoverage and capacity performance, as well as interference environment ofyour network.


Chapter 12

Best Server Selection


Network Analysis Wizard TDMA Best Server Selection

Best Server Grids To Be Calculated

Calculate Additional Nth Best Server Layers—enable this check box togenerate an analysis layer that displays specific best servers. In the Nth Bestbox, type a number to indicate the best servers that you want to display in theanalysis layer..

Nth Best—choose from this list the Nth best server. If you choose, forexample, the number 2, you will create an analysis layer for the best serverand the second best server; if you choose 3, you will create an analysis layerfor the first, second, and third best server.


Chapter 12

Best Server Limits

Rx Threshold—enable this check box to limit the best server area accordingto an automatically calculated Rx sensitivity or a user-defined Rx threshold.

Use Rx Sensitivity—choose this option to ensure that a best server is onlyselected for a bin where the signal strength exceeds the downlink Rx sensitivityvalue. If the received signal strength at a bin is below the Downlink RxSensitivity, no best server is selected for that area, and a null value is placed inthe grid or grids.

Use Rx Threshold—choose this option to ensure that a best server is onlyselected for a bin where the signal strength exceeds the downlink Rx thresholdvalue. In the Rx Threshold box below, type an Rx Threshold value in dBm. Ifthe received signal strength at a bin is below the downlink Rx threshold, nobest server is selected for that location and a null value is placed in the grid orgrids.

Rx Threshold—type in this box a value for the Rx threshold you want to usefor best server selection.

Use Timing Advance Limit—enable this check box to limit the best serverwithin the distance specified by the timing advance limit. The timing advancelimit constrains the size of the sector coverage to a maximum distancemeasured in kilometers. For example, if the timing advance limit of a sector isset to 10 km, then the sector will extend beyond 10 km regardless of its RSSI.You define the timing advance limit in the Site Editor.

When both a timing advance limit and an HCL are applied to a server, thelower value of the timing advance or maximum range will be used. Forexample, if the timing advance limit is set to 10 km and the sector is enabled touse HCL with a maximum range of 5 km, then the sector coverage will belimited to 5 km and not 10 km. HCLs can be set for the entire network or on aper-sector basis.


Network Analysis Wizard TDMA Interference Selection



Using a network analysis, you can perform a preliminary analysis of yournetwork based on the sector downlink and uplink traffic loads (as defined onthe Configuration tab in the sector settings). You define load values forsectors based on:






Chapter 13

Interference Selection

The contents of this page change depending on whether you chose GSM orTDMA-FDMA on the first page of the wizard.

GSM Interference Selection

Ignore Interferers—enable this check box if you want to limit the number ofinterferers considered in the analysis.

Below Noise Floor—choose this option to exclude any interferers that arebelow the noise floor from the interference analysis.

Below Rx Sensitivity—choose this option to exclude any interferers that arebelow the Rx sensitivity of the interference analysis

Ignore Interference From Sectors on the Same Site—enable this checkbox if you do not want to display interference between sectors on the samesite.

TDMA-FDMA Interference Selection

Ignore Interferers—enable this check box if you want to limit the number ofinterferers considered in the analysis.

Below Noise Floor—choose this option to exclude any interferers that arebelow the noise floor from the interference analysis.

Below Rx Sensitivity—choose this option to exclude any interferers that arebelow the Rx sensitivity of the interference analysis

Ignore Interference From Sectors on the Same Site—enable this checkbox if you do not want to display interference between sectors on the samesite.



Victim Carriers

All Hopping And Non-Hopping Carriers—choose this option to perform ananalysis for all hopping and non-hopping carriers as the victim carriers in yourinterference analysis. If the victim sector has hopping and non-hoppingcarriers, the C/I layer will report the worst C/I between hopping and non-hopping. For example, if the C/I of the hopping carriers is 20 dB and the C/I ofthe non-hopping carrier is 18 dB, the layer will report that C/I = 18 dB.

All Non-Hopping Carriers—choose this option to perform an analysis foronly non-hopping carriers as the victim carriers in your interference analysis.

BCCH (Non-Hopping) Carriers—choose this option to perform an analysisfor only BCCH (non-hopping) carriers as the victim carriers in yourinterference analysis.

Hopping Carriers—choose this option to perform an analysis for onlyhopping carriers as the victim carriers in your interference analysis.

Specific Carrier—choose this option to perform an analysis for a specificcarrier as the victim carrier in your interference analysis. From the SpecificCarrier list below, choose an available carrier.

Specific Carrier Type—choose this option to perform an analysis for aspecific carrier type as the victim carrier in your interference analysis. Fromthe adjacent list, choose an available carrier type.

Use Optimized Frequency Hopping Algorithm—enable this check box tooptimize the algorithm used to calculate interference for the group of sectorsto be analyzed. To use an optimized frequency hopping algorithm for thegroup of sectors, the same mobile allocation list (MAL) must be assigned to alltransceivers in the group of sectors.

Enabling this check box simplifies the algorithm used to calculate interferencebecause it need to take fewer variables into account, which speeds up theanalysis.


Chapter 13



Using a network analysis, you can perform a preliminary analysis of yournetwork based on the sector downlink and uplink traffic loads (as defined onthe Configuration tab in the sector settings). You define load values for sectorsbased on:







TDMA-FDMA User-Defined BER/FERSettings/TDMA-FDMA GSM BER/FER Settings

Use this page to define how the Bit Error Rate (BER) or Frame Erasure Rate(FER) will be determined. The contents of this page change depending onwhether you chose TDMA-FDMA or GSM on the first page of the wizard.

TDMA-FDMA User-Defined BER/FER Settings

BER vs C/I Curve

Relationship Curve—choose from this list a BER vs. C/I curve file torepresent the relationship between the BER and the C/I.

Edit—click this button to edit a chosen curve in the Curve Editor dialog box.

New—click this button to create a new BER vs. C/I curve file in the CurveEditor dialog box.

C/I Layer—choose from this list a C/I layer to use for the BER calculation.


Chapter 13

FER vs C/I Curve

Relationship Curve—choose from this list a FER vs. C/I curve file thatrepresents the relationship between the FER and the C/I.

Edit—click this button to edit the chosen curve in the Curve Editor dialog box.

New—click this button to create a new curve in the Curve Editor dialog box.

C/I Layer—choose from this list the C/I layer that will be used to calculate theFER.

TDMA-FDMA GSM BER/FER Settings

BER vs C/I Curve

Relationship Curve—choose from this list a BER vs. C/I curve file torepresent the relationship between the BER and the C/I.

Edit—click this button to edit a chosen curve in the Curve Editor dialog box.

New—click this button to create a new BER vs. C/I curve file in the CurveEditor dialog box.

C/I Layer—choose from this list a C/I layer to use for the BER calculation.

Cost-231 Link Level Simulation Curves—choose this option to use a linklevel simulation curve to determine the FER. From the associated list, choose aCOST-231 link level simulation curve. The COST-231 model provides amapping between the mean C/I to an FER for the 13 kbps full rate GSMvocoder. This model has been derived from link level simulation curvespublished by the COST-231 project. The model accounts for frequencydiversity gain and it supports the TU3 and TU50 channel models.

View Curves—click this button to view the COST-231 link level simulationcurve file in the Curve Editor dialog box.

FER Vs C/I Curve—choose this option to select from a list the FER vs. C/Icurve file that represents the relationship between the FER and the C/I.



Edit—click this button to edit the chosen curve in the Curve Editor dialog box.

New—click this button to create a new curve in the Curve Editor dialog box.

C/I Layer—choose from this list the C/I layer that will be used to calculatethe FER.


Chapter 13



Using a network analysis, you can perform a preliminary analysis of yournetwork based on the sector downlink and uplink traffic loads (as defined onthe Configuration tab in the sector settings). You define load values for sectorsbased on:







Traffic Selection


Chapter 13

Traffic Options

Use Per-Sector Carried Erlangs—choose this option to use the carriedErlangs as the type of traffic loading for each sector. Carried traffic is theactual traffic carried by a sector. This information is used for frequencyhopping calculations when interference layers are generated. The CarriedTraffic Loading value is defined for each sector on the Traffic panel of theSector Settings dialog box.

Use Per-Sector Offered Erlangs—choose this option to use the offeredErlangs as the type of traffic loading for each sector. Offered traffic is thecarried traffic plus any blocked traffic. This information is used for frequencyhopping calculations when interference analysis layers are generated. Thedefined value is converted to carried Erlangs using the selected traffic model(for example, Erlang B) and is then used for the interference analysis. TheOffered Traffic Loading value is defined for each sector on the Traffic panel ofthe Sector Settings dialog box.

Use Per-Sector % of Hopping TS in Use—choose this option to use the %of hopping time slots (TS) in use as the type of traffic loading for each sector.This information is used for frequency hopping calculations when interferenceanalysis layers are generated. The % of Time Slots In Use value is defined foreach sector in the Traffic panel of the Sector Settings dialog box.More Info1

Use Captured Erlangs from Traffic Map—choose this option to usecaptured Erlangs from a traffic map as the type of traffic loading for eachsector. This information is used for frequency hopping calculations wheninterference layers are generated. In the calculation, the best server layer and

1The percentage of hopping time slots in use represents the percentage oftime slots on the hopping layer (i.e., on the transceivers that are hopping) thatare busy. For example, if a sector has 4 transceivers (one for BCCH and threefor hopping) and the hopping time slots utilization is 50%, out of the total 24hopping time slots, 12 are busy or in use. The hopping layer utilization can beinterpreted as follows:% of hopping time slots in use or hopping layer util-ization = EFL/Lfrac where EFL is the Effective Frequency Load



the traffic map are used to determine the captured Erlangs within the bestserving area. The captured Erlangs is equal to the offered Erlangs. When youchoose this option, you must choose a traffic map from the Traffic Mapssection below.


