Atoll 2 8 3 User Manual MW E2

User Manual Microwave Links
v e r s i o n 2.8.3
AT283_UMM_E2
Atoll User Manual
Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited
Forsk 2010
Contact Information
Forsk (Head Office) 7 rue des Briquetiers 31700 Blagnac France
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Atoll 2.8.3 User Manual Release AT283_UMM_E2 Copyright 1997 - 2010 by Forsk The software described in this document is provided under a license agreement and may only be used or copied under the terms and conditions of the license agreement. No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form without prior authorisation from Forsk. The product or brand names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective registering parties.
About the Atoll User Documentation

The Atoll user documentation is a guide and reference for users working with Atoll. Atoll is easy to use and offers a clear, self-explanatory user interface. The user documentation helps the user make effective and efficient use of all the features that Atoll offers. The user documentation aims to familiarise the user with the working environment of Atoll and enable him to use all of Atolls features and functions. The Atoll user documentation is technology-specific. For each Atoll radio technology, the Atoll user manual contains instructions and information specific to that technology as well as chapters describing the Atoll working environment and the tools available.
Forsk 2010
Atoll User Manual
Forsk 2010
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1
1.1.1 1.1.2
The Working Environment .................................................................................................... 13

The Atoll Work Area .................................................................................................................... 13
Working with Document Windows .................................................................................................... 14 Docking or Floating an Atoll Window ................................................................................................ 14 The Explorer Window ................................................................................................................. 15 Working with the Explorer Window Tabs .......................................................................................... 15 Navigating in the Explorer Window .................................................................................................. 16 Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer ........................................................... 16 Working with Layers Using the Explorer .......................................................................................... 16 Working with Objects .................................................................................................................. 17 Using the Object Context Menu ....................................................................................................... 17 Renaming an Object ................................................................................................................... 17 Deleting an Object ...................................................................................................................... 17 Displaying the Properties of an Object ....................................................................................... 18 Modifying Sites and Microwave Link Extremities Directly on the Map ............................................. 18 Selecting One of Several Microwave Links ................................................................................ 19 Moving a Site Using the Mouse .................................................................................................. 19 Moving a Site to a Higher Location ............................................................................................. 19 Changing the Azimuth of the Antenna Using the Mouse ............................................................ 19 Changing the Antenna Position Relative to the Site Using the Mouse ....................................... 20 Selecting Another Site for the Link Extremity Using the Mouse ................................................. 20 Display Properties of Objects ........................................................................................................... 21 Defining the Display Properties of Objects ................................................................................. 21 Examples of Using the Display Properties of Objects ................................................................ 25 Working with Maps....................................................................................................................... 26 Changing the Map Scale .................................................................................................................. 26 Zooming In and Out .................................................................................................................... 26 Zooming In on a Specific Area.................................................................................................... 27 Choosing a Scale........................................................................................................................ 27 Changing Between Previous Zoom Levels ................................................................................. 27 Moving the Map in the Document Window ....................................................................................... 27 Using the Panoramic Window .......................................................................................................... 27 Centring the Map Window on an Object ........................................................................................... 28 Measuring Distances on the Map ..................................................................................................... 28 Displaying Rulers Around the Map ................................................................................................... 28 Displaying the Map Legend .............................................................................................................. 29 Using Zones in the Map Window ...................................................................................................... 29 Using a Filtering Zone................................................................................................................. 29 Using a Computation Zone ......................................................................................................... 30 Using a Focus Zone.................................................................................................................... 31 Using Polygon Zone Editing Tools .............................................................................................. 31 Using a Printing Zone ................................................................................................................. 33 Using a Geographic Export Zone ............................................................................................... 33 Editing Polygons, Lines, and Points ................................................................................................. 34 Adding a Vector Layer ................................................................................................................ 34 Creating Polygons, Lines, and Points ......................................................................................... 35 Editing the Shape of Polygons and Lines ................................................................................... 35 Combining or Cropping Polygons Using the Toolbar .................................................................. 36 Editing a Point............................................................................................................................. 36 Editing Contours, Lines, and Points Using the Context Menu .................................................... 37 Exporting Coverage Prediction Results ............................................................................................ 37 Exporting an Individual Coverage Prediction in Vector Format .................................................. 38 Exporting an Individual Coverage Prediction in Raster Format .................................................. 38 Exporting Multiple Coverage Predictions .................................................................................... 39 Saving a Map as a Graphic Image ................................................................................................... 39 Copying a Map to Another Application ............................................................................................. 40
1.2
1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3 1.2.4
1.3
1.3.1 1.3.1.1 1.3.1.2 1.3.1.3 1.3.2 1.3.2.1 1.3.2.2 1.3.2.3 1.3.2.4 1.3.2.5 1.3.2.6 1.3.3 1.3.3.1 1.3.3.2
1.4
1.4.1 1.4.1.1 1.4.1.2 1.4.1.3 1.4.1.4 1.4.2 1.4.3 1.4.4 1.4.5 1.4.6 1.4.7 1.4.8 1.4.8.1 1.4.8.2 1.4.8.3 1.4.8.4 1.4.8.5 1.4.8.6 1.4.9 1.4.9.1 1.4.9.2 1.4.9.3 1.4.9.4 1.4.9.5 1.4.9.6 1.4.10 1.4.10.1 1.4.10.2 1.4.10.3 1.4.11 1.4.12
Forsk 2010
Atoll User Manual
1.4.13
Map Window Pointers .......................................................................................................................40
1.5
1.5.1 1.5.2 1.5.2.1 1.5.2.2 1.5.2.3 1.5.3 1.5.4 1.5.5 1.5.6 1.5.6.1 1.5.6.2 1.5.7 1.5.8 1.5.9 1.5.10 1.5.11
Working with Data Tables .........................................................................................................41

Opening a Data Table .......................................................................................................................41 Adding, Deleting, and Editing Data Table Fields...............................................................................42 Accessing an Object Types Table Fields ...................................................................................42 Adding a Field to an Object Types Data Table ...........................................................................42 Deleting a Field from an Object Types Data Table .....................................................................43 Editing the Contents of a Table .........................................................................................................43 Opening an Objects Record Properties Dialogue from a Table .......................................................44 Defining the Table Format.................................................................................................................44 Copying and Pasting in Tables .........................................................................................................47 Copying and Pasting a Table Element ........................................................................................47 Pasting the Same Data into Several Cells ..................................................................................47 Viewing a Statistical Analysis of Table Contents ..............................................................................49 Exporting Tables to Text Files...........................................................................................................49 Importing Tables from Text Files.......................................................................................................50 Exporting Tables to XML Files ..........................................................................................................51 Importing Tables from XML Files ......................................................................................................52 Printing in Atoll ................................................................................................................................52 Printing Data Tables and Reports .....................................................................................................52 Printing a Map ...................................................................................................................................52 Printing Recommendations .........................................................................................................53 Defining the Printing Zone ...........................................................................................................53 Defining the Print Layout .............................................................................................................54 Previewing Your Printing ...................................................................................................................55 Printing a Docking Window ...............................................................................................................56 Grouping, Sorting, and Filtering Data..................................................................................56 Grouping Data Objects......................................................................................................................56 Grouping Data Objects by a Selected Property ..........................................................................56 Configuring the Group By Submenu ...........................................................................................57 Grouping Microwave Links by Site ..............................................................................................58 Advanced Grouping .....................................................................................................................58 Examples of Grouping .................................................................................................................59 Sorting Data ......................................................................................................................................60 Sorting Data in Tables .................................................................................................................60 Advanced Sorting ........................................................................................................................61 Filtering Data .....................................................................................................................................62 Filtering in Data Tables by Selection ...........................................................................................62 Advanced Data Filtering ..............................................................................................................63 Restoring All Records ..................................................................................................................64 Advanced Filtering: Examples .....................................................................................................64 User Configurations ..........................................................................................................................66 Exporting a User Configuration ...................................................................................................67 Importing a User Configuration ...................................................................................................67 Site Lists............................................................................................................................................67 Creating a Site List ......................................................................................................................68 Adding a Site to a List from the Explorer Window .......................................................................68 Adding a Site to a List from the Map Window .............................................................................68 Adding Sites to a List Using a Zone ............................................................................................68 Editing a Site List .........................................................................................................................69 Filtering on a Site List ..................................................................................................................69 Folder Configurations ........................................................................................................................69 Creating a Folder Configuration ..................................................................................................70 Applying a Saved Folder Configuration .......................................................................................70 Reapplying the Current Folder Configuration ..............................................................................70 Exporting a Folder Configuration .................................................................................................70 Importing a Folder Configuration .................................................................................................70 Deleting a Folder Configuration ...................................................................................................71 Creating and Comparing Subfolders .................................................................................................71 Filtering Data Using a Filtering Zone.................................................................................................71 Tips and Tricks ...............................................................................................................................72 Undoing and Redoing .......................................................................................................................72 Refreshing Maps and Folders ...........................................................................................................72 Searching for Objects on the Map.....................................................................................................72 Searching for a Map Object by Its Name ....................................................................................72 Searching for a Map Object using Any Text Property .................................................................73 Searching for a Point on the Map ................................................................................................73
Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited Forsk 2010
1.6
1.6.1 1.6.2 1.6.2.1 1.6.2.2 1.6.2.3 1.6.3 1.6.4
1.7
1.7.1 1.7.1.1 1.7.1.2 1.7.1.3 1.7.1.4 1.7.1.5 1.7.2 1.7.2.1 1.7.2.2 1.7.3 1.7.3.1 1.7.3.2 1.7.3.3 1.7.3.4 1.7.4 1.7.4.1 1.7.4.2 1.7.5 1.7.5.1 1.7.5.2 1.7.5.3 1.7.5.4 1.7.5.5 1.7.5.6 1.7.6 1.7.6.1 1.7.6.2 1.7.6.3 1.7.6.4 1.7.6.5 1.7.6.6 1.7.7 1.7.8
1.8
1.8.1 1.8.2 1.8.3 1.8.3.1 1.8.3.2 1.8.3.3
Table of Contents
1.8.4 1.8.5 1.8.6 1.8.7
Using the Status Bar to Get Information ........................................................................................... 73 Saving Information Displayed in the Event Viewer ........................................................................... 74 Using Icons from the Toolbar ........................................................................................................... 74 Using Shortcuts in Atoll .................................................................................................................... 75
2
2.1 2.2
2.2.1 2.2.1.1 2.2.1.2 2.2.1.3 2.2.2 2.2.2.1 2.2.2.2 2.2.2.3 2.2.2.4 2.2.2.5
Starting an Atoll Project .......................................................................................................... 79

