Pathloss 4.0 Guide

52
Application of the Pathloss Software

Transcript of Pathloss 4.0 Guide

Application of the Pathloss Software

Contents

Overview

Importing the Data

Pre-Planning Routes

Outputting the

Information

Overview• Purpose

1. Masters the basic operations of the Pathloss.

2. Pre-plans the microwave routes by using the Pathloss.

• Studied Case

Area: Mauritius, which is located in the east longitude and

south latitude, Southern Hemisphere

Basic information of the site:

High- accuracy electronic map (in the Planet_UTM format):

Overview• The Pathloss software is a comprehensive path design tool based on the radio

links. The Pathloss software operates at frequencies ranging from 30 MHz to 100 GHz. Currently, Pathloss 4.0 is commonly used.

• Generally, electronic maps in three formats are used for the Pathloss software. They are described as follows:1. Electronic map released with the softwareThe accuracy of this map is 900 meters. The map is carried in two disks as

follows: Disk 1-map covering the North and South AmericaDisk 2-map covering the Europe, Africa and Asia 2. Electronic map in the SRTM formatThis kind of map is classified into the following three categories: SRTM 1': The accuracy of this map is 30 meters. Only the electronic map covering part of the North America is available. SRTM 3':The accuracy of this map is 90 meters. The high-accuracy electronic map covering the entire globe is available. It is commonly used. SRTM 30': The accuracy of this map is 900 meters. The high-accuracy electronic map covering the entire globe is available. 3. Electronic map in the Planet_UTM formatThis kind of map has high accuracy, which ranges from several meters to tens of meters. You can obtain it form the Radio Network Planning Dept.

OverviewFour versions of the Pathloss Software• PL4B: basic design software for microwave

transmission

• PL4C: basic design software for microwave

transmission + coverage calculation

• PL4I: basic design software for microwave

transmission + interference analysis

• PL4CI: basic design software for microwave

transmission + coverage calculation + interference

analysis

OverviewRequirements for Installing the Pathloss Software

• The computer should be of the Pentium series, and should run in the

Windows 95/98 (or a later version) or Windows NT 4.0 (or a later version)

operating system.

• The Pathloss software (with few database engines) requires a minimum of

6-Mbyte hard disk space. More database engines and various data files will

increase the requirement for the hard disk space to 25 Mbytes.

• A memory with a capacity of more than 64 Mbytes is required when the

computer runs in the Windows 95/98 operating system, or a memory with a

capacity of more than 128 Mbytes is required when the computer runs in the

Windows NE operating system.

• The authentication of license (in a floppy disk or in a dongle) is required.

• You can obtain these contents at the website of CTE: www.pathloss.com

OverviewUninstallation of the PathlossLicense in a floppy disk: • Choose Configure > Program > Uninitialize Program from the menu in the

Pathloss.

• Click Start, and select Control Panel. In the displayed window, choose Add orRemove Programs > Change or Remove Programs > Pathloss 4.0.

License in a USB• Click Start, and select Control Panel. In the displayed window, choose Add or

Remove Programs > Change or Remove Programs > Pathloss 4.0.

Contents

Overview

Importing the Data

Pre-Planning Routes

Outputting the

Information

Importing the Data• Processing the Data

• Importing the Electronic Map1. Importing the electronic map released with the software• Click Start, and choose Program > Pathloss 4.0 to run the software. • Choose Configure > Terrain Database from the menu of the Pathloss. (In the

displayed dialog box, according to the format of the map released with the software, GTopo30 Global 30 sec under Primary is generally selected.)

Importing the Data• Click Setup Primary, and then click Set Directory in the Gtopo30 Global 30 sec

dialog box to set the directory that contains the information of the map to be used in the network planning. When the directory setting is complete, click OK. Click Closein the GTopo30 Global 30 sec dialog box, and then click OK in the Configure Terrain Database dialog box.