Chapter 13

Convert Captured/Offered to Carried Erlangs

If you chose the Use Per-sector Offered Erlangs or Use Captured Erlangs FromTraffic Map traffic options, you must choose one of the following options toconvert the offered Erlangs to carried Erlangs. Offered Erlangs can come fromthe sector settings or from the captured Erlangs from the traffic map.

n No Conversion—choose this option to use the existing offeredtraffic values; if you are using carried Erlangs from a trafficmap, carried Erlangs will equal the offered Erlangs. This optionis useful if your traffic map actually represents the carriedErlangs.

n Erlang B—choose this option to convert offered traffic (inErlangs) using the Erlang B model, in which Carried Erlangs =Offered Erlangs*(1-blocking probability1).

n Erlang C—choose this option to convert offered traffic (inErlangs) using the Erlang Cmodel, in which Carried Erlangs =Offered Erlangs*(1-queueing probability2).

n Poisson—choose this option to convert offered traffic (inErlangs) using the Poisson model, in which Carried Erlangs =1The blocking probability is calculated using the offered Erlangs and the

number of traffic channels for each sector where number of traffic channels =(number of time slots per transceiver)*(total number of transceivers) –(number of signaling time slots). The calculation for the blocking probabilitydiffers for Erlang B and Poisson conversion methods because these methodshandle blocked calls differently.2The queuing probability is calculated using the offered Erlangs and thenumber of traffic channels for each sector where number of traffic channels =(number of time slots per transceiver)*(total number of transceivers) –(number of signaling time slots).3The blocking probability is calculated using the offered Erlangs and thenumber of traffic channels for each sector where number of traffic channels =(number of time slots per transceiver)*(total number of transceivers) –(number of signaling time slots). The calculation for the blocking probabilitydiffers for Erlang B and Poisson conversion methods because these methodshandle blocked calls differently.



).

3The blocking probability is calculated using the offered Erlangs and thenumber of traffic channels for each sector where number of traffic channels =(number of time slots per transceiver)*(total number of transceivers) –(number of signaling time slots). The calculation for the blocking probabilitydiffers for Erlang B and Poisson conversion methods because these methodshandle blocked calls differently.


Chapter 13

Traffic Maps

This table is only available if the captured Erlangs from Traffic Map option ischosen from the Traffic options section.

Technology—this column displays the available network technology types.

Traffic Map—choose from a list in this column the traffic map from which thecaptured Erlangs will be used for traffic loading of the related networktechnology type.

Update Carried Erlangs In Site Table—enable this check box to save thecarried Erlangs for those sectors chosen in the analysis to the site table. (TheCarried Traffic value on the Traffic panel of the Sector Settings dialog box willalso be updated accordingly.) The carried Erlangs for sectors that are not partof the analysis will remain unchanged. When you update the site table, you donot need to re-calculate the captured Erlangs for later analyses, unless yourcoverage area changes. This check box is only available when the UseCaptured Erlangs from Traffic Map option is chosen.

Update Offered Erlangs In Site Table—enable this check box to save theoffered Erlangs for those sectors chosen in the analysis to the site table. (TheOffered Traffic value on the Traffic panel of the Sector Settings dialog box willalso be updated accordingly.) The offered Erlangs for sectors that are not partof the analysis will remain unchanged. This check box is only available whenthe Use Captured Erlangs from Traffic Map option is chosen.



Creating and generating a network analysis

You can generate simulcast analyses for TDMA-based sectors. Each sector canbelong to a simulcast macrocell, which defines the signal that is transmitted.Sectors that belong to the same simulcast macrocell send the same message.If the message arrives within the time span defined as the capture window, itcan be combined with the best server’s signal in order to achieve betterquality, as it is defined by the Total Simulcast C/(N+1). Signals that arriveoutside of the capture window contribute to overall interference and degradethe signal quality.


To create and generate a simulcast analysis

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Network Analyses category,right-click TDMA-FDMA Simulcast Analyses and choose New.

The Network Analysis Wizard opens.

2 On each page of the Wizard, provide the required informationand clickNext.

3 On the System page, provide the required information and clickNext.


Chapter 13

4 On the Analysis page, provide the required information, and clickNext.

5 On the last page of the Wizard, complete the final step and clickFinish.




Chapter 13

TDMA-FDMA Simulcast Analysis Settings

Use the TDMA-FDMA Simulcast Analysis Settings dialog box to define theparameters to be used in analysis layer generation.



System

Frequency Band—choose from this list the frequency band of the networkyou want to analyze. You define frequency bands in the Network Settings.


Chapter 13

Subscriber

Environment—choose from this list the environment for which you want togenerate an analysis. You define environment settings (e.g., slow fadingstandard deviation, penetration loss, fast fading margin, etc.) in theEnvironment Editor.



TDMA-FDMA Simulcast Analysis Settings

Use the TDMA-FDMA Simulcast Analysis Settings dialog box to define theparameters to be used in analysis layer generation.


Chapter 13

Analysis



Signal Strength Threshold

Use Rx Sensitivity—choose this option to use the Rx sensitivity value definedin the network settings. The Rx sensitivity represents the minimum signal levelthat the receiver requires to receive in order to provide acceptable voicequality.

User-Defined Threshold—choose this option to define the signal strengththreshold in the associated box.

Nth Strongest Sector—choose from this list the Nth strongest sector.

Simulcast C/(N+I) Threshold—type in this box the C/N+I) threshold.

Equivalent Noise Bandwidth—type in this box a value for the noiseequivalent bandwidth. For digital technologies this value is equal to thetechnology’s channel symbol rate. This value is used to calculate the thermalnoise density for both the downlink and uplink.

Capture Window—type in this box the span of time to consider in the time ofarrival of a signal.


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Simulcast Interference

Intra-Cell—choose this option to calculate simulcast interference betweensectors of the same site.

Inter-Cell—choose this option to calculate simulcast interference betweensites.

Intra-Cell+Inter-Cell—choose this option to calculate both intra-cell andinter-cell interference.

Multipath Delay Spread to BER Curve—displays the name of the curve filedepicting the multipath spread to BER values.

Browse—click this button to navigate to a pre-defined MDS to BERCurve (.mbc) file.

Edit— click this button to open the Curve Editor where you can modifyMDS to BER Curve values.



Generating an existing analysis

You can generate an analysis after it has been created in the wizard. You cangenerate an existing analysis as many times as required. If you edit a sectorin the Site Editor, your sector updates are used in subsequent analysis runs.

To generate an existing analysis

n In the Project Explorer, in the Network Analyses category,right-click the analysis node for which you want to generateanalysis layers and choose Generate.


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Viewing analysis layers

Once you have generated your analysis, you can view the analysis layers thatit contains.

To view analysis layers

1 In the Project Explorer, choose the Network Analysescategory.

2 Right-click an analysis layer under theWiMAXTDMA-FDMAAnalysis node and choose View.

The analysis layer is displayed in the Map window.

TIP: To remove an analysis layer from the Map window, in the ProjectExplorer, in the Network Analyses category, under the WiMAXTDMA-FDMA Analysis node, right-click an analysis layer, and choose Remove.



Generating multiple analyses

You can use the Analysis Generator to select multiple analyses to generatesequentially. Using this method you can, for example, select a series ofanalyses to generate overnight.

You can update sector information that impacts a selected analysis, howeverthe analysis only uses the updated information if it has not yet started togenerate.

To generate multiple analyses

1 Choose Tools Analysis Generator.

2 In the Analysis Generator, specify which analyses you want togenerate and click Start.

Analyses are generated in the order displayed in the AnalysisGenerator. Sector information for each analysis listed is collected whenthe analysis starts. If you change sector parameters and the analysishas not yet started, changes will be included in the results.

TIP: To reorder entries in the Analysis Generator, click the column title.


Chapter 13

Deleting analyses

Files generated from a network analysis can take up a lot of hard disk space.You can delete analyses that are no longer required.

To delete analyses

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Network Analyses category, doany of the following:

n Choose one or more analyses, right-click and choose Delete.

n Expand an analysis node, choose one or more analysis layers,right-click and choose Delete.

2 In theMentum Planet dialog box, click Yes.

The analyses or analysis layers you chose are removed from the ProjectExplorer and the files are deleted from the project folder.



Recoloring best serving sector layers

The Best Serving Sector Recolor tool enables you to change the color schemeused to display best serving sector analysis layers (classified grid files).

You can use the colors defined in a sector display scheme or choose from thedefault color schemes used to display best serving sector analysis layers.Sector display schemes enable you to display analysis layers based on sectorproperties, such as the downlink load. When you use a sector display schemewith the Best Serving Sector Recolor tool, only the colors that have beendefined for the scheme are used; other sector display scheme settings, suchas symbol and size, are ignored.

For information about defining sector display schemes, see “Customizingsector symbols for multiple sites” in “Working With Sites and Sectors”, in theMentum Planet User Guide.

To recolor best serving sector layers

1 Choose Tools Best Serving Sector Recolor.

The Best Serving Sector Recolor dialog box opens.

2 ClickBrowse, navigate to the <technology>_Analyses folderwith the project folder, choose the best serving sector layer (.grc)file that you want to recolor, and clickOpen.

3 In the Apply Scheme section, choose a color scheme and clickApply.

The best serving sector layers are displayed in the Map window usingthe new color scheme.

NOTE: You can modify an existing sector display scheme from within in theBest Serving Sector Recolor dialog box by right-clicking a scheme andchoosing Edit.


Chapter 13

Examining layer statistics

You can calculate statistics on the individual analysis layers that you havegenerated, including preamble plan analysis layers. You can calculate statisticsbased on the entire numeric grid (.grd) file, an area grid, or a selection in theMap window. You can further customize the statistics based on a clutter gridfile, traffic map, or a user-defined filter.

After you calculate statistics, you can export statistics to Excel or to .csv files.In Excel, you can display statistics in a myriad of different ways as shown inFigure 8.1.

Figure 8.1 Example of layer statistics displayed in Excel.

For information on how to generate layer statistics, see “To calculate layerstatistics”.


#To_calculate_layer_statistics




Generating Frequency And Preamble Plans Automatically

Chapter 11 Generating Frequency And PreamblePlans Automatically

This chapter explains how to create a frequency plan using the InteractiveFrequency and Preamble Planning tool.

This chapter explains how to create a frequency plan using the AutomaticFrequency Planning tool.


