Complete set of Link planning solutions for Microwave link operators, Microwave link installers and Mast owners
As the demand for 5G grows, LS of South Africa provides essential microwave solutions for cost-effective mobile coverage, including drone-based line-of-sight checks, frequency interference management, and detailed link planning. The comprehensive approach ensures efficient and reliable communication infrastructure.
As the need for broadband access increases with the introduction and deployment of 5G networks, microwave solutions continue to be a key enabler for deploying cost-effective mobile coverage and capacity across the globe.
However, this also results in the densification of microwave networks in some geographic locations , resulting in a higher likelihood for interference. Spectrum management and coordination by the telecoms regulator are essential to reduce the occurrence of interference on licensed links, but equally so if not more important, is that proper planning and installation techniques are employed from the onset.
To assist Microwave link operators, planners and installers with this challenge, LS of South Africa provides the ultimate solution that includes line of sight checks for distances of up to 100 Km, identification of frequency and channel with the lowest possible interference risk and detailed link planning for predefined availability requirements, complete with link engineering reports.
The checks are performed in two ways:
- for short links (up to 10km if weather and visibility permits)
- for any link up to 100km using radio signal based Line-of-sight algorithm
Innovative Line of Sight Checks for link distances of up to 100 km
A Line-of-Sight (LOS) check determines whether a microwave link can be deployed with good clearance.
LS of SA has developed technology to perform visual Line-of-sight checks using remote piloted aircraft (RPA) or drone.
To perform the study, two drones are used at both ends of the link to determine the Line of sight and the required antenna heights. We can also determine the minimum mid-antenna height for antenna mounting at both ends of the link. Our procedure will also ensure 1st Fresnel zone clearance for a specific frequency pairing in a given frequency band. The frequency band of the link needs to be suitable for the length of the link.
The line-of-sight check can be done with a microwave planning tool as shown in the picture below. This is further confirmed with the measurement results performed with the RPA during the site surveys.
The benefits of this method LOS determination are:
Unintrusive and no access is required to the mast as the measurements are drone based.
This method saves time and the Line-of-sight results can be cross checked with our user friendly and efficient microwave planning software, CHIRplus_TC.
However, we are also able to perform site audits which entail access to the base station's equipment shelters.
Report on frequency and channel identification with the lowest possible interference risk
LS of South Africa now has the capability to recommend the frequency with the lowest interference potential in the applicable microwave frequency band.
This is achieved by using an integrated drone based measurements solution to determine the usable field strength for each channel of the applicable frequency band . The drone based measurements results can be produced in a fraction of the time of the traditional methods to identify the most suitable frequency.
We produce a report that can reflect all applicable frequency activity information in the area where the link needs to be deployed. A theoretical interference study can also be performed if the frequency database is updated with all link information in the area.
Both solutions addresses both the uplink and downlink frequency pair. These investigations apply to any frequency band allocation including link investigation in the 6 GHz -42 GHz bands.
- Unintrusive and no access is required to the mast as the measurements are drone based
- This method saves time and the Line-of-sight results can be cross checked with our user friendly and efficient microwave planning software, CHIRplus_TC
Link planning for predefined availability complete with engineering reports
CHIRplus_TC is a practice proven, user-friendly and efficient tool for the design and planning of wireless telecommunications with support of all relevant telecommunication technologies.
Some features of the tool include detailed analysis of LOS considering both topographical and morphological information for an accurate estimation of LOS.
CHIRplus_TC enables the microwave planner to have access to the high quality mapping data, this ensures that the simulated results are of the highest accuracy.
Results of any calculation performed in CHIRplus_TC can be generated and exported in various formats.