Importing the Data2. Importing the electronic map in the SRTM format

• Run the Pathloss software, and choose Configure > Terrain Database from the

menu of the Pathloss. In the displayed dialog box, select SRTM under Primary.

• Click Setup Primary, and the SRTM window is displayed. Choose Files > BIL-HDR-BLW to select the proper map (in the format of *.hgt).

Importing the Data3. Importing the electronic map in the Planet_UTM format

Run the Pathloss software, and choose Configure > Geographic Defaults from the menu of thePathloss. In the displayed Geographic Defaults dialog box, modify the values in Datum and Ellipsoid to the formats specified in the Projection file. Select the proper items under Latitude, Longitude and Use as required. Under Grid Coordinate System, select Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). Modify other items according to the actual situation. (In the studied case, Mauritius is located in the east longitude and south latitude, Southern Hemisphere.)

Importing the DataDescriptions of the options:

1. Datum: You should make a selection in the drop-down list after Datum if Datum is selected. Select the proper item in the drop-down list after Datum, according to the attribute of the map that is used.

2. Ellipsoid: You should make a selection in the drop-down list after Ellipsoid if Ellipsoid is selected. Select the proper item in the drop-down list after Ellipsoid, according to the attribute of the map that is used.

3. Longitude

4. Latitude

5. Use: Select Datum or Ellipsoid.

6. Grid Coordinate System: Generally, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) is selected.

7. Seconds Format: Generally, Nearest 0.01 Second is selected. (This item does not affect the calculation and the final result.)

8. Allow Non Standard UTM Zones

Importing the DataThe Pathloss software supports various ellipsoid definitions and projection modes.

Projection modes: Approximately 10 projection modes, such as UTM, Gausss Kruger, Gauss Conformal (south Africa), New Zealand Gird, are supported.

Ellipsoid definitions: More than 100 ellipsoid definitions, such as WGS1984, WGS1972, GRS80, Voirol1960, Massawa, Airy1983, and Mahe19871, are supported.

Importing the DataThe maps used in the radio network planning all adopt the UTM projection mode.

The basic contents of the UTM are as follows: heights, clutter, vectors.The projection.txt file in the heights folder includes the information of the digital map, such as the ellipsoid, time zone, projection mode and range. For exampleGRS-1980: ellipsoid definition 29: time zone information of the digital map, that is, Time Zone 29 UTM: projection mode of the map0.0-9.0 500000.0 0.0: range of the map

The maps used in the radio network planning mostly adopt the ellipsoid definitions WGS1984 and GRS1980, and the UTM projection mode.

Importing the DataThe map projection can exhibit the curved earth surface on a flat surface by using the specific mathematics method, according to a certain algorithm, and thus establish mapping relations between the points on the earth surface and the points on the flat surface. When the ellipsoid of the earth is projected on a flat surface, the distortion will occur. According to the shape of the projection plane, the map projection is classified into azimuth projection, cylindrical projection, and conical projection. According to the projection distortion property, the map projection is classified into conformal projection, equivalent projection, and equidistant projection.

Map Projection

As the internal substances of the earth are distributed unevenly and the earth surface rolls, the datum cannot be used as the calculation plane of the measurement result. In this case, a rotating ellipsoid that is similar to the earth is usually selected and is expressed in the mathematical way to replace the datum. The ellipsoid is the basis for measurement and map drawing. The rotating ellipsoid that is in best accordance with the datum of the local area (a nation or several nations) is called the reference ellipsoids, such as GRS80, Krassovsky, and WGS84.

Reference Ellipsoid

Importing the DataUniversal Transverse Mercator (UTM)

UTM projection is a conformal, secant, and cylindrical projection. The cylinder intersects the

earth at the two circles of equal altitudes: south altitude 80 degrees and north altitude 84

degrees. After the projection, distortion does not occur to the two intersected longitudes. The

ratio of the two longitudes to the central meridian is 0.9996. The UTM projection is created for

the world war. In 1948, the U.S.A completed the calculation of this universe projection system.