Understanding automatic frequency planning 302

Workflow for automatic frequency planning 306

Creating a frequency plan 307


General 310

Plan 311

Minimize Cost 312


AFP 314

Optimization 315

Carrier Usage 317


HSN/MAIO 319

HSN 320

MAIO 322

Generating a frequency plan 323

Applying a frequency plan to TDMA/FDMA sectors 325


Chapter 11

Understanding automatic frequency planning

The Automatic Frequency Planning tool enables you to generate a frequencyplan automatically instead of manually, which can be time-consuming anderror-prone. Using the Automatic Frequency Planning tool, you can definesettings that are used to minimize the total interference experienced over anarea or by traffic in the network.

To create a frequency plan, the Automatic Frequency Planning tool uses thesettings that are described in this chapter and the settings that are configuredfor individual sectors, including frequency planning requirements andexceptions and HSN exceptions.

Automatic frequency planning and color code planning

When you create a frequency plan using the Automatic Frequency Planningtool, a column is included for each color code that applies to the technology(for example, a GSM frequency plan will have a BSIC column), but color codesare not automatically planned.

Inputs for automatic frequency planning

Creating a frequency plan requires that you define an interference matrix asan input. You also have the option of defining a neighbor list as an input.

You create a frequency plan using a group of sites. To create a group of sites,you can either select individual sites or you can create and use a site group.Because frequency planning is a complex process and requires input fromseveral other Mentum Planet tools, it is recommended that you create a groupof sites to be used across all tools. This will ensure that your output isconsistent and valid.

Constraints for automatic frequency planning

Constraints are used by the Automatic Frequency Planning tool to assigncarriers, HSNs, and MAIOs to sectors. Constraints are defined on a per carrier



type basis, and include information such as required carrier separations, andwhether interference is considered in terms of affected area or traffic.

Costs for automatic frequency planning

The Automatic Frequency Planning tool also uses costs when creating afrequency plan. The allocation process must respect a number of specifiedconstraints while attempting to minimize the costs. For each incidence offrequency reuse (for example, for each carrier type that is assigned to thesame or adjacent frequency as another carrier type), there are two types ofcosts:

n interference cost—the amount of the coverage area or thetraffic that is subject to interference. The interference costincreases or decreases depending on the factors given inEquation 8.1, for example, interference from a neighboringsector. Interference cost differs from violation cost in thatviolation cost is calculated using fixed values defined by theuser that are imposed if a specific violation occurs.

n violation cost—the sum of the cost factors incurred forbreaking specified constraints. Violation costs are used onlywith the Planet Optimizer method; with the Planet Fastmethod, if a constraint is broken, an assignment cannot bemade.

The following equation illustrates how the interference cost is determinedbetween two carrier types on neighboring sectors. In this example, the cost(C) is for carrier type 1 on sector A, which is being interfered with by carriertype 2 on sector B.

Equation 8.1 Interference example in which carrier type1 is a victim of carriertype 2


Chapter 11

Where:

W1is the victim cost factor for carrier type 1.

W2is the interference cost factor for carrier type 2.

IAB(s) is the interference on sector A from sector B, dependent on the carrier

separation (s).

When a frequency plan is generated, the Automatic Frequency Planning toolattempts to minimize the costs while respecting the specified constraints. Theideal frequency plan is the one with the least interference costs; however, thefrequency planning process requires trade-offs. For example, to attain afrequency plan with low interference costs may require that you define lenientconstraints or permit violations.

Optimization methods for automatic frequency planning

The optimization method (algorithm) that you choose for your frequency plandetermines how the Automatic Frequency Planning tool allocates frequencies.Two methods are available:

n Planet Optimizer

n Planet Fast

Planet Optimizer

Planet Optimizer allocates carriers even if some of the specified constraintsare broken. You can remove the allocated carriers that break certainconstraints.

Planet Optimizer attempts to find the plan with the smallest amount ofnetwork interference from a choice of several feasible plans. Although themethod takes longer than Planet Fast, it makes the best use of interferenceinformation and increases the likelihood of obtaining a quality plan.



Using Planet Optimizer, the frequency plan starts from an initial configuration,possibly with many violations and a very large cost, and progresses tosolutions with lower costs.

Planet Fast

Planet Fast does not make any assignment that breaks the specifiedconstraints. This method achieves the fastest solution when few thresholdsare defined, and the thresholds that are defined are not very stringent.

The underlying assumption of the Planet Fast algorithm is that no assignmentcan be made if it violates any hard constraints. Control over the accepted levelof interference in the network is given to the planner. You define thethresholds for the amount of interference experienced by carriers. Anythingabove the specified thresholds is not considered feasible.

When using this method, you should define increasingly smaller values for thethresholds while maintaining acceptable levels of interference across thenetwork.


Chapter 11

Workflow for automatic frequency planning

Step 1 Create a group of sites that you will use for your interference matrix,neighbor list, and frequency planning. See Chapter 2, “Working withSites and Sectors”, in the Mentum Planet User Guide.

Step 2 Create an interference matrix and, if required, a neighbor list usingthe group of sites. See Chapter 11, “Working with InterferenceMatrices”, and Chapter 12, “Working with Neighbor Lists”, in theMentum Planet User Guide.

Step 3 Create a frequency plan and define settings.

Step 4 Run the Automatic Frequency Planning tool, and save the plan.

Step 5 Apply the frequency plan to the sectors in your network.



Creating a frequency plan

To create a frequency plan with the Automatic Frequency Planning tool, youmust first choose a group of sites, the technology to be planned for, amodeled interference matrix, and a neighbor list.

For more information on how to create a group of sites, see Chapter 2,“Working with Sites and Sectors”, in the Mentum Planet User Guide. For moreinformation on interference matrices, see Chapter 11, “Working withInterference Matrices”, in the Mentum Planet User Guide. For moreinformation on neighbor lists, see Chapter 12, “Working with Neighbor Lists”,in the Mentum Planet User Guide.


NOTE: The frequency planning procedures in this chapter apply to the PlanetAutomatic Frequency Planning tool. For information on using optional third-party frequency planning tools, see the documentation provided with thosetools.

To create a frequency plan


n Choose Tools Automatic Frequency Planning GSM-TDMA-FDMA .

n In the Project Explorer, in the RF Tools category, right-clickTDMA-FDMA Frequency And Color Code Plans and chooseAutomatic Frequency Planning.

2 In the Sector Selection dialog box, specify which sectors toinclude in the plan.


Chapter 11

3 In the AFP Selection dialog box, from the Algorithm list, choosePlanet AFP.

4 From the Technology list, choose the technology for which youwant to generate a frequency plan.

You can only generate a frequency plan for one technology at a time.

5 From the Interference Matrix list, choose the interferencematrix that you want to use for your frequency plan.

An Interference Matrix is a required input. Ensure that you choose aninterference matrix that was created using the same group of sites forwhich you are planning frequencies. The interference matrix must alsobe a Modeled or Merged interference matrix. If you want to use aNetwork Data or Local Knowledge interference matrix, see the“Converting interference matrices,” section in Chapter 11, “Working withInterference Matrices”, in the Mentum Planet User Guide.

6 From the Neighbor List list, choose the neighbor list that youwant to use for your frequency plan, and clickOK.

Ensure that you choose a neighbor list that was created using the samegroup of sites that you currently planning.

The Frequency Planning dialog box opens.

7 Define the following settings as required:

n General

n AFP

n HSN /MAIO



Frequency Planning

Use the Frequency Planning dialog box to create a frequency plan thateffectively assigns available frequencies (carriers) to a network oftransmitters. An optimal frequency plan efficiently reuses frequencies whileminimizing the total interference experienced in a network, either by area orby traffic.


Chapter 11

General

Technology—this field displays the technology for which the frequency planwill be generated.

Interference Matrix—this field displays the interference matrix chosen forthe frequency plan.

Neighbor List—this field displays the neighbor list chosen for the frequencyplan.



Plan

AFP—enable this check box to create a frequency plan that assigns availablecarriers to sectors while attempting to minimize the total interferenceexperienced in the network.

HSN—enable this check box to plan the Hopping Sequence Numbers (HSN)for the sectors. HSNs are used to inform a mobile which of the 64 possiblehopping sequences are used by a transceiver. HSN planning is only availablefor GSM technology.

MAIO—enable this check box to plan Mobile Allocation Index Offsets (MAIOs)for the transceivers. MAIOs are used to inform a mobile of the offset of thecarrier that it is to be used. MAIO planning is only available for GSMtechnology.


Chapter 11

Minimize Cost

Use this section to define the method that you want to use to minimizeincurred interference costs. Choose one of the following methods ofminimizing cost:

n Affected Area—defines the amount of coverage area for eachsector that you consider acceptable to be affected byinterference.

n Affected Traffic—defines the amount of traffic handled byany sector that you consider acceptable to be affected byinterference. You can define this as a percentage of the totaltraffic carried by the cell or as an absolute traffic value inMilliErlangs (mE).

n Km2—choose this option to use the portion (defined as anabsolute value in km2) of any sector’s coverage area that youconsider acceptable to be affected by interference.

n %—choose this option to use the percentage of any sector’scoverage area that you consider acceptable to be affected byinterference.

n ME—choose this option to use the amount of traffic in a sector(defined as an absolute traffic value in mE) that you consideracceptable to be affected by interference.

n %—choose this option to use the percentage of the total trafficcarried by a sector that you consider acceptable to be affectedby interference.

Ignore Interference Less Than—type in this box a percentage value belowwhich interference will be ignored by the frequency plan. Use this option tofilter out very low interference values (i.e., interference values that are notsignificant and would slow down the planning process).

Run—click this button to generate a frequency plan for the chosen technology.Once the frequency plan is created, the Reports panel is displayed.


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Frequency Planning



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AFP

Use the AFP panel to define the optimization method to be used by theAutomatic Frequency Planning tool, its quality/speed setting, and whether anexisting frequency plan is to serve as the starting point for the optimizationprocess. You can also indicate whether you want to conserve spectrum andincrease frequency reuse or to use the full range of spectrum and reducefrequency reuse.