Before Starting a Microwave-Planning Project .............................................................. 79 Creating an Atoll Document .................................................................................................... 79
Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template ............................................................................ 79 Templates Available ................................................................................................................... 79 Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template ...................................................................... 80 Defining a New Atoll Document .................................................................................................. 81 Working in a Multi-User Environment ............................................................................................... 83 The Atoll Multi-User Environment ............................................................................................... 83 Creating a New Atoll Document from a Database ...................................................................... 84 Working With a Document on a Database.................................................................................. 85 Refreshing an Atoll Document from the Database ..................................................................... 86 Archiving the Modifications of an Atoll Document in the Database ............................................ 87 Making a Backup of Your Document .................................................................................. 90 Configuring Automatic Backup ......................................................................................................... 90 Recovering a Backup ....................................................................................................................... 91 Making and Sharing Portable Atoll Projects .................................................................... 91
2.3
2.3.1 2.3.2
2.4
3
3.1 3.2 3.3
3.3.1 3.3.2 3.3.3 3.3.3.1 3.3.3.2 3.3.4 3.3.5 3.3.6 3.3.7
Managing Geographic Data ................................................................................................ 95

Geographic Data Types ............................................................................................................ 95 Supported Geographic Data Formats ................................................................................ 96 Importing Geo Data Files .......................................................................................................... 96
Importing a Raster-format Geo Data File ......................................................................................... 97 Importing a Vector-format Geo Data File ......................................................................................... 98 Importing MSI Planet Geo Data ..................................................................................................... 99 Importing One MSI Planet Geo Data Type .............................................................................. 99 Importing a MSI Planet Geo Database .................................................................................. 100 Importing a WMS Raster-format Geo Data File ............................................................................. 101 Grouping Geo Data Files in Folders ............................................................................................... 102 Embedding Geographic Data ......................................................................................................... 102 Repairing a Broken Link to a Geo Data File ................................................................................... 102 Digital Terrain Models .............................................................................................................. 103
3.4 3.5
3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 3.5.4 3.5.5
Clutter Classes............................................................................................................................. 103

Assigning Names to Clutter Classes .............................................................................................. 104 Defining Clutter Class Properties ................................................................................................... 104 Adding a Clutter Class .................................................................................................................... 105 Refreshing the List of Clutter Classes ............................................................................................ 105 Displaying Total Surface Area per Clutter Class ............................................................................ 105 Clutter Heights ............................................................................................................................. 106
3.6 3.7
3.7.1 3.7.2 3.7.3
Contours, Lines, and Points .................................................................................................. 106

Managing the Display of a Vector Layer ........................................................................................ 106 Managing the Properties of the Vector Layer ................................................................................. 106 Moving a Vector Layer to the Data Tab .......................................................................................... 107 Scanned Images ......................................................................................................................... 107 Importing Several Scanned Images ............................................................................................... 107 Defining the Display Properties of Scanned Images ...................................................................... 108 Geoclimatic Maps ....................................................................................................................... 108 Managing Geoclimatic Map Properties .......................................................................................... 109 Displaying Geoclimatic Statistics .................................................................................................... 109 Setting the Priority of Geo Data........................................................................................... 109 Setting the Display Priority of Geo Data ......................................................................................... 109 Setting the Priority of Geo Data in Calculations ............................................................................. 110 Example 1: Two DTM Maps Representing Different Areas ...................................................... 111 Example 2: Clutter Classes and DTM Maps Representing the Same Area ............................. 111 Example 3: Two Clutter Class Maps Representing a Common Area ....................................... 111 Displaying Information About Geo Data .......................................................................... 112
3.8
3.8.1 3.8.2
3.9
3.9.1 3.9.2
3.10
3.10.1 3.10.2 3.10.2.1 3.10.2.2 3.10.2.3
3.11 3.12
3.12.1
Forsk 2010
Geographic Data Sets .............................................................................................................. 112

Exporting a Geo Data Set .............................................................................................................. 112
Atoll User Manual
3.12.2
Importing a Geo Data Set ...............................................................................................................113
3.13
3.13.1 3.13.1.1 3.13.1.2 3.13.1.3 3.13.1.4 3.13.2
Editing Geographic Data .........................................................................................................113

Editing Clutter Class Maps ..............................................................................................................114 Creating a Clutter Polygon ........................................................................................................114 Editing Clutter Polygons ............................................................................................................114 Displaying the Coordinates of Clutter Polygons ........................................................................115 Deleting Clutter Polygons ..........................................................................................................115 Editing Geoclimatic Maps................................................................................................................115 Saving Geographic Data .........................................................................................................116 Saving Modifications to an External File .........................................................................................116 Exporting an Edited Clutter Class Map in a Raster-Format File ................................................116 Exporting an Edited Vector Layer in Vector-Format File ...........................................................117 Updating the Source File.................................................................................................................117 Combining Several Files into One File ............................................................................................118 Exporting an Embedded File ...........................................................................................................118 Creating a New File from a Larger File ...........................................................................................119
3.14
3.14.1 3.14.1.1 3.14.1.2 3.14.2 3.14.3 3.14.4 3.14.5
4
4.1 4.2
4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.2.4
Antennas and Equipment.....................................................................................................123

Defining the List of Manufacturers ......................................................................................123 Defining Antennas.......................................................................................................................123
Creating an Antenna .......................................................................................................................123 Importing Microwave Antennas .......................................................................................................125 Editing Microwave Antenna Patterns ..............................................................................................125 Printing Microwave Antenna Patterns .............................................................................................126 Microwave Equipment...............................................................................................................127 Modelling the IDU and ODU in Atoll ................................................................................................128 Importing Microwave Equipment .....................................................................................................132 Advanced Configuration ..................................................................................................................132 Digital Hierarchies .....................................................................................................................132 Interference Reduction Factor ...................................................................................................133 Theoretical Graphs ....................................................................................................................136 Microwave Waveguides and Cables .................................................................................137 Defining Microwave Waveguides and Cables .................................................................................137 Modifying a Microwave Waveguide or Cable ..................................................................................138 Microwave Antenna/Equipment/Waveguide Compatibility .....................................138 Defining Compatibility Manually ......................................................................................................138 Using the Microwave Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility Table ................................................138 Using the Microwave Antenna/Equipment Compatibility Table .................................................139 Using Assistants to Define Compatibility.........................................................................................139 Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility .............................................139 Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Equipment Compatibility ..............................................140
4.3
4.3.1 4.3.2 4.3.3 4.3.3.1 4.3.3.2 4.3.3.3
4.4
4.4.1 4.4.2
4.5
4.5.1 4.5.1.1 4.5.1.2 4.5.2 4.5.2.1 4.5.2.2
5
5.1
5.1.1 5.1.2 5.1.3
Managing Frequency Bands and Sub-bands ......................................................145

Microwave Frequency Bands ................................................................................................145
Long-Haul Frequency Band ............................................................................................................145 Medium-Haul Frequency Band .......................................................................................................146 Short-Haul Frequency Band............................................................................................................146 Defining Microwave Link Frequency Bands ...................................................................146
5.2 5.3
5.3.1
Defining Microwave Link Frequency Sub-bands .........................................................147

Example of Creating a Frequency Sub-band ..................................................................................148
6
6.1
6.1.1 6.1.2
Managing Calculations in Atoll ........................................................................................151

Using Propagation Models in Microwave Projects .....................................................151
Working with the Microwave Propagation Model ............................................................................151 Working with the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model............................................................................153 Defining Microwave Link Classes and Performance Objectives .........................154 Microwave Link Classes..................................................................................................................154 Defining Performance Objectives....................................................................................................154 Defining Quality Objectives .......................................................................................................155 Defining Availability Objectives .................................................................................................156 Defining Calculation Parameters .........................................................................................156 Global Parameters ..........................................................................................................................156
6.2
6.2.1 6.2.2 6.2.2.1 6.2.2.2
6.3
6.3.1
Forsk 2010
Table of Contents
6.3.2 6.3.2.1 6.3.2.2 6.3.2.3
Link Parameters ............................................................................................................................. 159 Defining Calculation Parameters for a Single Microwave Link ................................................. 159 Defining Calculation Parameters for All Microwave Links ........................................................ 163 Defining Calculation Parameters for a Group of Microwave Links ........................................... 165
7
7.1 7.2
7.2.1 7.2.1.1 7.2.1.2 7.2.2 7.2.2.1 7.2.2.2 7.2.2.3 7.2.2.4 7.2.2.5 7.2.3
Microwave Link Project Management ....................................................................... 173