The projection azimuth is not distorted, the central meridian is a straight line and is the

symmetry axis of the projection.

In UTM, earth is divided into 60 zones limited by west longitude 180 degrees, spanning six

degrees of longitude each from the west to the east. UTM is a widely used projection mode.

The satellite image of China often adopts the UTM projection mode.

Importing the Data Choose Configure > Terrain Database from the menu of the Pathloss. In the displayed Configure Terrain Database dialog box, select Odyssey - UTM under Primary.

Importing the Data• Click Setup Primary. In the displayed Odyssey - UTM dialog box, select Use

special UTM zone, and enter the time zone number plus N or S in the box. ("N" represents the Northern Hemisphere, and "S" represents the Southern Hemisphere. If you do not enter N or S, it is set to N by default. In the case of Mauritius, you should enter 40S.) If the map contains the information of buildings, select Embedded building data. If the map covers regions that are located in several time zones, you can select Use standard UTM zones in index.

Importing the DataDescriptions of the options:

1. Use standard UTM zones in index: When the map covers regions that are located in several time zones, you should select this item.

2. Use specified index file: When the time zone file is available, you can select this item. In this case, you should specify the index file that contains the data of the

time zone. 3. Use specified UTM zone: When you select this item, enter the accurate time

zone number and the letter that indicates the hemisphere where the region is located, for example, 40S

4. Embedded building data: When the map contains the information of buildings, select this item. When the planned links are located in cities, this item has a great

impact.

Importing the Data Click Set Directory to specify the directory of the map. In the example, the path is as follows: D:\Microwave Planning Design Software Training\20-new Mauritius\height. Note that you should select the Heights folder in the directory of the digital map. Click Index, and choose Files > Import List in the displayed Odyssey - UTM window. The Define Fields dialog box is displayed as follows:

Importing the Data• Click Planet, and the format of the imported data is changed to Planet. In

UTM zone, enter the time zone number plus N or S. Then click OK, select the Index.txt file, and click OK. The map information list is imported. Choose Files > Close in the Odyssey - UTM window. Click Close and then click OK.

• Descriptions of the preceding parameters: Edge units: generally expressed in metersByte order: SPARC or INTELBottom up: This item determines whether the map starts from the southwestern corner or from the northwestern corner. If the imported map is upside down, you need to adjust this item.

Importing the Data• Importing the Data in the Format of CSV

Importing the data of a single layer

Choose Module > Network > Site Data > Site List > Import > Site Text File from the menu of the Pathloss, and the Import Text File dialog box

is displayed.

After you determine the related items in the Import Text File dialog box, click Import. Select the data to be imported (final data format: *.CSV), click Open, and then click Import. Click Close when the process is complete.

Importing the Data• Choose Files > Save (in the format of *.gr4) > Site

Data > Create Background. The background file

is created.

Importing the Data• The background files may not be created when the

Pathloss is used. The possible causes are as

follows:

1. The table heading in the saved *.CSV file is not

deleted.

2. The path of the map is incorrectly set.

3. The geographical location is incorrectly set.

4. The file is not saved as required, that is, you

should choose Files > Save to save the file in the

format of *.gr4.

Importing the DataImporting the data of multiple layers

• Click Start, and choose Program > Pathloss 4.0 to run the software.

• Choose Module > Network > Configure > Terrain Database, and the Configure Terrain Database dialog box is displayed.

• Setting the layers: Select Layers to determine the layer where the site is located, and then click OK.

• Modifying the legends of sites in batches: Choose Defaults> Site Legend.

• Choose Site Data > Site List > Import > Site Text File, and the Import Text File dialog box is displayed. After you set the attributes of the site in the dialog box, click Import to select the data to be imported (in the format of *.CSV). Click Import, and then click Close when the process is complete.