Optimization

Optimization Method—choose from this list one of the following frequencyplanning optimization methods:

n Planet Fast—this faster optimization method will not assigncarriers if the specified constraints will be violated. Controlover the accepted level of interference in the network is givento the planner. You define the thresholds for the amount ofinterference experienced by carriers. Anything above thespecified thresholds is considered not feasible. Ideally, youshould plan increasingly smaller values for the thresholds whilemaintaining acceptable levels of interference across thenetwork. To obtain a good quality frequency plan, it isrecommended that you define at least one threshold.

n Planet Optimizer—this optimization method attempts to findthe frequency plan with the smallest measure of networkinterference from a choice of several feasible plans; it willassign carriers even if some of the specified constraints arebroken. For example, with this method, the frequency planstarts from an initial configuration, possibly with manyviolations and a very large cost, and progresses to solutionswith lower costs. Although the Planet Optimizer method takeslonger than Planet Fast, it makes better use of the interferenceinformation and increases the likelihood of obtaining a qualityfrequency plan.

Quality/Speed—choose from this list a value to define the quality and speedof the frequency planning process or type a value in the box. This option isavailable for both the Planet Optimizer and Planet Fast optimization methods.

A value of 0 means that the frequency plan will be completed with theminimum number of iterations. This is useful if you want to fine tune theplanning process (for example, to check the effects of changing a threshold


Chapter 11

value). A value of 10 uses the maximum number of iterations, which takesmore time but produces a higher quality plan.

TIP: You can also set the quality and speed ratio for the planning processusing the adjacent slider.

Random Seed—type in this box a number from which to start the frequencyplanning algorithm. The random seed number enables you to start thealgorithm from different points, which can produce slightly different resultswhen you run the frequency plan. For example, you can run the same planmultiple times using different random seed numbers and then choose theversion that gives you the best result.



Carrier Usage

Minimize—choose this option to use a cost function to minimize the spectrumspan used while keeping the network interference to a minimum.

Use All—choose this option to use the full available bandwidth with a costfunction to minimize frequency reuse.

Use The Current Frequency Plan As The Starting Point—enable thischeck box to use an existing frequency plan as the starting point for theoptimization process. Using an existing plan is useful if the plan is of highquality and you only intend to make minor changes.

Run—click this button to generate a frequency plan for the chosentechnology. Once the frequency plan is created, the Reports panel isdisplayed.




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Frequency Planning




HSN/MAIO

Use the HSN/MAIO panel to define Hopping Sequence Number (HSN) andMobile Allocation Index Offset (MAIO) planning parameters.

n HSN informs the mobile which of 64 possible hopping sequences is used by thesite or sector.

n MAIO informs the mobile of the offset of the starting point in the HSNsequence.


Chapter 11

HSN

The HSN section is only available if you enabled the HSN check box on theGeneral panel.

Keep—enable this check box to keep existing HSN assignments. If this checkbox is enabled, HSNs are only planned for transceivers or sectors with noassignments. If this check box is cleared, HSNs are planned for all transceiversor sectors, overwriting any existing assignments.

Plan—enable this check box to plan HSN assignments for transceivers,sectors, or sites. If both the Keep and Plan check boxes are enabled, HSNs areplanned for any transceivers that do not already have HSNs assigned. Fortransceivers that have HSNs assigned, the existing assignments will not bereduced, but will be increased if the plan shows that more HSNs are required.

Planning Mode—choose from this list one of the following types of planningmodes:

n Cyclic—uses cyclic hopping, which assigns an HSN of 0 to alltransceivers. With this method, the hopping sequence startsfrom the lowest carrier frequency assigned to the transceiversin the assigned mobile allocation list (MAL) and hopsprogressively through higher frequencies.

n Random—uses random hopping, which randomly assignsHSNs while minimizing the amount of co-channel/HSN reusebetween sectors.

HSN Assignment—choose from this list the level at which you want to assignHSNs:

l Transceiver—assigns an HSN code to each synthesized hopping transceiver,and any baseband hopping sectors within the chosen group of sites will beassigned HSN codes on a per-sector basis.

l Sector—assigns a single HSN code to all hopping transceivers on a sector.

l Site—assigns a single HSN code to all hopping transceivers on a site.



Optimization Method—choose from this list one of the following methodsfor HSN reuse:

l Distance-based—places HSN values as far apart as physically possible.

l Interference-based—uses interference and handover information todetermine the most suitable sectors for reuse of the same HSN values. If nointerference information exists between a pair of sectors, the distancemethod is used.


Chapter 11

MAIO

The MAIO section is only available if you enabled the MAIO check box on theGeneral panel.

Keep—enable this check box to keep MAIO assignments made fortransceivers. If this check box is enabled, the Automatic Frequency Planningtool can only plan for the transceivers with no MAIO assignments. If this checkbox is cleared, the Automatic Frequency Planning tool can plan for alltransceivers in the sector, overwriting any existing MAIO assignments.

Plan—enable this check box to plan MAIOs for transceivers.

Run—click this button to generate a frequency plan for the chosen technology.Once the frequency plan is created, the Reports panel is displayed.


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Generating a frequency plan

Once you have defined all of the required settings for your frequency plan,you can generate the frequency plan. You can generate a frequency planfrom any panel of the Frequency Planning dialog box.

Once you have generated a frequency plan, you can define display options,choose which reports to view, save a report, and apply the frequency plan to aproject.

To generate a frequency plan

1 In the Frequency Planning dialog box, clickRun.

2 When the frequency plan is complete, in the AFP dialog box, clickClose.

The Reports panel opens.

3 On the Reports panel, in the Violations To Remove FromPresentation section, enable the check boxes for the violationsthat you want to remove from the plan.

You can include a violation by clearing its check box.This is a post-processing option that works dynamically until you savethe plan. For example, you can produce a frequency plan, view thereports, and then choose one or more violations to be excluded fromthe frequency plan. You can experiment with removing and includingviolations until you determine which combination creates the best plan.When you save and apply the plan, if you removed a violation, anyassignments with that violation will be excluded from the plan. If you donot remove a violation, any assignments with that violation will beincluded, which means that the plan can include assignments thatviolate constraints that you have defined.

4 To view reports, from the Report Type list, choose the type ofreport that you want to view and click View.

The AFP Report dialog box opens.


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5 If you want to save the report as a comma-separated value (.csv)file, click Export, navigate to the folder where you want to save thefile, type a name for the file, and click Save.

6 In the AFP Report dialog box, click Close.

7 In the Frequency Planning dialog box, clickOK.

8 In the Save Frequency Plan As dialog box, type a name for theplan and click Save.



Applying a frequency plan to TDMA/FDMA sectors

After you save a frequency plan, you can apply it to the sectors in the groupthat you used to create the frequency plan. You can also remove any existingcarrier assignments from the sectors in the group.

To apply a frequency plan

When you apply a frequency plan, the carriers for the group of sectors used tocreate the plan are updated with the information in the plan. You have theoption of overwriting any sector-specific carrier settings for the project withthe settings contained in the frequency plan.

1 In the Project Explorer, in the RF Tools category, right-click afrequency and color code plan under the Frequency and ColorCode Plans node and choose Apply.

The Apply Frequency Plan dialog box opens.

2 For each carrier type in the Carrier Type table, do the following:

n In the Apply Plan column, enable the check box to apply thecarrier type to the sectors in the group. These check boxes areonly available for carrier types allocated as part of thefrequency plan.

n In the Remove Existing column, enable the check box toremove transceivers with the associated carrier type from thesectors in the group. These check boxes are only available forcarrier types that existed when the frequency plan wascreated.

3 For each color code in the Color Code table, do the following:

n In the Apply Plan column, enable the check box to apply thecolor code to the sectors in the group.


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n In the Remove Existing column, enable the check box toremove transceivers with the associated color code from thesectors in the group.

4 In the Remove Existing column, enable the check boxes for anytransceivers with the associated carrier type that you want toremove from the sectors in the network.

These check boxes are only available for carrier types that existed whenthe frequency plan was imported.

5 In the Sectors Not In Frequency Plan section, choose an optionfor the sectors that are not included in the plan:

n Clear Carriers And Color Codes—removes existing carrierand color code assignments

n Preserve Carriers And Color Codes—keeps existing carrierand color code assignments

6 ClickOK.

7 In the Frequency Planning dialog box, click Yes to apply thefrequency plan and override the carrier settings for the sectors inthe plan.

8 Generate any analyses for the project again to update the resultsusing the new frequency values.


Working With Frequency And Color Code Plans

Chapter 12 Working With Frequency And ColorCode Plans

Basic frequency planning functionality enables you to import and work withexisting frequency plans, but not automatically create frequency plans. Tocreate frequency plans automatically, you need to use the AutomaticFrequency Planning tool.


Understanding frequency and color code planning 328

Workflow for frequency and color code planning 330

Generating and viewing color codes 331


General Settings 334


Constraints 337

Enable 338

Constraints 339

Constraint Type 341



Viewing sector-to-sector interference based on a frequency plan 350


Chapter 12

Understanding frequency and color code planning

Frequency and color code planning is the process of assigning carriers, mobileallocation lists (MALs), color codes, and other parameters to sectors tominimize the total interference experienced in the network.

To create a frequency and color code plan, you can do any of the following:

n Save the current frequency and color code assignments in thesector settings.

n Create a new plan using the Import/Export Wizard.

n Use the Automatic Frequency Planning tool.

Constraints for color code planning

To generate color codes for sectors, you must define constraints to guide theassignment process. The constraints that you define can be soft (i.e., theconstraint should be respected, but can be broken if necessary to assign acolor code) or hard (i.e., the constraint cannot be broken to assign a colorcode). Any color codes that you have defined as illegal at the sector level areconsidered hard constraints.

By default, color codes are assigned so that reused color codes are placed asphysically far apart as possible. However, you can also use an interferencematrix to guide the assignment process. An interference matrix comparessignal strengths throughout the network and identifies the sectors thatpotentially interfere with each other. By using an interference matrix, you canminimize the total interference experienced by the chosen group of sectorswhen assigning color codes according to the values in the interference matrix.

In addition, to help prevent the assignment of the same carrier/color codecombination for neighboring sectors, you can use a neighbor list as input forcolor code planning.



Costs for color code planning

For each incidence of color code reuse (i.e., for each sector that is assigned tothe same color code as another sector), there are two types of costs:

n Interference cost—a measure of the interference generatedby a color code assignment. The amount of interferencepotentially generated by an assignment can be determined byhow close reused color codes are placed to one another. It canalso be determined from information provided by aninterference matrix.

n Violation cost—the sum of the cost factors incurred forbreaching specified constraints when color codes are assigned.Soft constraints can be broken, but hard constraints cannot.