Designing a Microwave Link Network .............................................................................. 173 Planning and Optimising Microwave Sites ..................................................................... 174
Creating Sites ................................................................................................................................. 174 Site Description......................................................................................................................... 175 Creating or Modifying a Site ..................................................................................................... 175 Site Survey Tools ........................................................................................................................... 176 Displaying the Line of Sight Area Around One Site .................................................................. 176 Analysing the Line of Sight Between Candidate Sites .............................................................. 176 Finding the Best Route Between Two Sites ............................................................................. 179 Displaying the Terrain Profile Between Candidate Sites .......................................................... 180 Displaying a 360 View Around One Site ................................................................................. 181 Search Tools for New Sites ............................................................................................................ 184 Creating Microwave Links ...................................................................................................... 185 Definition of a Microwave Link ........................................................................................................ 185 Creating or Modifying a Microwave Link ........................................................................................ 188 Defining Port Parameters ............................................................................................................... 189 Placing a New Microwave Link Using the Microwave Link Template ............................................. 190 Managing Microwave Link Templates ............................................................................................ 190 Creating or Modifying a Microwave Link Template ................................................................... 191 Adding a Field to a Microwave Link Template .......................................................................... 191 Deleting a Microwave Link Template ........................................................................................ 191 Modifying Microwave Sites and Microwave Links Directly on the Map .......................................... 191 Display Tips for Microwave Sites and Links ................................................................................... 192 Checking Data Consistency ........................................................................................................... 192 Setting the Working Area of an Atoll Document ............................................................................. 192 Analysing the Path Profile ...................................................................................................... 193 Displaying the Path Profile ............................................................................................................. 193 Viewing a Microwave Link Profile ............................................................................................. 193 Studying Microwave Link Clearance......................................................................................... 194 Managing Microwave Link Profile Display Options ................................................................... 194 Zooming In on the Profile.......................................................................................................... 194 Printing a Microwave Link Profile.............................................................................................. 195 Displaying Microwave Link Clearance Values Along the Profile............................................... 195 Modifying Microwave Link Profile Values ................................................................................. 197 Determining Microwave Link Antenna Heights ............................................................................... 200 Adjusting Microwave Antenna Heights Using the Mouse ......................................................... 200 Defining Microwave Antenna Heights ....................................................................................... 200 Automatically Optimising Microwave Antenna Heights ............................................................. 200 Adding a Microwave Passive Repeater .......................................................................................... 201 Description of a Passive Repeater ........................................................................................... 201 Creating or Modifying a Passive Repeater ............................................................................... 202 Placing a Passive Microwave Repeater on the Map Using the Mouse .................................... 202 Analysing Microwave Link Reliability ................................................................................ 203 Analysing a Single Microwave Link ................................................................................................ 203 Calculating Microwave Link Required Margins ......................................................................... 204 Calculating a Microwave Link Budget ....................................................................................... 204 Modifying Microwave Link Calculation Parameters .................................................................. 205 Configuring the Link Budget Report Display ............................................................................. 206 Printing and Exporting the Link Budget Report......................................................................... 206 Analysing Microwave Links ............................................................................................................ 206 Setting a Microwave Link as Active .......................................................................................... 206 Defining the Content of the Link Budget Report ....................................................................... 207 Calculating Multiple Microwave Link Budgets ........................................................................... 207 Managing Link Budget Calculation Validity ............................................................................... 208 Performing a End-to-End Reliability Analysis ................................................................................. 208 Creating Multi-hops ................................................................................................................... 208 Performing a End-to-End Reliability Analysis ........................................................................... 210 Studying Reflection .................................................................................................................... 210 Displaying Reflection ...................................................................................................................... 211 Analysing Reflections ..................................................................................................................... 212
7.3
7.3.1 7.3.2 7.3.3 7.3.4 7.3.5 7.3.5.1 7.3.5.2 7.3.5.3 7.3.6 7.3.7 7.3.8 7.3.9
7.4
7.4.1 7.4.1.1 7.4.1.2 7.4.1.3 7.4.1.4 7.4.1.5 7.4.1.6 7.4.1.7 7.4.2 7.4.2.1 7.4.2.2 7.4.2.3 7.4.3 7.4.3.1 7.4.3.2 7.4.3.3
7.5
7.5.1 7.5.1.1 7.5.1.2 7.5.1.3 7.5.1.4 7.5.1.5 7.5.2 7.5.2.1 7.5.2.2 7.5.2.3 7.5.2.4 7.5.3 7.5.3.1 7.5.3.2
7.6
7.6.1 7.6.2
Forsk 2010
Atoll User Manual
7.6.2.1 7.6.2.2 7.6.2.3 7.6.3
7.7
7.7.1 7.7.1.1 7.7.1.2 7.7.2 7.7.3 7.7.4 7.7.5
7.8
7.8.1 7.8.1.1 7.8.1.2 7.8.2 7.8.3 7.8.4 7.8.4.1 7.8.4.2 7.8.5 7.8.6
7.9
7.9.1 7.9.1.1 7.9.1.2 7.9.1.3 7.9.1.4 7.9.1.5 7.9.1.6 7.9.1.7 7.9.1.8 7.9.1.9 7.9.1.10
Displaying the Reflection Analysis Report .................................................................................212 Configuring the Reflection Analysis Report ...............................................................................214 Modifying Reflection Analysis Parameters ................................................................................214 Solutions Against Reflections..........................................................................................................215 Planning Microwave Link Channels ...................................................................................216 Checking Microwave Link Site Parities ...........................................................................................217 Checking Site Parities on the Map ............................................................................................217 Creating a Report on Site Parities .............................................................................................217 Using the Search Tool to Display Channel Reuse ..........................................................................218 Performing Semi-automatic Channel Search ..................................................................................218 Working with the Frequency Spectrum Analyser ............................................................................219 Displaying Third-order Intermodulation Products ............................................................................220 Analysing Interference ..............................................................................................................221 Interference Reduction Factor.........................................................................................................221 Defining IRF Graphs Manually ..................................................................................................221 Defining IRF Graphs with the Assistant .....................................................................................222 Using IRF in Interference Calculations............................................................................................224 Performing an Interference Analysis on a Single Microwave Link ..................................................224 Performing an Interference Analysis on Multiple Microwave Links .................................................225 Defining the Content of the Interference Report ........................................................................225 Calculating Interference on Multiple Microwave Links ..............................................................226 Managing Interference Calculation Validity .....................................................................................226 Displaying Interference on the Map ................................................................................................226 Advanced Configuration...........................................................................................................227 Point-to-Multipoint Links ..................................................................................................................227 Creating a Point-to-Multipoint Link ............................................................................................227 Point-to-Multipoint Link Properties ............................................................................................228 Setting all Microwave Links of a Point-to-Multipoint Link as Active ...........................................229 Mapping Microwave Links to Point-to-Multipoint Links Globally ................................................229 Adding a Microwave Link to a Point-to-Multipoint Link ..............................................................229 Adding a Microwave Link to a Point-to-Multipoint Link Using the Mouse ..................................230 Deleting a Microwave Link from a Point-to-Multipoint Link ........................................................230 Deleting a Point-to-Multipoint Link .............................................................................................230 Adjusting the Antenna of the Point-to-Multipoint Hub ................................................................230 Adjusting the Antenna of the Point-to-Multipoint Hub Using the Mouse ....................................231
Index ..................................................................................................................................................... 233
10
Forsk 2010
Chapter 1
The Working Environment
Chapter 1: The Working Environment
The Working Environment

The Atoll working environment provides a comprehensive and integrated set of tools and features that allow you to create and define your microwave-planning project in a single application. You can save the entire project as a single file, or you can link your project to external files. Atoll uses standard Windows interface elements, with the ability to have several document windows open at the same time, support for drag-and-drop, context menus, and support for standard Windows shortcuts, for example, for cutting and pasting. Atoll also allows you to undo recent changes to your document. Atoll offers the standard Windows Print functionality, with added functionality allowing you to print either the entire map window, parts of it, or only certain objects. Atoll also provides other tools, such as a search tool to locate either a site, a point on the map, or a vector. The Explorer window plays a central role in Atoll. The Explorer window contains most of the objects in a document arranged in folders. Using the Explorer window, you can manage all objects in the Atoll document: sites, calculations, etc., as well as geographic data such as the Digital Terrain Model (DTM), and clutter classes. You can, for example, define various studies or configure the parameters or display of data objects. The content of the folders in the Explorer window can be displayed in tables, allowing you to manage large amounts of data. You can sort and filter the data in a table, or change how the data is displayed. You can also use the table feature to enter large amounts of information by cutting and pasting the information from any Windows spreadsheet into the table. The map is the working area for your document and Atoll provides many features for working with the map. You can change the view by moving or zooming in or out and you can choose which objects are displayed and how they are displayed. You can also export the current display definition, or configuration, to use it in other documents. This chapter explains the following topics: "The Atoll Work Area" on page 13 "The Explorer Window" on page 15 "Working with Objects" on page 17 "Printing in Atoll" on page 52 "Working with Maps" on page 26 "Working with Data Tables" on page 41 "Grouping, Sorting, and Filtering Data" on page 56 "Tips and Tricks" on page 72.
1.1
The Atoll Work Area

The Atoll work area, shown in Figure 1.1 on page 14, consists of the main window where the map window and data tables and reports are displayed and the Explorer window. The Explorer window contains the data and objects of a document, arranged in folders. It is presented in detail in "The Explorer Window" on page 15. Atoll offers a variety of tools to help you plan a network. The tools open in separate windows, some of which can be docked into the work area or floated over the work area (see Figure 1.1 on page 14).
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Toolbar
Document window (map)
Workspace Explorer window (docked)
Panoramic window (floating)
Point Analysis window (docked) Figure 1.1: Atoll user interface
1.1.1
Working with Document Windows

When you have one Atoll document open, you can have several document windows open at the same time. You can resize, maximise, and minimise document windows as you can in any Windows-based application. As well, you can tile document windows, in order to display all of them at the same time, or cascade them, in order to display the title bar of each document window. To tile document windows: Select Window > Tile.
To cascade document windows: Select Window > Cascade.
1.1.2
Docking or Floating an Atoll Window

Only document windows are part of an individual Atoll document. Other windows and tools, such as the Explorer window, display the content of the active document. They are not part of the individual Atoll document, but part of the working environment and, when you switch to a different document, they will display the content of the active document. You can change how these windows and tools are displayed. You can also choose to remove them from their position and float them over the Atoll working environment. To display a window: On the View menu, select the name of the window.
To close a window: Click the Hide button ( ) in the corner of the window. Depending on the position of the docking window, this button can be in the upper-left or upper-right corner.
You can change how much room a window takes if it shares a docking area with other windows by maximising or minimising the window. To maximise a window in its docking area: Click the Maximise button ( ) near the corner of the window. Depending on the position of the window, this button can be in the upper-left or upper-right corner.
To minimise a window in its docking area: Click the Minimise button ( ) near the corner of the window. Depending on the position of the window, this button can be in the upper-left or upper-right corner.
You can leave a window in its docking area, or you can have it float over the working environment, allowing you to maximise the amount of area for document windows or other windows.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment To float a window: Double-click the docking window title bar. The docking window leaves the docking area and floats over the working environment. Note: You can move the docking window by clicking the title bar and dragging it. To prevent the window from docking as you move it, press CTRL as you drag the docking window.
To dock a window: To return the window to its previous docked location, double-click the docking window title bar. Or Click the title bar of the docking window and drag the window to a different docking area. Note: The window positions for docking windows are not associated with the current document; they remain the same no matter which document you open.
1.2
The Explorer Window

The Explorer window plays a central role in Atoll. The Explorer window contains the data and objects of a document, arranged in folders. Each object and folder has a context-specific menu that you can access by right-clicking. You can modify items at the folder level, with changes affecting all items in the folder, or you can access and edit items individually. As well, most folder contents can also be accessed in a table, allowing you to easily manage large amounts of information. For information on working with tables, see "Working with Data Tables" on page 41. In this section, the following are described: "Working with the Explorer Window Tabs" on page 15 "Navigating in the Explorer Window" on page 16 "Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer" on page 16 "Working with Layers Using the Explorer" on page 16.
1.2.1
Working with the Explorer Window Tabs

The Explorer window has three tabs: The Data tab: The Data tab allows you to manage radio data and calculations. Depending on the modules installed with Atoll, the Data tab has the following folders: Sites Antennas Transmitters Predictions UMTS Parameters, CDMA2000 Parameters, GSM/GPRS Parameters, WiMAX 802.16d Parameters, WiMAX 802.16e Parameters, or LTE Parameters UMTS Simulations, CDMA2000 Simulations , WiMAX 802.16d Simulations, WiMAX 802.16e simulations, or LTE Simulations Traffic analysis (GSM/GPRS/EDGE projects only) Hexagonal design Microwave links CW Measurements and Drive test data
The Geo tab: The Geo tab allows you to manage geographic data. The number of folders depends on the number and types of geographical data types (vector data, scanned images, etc.) you import or create: Clutter classes Clutter heights Digital Terrain Model Population data Any other geo data map Traffic (GSM/GPRS/EDGE/TDMA, UMTS HSPA, CDMA2000)
The Modules tab: The Modules tab allows you to manage the propagation models and additional modules. It contains: A Propagation Models folder with the following propagation models: Longley-Rice Okumura-Hata Cost-Hata Standard Propagation Model ITU 526-5 ITU 370-7 (Vienna 93)
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The AFP models available in your Atoll installation. Any additional module created using the API.
1.2.2
Navigating in the Explorer Window