Contents

Overview

Importing the Data

Pre-Planning Routes

Outputting the

Information

Pre-Planning Routes1. Read through the contents on network, transmission and line construction in the

tender document and digest these contents. Sort out the required information. 2. If the clauses that are required for the network planning but are not specified in the

tender document, communicate with the operator and clarify the doubts. 3. Fully understand the bidding strategies of the project team. 4. Determine the required conditions for pre-planning the microwave transmission

routes, based on the requirements of the tender document, the conclusion reached after the communication with the project team, and the output of the radio network planning. These required conditions are described as follows:

• Bidding strategies of the project team• KPIs• Transmission modes of the backbone network (network between cities) • Selected microwave products• Maximum antenna heights • Adopted protection modes

Pre-Planning Routes• Risk factor of the microwave BOQ• Frequencies• Geographical location of the nation, that is, the hemisphere, longitude, and latitude

where the nation is located. • Location of each BTS and the requirement of each BTS for the transmission

capacity• Location of each BSC and the requirement of each BSC for the transmission

capacity• Subordinating relations between BSCs and BTSs 5. When the Pathloss software is used to pre-plan the microwave transmission routes,

the following aspects are involved: • Divide the work of personnel involved in the project microwave planning and

design and making out the plan.• Produce the project-level microwave transmission distance calculation table.• Determine the graphic example of the project-level microwave planning and design

and outputting the format.• Determine the microwave network topology to design the network at different

layers, that is, backbone layer, convergence layer, and access layer. Increase the distance of routes in the SDH backbone network to a proper length to decrease the number of SDH microwave hops, choosing curved profiles, and capitalizing on the local terrain condition.

Pre-Planning Routes• Network Configuration

SDH (large-capacity microwave:

STM-1)

PDH (small-capacity microwave:

4xE1, 8xE1, 16xE1)

4xE1 4xE1

2xE1

4xE1

16xE1

1E1

4xE11+1BSC

1xE12xE1

1xE1

2xE1

Pre-Planning RoutesConnecting the BSC at the root node to the nearest site

Start

Check if there is the site with no link configured

YES

NO

Click on the connection line

Terrain Data

Operations

Generate Profile

Close

Module

Antenna Heights

Calculate to adjust the antenna heights at two ends

Check if the line-of-sight Transmissions Between two sites

is available

Adding a Relay Site

YES

NO

Network

YES

END

Flow chart 1

(1)

Pre-Planning RoutesProcedures for Configuring a Link

Connect the BSC to a nearest site, and click on the connection line. Choose Terrain Data > Operations > Generate Profile.

In the displayed Generate Profile dialog box, click Generateand then click Close. Choose Module > Antenna Heights, and click Calculate (check if the line-of-sight transmission between the two sites is available).

Choose Module > Network, and then click Yes.

Pre-Planning Routes• Drag the mouse to connect Site38 and Site40. Click on the

connection line, and select Summary. Based on the data in Calculated Distance (km), enter the proper value in Frequency. This hop of link adopts the central frequency point 12996 MHz of the 13 GHz frequency band.

Pre-Planning Routes• Choose Module > Terrain Data > Operations >

Generate Profile.

Pre-Planning Routes• Click Generate in the Generate Profile dialog box, and then click

Close. Double-click the blank area under Structure, and then select Range of Structures. Set the height of the structure (in the example, a tree of 15 meters).

Select any point on the profile, and you can modify the related parameters, for

example, distance, elevation, structure, scale and ground.

Pre-Planning Routes• Choose Module > Antenna Heights, and then click .

Pre-Planning Routes• Choose Module > Print Profile.

