Propagation Engine for Forsk ATOLL

Integration

The wave propagation engine PRO-R of the WinProp software package is fully integrated into ATOLL, the radio network planning solution of Forsk. Atoll is a Windows^® based radio network planning (RNP) tool supporting wireless telecom operators during the whole network lifetime.

Rural prediction

Besides the standard rural wave propagation models like Hata-Okumura, the WinProp plug-in for the Atoll tool includes several further highly accurate empirical and deterministic propagation models.

• Empirical Two-Ray Model (Two slope model with breakpoint).
  Optionally with Knife Edge Diffraction in NLOS areas
   
• Deterministic Two Ray Model (Ground reflection and LOS ray are determined with ray-optical algorithms)
  Optionally with Knife Edge Diffraction in NLOS areas
   
• Hata-Okumura Model
  Optionally with Knife Edge Diffraction in NLOS areas
   
• Dominant Path Model (DPM)

More information about each propagation model is available after clicking on the corresponding links.

The models are based on digital terrain elevation models (DTM). Additionally to the topography, the land usage (water, roads, buildings, forest,...) influences the propagation of electromagnetic waves. Therefore land usage (clutter) databases can be used optionally to improve the accuracy of the path loss predictions. The user can define frequency dependent losses for each clutter class - these clutter dependent losses can be calibrated automatically with measurements. Besides these frequency depending losses, the height of the objects (this is important for the Knife-Edge Diffraction model) and the clearance can be defined by the user individually for each clutter class.

The clutter classes can also be used to control the selection of propagation models (e.g. selection of sub models of Hata-Okumura model) and the electrical properties of the ground can be defined for each clutter class to improve the accuracy of the ground reflected ray in the deterministic two ray model.

Besides the computation of whole prediction areas, it is also possible to do path loss simulations along measurement routes for direct comparisons between prediction and measurement.

Prediction along a measurement route

A free evaluation license is available. Please contact AWE's sales team if you are interested in a trial.

Features

Included features:

• Coverage analysis based on accurate propagation models
• Optionally consideration of clutter properties (land usage)
  • Frequency dependent additional losses for each clutter class
  • Individual height of objects in each clutter class (especially for Knife-Edge-Diffraction and Deterministic Two Ray)
  • Definition of clearance radii for each clutter class
  • Hata-Okumura sub-model (dense urban, urban, suburban, open area) individual for each clutter class
  • Electrical properties of ground individual for each clutter class to improve accuracy of ground reflected ray (only for Deterministic Two Ray)
  • Calibration of clutter classes with measurement data
• Dominant Path Model comes with auto-calibration module
• Fully integrated graphical user interface allows the definition of all model specific parameters
• Optional output of prediction results in WinProp format

Screenshots

As shown in the following screenshots (click to enlarge), WinProp propagation models are fully integrated in the radio network planning tool.

Brochure related to the propagation plug-in  for Forsk Atoll

Brochure related to the rural prediction models

Short guide how to work with WinProp in Forsk Atoll.

See a comparison between different rural prediction models.

Read more about the WinProp Propagation Engines.

Read more about the urban propagation plug-ins.