The Explorer window has three tabs; each tab has objects and folders containing objects. To move from one tab to another: Click the tab at the top of the Explorer window.
A folder on a tab can be opened to allow you to view its contents. Each folder containing at least one object has an Expand ( ) or Contract button ( ) to the left of its name. To expand a folder to display its contents: Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of its name.
1.2.3
Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer

You can use the Explorer to display or hide objects on the map. This allows you to hide one type of object so that another type of object is more plainly visible. For example, you could hide all predictions but one, so that the results of one prediction are more clearly displayed. Note: Hiding an object affects only its visibility in the map window; it will still be taken into consideration during calculations.
To hide an object on the map: 1. Select the tab of the Explorer window that contains that object. 2. Clear the check box ( ) immediately to the left of the object name. The check box appears cleared ( object is no longer visible on the map. Note: You can hide the contents of an entire folder by clearing the check box to the left of the folder name. When the check box of a folder appears greyed ( ), it indicates that the folder contains both visible and hidden objects. ) and the
1.2.4
Working with Layers Using the Explorer

In Atoll, the map is made of objects arranged in layers. The layers on the top (as arranged on the Data and Geo tabs) are the most visible on the screen and in print. The visibility of the lower layers depends on which layers are above and visible (see "Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer" on page 16) and on the transparency of these layers (see "Defining the Transparency of Objects and Object Types" on page 23). To move a layer up or down: 1. Select the tab of the Explorer window that contains that object. 2. Click and drag the object to its new position. As you drag the object, a horizontal black line indicates where the object will remain when you release the mouse button (see Figure 1.2).
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Figure 1.2: Moving a layer Note: Before you print a map, you should pay attention to the arrangement of the layers. For more information, see "Printing Recommendations" on page 53.
1.3
Working with Objects

In Atoll, the items found in the Explorer window and displayed on the map are referred to as objects. Most objects in Atoll belong to an object type. For example, a transmitter is an object of the type transmitter. Atoll enables you to carry out many operations on objects by clicking the object directly or by right-clicking the object and selecting the operation from the context menu. In this section, the following are explained: "Using the Object Context Menu" on page 17 "Modifying Sites and Microwave Link Extremities Directly on the Map" on page 18 "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21.
1.3.1
Using the Object Context Menu

In Atoll, an objects context menu gives you access to commands specific to that object as well as to commands that are common to most objects. In this section, the following context menu commands common to all objects types are explained: Rename: "Renaming an Object" on page 17. Delete: "Deleting an Object" on page 17. Properties: "Displaying the Properties of an Object" on page 18.
1.3.1.1
Renaming an Object
You can change the name of an object in Atoll. To rename an object: 1. Right-click the object either in the Explorer window or on the map. The context menu appears. 2. Select Rename from the context menu. 3. Enter the new name and press ENTER to change the name. Note: In Atoll, objects such as sites are named with default prefixes. Individual objects are distinguished from each other by the number added automatically to the default prefix. You can change the default prefix for sites by editing the atoll.ini file. For more information, see the Administrator Manual.
1.3.1.2
Deleting an Object
You can delete objects from either the Explorer window or from the map. To delete an object: 1. Right-click the object either in the Explorer window or on the map. The context menu appears. 2. Select Delete from the context menu. The selected object is deleted.
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1.3.1.3
Displaying the Properties of an Object

You can modify the properties of an object in the Properties dialogue. To open the Properties dialogue of a data object: 1. Right-click the object either in the Explorer window or on the map. The context menu appears.
Tip:
When you are selecting data objects on the map, it can be difficult to ensure that the correct object has been selected. When a site is selected, the site (and its name) is surrounded by a black frame ( ). When a transmitter is selected, both ends of its icon have a green point ( ). When there is more than one microwave link with with the same azimuth, clicking the transmitters in the map window opens a context menu allowing you to select the transmitter you want (see "Selecting One of Several Microwave Links" on page 19).
2. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears.
Switching Between Property Dialogues

You can switch between the Properties dialogues of items (antennas, sites, etc.) in the same folder or subfolder in the Explorer window by using the browse buttons ( : jump to the first item in the list : jump to the previous item in the list : jump to the next item in the list : jump to the last item in the list ) in the lower-left corner of each Properties dialogue:
If you have made any changes to the properties of an item, Atoll prompts you to confirm these changes before switching to the next Properties dialogue. You can use this feature, for example, to access the properties of co-site transmitters without closing and reopening the Properties dialogue. Switching is performed within the lowest subfolder in the hierarchy. For example: If transmitters are grouped by site, you can switch only within one site (co-site transmitters). If transmitters are grouped by a flag, you can switch only within this group. If transmitters are grouped by activity and by a flag, you can switch only within transmitters having the same activity and the same flag.
The browse buttons are not available: When creating a new item. When opening the an items Properties dialogue by double-clicking its record in a table. For repeater properties. For propagation model properties.
The Display tab of the Properties dialogue is explained in the following section.
1.3.2
Modifying Sites and Microwave Link Extremities Directly on the Map

In a complex microwave or -planning project, it can be difficult to find the data object in the Data tab, although it might be visible in the map window. Atoll lets you access the Properties dialogue of sites and microwave links directly from the map. You can also change the position of a site by dragging it, or by letting Atoll find a higher location for it. In this section, the following are explained: "Selecting One of Several Microwave Links" on page 19 "Moving a Site Using the Mouse" on page 19 "Moving a Site to a Higher Location" on page 19 "Changing the Azimuth of the Antenna Using the Mouse" on page 19"Changing the Antenna Position Relative to the Site Using the Mouse" on page 20 "Selecting Another Site for the Link Extremity Using the Mouse" on page 20.
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1.3.2.1
Selecting One of Several Microwave Links

If there is more than one microwave link with the same azimuth, Atoll enables you to select a specificmicrowave link. To select one of several microwave link with the same azimuth: 1. In the map window, click thelinks. A context menu appears with a list of thelinks with the same azimuth (seeFigure 1.3).
Figure 1.3: Selecting one microwave link 2. Select thelink from the context menu.
When you select a microwave link, both ends appear white and the link itself appears outlined (
).
1.3.2.2
Moving a Site Using the Mouse

You can move a site by editing the coordinates on the General tab of the Site Properties dialogue, or by using the mouse. To move a site using the mouse: 1. Click and drag the site to the desired position. As you drag the site, the exact coordinates of the pointers current location are visible in the Status bar. 2. Release the site where you would like to place it. By default, Atoll locks the position of a site. When the position of a site is locked, Atoll asks you to confirm that you want to move the site. 3. Click Yes to confirm.
Tip:
While this method allows you to place a site quickly, you can adjust the location more precisely by editing the coordinates on the General tab of the Site Properties dialogue.
1.3.2.3
Moving a Site to a Higher Location

If you want to improve the location of a site, in terms of reception and transmission, Atoll can find a higher location within a specified radius from the current location of the site. To have Atoll move a site to a higher location: 1. Right-click the site in the map window. The context menu appears. 2. Select Move to a Higher Location. 3. In the Move to a Higher Location dialogue, enter the radius of the area in which Atoll should search and click OK. Atoll moves the site to the highest point within the specified radius.
1.3.2.4
Changing the Azimuth of the Antenna Using the Mouse

In Atoll, you can set the azimuth of a links antenna by modifying it on the Radio tab of the Microwave Link Properties dialogue, or you can modify it on the map, using the mouse. To modify the azimuth of the antenna using the mouse: 1. In the Data tab of the Explorer window, move the Microwave Radio Links folder on top of the Sites folder as explained in "Working with Layers Using the Explorer" on page 16. 2. On the map, click the link extremity whose azimuth you want to modify. 3. Move the pointer to the end of the antenna with a green circle ( ). An arc with an arrow appears under the pointer. 4. Click the green circle and drag it to change the antennas azimuth. The current azimuth of the antenna is displayed in the far left of the status bar. It is defined in degrees, with 0 indicating north.
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Atoll User Manual 5. Release the mouse when you have set the azimuth to the desired angle. The antennas azimuth relative to the link direction is modified on the Radio tab of the Microwave Link Properties dialogue. Note: If you make a mistake when changing the azimuth, you can undo your changes by using Undo (by selecting Edit > Undo, by pressing CTRL+Z, or by clicking to undo the changes made. in the toolbar)
1.3.2.5
Changing the Antenna Position Relative to the Site Using the Mouse
By default, antennas are placed on the site. However, antennas are occasionally not located directly on the site, but a short distance away. In Atoll, you can change the position of the antenna relative to the site either by adjusting the Dx and Dy parameters or by entering the coordinates of the antenna position on the General Tab of the Microwave link Property dialogue. Dx and Dy are the distance in metres of the antenna from the site position. You can also modify the position of the antenna on the map, using the mouse.
To move a microwave link extremity using the mouse: 1. In the Data tab of the Explorer window, move the Microwave Radio Links folder on the top of the Sites folder as explained in "Working with Layers Using the Explorer" on page 16. 2. On the map, click the link extremity you want to move. 3. Move the pointer to the end of the antenna with a green rectangle ( ). A cross appears under the pointer. 4. Click the green rectangle and drag it to change the antennas position relative to the site. The current coordinates (x and y) of the antenna are displayed in the far right of the status bar. 5. Release the mouse when you have moved the selected link extremity to the desired position. The position of the selected link extremity is modified on the General tab of the Microwave Link Properties dialogue. Note: If you make a mistake when changing the position of the link extremity, you can undo your changes by using Undo (by selecting Edit > Undo, by pressing CTRL+Z, or by clicking in the toolbar) to undo the changes made.
1.3.2.6
Selecting Another Site for the Link Extremity Using the Mouse
In Atoll, you can change the link extremity and place it on another site using the mouse. To select another site for the link extremity on the map: 1. In the Data tab of the Explorer window, move the Microwave Radio Links folder on the top of the Sites folder as explained in "Working with Layers Using the Explorer" on page 16. 2. On the map, click the link extremity you want to move. 3. Move the pointer to the end of the antenna with a green rectangle ( ). A cross appears under the pointer. 4. Click the green rectangle and drag it to the other site on the map. 5. Release the mouse when the frame appears around the site, indicating it is selected. The site for the selected link extremity is modified on the General tab of the Microwave Link Properties dialogue and the link is renamed.
Note:
If you make a mistake when changing the position of the link extremity, you can undo your changes by using Undo (by selecting Edit > Undo, by pressing CTRL+Z, or by clicking in the toolbar) to undo the changes made.
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1.3.3
Display Properties of Objects

