WiMAX Networks for mobile applications

Planning of WiMAX networks for mobile applications

Multi-Layer Fieldstrength Prediction


Penetration of waves into buildings is very important for planning WiMAX networks for mobile applications. Even more important are combined simulation scenarios with indoor and outdoor predictions.

An example for such a combined simulation scenario is shown in the following figures.

Figure 1 depicts the simulation scenario, where wave propagation for mobile WiMAX applications in the 3.5 GHz frequency band was simulated. One WiMAX base station antenna (Sira
3.5 WLL 17-60) was placed, near a multi floor office building (see figure 2). The antenna is mounted 25 meters above the ground and has a downtilt of two degrees. Transmitter power was 43 dBm.

        
Figure 1:  Field strength prediction in a combined urban/indoor scenario.
For each pixel in the scenario database the field strength (path loss) is predicted. WinProp is able compute simultaneously on multiple prediction heights for indoor scenarios (even if used in combined urban/indoor scenarios).

In this example, the field strength (path loss) is predicted 1.5 meters above the ground in the streets. Additionally, the path loss inside the office building is predicted on all three floors (1.5m, 6.5m and 11.5m above street level).

Detailed Result View



Figure 2:  2D view of the Field strength prediction in a combined scenario.

There are two possibilities for computing the indoor coverage:

  • Empirical indoor models without consideration of indoor walls.
    This should be selected if no information about the walls inside the building is available.

  • Combined network planning (CNP) including indoor walls. 
    This should be selected if information about walls and objects inside the building is available.
Figure 2 shows the the field strength on the ground floor of a multifloor office building (in the center of figure 2, prediction inside building computed with CNP => incl. indoor walls) and the field strength prediction on the ground floors of all other buildings (predicted with empirical indoor coverage models => without indoor walls).

Indoor fieldstrength prediction is very useful for the planning of mobile WiMAX applications, especially for large office buildings or shopping centers with multiple floors. WinProp offers highly accurate indoor prediction results on several building floors simultaneously.
 



Figure 3a:
Field strength prediction on ground floor  (1.5 meters above street level)
Figure 3b:
Field strength prediction on 2nd floor
(6.5 meters above street level)
Figure 3c:
Field strength prediction on 3rd floor (11.5 meters above street level)

Figure 3 shows the advantages of indoor field strength prediction on multiple heights. The received field strength on the ground floor of the building (see figure 3a) is below 85 dBµV/m. The mean value of the field strength on the ground floor is 78.2 dBµV/m.
 On the second floor (figure 3b), the mean field strength predicted is 82.8 dBµV/m.
The situation improves even more on the third floor (figure 3c), where the mean field strength is 90 dBµV/m.

 

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Features

Features of the WiMAX module at a glance:

  • Coverage analysis based on accurate  Point to MultiPoint  propagation models
  • Supports nomadic as well as staionary users 
  • Supports both frequency bands (below 11 GHz and 10-66 GHz)
  • Consideration of downlink and uplink
  • CoChannel Interference anaylsis
  • Coverage analysis (incl. Fast Fading margin)
  • Required Tx power in up- and downlink 
  • Multi-Service concept allows user-defined services   
  • Easy handling of the databases  

Demo Project 


Download example here.


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