The color code planning process attempts to create color codes with thelowest costs. As a result, a balance between low interference costs and lowviolation costs is reached.


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Workflow for frequency and color code planning

Step 1 Create a frequency and color plan by doing one of the following:

n Save the current frequency and color code assignments.

n Generate a frequency and color code plan using the AutomaticFrequency Planning (AFP) tool. You can optionally use theInteractive Frequency Planning (IFP) tool to tune the plan.

Step 2 If you want to generate color codes, do the following:

n Optionally, create an interference matrix using the group ofsectors to which the frequency plan applies. This step is notnecessary if you created a plan using the Automatic FrequencyTool or if you do not want to set color code planning constraintsbased on interference.

n Optionally, create a neighbor list using the group of sectors towhich the frequency plan applies. This step is not necessary if youcreated a plan using the Automatic Frequency Tool or if you do notwant to set color code planning constraints based on a neighborlist.

n Generate color codes.

Step 3 Apply the frequency and color code plan to the group of sectors.



Generating and viewing color codes

If you saved the current frequency and color code assignments, you can viewany current color code assignments in two ways:

n in tabular format

n in a Map window

If you created the frequency and color code plan using the AutomaticFrequency Planning tool, you need to generate the color codes before you canview them.


To generate color codes

1 In the Project Explorer, in the RF Tools category, right-clickFrequency And Color Code Plans and choose Color CodePlanning.

2 Define color code settings and constraints as required and clickGenerate.


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To view color codes for TDMA-FDMA sectors in the Mapwindow

n In the Project Explorer, right-click the frequency and colorcode plan, and choose View Color Code In Map Window.

TIP: If the plan contains only one color code type (for example, for GSMtechnology, only BSIC is available), the color codes are displayed in the Mapwindow

To view color code properties

Properties include both the settings that were used to generate the color codesand a list of the codes that were generated. After you generate color codes,you can view the color code properties.

1 In the Project Explorer, in the RF Tools category, right-click afrequency and color code plan and choose Color CodeProperties.

The Color Code Planning dialog box opens.

2 To view the list of color codes that were generated, choose Viewin the tree view.



Color Code Planning

Use the Color Code Planning dialog box to plan the assignment of color codeswith the best possible reuse. Color codes can be planned for sectors that useGSM, NAMPS, IS-136, and user-defined technologies. You can only generatea color code plan for one network technology at a time.


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General Settings

Use the General Settings panel to choose the technology for which you want toplan color codes. You can also chose the color code type you want to plan; forexample, for NAMPS, you can plan the Digital Color Code (DCC), used by thecontrol channel, or the Supervisory Audio Tone (SAT), used by the trafficchannels.

Technology—displays the technology for which the color code plan will begenerated.

Color Code Type—choose from this list the color code type for which youwant to plan. The available color code types depend on the chosen technology.

The following table lists the color code types for each technology and validranges for color codes.

Technology Color Code Type Range

GSM BSIC, which is a concatenationof:

l National Color Code (NCC)

l Base station Color Code (BCC)

NCC—0-7

BCC—0-7

NAMPS l Digital Color Code (DCC), whichis transmitted on the analogcontrol channel

l Digital Supervisory Audio Tone(DSAT) for each voice channel

DCC—0-3

DSAT—0-6

IS-136 l DCC, which is transmitted on theanalog control channel

l Digital Verification Color Code(DVCC), which is transmitted ondigital voice channels

l Supervisory Audio Tone (SAT)for each voice channel

DCC—0-3

DVCC—1-255

SAT—0-2

iDEN Color Code (CC) CC—0-15

User CC, by default CC—0-255



Technology Color Code Type Range

Defined

Frequency Plan—displays the frequency plan that the color code isassociated with.

Technology Band—choose from this list the technology band for which youwant to plan color codes.


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Color Code Planning

Use the Color Code Planning dialog box to plan the assignment of color codeswith the best possible reuse. Color codes can be planned for sectors that useGSM, NAMPS, IS-136, and user-defined technologies. You can only generate acolor code plan for one network technology at a time.



Constraints

Use the Constraints panel to define the constraints that you want to use toguide the color code assignment process. The constraints that you define canbe soft (i.e., the constraint should be respected, but can be broken ifnecessary to make an assignment) or hard (i.e., the constraint cannot bebroken to make an assignment). Any color codes that you have defined asillegal at the sector level are considered hard constraints.


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Enable

In this column, enable the check box beside each of the constraints that youwant to use for your color code plan.



Constraints

This column lists the various constraints that can be enabled for your colorcode plan. The available constraints include:

Maximize Distance—choose this option to use an optimization method thatplans color code assignments so that the maximum distance between eachassignment of the same carrier/color code combination is achieved. Thismethod is used by default (even if the Minimize Interference method isenabled, this method will take effect for any sector for which there is nointerference information). This method is faster than the Minimize Distancemethod, but it does not consider physical terrain when making assignments.

Minimize Interference—choose this option to choose an optimizationmethod that plans color code assignments so that the minimum amount ofinterference is incurred. To use this option, you must choose an interferencematrix from the Interference Matrix list. This method relies on the informationcontained in an interference matrix to obtain optimal color code assignments.However, it does take more time to generate than the Maximize Distancemethod and overlapping prediction information for the planned sector mustbe provided in the interference matrix.

For the Minimize Interference constraint, choose one of the followingconstraints from the adjacent list:

n Affected Area—choose this option to minimize costs by theportion of any sector’s coverage area that you consideracceptable to be affected by interference.

n Affected Traffic—choose this option to minimize costs by theamount of traffic in a sector that you consider acceptable to beaffected by interference.

Different Codes For Neighbors—choose this option to use different colorcodes for neighboring sectors. If this option is enabled, you must choose aneighbor list for the sectors you are planning from the adjacent list.

Same Codes Per Site—choose this option to use the same color code foreach carrier in a site.


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Avoid Code Reuse Within MSC—choose this option to use different colorcodes within a mobile switching center (MSC). By default, this constraint uses asoft constraint type. This constraint is only valid if you have defined MSCs forthe sectors in your project. For information on defining MSCs, see “To definetechnology sector settings”.

Avoid Code Reuse Within BSC—choose this option to use different colorcodes within a base station controller (BSC). This constraint is only valid if youhave defined BSCs for the sectors in your project. For information on definingBSCs, see “To define technology sector settings”.

Fixed NCC—choose this option to use a fixed Nation Color Code (NCC). If thisoption is enabled, you must choose a value to be used from the far list. An NCCis only used for GSM technology.



Constraint Type

Choose from this list a constraint type for each constraint that you haveenabled. With the exception of the Minimize Interference constraints, theavailable constraint types are:

n Soft—choose this option to make the enabled constraint soft. A soft constraintcan be broken in order to make an assignment.

n Hard—choose this option to make the enabled constraint hard. A hardconstraint cannot be broken in order to make an assignment.


Chapter 12

Using basic frequency and color code planningfunctions

This section explains the options that are available for existing frequency andcolor code plans.

To open a frequency and color code plan

1 In the Project Explorer, in the RF Tools category, right-clickFrequency and Color Code Plans, and choose Open.

2 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the plan that you want toopen, and click Open.

The plan is added to the list under the Frequency and Color Code Plansnode.

To save frequency and color code assignments

You can save the current frequency and color code assignments for yoursectors as a plan, and make the plan available under the Frequency and ColorCode Plans node in the Project Explorer.

1 In the Project Explorer, in the RF Tools category, right-clickFrequency and Color Code Plans and choose Save Current.

The Sector Selection dialog box opens.

2 In the Sector Selection dialog box, specify the sectors whosefrequency and color code assignment you want to save bychoosing one of the following options in the Sector Selectionsection:

n All TDMA Sectors to generate analyses for all TDMA/FDMAand GSM sectors in the project.







3 In the Band Filtering section, enable the band you want toinclude in your sector selection.

If you enable more than one band, an error message displays statingthat selected sectors must be from the same band.The sectors that will be included in the frequency plan are displayed inthe Selected Sectors list.

4 ClickOK.

5 In the Save As dialog box, navigate to the folder where you wantto save the plan, type a name for the plan, and click Save.


To view a frequency and color code plan report

The Frequency Plan Report provides a quick way of viewing site, sector,carrier number, carrier type, and color code information.

1 In the Project Explorer, in the RF Tools category, expandFrequency And Color Code Plans.

2 Right-click the name of the plan you want to view and chooseView.

The Frequency Plan Report dialog box opens.


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To apply a frequency and color code plan

When you apply a frequency and color code plan, the carriers and color codesfor the group of sectors used to create the plan are updated with theinformation in the plan. You have the option of overwriting any sector-specificcarrier and color code settings for the project with the settings contained in thefrequency and color code plan.













5 In the Sectors Not In Frequency Plan section, choose anoption for the sectors that are not included in the plan:



6 ClickOK.



To export a frequency and color code plan

Exporting a frequency and color code plan means saving frequency and colorcode planning information, such as site ID, sector ID, and carrier and hoppinginformation (MAL, MAIO, and HSN) to a text file.


2 Right-click the name of the plan that you want to export to a textfile and choose Export.

3 In the Save As dialog box, navigate to the folder where you wantto store the plan, type a name for the plan in the File Name box,and click Save.


Chapter 12

Using basic frequency and color code planningfunctions

This section explains the options that are available for existing frequency andcolor code plans.

To open a frequency and color code plan

1 In the Project Explorer, in the RF Tools category, right-clickFrequency And Color Code Plans, and choose Open.

2 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the plan that you want toopen, and clickOpen.


To save frequency and color code assignments

You can save the current frequency and color code assignments for yoursectors as a plan, and make the plan available under the Frequency and ColorCode Plans node in the Project Explorer.

1 In the Project Explorer, in the RF Tools category, right-clickFrequency And Color Code Plans and choose Save Current.

The Sector Selection dialog box opens.

2 In the Sector Selection dialog box, specify the sectors whosefrequency and color code assignment you want to save bychoosing one of the following options in the Sector Selectionsection:

n All TDMA Sectors to generate analyses for all TDMA/FDMAand GSM sectors in the project.







