There are no short cuts to a successful wireless link and design. Proper engineering and design must always be considered in designing a wireless system. Whether installing a complex, 40-mile, licensed, high capacity microwave radio system with monitor hot standby and space diversity or a simple Ethernet Bridge across a parking lot–a systematic, detailed and scientific approach is always recommended to ensure predictable results. Southwest LAN Connections successfully combines the discipline of science with the consistency of field experience in our Engineering Services to dispel the common myths surrounding both licensed and license-exempt systems.
Customer Wireless and Networking Requirements
Our first step, for any wireless system design, is to engage our presales engineers in the quest to understand your expectations for wireless networking requirements.
- What is the criticality of this wireless system?
- What are your bandwidth requirements?
- Should this system provide your business future network scalability?
- Will this wireless transport require voice, video and data?
- Does your data require a high capacity encryption solution?
Preliminary Engineering Study (Wireless Feasibility and Budgetary Cost)
The preliminary study will determine wireless feasibility and budgetary costs. With customer provided addresses, estimated heights of buildings, trees, potential obstructions an extensive terrain database, we perform terrain studies to generate a preliminary path profile. We then use digital satellite imagery for a 3-D snap shot of the wireless link. The data obtained in this phase can help us determine if communication structures, such as a tower, need to be involved or if any permits are required by city, county or government ordinances.
Path Propagation Study (Site and Path Survey)
This phase of the design process involves the actual site and field survey, where we gather the following pertinent data and verify the results of the preliminary Engineering Studies.
- Verify terrain topology and path surface characteristics, elevation heights of existing buildings or communication towers for determining antenna centerline
- Identification of potential obstructions and heights
- Identification of interference sources, including foreign system interferences
- Assess structure type for antenna mounting engineering purposes
- Assess the need for a soil analysis or PE certified structural analysis Identification of grounding sources and feeder cable raceways
- Site component inventory of existing wireless system on or around the building
- Aesthetics consideration as specified by the building owner or landlord
Wireless Network Map and RF Coverage Analysis
The wireless network map is an overview of the system, providing information such as geographic coordinates, path lengths, path directions (azimuths) and angles between transmitters and receivers. These maps can be very beneficial for expansion considerations for interference analysis of your wireless system. For point-to-multipoint systems, we can also provide RF coverage analysis to determine the size and type of sector antennas to cover a specified area.
Interference Analysis / Prior Coordination Notices
- Licensed Systems: Licensed radio systems are regulated by the FCC rules governing fixed micro wave under Part 101 CFR Title 47. These rules, such as the mandatory PCN (Prior Coordination Notices), subsequent FCC filings and other related services can be completed and submitted by Southwest LAN Connections.
- License-Exempt Systems: For ISM and UNII band, license-exempt systems, a spectrum analysisis highly recommended. Previously identified potential interference sources need to be analyzed to determine the optimum antenna placement and other interference mitigation procedures. Southwest LAN Connections also offers our Spectrum and Interference analysis to companies with existing co-located, license-exempt systems. In light of the increasing demand for these systems, it is critical to be able to address and mitigate evolving interference conditions as they change in order to preserve the viability of your wireless investment.
Reliability Analysis and Feasibility Reports
Comprehensive report containing a summary of Engineering studies, includes, but will not be limited to:
- Reliability Analysis prediction, taking to account atmospheric fading, rain attenuation, specular reflection, diffraction and other propagation irregularities
- Radio path profiles illustrating earth curvature effect, Fresnel zone clearance and signal path along with determined reflective surfaces, obstructions and terrain data