In Atoll, most objects, such as sites, belong to an object type. How an individual object appears on the map depends on the settings on the Display tab of the object types Properties dialogue. The Display tab is similar for all object types whose appearance can be configured. Options that are inapplicable for a particular object type are unavailable on the Display tab of its Properties dialogue (see Figure 1.4). In this section, the display options are explained, followed by a few examples of how you can use them while working on your Atoll document (see "Examples of Using the Display Properties of Objects" on page 25).
1.3.3.1
Defining the Display Properties of Objects
Figure 1.4: The Display tab for Sites When you access the Properties dialogue of an individual object, the Display tab will only show the options applicable to an individual object (see Figure 1.5).
Figure 1.5: The Display tab for an individual site To define the display properties of an object type: 1. Right-click the object type folder in the Explorer window. The context menu appears. 2. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 3. Select the Display tab. Depending on the object type, the following options are available: "Defining the Display Type" on page 22 "Defining the Transparency of Objects and Object Types" on page 23 "Defining the Visibility Scale" on page 23 "Defining the Object Type Label" on page 23 "Defining the Object Type Tip Text" on page 24 "Adding an Object Type to the Legend" on page 24
4. Set the display parameters.
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Defining the Display Type

Depending on the object selected, you can choose from the following display types: unique, discrete values, value intervals, or automatic. To change the display type: 1. Access the Display tab of the Properties dialogue as explained in "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21. 2. Select the display type from the Display Type list: Unique: defines the same symbol for all objects of this type. By defining a unique symbol for an object type, objects of different types, for example, sites, are immediately identifiable. i. To modify the appearance of the symbol, click the symbol in the table below. The Symbol Style dialogue appears.
ii. Modify the symbol as desired. iii. Click OK to close the Symbol Style dialogue. Discrete values: defines the display of each object according to the value of a selected field. This display type can be used to distinguish objects of the same type by one characteristic. For example, you could use this display type to distinguish transmitter by antenna type, or to distinguish inactive from active sites. i. Select the name of the Field by which you want to display the objects.
ii. You can click the Actions button to access the Actions menu. For information on the commands available, see "Using the Actions Button" on page 22. iii. To modify the appearance of a symbol, click the symbol in the table below. The Symbol Style dialogue appears. iv. Modify the symbol as desired. v. Click OK to close the Symbol Style dialogue. Value intervals: defines the display of each object according to set ranges of the value of a selected field. This display type can be used, for example, to distinguish population density, signal strength, or the altitude of sites. i. Select the name of the Field by which you want to display the objects.
ii. Define the ranges directly in the table below. For an example, see Figure 1.7 on page 24. iii. You can click the Actions button to access the Actions menu. For information on the commands available, see "Using the Actions Button" on page 22. iv. To modify the appearance of a symbol, click the symbol in the table. The Symbol Style dialogue appears. v. Modify the symbol as desired. vi. Click OK to close the Symbol Style dialogue. Notes: When you create a new map object, for example, a new site, you must click the Refresh button ( ) for Atoll to assign a colour to newly created object according to the set display type. You can define the default symbol used for sites and how it is displayed by editing an option in the atoll.ini file. For more information, see the Administrator Manual.
Using the Actions Button

The Actions button on the Display tab of the Properties dialogue allows you to modify the display type as defined in "Defining the Display Type" on page 22. To access the Actions menu: 1. Access the Display tab of the Properties dialogue as explained in "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21. 2. Click the Actions button. The Actions menu gives you access to the following commands: Select all: Atoll selects all the values in the table. Delete: Atoll removes selected value from the table. Insert before: When the selected display type is value intervals, Atoll inserts a new threshold in the table before the threshold selected in the table. Insert after: When the selected display type is value intervals, Atoll inserts a new threshold in the table after the threshold selected in the table. Properties: Atoll opens the Display dialogue where you may change the colour and style. Shading: Atoll opens the Shading dialogue. When "Value Intervals" is the selected display type, you select Shading to define the number of value intervals and configure their colour. Enter the upper and lower limits of the value in the First Break and Last Break boxes respectively, and enter a value in the Interval box. Define the colour shading by choosing a Start Colour and an End Colour. The value intervals will be determined by the set values and coloured by a shade going from the set start colour to the set end colour.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment When "Discrete Values" is the selected display type, you select Shading to choose a Start Colour and an End Colour. Configuration: Select Import if you want to import an existing display configuration. Select Export if you want to export the display settings of the current object to a configuration file, so that you can share them with other users or use them in other documents.
Defining the Transparency of Objects and Object Types

You can change the transparency of some objects, such as predictions, and some object types, such as clutter classes, to allow objects on lower layers to be visible on the map. To change the transparency: 1. Access the Display tab of the Properties dialogue as explained in "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21. 2. Move the Transparency slider to the right to make the object or object type more transparent or to the left to make it less transparent.
Defining the Visibility Scale

You can define a visibility range for object types. An object is visible only if the scale, as displayed on the Map toolbar, is within this range. This can be used to, for example, prevent the map from being cluttered with symbols when you are at a certain scale. Visibility ranges are taken into account for screen display, and for printing and previewing printing. They do not affect which objects are considered during calculations. To define an object visibility range: 1. Access the Display tab of the Properties dialogue as explained in "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21. 2. Enter a Visibility Scale minimum in the between 1: text box. 3. Enter a Visibility Scale maximum in the and 1: text box.
Defining the Object Type Label

For most object types, such as sites, you can display information about each object in the form of a label that is displayed with the object. You can display information from every field in that object types data table, including from fields that you add. To define a label for an object type: 1. Access the Display tab of the Properties dialogue as explained in "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21. 2. Click the Browse button ( ) beside the Label box. The Field Selection dialogue appears (see Figure 1.6).
Figure 1.6: Defining a label 3. Select the fields which you want to display in the label: a. To select a field to be displayed in the label for the object type, select the field in the Available Fields list and click to move it to the Selected Fields list.
b. To remove a field from the list of Group these fields in this order, select the field in the Selected Fields list and click to remove it.
c. To change the order of the fields, select a field and click or to move it up or down in the list. The objects will be grouped in the order of the fields in the Selected Fields list, from top to bottom. 4. Click OK to close the Field Selection dialogue and click OK to close the Properties dialogue.
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Note:
For most object types, you can also display object information in the form of a tool tip that is only visible when you move the pointer over the object. This option has the advantage of not filling the map window with text. For more information on tool tips, see "Defining the Object Type Tip Text" on page 24.
Defining the Object Type Tip Text

For most object types, such as sites and microwave links, you can display information about each object in the form of a tool tip that is only visible when you move the pointer over the object. You can display information from every field in that object types data table, including from fields that you add. In the Explorer window, the tool tip displays the total numbers of elements present in the Sites, Links, Multi-Hops, and Point to Multipoint folders, and their subfolders. To define tip text for an object type: 1. Access the Display tab of the Properties dialogue as explained in "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21. 2. Click the Browse button ( ) beside the Tip Text box. The Field Selection dialogue appears (see Figure 1.6).
3. Select the fields which you want to display in the tool tip: a. To select a field to be displayed in the tool tip for the object type, select the field in the Available Fields list and click to move it to the Selected Fields list.
b. To remove a field from the list of Group these fields in this order, select the field in the Selected Fields list and click Note: to remove it. For most object types, you can also display object information in the form of a label that is displayed with the object. This option has the advantage of keep object-related information permanently visible. For more information on tool tips, see "Defining the Object Type Label" on page 23.
Once you have defined the tool tips, you must activate the tool tip function before they appear. To activate the tool tip function: Click the Display Tips button ( ) on the toolbar. Tool tips will now appear when the pointer is over the object.
Adding an Object Type to the Legend

You can display the information defined by the display type (see "Defining the Display Type" on page 22) in your Atoll documents legend. Only visible objects appear in the Legend window. For information on displaying or hiding objects, see "Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer" on page 16. In Figure 1.7, on the Display tab of a signal level prediction, the intervals defined are: Signal level >= -65 red -65 > Signal level >= -105 shading from red to blue (9 intervals) Signal level < -105 not shown in the coverage.
The entries in the Legend column will appear in the Legend window.
Figure 1.7: Defined thresholds as they will appear in the Legend With value intervals, you can enter information in the Legend column to be displayed on the legend. If there is no information entered in this column, the maximum and minimum values are displayed instead. 1. Access the Display tab of the Properties dialogue as explained in "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21. 2. Check the Add to legend box. The defined display will appear on the legend. To display the Legend window: Select View > Legend. The Legend window appears.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment You can also display the comments defined in the properties of a coverage prediction in the Legend window by setting an option in the atoll.ini file. For more information about setting options in the atoll.ini file, see the Administrator Manual.
1.3.3.2
Examples of Using the Display Properties of Objects

In this section are the following examples of how display properties of objects can be used: "Automatic Display Type - Server Coverage Studies" on page 25 "Shading - Signal Level Study" on page 25.
Automatic Display Type - Server Coverage Studies

When doing a best server prediction, Atoll calculates, for each pixel on the map, which server is best received. If the selected display type for transmitters is "Automatic," Atoll colours each pixel on the map according to the colour of the transmitter that is best received on that pixel. This way, you can identify immediately which transmitter is best received on each pixel. The following two figures show the results of the same best server area and handover margin study. In Figure 1.8, the transmitter display type is "Discrete Values," with the site name as the chosen value. The difference in colour is insufficient to make clear which transmitter is best received on each pixel. In Figure 1.9, the transmitter display type is "Automatic." Because Atoll ensures that each transmitter has a different colour than the transmitters surrounding it, the study results are also immediately visible.
Figure 1.8: Value interval display type
Figure 1.9: Automatic display type
To display the results of a server coverage study with the transmitters set to the Automatic display type: 1. Right-click the Transmitters folder in the Explorer window. The context menu appears. 2. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 3. Select the Display tab. 4. Select "Automatic" as the Display Type. 5. Click OK. 6. Click the Refresh button ( ) to update the display of the study results.
Shading - Signal Level Study