3 In the Band Filtering section, enable the band you want toinclude in your sector selection.

If you enable more than one band, an error message displays statingthat selected sectors must be from the same band.The sectors that will be included in the frequency plan are displayed inthe Selected Sectors list.

4 ClickOK.

5 In the Save As dialog box, navigate to the folder where you wantto save the plan, type a name for the plan, and click Save.


To view a frequency and color code plan report

The Frequency Plan Report provides a quick way of viewing site, sector,carrier number, carrier type, and color code information.


2 Right-click the name of the plan you want to view and chooseView.

The Frequency Plan Report dialog box opens.


Chapter 12

To apply a frequency and color code plan

When you apply a frequency and color code plan, the carriers and color codesfor the group of sectors used to create the plan are updated with theinformation in the plan. You have the option of overwriting any sector-specificcarrier and color code settings for the project with the settings contained in thefrequency and color code plan.













5 In the Sectors Not In Frequency Plan section, choose anoption for the sectors that are not included in the plan:



6 ClickOK.



To export a frequency and color code plan

Exporting a frequency and color code plan means saving frequency and colorcode planning information, such as site ID, sector ID, and carrier and hoppinginformation (MAL, MAIO, and HSN) to a text file.


2 Right-click the name of the plan that you want to export to a textfile and choose Export.

3 In the Save As dialog box, navigate to the folder where you wantto store the plan, type a name for the plan in the File Name box,and click Save.


Chapter 12

Viewing sector-to-sector interference based on afrequency plan

You can view a visual representation of the sources of interferers for a sectorand their intensity in a Map window.

To view interferers for a TDMA/FDMA sector based on afrequency plan

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, right-click thesector you want to view and choose Display Interference.

2 In the Display Interference dialog box, from the Number OfInterferers To Display list, choose the maximum number ofinterferers to display for the chosen sector.

3 In the Interference Metric section, choose the type ofinterference matrix you want to display.

4 ClickOK.

The sector-to-sector interference is shown using red lines in the activeMap window.


Generating Frequency And Preamble Plans Interactively

Chapter 13 Generating Frequency And PreamblePlans Interactively

Interactive frequency planning differs from automatic frequency planning inthat automatic frequency planning uses the settings that you define to createa plan automatically with the lowest cost that violates the fewest constraints.You cannot modify individual carrier assignments. Interactive frequencyplanning enables you to evaluate the interference costs and violationsassociated with carrier assignments and modify individual assignments asrequired before applying the plan.

And, while interactive frequency planning can be used on its own, it can alsobe used as a supplement to automatic frequency planning (AFP), by creating aplan using AFP and then fine-tuning it using interactive frequency planning.Interactive frequency planning provides detailed information on interferencecosts and violations for all sites, sectors, and carriers.


Understanding interactive frequency planning 352

Workflow for interactive frequency and preamble planning 353

Creating a frequency and preamble plan 354

Editing the IFPP settings 358

IFPP Settings 359

Frequency 360

Interference Threshold 361

Channel Allocation Cost 362

IFPP Settings 363

Preamble 364

Editing the cost color assignments 366

Applying a saved frequency and preamble plan 367

Viewing a saved frequency and preamble plan 368


Chapter 13

Understanding interactive frequency planning

The Interactive Frequency and Preamble Planning (IFPP) tool enables you toview the created, received, and total (created and received) interference foreach sector. You are then able to identify the sectors that are the mostinterfered with and the sectors that are the most interfering.

The IFPP tool gives you the further ability to examine interference informationat the channel level. For the channel(s) that are assigned to a sector, you cansee which channels create most of the interference and the associatedviolations and violation costs.

Additional functionality in the IFPP tool includes the ability to do the following:

n manually modify channel assignments

n manually modify preamble assignments

n view the impact of the new channel and preamble assignmentsas they relate to interference and the constraints you define

n add and remove channels

The IFPP tool is especially useful when planning a new site since it enables youto quickly asses which channel(s) and which preamble should be assigned tothe new site.

For more general information on frequency and preamble plans, sTableChapter 11.



Workflow for interactive frequency and preambleplanning

Step 1 Create a group of sites that you will use for your interferencematrix, neighbor list, and frequency and preamble planning. See“Working with Sites and Sectors” in the Mentum Planet User Guide.

Step 2 Create an interference matrix and a neighbor list using the samegroup of sites. See “Working with Interference Matrices” and“Working with Neighbor Lists” in the Mentum Planet User Guide.

Step 3 Define settings, create a frequency and preamble plan, and eithersave it or apply it to the sectors in your network.

Step 4 If required, apply the saved frequency and preamble plan to thesectors in your network.


Chapter 13

Creating a frequency and preamble plan

To create a frequency and preamble plan with the Interactive Frequency andPreamble Planning (IFPP) tool, you must first choose a group of sites, afrequency band, an interference matrix, and, optionally, a neighbor list. TheIFPP tool enables you to view the frequency and preamble assignments for achosen group of sectors (e.g., a defined group, all sectors, or a group ofindividual sectors that you select), evaluate the interference costs andviolations associated with each assignment, and modify the assignments toachieve the optimal plan.

You can then save the plan for future use or apply it to the sectors in yournetwork.

To create a frequency or preamble plan

1 Choose Tools Interactive Frequency Planning►WiMAXTDD.

2 In the Configuration section, do the following:

n From the Group to Plan list, choose the sector group for whichyou want to plan frequencies and preamble indices.

n From the Frequency Band list, choose the frequency band forwhich you want to plan frequencies and preamble indices.Sectors that belong to the group to plan but are not part of theselected frequency band are not displayed in the IFPP tool.

n From the Frame Configuration list, choose the frameconfiguration for which you want to plan frequencies andpreamble indices. Sectors that belong to the group to plan butdo not use the selected frame configuration are not displayedin the IFPP tool.

n From the Interference Matrix list, choose the interferencematrix to use in the calculation of interference costs. Aninterference matrix is required for frequency and preambleplanning. Sectors that are included in the interference matrix



but are not part of the selected sector group are displayed inthe Cost Breakdown section of the IFPP tool.

n From the Neighbor List list, choose the neighbor list to use inthe calculation of violation costs. A neighbor list is an optionalinput to frequency and preamble planning.

3 ClickOK.

The IFPP dialog box opens.

4 In the Cost section, in the Show Cost For category, choose oneof the following options:

n Victim—to show victim costs in the frequency and preambleplan (i.e., costs incurred as the result of interference causedby other sectors).

n Offender—to show offender costs in the frequency andpreamble plan.

n Victim + Offender—to show costs for both the victim and theoffender in the frequency and preamble plan.

5 In the Value category, choose one of the following options:

n Absolute—to show absolute interference. Selecting thisoption means that the values in the interference matrix arenormalized using the maximum served traffic.

n Relative—to show relative interference.

6 Enable the Show Considered Sectors check box to display inthe frequency and preamble plans those sectors that are includedin the interference matrix but are not part of the selected sectorgroup. Although not part of the sector selection, sectors that arepart of the interference matrix are considered when calculatingthe costs.

7 If required, edit the frequency and preamble settings. See“Editing the IFPP settings”.


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8 If required, edit the cost color assignments. See “Editing the costcolor assignments”.

9 On the Frequency Planning tab of the IFPP dialog, click any rowin the Frequency Plan section.

A Channel Information table displays within the IFPP dialog showing abreakdown of the costs associated with each channel assigned to thechosen sector. In addition, the Cost Breakdown and ChannelAssignment sections show detailed costs for the channels assigned tothe chosen sector.

10 In the Channel Information section, do any of the following:

n ClickAdd to add a new channel entry.

n ClickRemove to delete the selected channel entry.

11 Click the Preamble Planning tab of the IFPP dialog.

12 Click any row in the Preamble Plan section.

A Channel Information table displays within the IFPP dialog showing abreakdown of the costs associated with each channel assigned to the



chosen sector. In addition, the Cost Breakdown and ChannelAssignment sections show detailed costs for the channels assigned tothe chosen sector.

13 When you have completed the frequency and preamble plan,from the File menu, choose to apply or save the plan.

TIP: You can copy a saved plan by right-clicking it in the Project Explorer andchoosing the Save Copy As command. This can be useful if you want toexperiment with different scenarios.


Chapter 13

Editing the IFPP settings

Use the IFPP Settings dialog box to define interference thresholds andviolation costs.


To edit IFPP settings

1 In the IFPP dialog box, choose File ►Settings.

The IFPP Settings dialog box opens.

2 Click the Frequency tab and modify interference thresholds andchannel allocation costs as required.

3 Click the Preamble tab and modify preamble IFPP conditions asrequired.

4 ClickOK.

When you re-open the IFPP dialog box, the current settings are applied.



IFPP Settings

Use the Interactive Frequency and Preamble Planning (IFPP) Settings dialogbox to define interference thresholds and channel allocations costs.


Chapter 13

Frequency



Interference Threshold

Use this section to define interference thresholds and associated violationcosts. The co-channel and adjacent-channel interference thresholdsdetermine which interferers are displayed in the Cost Breakdown section.Sectors that have less interference than the defined thresholds are notdisplayed, and therefore, not accounted for, in cost calculations.

Threshold (%)—click in this field to define interference thresholds (aspercentages) for co-channel or adjacent-channel interference. Thesethresholds determine how interferers are filtered and displayed in the CostBreakdown section.

Violation Cost—click in this field to define the cost incurred when thethreshold is surpassed.


Chapter 13

Channel Allocation Cost

Same Sector—type in this box the violation cost incurred when the associatedchannel separation is violated on the same sector. This setting represents theminimum separation between channels that are assigned to the same sector.The separation unit is a channel bandwidth (i.e., a separation of 2 equals twochannel bandwidths). The minimum same sector channel separation is 1. If asector needsmore than one channel, the minimum separation betweenchannels is 1 x channel bandwidth. The same channel will not be used twice bythe same sector.

Same Site—type in this box the violation cost incurred when the associatedchannel separation is violated on the same site. This setting represents theminimum separation between channels that are assigned to the same site.The separation unit is a channel bandwidth (i.e., a separation of 2 equals twochannel bandwidths). The minimum same site channel separation is 0.