十月 18 07

Site38Latitude 20 11 15.36 SLongitude 057 43 03.36 EAzimuth 298.90Elevation 40 m ASLAntenna CL 28.5 m AGL

Site40Latitude 20 08 52.08 SLongitude 057 38 28.68 EAzimuth 118.93Elevation 170 m ASLAntenna CL 29.8 m AGL

Frequency (MHz) = 12996.0K = 1.33, 0.67

%F1 = 100.00, 60.00

Path length (9.11 km)0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Eleva

tion (

m)

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

220

Pre-Planning RoutesOperations for the Sites Between Which the Line-of-Sight Transmission Is not Available: Adding a Relay Site

Site Data

Add Site

Click on the locationof the relay site to be

added

Add Site

Enter the name ofthe relay site

OK

Determine thelocation of the relay

site to be added

Flow chart 1-(1)

Flow chart 2Flow chart 2 Flow chart 2

Pre-Planning Routes• Deleting a Relay Site

Choose Site Data > Site List, and select the site to be deleted. Choose

Edit > Delete > Import > Close.

• Labeling a Link

Labeling a link by default (labeling the site distance only)Right-click on a link and select Label, and the Label dialog box is displayed.

Select Distance, and deselect Do not draw. Enter the information of the

link in the blank of the dialog box. You can also adjust the font size and

position of the characters. After the process is complete, click OK.

Labeling a link in a customized way (labeling any information on the link)

Right-click on a link and select Label, and the Label dialog box is displayed.

Deselect Do not draw. Enter the information of the link in the blank of the

dialog box. You can also adjust the font size and position of the characters.

After the process is complete, click OK.

Pre-Planning Routes• Labeling a Link by Default (Labeling the Site Distance Only)

Pre-Planning Routes• Labeling a Link in a Customized Way (Labeling Any

Information on the Link)

Contents

Overview

Importing the Data

Pre-Planning Routes

Outputting the

Information

Outputting the Information

Outputting the networking diagram as a PDF document

Outputting theantenna height

and site distance

Outputting the profile diagrambetween sites

Outputting theterrain diagram

Outputting the Information• Choose Module > Network > Print > Copy from the menu

of the Pathloss. Paste the terrain diagram in the Word and save it in the format of *.doc.

Outputting the Information• Outputting the Profile Diagram of a Single Link

Click on the link whose profile diagram is to be output between two sites, and choose Terrain Data > Module > Print Profile > Print > Copy from the menu of the Pathloss. Paste the profile diagram in the Word and save it in the format of *.doc.

十月 18 07

Site38Latitude 20 11 15.36 SLongitude 057 43 03.36 EAzimuth 298.90Elevation 40 m ASLAntenna CL 28.5 m AGL

Site40Latitude 20 08 52.08 SLongitude 057 38 28.68 EAzimuth 118.93Elevation 170 m ASLAntenna CL 29.8 m AGL

Frequency (MHz) = 12996.0K = 1.33, 0.67

%F1 = 100.00, 60.00

Path length (9.11 km)0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Elevat

ion (m

)

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

220

Outputting the Information• Outputting the Profile Diagrams of Multiple Links in Batches

Two software programs should be installed: Adobe Acrobat 5.0 and pdfprinter.

Double-click Pathloss 4.0. Choose Module > Print Profile > Batch Print, and then click on a certain link. Press Ctrl+A to select all links, and then click Open. Enter the names of these files, and save them in the format of *.PDF. (The number of files is determined by the number of links. In this case, the PDF documents containing the profile diagrams are generated in batches.)

Double-click on a certain link whose PDF document containing the profile diagram was

Outputting the Information• Outputting the Antenna Height and Site Distance

Choose Site Data > Site List > Reports > CSV link list-microwave. Select the site information to be output, and then click OK. In this case, the report is saved as a CSV file. You should open it in the Excel and save it in the format of *xls.

Outputting the Information

Outputting the Information• The networking diagram is output as a PDF

document. Do as follows: Click Printer Setup, and select Acrobat PDFWrite in the Printer Setupdialog box. Set the size of the paper, and then click Properties.

Outputting the Information

Outputting the Information Choose Print > Print to save the file in the format of *.pdf, and then click Save.