Atoll displays the results of a signal level study as value intervals. On the map, these value intervals appear as differences of shading. You can use the Shading command to define the appearance of these value intervals to make the results easier to read or more relevant to your needs. For example, you can change the range of data displayed, the interval between each break, or you can change the colours to make the intervals more visible. In this example, Figure 1.10 shows the results of the best signal level plot from -60 dBm to -105 dBm. However, if you are more interested in reception from -80 dBm to -105 dBm, you can change the shading to display only those values. The result is visible in Figure 1.11.
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Figure 1.10: Shading from -60 dBm to -105 dBm To change how the results of a signal level study are displayed:
Figure 1.11: Shading from -80 dBm to -105 dBm
1. Expand the Predictions folder in the Explorer window and right-click the signal level study. The context menu appears. 2. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 3. Select the Display tab. 4. Click Actions to display the menu and select Shading. The Shading dialogue appears. 5. Change the value of the First Break to "-80". Leave the value of the Last Break at "-105." 6. Click OK to close the Shading dialogue. 7. Click OK to close the Properties dialogue and apply your changes.
1.4
Working with Maps

Atoll has the following functions to help you work with maps: "Changing the Map Scale" on page 26 "Moving the Map in the Document Window" on page 27 "Using the Panoramic Window" on page 27 "Centring the Map Window on an Object" on page 28 "Measuring Distances on the Map" on page 28 "Displaying Rulers Around the Map" on page 28 "Displaying the Map Legend" on page 29 "Using Zones in the Map Window" on page 29 "Editing Polygons, Lines, and Points" on page 34 "Saving a Map as a Graphic Image" on page 39 "Copying a Map to Another Application" on page 40. "Map Window Pointers" on page 40.
1.4.1
Changing the Map Scale

You can change the scale of the map by zooming in or out, by zooming in on a specific area of the map, or by choosing a scale. Atoll also allows you to define a zoom range outside of which certain objects are not displayed (see "Defining the Visibility Scale" on page 23).
1.4.1.1
Zooming In and Out

Atoll offers several tools for zooming in and out on the map. When you zoom in or out on the map, you do so based on the position of the cursor on the map. To zoom in on the map: 1. Click the Zoom icon ( ) on the Map toolbar (or press CTRL+Q).
2. Click the map where you want to zoom in. Note: You can also zoom in by pressing CTRL++, by selecting Zoom In from the View menu, or by holding down the CTRL key and rotating the mouse wheel button forward.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment To zoom out on the map: 1. Click the Zoom icon ( ) on the Map toolbar (or press CTRL+Q).
2. Right-click the map where you want to zoom out. Note: You can also zoom out by pressing CTRL+, by selecting Zoom Out from the View menu, or holding down the CTRL key and rotating the mouse wheel button backward.
1.4.1.2
Zooming In on a Specific Area

To zoom in on a specific area of the map: 1. Click the Zoom Area icon ( ) on the Map toolbar (or press CTRL+W).
2. Click in the map on one of the four corners of the area you want to select. 3. Drag to the opposite corner. When you release the mouse button, Atoll zooms in on the selected area.
1.4.1.3
Choosing a Scale
To choose a scale: 1. Click the arrow next to the scale box ( 2. Select the scale from the list. If the scale value you want is not in the list: 1. Click in the scale box ( 2. Enter the desired scale. 3. Press ENTER. Atoll zooms the map to the entered scale. ) on the Map toolbar. ) on the Map toolbar.
1.4.1.4
Changing Between Previous Zoom Levels

Atoll saves the last five zoom levels, allowing you to move quickly between previous zoom levels and zoomed areas. To move between zoom levels: Click the Previous Zoom button ( ) to return to a zoom level you have already used (or press ALT +
).
Once you have returned to a previous zoom level, click the Next Zoom button ( level (or press ALT +
).
) to return to the latest zoom
1.4.2
Moving the Map in the Document Window

You can move the map in the document window using the mouse. To move the map in the document window: 1. Click the Move Map Window button ( ) on the Map toolbar (or press CTRL + D).
2. Move the pointer over the map and drag the map in the desired direction.
1.4.3
Using the Panoramic Window

The Panoramic window displays the entire map with all of the imported geographic data. A dark rectangle indicates what part of the geographic data is presently displayed in a document window, helping you situate the displayed area in relation to the entire map. You can use the Panoramic window to: Zoom in on a specific area of the map Resize the displayed map area Move around the map.
To zoom in on a specific area of the map: 1. Click in the Panoramic window on one of the four corners of the area you want to zoom in on. 2. Drag to the opposite corner. When you release the mouse button, Atoll zooms in on the selected area. To resize the displayed map area: 1. Click in the Panoramic window on a corner or border of the zoom area (i.e., the dark rectangle). 2. Drag the border to its new position.
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Atoll User Manual To move around the map: 1. Click in the Panoramic window in the zoom area (i.e., the dark rectangle). 2. Drag the rectangle to its new position.
1.4.4
Centring the Map Window on an Object

You can centre the map on any selected object, for example, a transmitter, a site, or on any zone in the Zones folder on the Geo tab of the Explorer window. When centring the map window on an object the current scale is kept. You can select the object in the map window or in the Explorer window. To the map window on a selected object: 1. Right-click the object in the map window or in the Explorer window. 2. Select Centre in the Map Window from the context menu.
Tip:
If you want to quickly find an object, such as a site, on the map, you can select it in the Explorer window and then select the Centre in the Map Window command.
1.4.5
Measuring Distances on the Map

You can measure distances on the map by using the Distance Measurement tool. The Distance Measurement tool also gives you the azimuth of a straight line between two points. You can also use the Distance Measurement tool to measure distance along a line with several points. Atoll will then give you the distance between each point (as you measure), the azimuth of each segment between two points, and the total distance. To measure a distance on the map between two points: 1. Click the Distance Measurement button ( ) on the toolbar.
2. Click the first point on the map once. As you move the pointer away from the first point, Atoll marks the initial position and connects it to the pointer with a line. 3. Place the pointer over the second point on the map. The status bar displays the following (see Figure 1.12): The distance between the two points The azimuth between the two points.
To measure the total distance on the map on a line over a series of points: 1. Click the Distance Measurement button ( ) on the toolbar.
2. Click the first point on the map once. As you move the pointer away from the first point, Atoll marks the initial position and connects it to the pointer with a line. 3. Click once on the map at each point on the line between the first point and the final point, where you will have to change direction on the line. 4. When you reach the last point on the line, the status bar displays the following (see Figure 1.12): The total distance between the first point and the last point The distance between the second-last point and the last point The azimuth between the last two points.
Total distance between Azimuth between secondfirst and last point last and last point Distance between secondlast and last point Figure 1.12: Measurement data in the status bar
1.4.6
Displaying Rulers Around the Map

You can display rulers around the map in the document window. To display rulers: 1. Select Tools > Options. 2. In the Options dialogue, click the Coordinates tab.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment 3. Under Display rulers, select where you want the rulers to be displayed in the map window. 4. Click OK.
1.4.7
Displaying the Map Legend

You can display a map legend. The legend will contain the information on the object types that you have added to it. For information on adding object types to the legend, see "Adding an Object Type to the Legend" on page 24. To display the legend: Select View > Legend.
1.4.8
Using Zones in the Map Window

On the Geo tab of the Explorer window, Atoll provides you with a set of tools known as zones. The zones are a type of polygons, which can be created and modified in the same way as contours, lines, or points. Zones can be used to define areas of the map for the following purposes: Filtering Zone: The filtering zone is a graphical filter that restricts the objects displayed on the map and on the Data tab of the Explorer window to the objects inside the filtering zone. It also restricts which objects are used in calculations such as coverage predictions, etc. Computation Zone: The computation zone is used to define which microwave links are to be taken into consideration in calculations (i.e., link budget, interference analysis, etc.,). Focus Zone: With the focus zone, you can select the areas of coverage predictions or other calculations on which you want to generate reports and results. Printing Zone: The printing zone allows you to define the area to be printed. Geographic Export Zone: The geographic export zone is used to define part of the map to be exported as a bitmap. Important: Zones are taken into account whether or not they are visible. In other words, if you have drawn a zone, it will be taken into account whether or not its visibility check box in the Zones folder of the Geo tab in the Explorer window is selected. For example, if you have filtered the sites using a filtering zone, the sites outside the filtering zone will not be taken into consideration in coverage predictions, even if you have cleared the filtering zones visibility check box. You will have to delete the zone if you no longer want to select sites using a filtering zone. In this section, the following are explained: "Using a Filtering Zone" on page 29 "Using a Computation Zone" on page 30 "Using a Focus Zone" on page 31 "Using Polygon Zone Editing Tools" on page 31 "Using a Printing Zone" on page 33 "Using a Geographic Export Zone" on page 33.
1.4.8.1
Using a Filtering Zone

The filtering zone is a graphical filter that restricts the objects displayed on the map and on the Data tab of the Explorer window to the objects inside the filtering zone. It also restricts which objects are used in calculations such as coverage predictions, etc. By limiting the number of sites, you can reduce the time and cost of calculations and make visualisation of data objects on the map clearer. The filtering zone is taken into account whether or not it is visible. In other words, if you have drawn a zone, it will be taken into account whether or not its visibility check box in the Zones folder of the Geo tab in the Explorer window is selected. You will have to delete the zone if you no longer want to select sites using a filtering zone.
1.4.8.1.1
Creating a Filtering Zone

To create a filtering zone: 1. Click the Geo tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of Zones folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Filtering Zone folder. 4. Select Draw from the context menu. 5. Draw the filtering zone: a. Click once on the map to start drawing the zone. b. Click once on the map to define each point on the map where the border of the zone changes direction. c. Click twice to finish drawing and close the zone.
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Atoll User Manual The filtering zone is delimited by a blue line. The data objects outside of the selected zone are filtered out. On the Data tab of the Explorer window, any folder whose content is affected by the filtering zone appears with a special icon ( ), to indicate that the folder contents have been filtered.
You can also create a filtering zone as follows: Vector Edition toolbar: You can use the New Polygon ( ) and New Rectangle ( ) buttons available in the Vector Edition toolbar to draw the filtering zone. Existing polygon: You can use any existing polygon on the map as a filtering zone by right-clicking it and selecting Use as > Filtering Zone from the context menu. Importing a polygon: If you have a file with an existing polygon, for example, a polygon describing an administrative area, you can import it and use it as a filtering zone. You can import it by right-clicking the Filtering Zone folder on the Geo tab and selecting Import from the context menu. Fit to Map Window: You can create a filtering zone the size of the map window by selecting Fit to Map Window from the context menu.
Once you have created a filtering zone, you can use Atolls polygon editing tools to edit it. For more information on the polygon editing tools, see "Using Polygon Zone Editing Tools" on page 31. Note: You can export the filtering zone as a polygon, so that you can use it in a different Atoll document, by right-clicking the Filtering Zone folder on the Data tab of the Explorer window and selecting Export from the context menu.
1.4.8.2
Using a Computation Zone