Neighbor—type in this box the violation cost incurred when the associatedchannel separation is violated between neighbors. This setting represents theminimum separation between channels that are assigned to neighbor. Theseparation unit is a channel bandwidth (i.e., a separation of 2 equals twochannel bandwidths). The minimum neighbor channel separation is 0.

Add—click this button to add a row to the Channel Allocation Cost table.

Remove—click this button to remove a row from the Channel Allocation Costtable.



IFPP Settings

Use the Interactive Frequency and Preamble Planning (IFPP) Settings dialogbox to define interference thresholds and channel allocations costs.


Chapter 13

Preamble

Condition—click in the associated Cost field to define the cost of breaking theconstraint. The conditions displayed depend on the site and sectorconfiguration.

l Neighbors, Same Preamble—ensures that identical preamble indexes arenot assigned to neighbor sectors.

l 2nd-Tier Neighbors, Same ID Cells—ensures that co-channel indirectneighbors are not assigned the same uplink ID cells.

l Co-Site, Different ID Cells—ensures that co-site co-channel sectors havethe same subchannel construction in order to avoid overlap betweensubchannels.

l Same Segment ID—ensures that different segment IDs are assigned to co-channel sectors that have high co-channel interference. Co-channel sectorswith the same segment ID use the same preamble carrier-set for preambletransmission; hence, co-channel sectors located close to each other (whetherneighbor sectors or not) will have a high preamble interference if they use thesame Segment ID

l Non Co-Site, ID Cell Separations of 0, 12, 24—ensures that preambleswith ID cells separations of 0, 12 or 24 are assigned to non co-site sectors withlow co-channel interference. ID Cell values separated by 0, 12 or 24 result insubchannels with a very high level of correlation.

l Non Co-Site, ID Cell Separations of 6, 18, 30—ensures that preambleswith ID cells separations of 6, 18, 30 are assigned to non co-site sectors withlow co-channel interference. ID Cell separated by 6, 18, 30 result insubchannels with a high level of correlation.

l Non Co-Site, ID Cell Separations of 4, 8, 16, 20, 28—ensures thatpreambles with ID cells separations of 4, 8, 16, 20, 28 are assigned to non co-site sectors with low co-channel interference. ID Cell separated by 4, 8, 16, 20,28 results in subchannels with a medium level of correlation.



Same Preamble to Non Co-Channel Co-Site Sectors—enable this checkbox to assign the same preamble to co-site sectors that are not using thesame channel. When two or more sectors at the same site have a channel incommon, this constraint is not applied to the site.

Reserve Preamble Index—enable this check box to enter the range of thepreamble index in the associated box. You can type reserved preambleindices separated by a comma (e.g., 5,6,7) or you can enter a range (e.g., 5-7). By default, the preamble indices ranging from 96 to 113 are reserved.


Chapter 13

Editing the cost color assignments

Use the Cost Color Assignment dialog box to define the cost threshold for IFPPcalculations. Using color to display IFPP results makes it easier to identifypotential issues.

To edit the cost color assignment

1 In the IFPP dialog box, choose File Color Assignments.

The Cost Color Assignment dialog box opens.

2 In theMaximum Cost box, define the maximum violation cost.

3 In theMinimum Cost box, define the minimum violation cost.

4 Enable the Show Cost Colors check box to display IFPP resultsusing the color range.

Results where the maximum cost is met or surpassed are displayed inred in the IFPP dialog box.

Results where the cost is equal to the minimum cost are displayed ingreen.

Violation costs that fall between the maximum and minimum values aredisplayed according to the color range.



Applying a saved frequency and preamble plan

After you save a frequency and preamble plan, you can apply it to the sectorsin the group that you used to create the plan.

To apply a saved frequency and preamble plan

1 In the Project Explorer, in the RF Tools category, expand theFrequency and Preamble Plans node.

2 Expand theWiMAX TDDTDMA-FDMA node, right-click the planyou want to apply, and choose Apply.

3 In the Network Update dialog box, click Yes.


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Viewing a saved frequency and preamble plan

Once you have saved a frequency and preamble plan, you can view details inthe Map window or in a report.

To view a saved frequency and preamble plan

1 In the Project Explorer, in the RF Tools category, expand theFrequency and Preamble Plans node.

2 Expand theWiMAX TDDTDMA-FDMA node, right-click the planyou want to view, and choose one of the following commands:

n View In Map Window—to select and view plan parametersassociated with each sector in the Map window.

n Display Report—to view the report in the Report Previewdialog box.

TIP: To view the settings used to generate the plan, right-click it and chooseProperties.


Working With The Tabular Editor

Chapter 14 Working With The Tabular Editor

A key stage of network planning revolves around the analysis of network dataand the subsequent updates to network and site parameters that eventuallyproduce a networkmodel with which you are satisfied. The Tabular Editor is apowerful tool that you can use to globally edit project parameters.


Working with the Tabular Editor 370


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Working with the Tabular Editor

Using the Tabular Editor, you can quickly and easily modify project data. Byfreezing panes, you can compare values and analyze results. Information isorganized on separate worksheets (see Figure 14.1). The worksheets andcolumns that the Tabular Editor displays depends on how you open the dialogbox. For example, you can open the Tabular Editor from the Sites node in theProject Data category and view all site, sector, and antenna information. Or,you can open it from the Link Configuration node to view only the linkconfigurations contained in your project.

If custom data columns have been created by the Data ManagerAdministrator, these columns will be available on the Sites and/or Sectorsworksheets in the Tabular Editor after you have connected to Data ManagerServer. You can add values or edit existing custom column data using theTabular Editor.

Figure 14.1: Tabular Editor displaying project worksheets

NOTE: If you want to globally edit network settings, you must use theImport/Export Wizard. Network settings are not visible in the Tabular Editor.

To edit sites, flags, or link configurations

1 In the Project Explorer, do any of the following:


Working With The Tabular Editor

n To edit site parameters, in the Sites category, right-click theSites node and choose Tabular Edit.

n To edit Flags, in the Sites category, right-click the Sites nodeand choose Tabular Edit.

n To edit link configurations, in the Project Data category,right-click Link Configurations and choose Tabular Edit.

2 To modify data, in the Tabular Editor, do any of the following:

n Double-click in a table cell and type a new value.

n Click the down arrow in a table cell and choose a new value.

n Enable or clear the check box for the chosen setting.

n Right-click in a table cell to copy and paste data.

n Click the down arrow next to a table heading to display all thedata or a particular subset. When a filter has been applied, thedown arrow changes to the filter icon.

3 To change the Tabular Editor display, do any of the following:

n Click the Change Options button to specify which worksheetsand columns to display in the Tabular Editor.

n Click the Sort Ascending button to reorder the rows based onthe data in the selected column.

n Click the Sort Descending button to reorder the rows basedon the data in the selected column.

n Place the pointer between column headings to increase ordecrease the size of the column.

n Enable the Freeze Panes check box to lock rows and columnsin one area so that they remain visible when you scroll. This isuseful, for example, if you want to freeze a particular columnand then scroll through subsequent columns comparing thevalues.


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4 To copy data to the clipboard, click the Copy To Clipboardbutton.

5 To paste from the clipboard, click the Paste From Clipboardbutton.

6 To view statistics on column data, choose one or more datacolumns and click the Generate Statistics button.

The Generated Statistics dialog box opens where you can view statisticalinformation for each column you chose.

7 To display labels in the Map window based on column data, click atab in the Tabular Editor that contains site or sector columns,choose a data column, and click the Generate Labels button.

Labels are displayed in the Map window at each site.

8 When you have finished modifying or examining the data, clickClose.

NOTE: There are some columns that you cannot edit in the Tabular Editor.These columns are grayed out.

TIP: To quickly copy a value across all rows in a column in the Tabular Editor,type the new value in the first cell of the column, click the column header toselect the column, and press CTRL+D. Then, click outside the column to makethe updates. Click Apply to save your changes.

TIP: To update displayed information with current data, click the Refreshbutton. This update may be longer than when you click Apply because all datais recomputed.


Importing And Exporting Data

Chapter 15 Importing And Exporting Data

You can import and export project data using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets(.xls or .xlsx) or comma separated value (.csv) files. This is useful when youwant to analyze data and, based on your analysis, edit site, sector, andnetwork parameters.


Importing, replacing, and exporting project data 374

Importing network data into Mentum Planet projects 381


Chapter 15

Importing, replacing, and exporting project data

Using the Import/Export Wizard, you can view project data in Microsoft Excelspreadsheets (.xls or .xlsx) or comma separated value (.csv) files. When youexport data from your project to a spreadsheet, individual worksheets arecreated in the .xls file or .xlsx for each category of project data. When youexport project data to .csv files, a folder is created containing individual .csvfiles for each project data category. You can choose the types of project datathat you want to import or export. For example, you could import or exportonly site and sector location data, but not the detailed sector settings. You canalso import or export project data only for specific sectors.

You can use the Import/Export command-line utility (iecon.exe) to exportMentum Planet data to an .xls file, .xlsx, .csv file, or database. You can thenmake changes to the data and use iecon.exe again to import the data backinto Mentum Planet or Data Manager. The iecon.exe utility is useful if you wantto automate the import and export of data using scripts (e.g., if you want tomake Mentum Planet data accessible to other systems via a database orimport updates to projects from another source). See “Appendix A:Import/Export Command-Line Utility” in the Data Manager ServerAdministrator Guide. When you use the iecon utility to import sites andsectors, you must always include the Summary.csv file in the data import.

TIP: To specify the Import/Export Excel file format, choose EditPreferences. In the User Preferences dialog box, in the tree view, chooseMiscellaneous. In the Import Export Settings section, choose the default Excelfile extension (i.e., the Excel 2007-2003 format (.xls) or the new ExcelWorkbook format (.xlsx)).

CAUTION: If your project is stored in Data Manager, and you export it andre-import it using the Import/Export tool, Data Manager will treat it as a newproject if you use the Replace All Data option. In this case, if you want tocontinue using the existing project, you must merge the new project into theexisting project. See Chapter 2, “Using Data Manager” in the Data ManagerUser Guide.