The computation zone is used to define the area where Atoll carries out calculations. When you make a link budget or you study interference, Atoll calculates all the microwave links that are active, filtered (i.e., that are selected by the current filter parameters), and intersects the computation zone. When working with a large network, the computation zone allows you to restrict your studies to the part of the network you are currently working on. By allowing you to reduce the number of microwave links studied, Atoll reduces both the time and computer resources necessary for calculations. If there is no computation zone defined, Atoll makes its calculations on all microwave links that are active and filtered and for the entire extent of the geographical data available. The computation zone is taken into account whether or not it is visible. In other words, if you have drawn a computation zone, it will be taken into account whether or not its visibility check box in the Zones folder of the Geo tab in the Explorer window is selected. You will have to delete the computation zone if you no longer want to define an area for calculations.
1.4.8.2.1
Creating a Computation Zone

To create a computation zone: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Zones folder.
3. Right-click the Computation Zone folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Draw from the context menu. 5. Draw the computation zone: a. Click once on the map to start drawing the zone. b. Click once on the map to define each point on the map where the border of the zone changes direction. c. Click twice to finish drawing and close the zone. The computation zone is delimited by a red line. You can also create a computation zone as follows: Vector Edition toolbar: You can use the New Polygon ( ) and New Rectangle ( ) buttons available in the Vector Edition toolbar to draw the computation zone. Existing polygon: You can use any existing polygon on the map as a computation zone by right-clicking it and selecting Use as > Computation Zone from the context menu. Importing a polygon: If you have a file with an existing polygon, for example, a polygon describing an administrative area, you can import it and use it as a computation zone. You can import it by right-clicking the Computation Zone folder on the Geo tab and selecting Import from the context menu. Fit to Map Window: You can create a computation zone the size of the map window by selecting Fit to Map Window from the context menu.
Once you have created a computation zone, you can use Atolls polygon editing tools to edit it. For more information on the polygon editing tools, see"Using Polygon Zone Editing Tools" on page 31.
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Note:
You can save the computation zone, so that you can use it in a different Atoll document, in the following ways: Saving the computation zone in the user configuration: For information on exporting the computation zone in the user configuration, see "Exporting a User Configuration" on page 67. Exporting the computation zone: You can export the computation zone by rightclicking the Computation Zone folder on the Data tab of the Explorer window and selecting Export from the context menu.
1.4.8.3
Using a Focus Zone

Using the focus zone , you can define an area on which statistics can be drawn and on which reports are made.It is important not to confuse the computation zone and the focus and hot spot zones. The computation zone defines the sites and microwave links calculated in link budget, interference studies, etc. and the potential interferers while the focus zone filters the displayed results. Atoll bases the statistics on the area covered by the focus zone; if no focus zone is defined, Atoll will use the computation zone. However, by using a focus zone for the report, you can display the statistics for a specific number of sites, instead of displaying statistics for every site that has been calculated. Atoll takes the focus zone taken into account whether or not they are visible. In other words, if you have drawn a focus zone, it will be taken into account whether or not its visibility check box in the Zones folder of the Geo tab in the Explorer window is selected. You will have to delete the zone if you no longer want to define an area for reports. Note: A focus zone can consist of more than one polygon. The polygons of a focus zone must not intersect or overlap each other.
1.4.8.3.1
Drawing a Focus Zone

To define a focus zone: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Zones folder.
3. Right-click the Focus Zone folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Draw from the context menu. 5. Draw the focus: a. Click once on the map to start drawing the zone. b. Click once on the map to define each point on the map where the border of the zone changes direction. c. Click twice to finish drawing and close the zone. A focus zone is delimited by a green line. If you clear the zones visibility check box in the Zones folder of the Geo tab in the Explorer window, it will no longer be displayed but will still be taken into account. You can also create a focus zone in one of the following ways: Vector Edition toolbar: You can use the New Polygon ( ) and New Rectangle ( ) buttons available in the Vector Edition toolbar to draw the focus zone. Existing polygon: You can use any existing polygon on the map as a focus zone by right-clicking it and selecting Use as > Focus Zone from the context menu. Importing a polygon: If you have a file with an existing polygon, for example, a polygon describing an administrative area, you can import it and use it as a focus zone. You can import it by right-clicking the Focus Zone folder on the Geo tab and selecting Import from the context menu. Fit to Map Window: You can create a focus zone the size of the map window by selecting Fit to Map Window from the context menu. Note: You can save the focus zone , so that you can use it in a different Atoll document, in the following ways: Saving the focus zone in the user configuration: For information on exporting the focus zone in the user configuration, see "Exporting a User Configuration" on page 67. Exporting the focus zone: You can export the focus zone by right-clicking the Focus Zone folder on the Data tab of the Explorer window and selecting Export from the context menu.
1.4.8.4
Using Polygon Zone Editing Tools

Atoll provides you with several different ways of editing the computation zone, focus zone, and filtering zones. You can edit these zones by editing the points that define them, by combining several polygons, or by deleting parts of the polygons that make up these zones. When you no longer need the zone, you can delete it from the map.
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Atoll User Manual The computation and focuspolygons can contain holes. The holes within polygonal areas are differentiated from overlaying polygons by the order of the coordinates of their vertices. The coordinates of the vertices of polygonal areas are in clockwise order, whereas the coordinates of the vertices of holes within polygonal areas are in counter-clockwise order. In this section, the following are explained: "Editing Polygon Zones" on page 32 "Removing a Polygon Zone" on page 33.
1.4.8.4.1
Editing Polygon Zones

You can edit polygon zones in several ways. Before you can edit a polygon zone, you must first put it in editing mode. To put the polygon zone in editing mode: 1. Click the Geo tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of Zones folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the folder containing the polygon zone you want to edit. 4. Select Edit from the context menu. The vector tools on the Vector Edition toolbar are activated.
Tip:
You can also activate the vector tools by selecting the polygon zone to edit from the Vector Edition toolbar list.
You can now edit the polygon zone as explained in the following sections: "Editing the Points of a Polygon Zone" on page 32 "Editing Polygon Zones Using the Toolbar" on page 32 "Editing Polygon Zones Using the Context Menu" on page 33.
Editing the Points of a Polygon Zone

To edit a point of a polygon zone: 1. Put the polygon zone in editing mode as explained in "Editing Polygon Zones" on page 32. 2. Select the polygon zone. You can now edit it by: Moving a point: i. Position the pointer over the point you want to move. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Drag the point to its new position. Adding a point to the polygon zone: i. Position the pointer over the polygon zone border where you want to add a point. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Right-click and select Insert Point from the context menu. A point is added to the polygon zone border at the position of the pointer. Deleting a point from a polygon zone: i. Position the pointer over the point you want to delete. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Right-click and select Delete Point from the context menu. The point is deleted.
Editing Polygon Zones Using the Toolbar

In Atoll, you can create complex polygon zones by using the tools on the Vector Edition toolbar. The filtering, computation, and focus zone polygons can contain holes. The holes within polygonal areas are differentiated from overlaying polygons by the order of the coordinates of their vertices. The coordinates of the vertices of polygonal areas are in clockwise order, whereas the coordinates of the vertices of holes within polygonal areas are in counter-clockwise order. To edit a polygon zone using the icons on the Vector Edition toolbar: 1. Put the polygon zone in editing mode as explained in "Editing Polygon Zones" on page 32. 2. Click the contour to edit. The Vector Edition toolbar has the following buttons: i. : To combine several polygon zones: In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Combine button ( ).
ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the new polygon zone. iii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the polygon zone. iv. Double-click to close the polygon zone. v. Draw more polygon zones if desired. Atoll creates a group of polygons of the selected and new contours. If polygon zones overlap, Atoll merges them. : To delete part of the selected polygon zone:
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment i. In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Delete button ( ).
ii. Draw the area you want to delete from the selected polygon zone by clicking once on the map where you want to begin drawing the area to delete. iii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the area. iv. Double-click to close the area. Atoll deletes the area from the selected contour. i. : To create a polygon out of the overlapping area of two polygons: In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Intersection button ( ).
ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the polygon that will overlap the selected one. iii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the polygon. iv. Double-click to close the polygon. Atoll creates a new polygon of the overlapping area of the two polygons and deletes the parts of the polygons that do not overlap. i. : To split the selected polygon into several polygons: In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Split button ( ).
ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the polygon that will split the selected one. iii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the polygon. iv. Double-click to close the polygon. Atoll separates the area covered by the polygon from the selected polygon and creates a new polygon.
Editing Polygon Zones Using the Context Menu

When you are editing polygon zones, you can access certain commands using the context menu. To edit a polygon zone using the context menu: 1. Click the polygon zone you want to edit. 2. Right-click the polygon zone to display the context menu and select one of the following: Properties: Select Properties to open the Properties dialogue of the selected polygon zone. The Properties dialogue gives the coordinates of each point that defines the position and shape of the polygon zone. Insert Point: Select Insert Point to add a point to the border of the contour at the position of the pointer. Move: i. Select Move from the context menu to move the contour, line, or point on the map.
ii. Move the contour, line, or point. iii. Click to place the contour, line, or point. Quit edition: Select Quit Edition to exit editing mode. Delete: Select Delete to remove the selected contour, line, or point from the map.
1.4.8.4.2
Removing a Polygon Zone

When you no longer need a polygon zone, you can remove the zone and redisplay all data objects. To remove a polygon zone: 1. Click the Geo tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of Zones folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the folder containing the zone you want to remove. 4. From the context menu, select Delete Zone. The polygon zone is removed and all document data are now displayed.
Tip:
You can also delete it by right-clicking its border on the map and selecting Delete from the context menu.
1.4.8.5 1.4.8.6
Using a Printing Zone

The printing zone allows you to define the area to be printed. For information on using the printing zone, see "Defining the Printing Zone" on page 53.
Using a Geographic Export Zone