Importing data

You can use .xls, .xlsx or .cvs files to add or remove sites, edit projectsettings, and then import the new or updated data. Each worksheet in an .xlsfile, .xlsx or each .csv file you use to import project data must contain therequired and mandatory columns, and must be formatted correctly for thetype of data in a column (i.e., text or numeric). Unless you specifically requestthat data be replaced on import, data is never removed from a project whenyou use the Import Wizard. For example, if the worksheet or .csv file fromwhich you are importing does not contain all of the sectors currently in yourproject, only the sectors listed in the worksheet or .csv file are updated in theproject. The other sectors in your project are not affected by the ImportWizard. If you are working with a large project and only want to updatespecific project data, you can import individual worksheets or .csv files, andinclude only the sites or sectors that require updating or are being added.

For descriptions of worksheets or .csv files and the columns they contain, validvalues and ranges, and an indication of required and mandatory columns, seethe Import Export Table Parameters folder in the Mentum Planet Help folder.

TIP: To ensure the proper worksheet or .csv file format when importing, usepreviously exported .xls, .xlsx or .csv files to edit or update project data.

Replacing data

When you import data, you can choose to replace specific data. This can beuseful, for example, if:

n you want to delete sites from your project. When you delete asite, however, you must delete the site from all dependentworksheets.

n you want to change the prefix used in the site IDs (e.g., from“Site” to “Ott”). When you change site IDs, however, you mustchange the site ID on all dependent worksheets.

n you want to share and merge project data.


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Exporting data

When you export data to a spread sheet, individual worksheets are created inthe .xls or .xlsx file for each category of project data. When you export data toa .csv file, a folder is created containing individual .csv files for each categoryof project data. In addition, a Summary worksheet or .csv file is also createdfor the exported project. For descriptions of the data types that can beexported, and the corresponding location (dialog box) of the field in theMentum Planet graphical user interface, see the Import Export TableParameters folder in the Mentum Planet Help folder.

By default, when you export data, the site coordinates are saved in theLongitude/Latitude (WGS 84) projection and the sector coordinates are savedin the projection specified when you originally created the project. If youimport an exported .xls file, .xlsx or .csv files, only the site and sectorcoordinate systems are imported from the Summary worksheet or .csv file.

To export project data


n If you want to export project data for all sites and sectors,choose Data Export.

n If you want to export project data for individual sites, sectors,or groups, in the Project Explorer, in the Sites category,choose one or more groups, sites, or sectors, right-click andchoose Export.

n If you want to export repeater data, in the Project Explorer,in the Sites category, right-click the Repeaters node, andchoose Export.

n If you want to export project data based on enabled flagconditions, in the Project Explorer, in the Sites category,right-click the Flags node, and choose Export.

The Export Wizard opens.



2 On the Data Selection page, in the Tables list, enable the checkboxes for each of the tables that you want to export.

Each selected table is exported to an individual worksheet in an Excelfile or a single comma separated value file. For example, if you enableonly Sites and Sectors, then only the basic site and sector informationwill be exported. When you enable the Sectors check box in the Tablesbox, by default, the Bin File Name, the Bin Hash Code, the SignalStrength File Name, and the Signal Strength Hash Code columns arenot enabled (i.e., they are cleared).

3 In the Columns list, for each of the tables that you chose in Step2, enable the check boxes for each of the columns that you wantto export.

4 ClickNext.

5 On each page of the Wizard define the required parameters.

6 On the last page of the Wizard, click Finish.

To import project data

When you import data, the coordinate systems (along with the distance andheight units) are imported from the Summary worksheet or .csv file and, if


Chapter 15

required, sites and sectors are reprojected automatically. A list of supportedprojections is contained in the mapinfo.prj file located in the <Mentum Planetinstallation folder>\mapinfo folder. Additional information about projectionscan be found in Appendix B, “Elements of a Coordinate System” in the MapInfoProfessional User Guide.

CAUTION: All values in the Excel file from which you are importing must usethe default units indicated in the worksheet column names, and the file mustcontain required and mandatory columns.

1 If you want to import general site, sector and project data, chooseData Import Project Data.

The Import Wizard opens.

2 On the File Location page, do one of the following:

n If you want to import project data from an .xls or .xlsx file,choose theMicrosoft Excel option.

n If you want to import project data from a folder of .csv files,choose the Comma Separated Values Text Files option.

3 ClickBrowse, and do one of the following:



n If you chose theMicrosoft Excel option in Step 2, navigate tothe .xls or .xlsx file containing the data you want to import, andclickOpen.

n If you chose the Comma Separated Values Text Filesoption in Step 2, navigate to the folder containing the .csv filesyou want to import, and clickOK.

4 ClickNext.

The Data Selection page lists the tables available to import and optionsfor replacing project data on import.

5 On the Data Selection page, enable the check boxes for each ofthe tables that you want to import.

You can click Select All or Clear All to speed up the selection process.

6 If you want to overwrite existing data or remove data from aproject, enable any of the following check boxes.

n All Data—replaces data in all categories listed in the Replacesection.

n Groups—replaces data listed in the Groups category.

n Flags—replaces data listed in the Flags category.

n Site Data—replaces site data including data in the followingcategories: Sites, Sectors, Antennas, etc. Frequency plans,Configuration Links, and Neighbor Lists are also overwritten.

n Link Configurations—replaces data listed on the link budgetworksheet.

n Neighbor Lists—replaces neighbor lists.

n Network Settings—replaces network setting parameters.

When you replace data, the selected data is first deleted from theproject and the new data is then imported into the project. Once datahas been replaced, the original data cannot be recovered.

7 Click Finish.


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The project data you chose will be updated or added to your project.The Log dialog box displays the status of the import operation.

NOTE: Status messages are displayed cumulatively in the Log dialog box.Click the Export button to save the log messages to a text file. Click the Clearbutton to remove all messages from the Log dialog box.



Importing network data into Mentum Planetprojects

Network data is data collected from wireless network switching equipment. Itcontains information about network configuration and performance. You usethe Network Data Import Wizard to bind network data to Mentum Planet data.The bound network data can then be used in Mentum Planet in traffic maps,interference matrices, neighbor lists, technology-specific features such asAutomatic Frequency Preamble and Perm Base Planning tool, and for displaypurposes.

Your network data must be in an Excel spreadsheet or tab-delimited text file.


Binding network data

Binding network data meansmapping columns in the network data to MentumPlanet data columns. In the Network Data Import Wizard, you only need tospecify whether you want to bind data based both the site ID and the sector IDor only on a sector property that contains unique values for each sector.

Viewing the results of data binding

Once you have mapped the network data to the Mentum Planet data, you canreview it in the Report Preview dialog box. You can then create a sectordisplay scheme for statistical data in order to view network data graphically ona map of your network’s coverage area. Any numeric metric, for example,dropped calls or carried Erlangs, can be displayed.

To import network data

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Operational Data category,right-clickNetwork Data and choose New.


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2 Read the introduction and clickNext.

3 On the Choose How You Want The Data Bound page, chooseone of the following options:

n Bind To Site ID/Sector ID—binds the Site ID and the SectorID to columns in the network data file.

n Bind To Unique Sector Property—binds a sector propertywhen it contain unique values for each sector

4 Click in the header row and, from the list, choose the MentumPlanet data to which to bind the network data.

A valid selection displays a green indicator.



5 Once the data has been successfuly bound, click Finish.

The Report Preview dialog box opens. The Mapping Status columnindicates whether the data is mapped or not in the project.

6 In the Report Preview dialog box, modify the report display asrequired using the available toolbar buttons.


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7 If you mapped network data to a sector property, you can createa sector display scheme to apply to network data by doing thefollowing:

n Choose the sector property for which you want to create asector display scheme.

n Click the Generate Sector Display Scheme button.

8 Define a name for the sector display scheme and, in the SectorDisplay Scheme dialog box, define the parameters upon whichyou want the scheme to be based.

9 To view the network data upon which the scheme is based, clickthe Data button.

Network data is added to the Operational Data category in the ProjectExplorer.


Mentum Planet File Types

Appendix A Mentum Planet File Types

When you design a wireless network using Mentum Planet, you willencounter the file types described in this appendix.

This appendix covers the following topics:

Understanding project folders and files 386


Appendix A

Understanding project folders and files

When you design a wireless network using Mentum Planet, you willencounter the file types described in the tables below.

Project files

File Description.algr An antenna algorithm file saved, by default, in the Antenna

Algorithm folder with the project folder..curve A file created in the Curve Editor and stored in the Curves folder

within the project folder..flt A binary file containing the filter loss and frequency offset for

each sector and each equipment type as defined in the FilterLoss dialog box.

.fpp A frequency plan file.

.paf A Planet Antenna Format file saved in the Antennas folderwithin the project folder.

.pex A compressed file that contains at a minimum an .xml file withthe necessary instructions and structure.

.flt A binary file containing the filter loss and frequency offset foreach sector and each equipment type as defined in the FilterLoss dialog box.


Mentum Planet File Types

Output files

File Description

.grd /.tab A numeric grid file that is always accompanied by anassociated .tab file. The .grd file contains the raw grid andcolor information. The .tab file is required by MapInfoProfessional to open and register the grid image. The .tab filealso contains metadata of the grid data.

.grc /.tab A grid file that contains integer (not numeric) data. It is alsoreferred to as a classified grid. The .tab file is required byMapInfo to open and register the grid image. The .tab file alsocontains metadata on the settings of the grid data.

.imx An interference matrix file.

.nl A neighbor list file.

.pfc A contour color profile with specific break points (ranges) thatare applied when you convert a grid to a vector contour map.

.pfr A text file containing point-to-point profile settings (includingdata files), antenna pattern and azimuth, sector, and receivervalues.


Appendix A

MapInfo files

File Description

.map Map file for objects associated with .tab files (see “Outputfiles”).

.id ID of objects associated with .tab file.

.dat Data file associated with .tab or .xml file.

.tda Intermediate file generated by MapInfo when edits have notbeen saved. Serves as an intermediate save. Handled only byMapInfo.

.tin Intermediate file generated by MapInfo when edits have notbeen saved. Serves as an intermediate save. Handled only byMapInfo.

.tma Intermediate file generated by MapInfo when edits have notbeen saved. Serves as an intermediate save. Handled only byMapInfo.


Documents

TDMA-FDMA User Guide