If you want to export part of the map as a bitmap, you can define a geographic export zone. After you have defined a geographic export zone, Atoll offers you the option of exporting only the area covered by the zone if you export the map as a raster image.
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Atoll User Manual To define a geographic export zone: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Zones folder.
3. Right-click the Geographic Export Zone folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Draw from the context menu. 5. Draw the geographic export zone: a. Click the point on the map that will be one corner of the rectangle that will define the geographic export zone. b. Drag to the opposite corner of the rectangle that will define the geographic export zone. When you release the mouse, the geographic export zone will be created from the rectangle defined by the two corners. The geographic export zone is delimited by a light purple line . If you clear the geographic export zones visibility check box in the Zones folder of the Geo tab in the Explorer window, it will no longer be displayed but will still be taken into account. You can also create a geographic export zone as follows: Vector Edition toolbar: You can use the New Polygon ( ) and New Rectangle ( ) buttons available in the Vector Edition toolbar to draw the geogaphic export zone. Existing polygon: You can use any existing polygon on the map as a geographic export zone by right-clicking it and selecting Use as > Geographic Export Zone from the context menu. Importing a polygon: If you have a file with an existing polygon, you can import it and use it as a geographic export zone. You can import it by right-clicking the Geographic Export Zone folder on the Geo tab and selecting Import from the context menu. Fit to Map Window: You can create a geographic export zone the size of the map window by selecting Fit to Map Window from the context menu.
Once you have created a geographic export zone, you can use Atolls polygon editing tools to edit it. For more information on the polygon editing tools, see "Using Polygon Zone Editing Tools" on page 31. Note: You can export the geographic export zone as a polygon, so that you can use it in a different Atoll document, by right-clicking the Geographic Export Zone folder on the Data tab of the Explorer window and selecting Export from the context menu.
Important: The geographic export zone can only export in raster format. You can not export in raster format if the coverage prediction was made per transmitter (for example, coverage predictions with the display type set by transmitter, by a transmitter attribute, by signal level, by path loss, or by total losses). Only the coverage area of a single transmitter can be exported in raster format.
1.4.9
Editing Polygons, Lines, and Points

Atoll uses different types of polygons, lines, and points in the map window. For example, the zones such as the computation and focus, described in "Using Zones in the Map Window" on page 29, are specific types of polygons. Another type of polygon, called contours, can along with lines and points, be used to add additional information to geographic data. Atoll provides you with several different ways of editing the polygons, lines, and points. You can move or delete the points that define polygons, lines, and points. You can edit polygons by editing the points that define them, by combining several polygons, or by deleting parts of the polygons. Polygons, including the computation and focuspolygons can contain holes. The holes within polygonal areas are differentiated from overlaying polygons by the order of the coordinates of their vertices. The coordinates of the vertices of polygonal areas are in clockwise order, whereas the coordinates of the vertices of holes within polygonal areas are in counterclockwise order. When you no longer need the polygon, line, or point, you can delete it from the map. In this section, the different ways of editing polygons, lines, and points are explained: "Adding a Vector Layer" on page 34 "Creating Polygons, Lines, and Points" on page 35 "Editing the Shape of Polygons and Lines" on page 35 "Combining or Cropping Polygons Using the Toolbar" on page 36 "Editing a Point" on page 36 "Editing Contours, Lines, and Points Using the Context Menu" on page 37.
1.4.9.1
Adding a Vector Layer

You can add vector objects such as polygons, lines or points to geographical map information in a project by first creating a vector layer. You can also modify certain geographic data maps, for example, geoclimatic maps, by adding a vector layer to them and afterwards adding polygons, lines and points. For information on modifying certain geographic data maps by adding a vector layer, see "Editing Geoclimatic Maps" on page 115.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment To add a vector layer to the Geo tab: Click the New Vector Layer button ( ) ) on the Vector Edition toolbar.
Atoll creates a folder called "Vectors" on the Geo tab of the Explorer window. For information on adding vector objects such as contours, lines, and points to the vector layer, see "Creating Polygons, Lines, and Points" on page 35.
1.4.9.2
Creating Polygons, Lines, and Points

Once you have created a vector layer, as explained in "Adding a Vector Layer" on page 34, you can add polygons, lines, and points to it. To add a polygon, line, or point to a vector layer: 1. Right-click the vector layer on the Geo tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Edit from the context menu. The tools on the Vector Edition toolbar are available.
Tip:
You can also make the vector tools available by selecting the vector layer to edit from the Vector Edition toolbar list. Because Atoll names all new vector layers "Vectors" by default, it might be difficult to know which Vectors folder you are selecting. By renaming each vectors folder, you can ensure that you select the correct folder. For information on renaming objects, see "Renaming an Object" on page 17.
If the Vector Edition toolbar is not visible, select View > Vector Edition Toolbar. 3. Click one of the following buttons on the Vector Edition toolbar: New Polygon: a. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the contour. b. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the contour. c. Double-click to close the contour. New Rectangle: a. Click the point on the map that will be one corner of the rectangle. b. Drag to the opposite corner of the rectangle. c. Release the mouse to create the rectangle defined by the two corners. Note: If the polygon or rectangle is on the vector layer of a geoclimatic map,, you must define the value the polygon or rectangle represents and map the vector layer. For more information, see "Editing Geoclimatic Maps" on page 115.
New Line: a. Click once on the map where you want to begin the line. b. Click each time you change angles on the line. c. Double-click to end the line. New Point: Click once on the map where you want to place the point. 4. Press ESC to deselect the currently selected button on the Vector Edition toolbar.
1.4.9.3
Editing the Shape of Polygons and Lines

You can edit the shape of polygons and lines on the vector layer. To edit the shape of polygons and lines: 1. On the Explorer window tab containing the vector layer, right-click the vector layer folder. The context menu appears. 2. Select Edit from the context menu. The vector tools on the Vector Edition toolbar are activated.
Tip:
You can also activate the vector tools by selecting the vector layer to edit from the Vector Edition toolbar list.
3. Select the contour or line. You can now edit by: Moving a point: i. Forsk 2010 Position the pointer over the point you want to move. The pointer changes ( Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited ).
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Atoll User Manual ii. Drag the point to its new position. Adding a point to a contour or a line: i. Position the pointer over the contour border or line where you want to add a point. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Right-click and select Insert Point from the context menu. A point is added to the contour border or line at the position of the pointer. Deleting a point from a contour or a line: i. Position the pointer over the point you want to delete. The pointer changes ( ).
1.4.9.4
Combining or Cropping Polygons Using the Toolbar

In Atoll, you can create complex contours by using the tools on the Vector Edition toolbar. To edit a vector object using the icons on the Vector Edition toolbar: 1. On the Explorer window tab containing the vector layer, right-click the vector layer folder. The context menu appears. 2. Select Edit from the context menu. The vector tools on the Vector Edition toolbar are activated.
Tip:
3. Click the contour to edit. The Vector Edition toolbar has the following buttons: i. : To combine several contours: In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Combine button ( ).
ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the new contour. iii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the contour. iv. Double-click to close the contour. v. Draw more contours if desired. Atoll creates a group of polygons of the selected and new contours. If contours overlap, Atoll merges them. i. : To delete part of the selected contour: In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Delete button ( ).
ii. Draw the area you want to delete from the selected contour by clicking once on the map where you want to begin drawing the area to delete. iii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the area. iv. Double-click to close the area. Atoll deletes the area from the selected contour. i. : To create a contour out of the overlapping area of two contours: In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Intersection button ( ).
ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the contour that will overlap the selected one. iii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the contour. iv. Double-click to close the contour. Atoll creates a new contour of the overlapping area of the two contours and deletes the parts of the contours that do not overlap. i. : To split the selected contour into several contours: In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Split button ( ).
ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the contour that will split the selected one. iii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the contour. iv. Double-click to close the contour. Atoll separates the area covered by the contour from the selected contour and creates a new contour.
1.4.9.5
Editing a Point
To edit a point: 1. On the Explorer window tab containing the vector layer, right-click the vector layer folder. The context menu appears. 2. Select Edit from the context menu. The vector tools on the Vector Edition toolbar are activated.
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Tip:
3. Select the point. You can now edit by: Moving: i. Click the point you want to move. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Drag the point to its new position. Deleting a point: i. Click the point you want to delete. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Right-click and select Delete from the context menu. The point is deleted.
1.4.9.6
Editing Contours, Lines, and Points Using the Context Menu

When you are editing contours, lines, and points, you can access certain commands using the context menu. To edit a vector object using the context menu: 1. Click the vector object you want to edit. 2. Right-click the vector object to display the context menu and select one of the following: Delete: Select Delete to remove the selected contour, line, or point from the map. Convert to Line: Select Convert to Line to convert the selected contour to a line. Convert to Polygon: Select Convert to Polygon to convert the selected line to a contour. Open Line: Select Open Line to remove the segment between the last and the first point. Close Line: Select Close Line to add a segment between the last and the first point of the line. Insert Point: Select Insert Point to add a point to the border of the contour at the position of the pointer. Move: i. Select Move from the context menu to move the contour, line, or point on the map.
ii. Move the contour, line, or point. iii. Click to place the contour, line, or point. Quit edition: Select Quit Edition to exit editing mode. Properties: Select Properties to open the Properties dialogue of the selected contour, line, or point. The Properties dialogue has two tabs: General: The General tab gives the name of the vector Layer, the Surface of the object, and any Properties of the contour, line, or point. Geometry: This tab gives the coordinates of each point that defines the position and shape of the contour, line, or point. Only the commands relevant to the selected contour, line, or point are displayed in the context menu.
Note:
1.4.10
Exporting Coverage Prediction Results

In Atoll, you can export the coverage areas of a coverage prediction in raster or vector formats. In raster formats, you can export in BMP, TIF, JPEG 2000, ArcView grid, or Vertical Mapper (GRD and GRC) formats. When exporting in GRD or GRC formats, Atoll allows you to export files larger than 2 GB. In vector formats, you can export in ArcView, MapInfo, or AGD formats. The file exported can then be imported as a vector or raster object in Atoll or in another application. When you export a coverage prediction in vector format, the exported zone is delimited by the rectangle encompassing the coverage. When you export a coverage prediction in vector format, you can export the entire coverage prediction, or you can export a defined area of the coverage prediction. All coverage types can be exported, however, you can not export a coverage prediction in raster format if the coverage prediction was made per transmitter (for example, coverage predictions with the display type set by transmitter, by a transmitter attribute, by signal level, by path loss, or by total losses). In this case, only the coverage area of a single transmitter can be exported in raster format. You can export coverage predictions separately or you can export several coverage predictions at the same time. When you export more than one coverage prediction, Atoll suggests the formats that can be used for all the coverage predictions to be exported. In this section, the following are explained: "Exporting an Individual Coverage Prediction in Vector Format" on page 38 "Exporting an Individual Coverage Prediction in Raster Format" on page 38 "Exporting Multiple Coverage Predictions" on page 39.
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1.4.10.1
Exporting an Individual Coverage Prediction in Vector Format

To export a coverage prediction in vector format: 1. Select the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( Note: ) to expand the Predictions folder.
The coverage prediction must be displayed in the map window before it can be exported. For information on displaying objects in the map window, see "Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer" on page 16.
3. Select Export the Coverage from the context menu. The Save As dialogue appears. 4. In the Save As dialogue, enter the File name and select the vector format from the Save as type list. If you have chosen to export the prediction coverage in a vector format other than in AGD format: a. If desired, under Coordinate Systems, change the reference coordinate system for the file being exported. b. If desired, change the Resolution of the exported coverage. The default resolution is the resolution of the coverage prediction results (as set in the coverage prediction Properties dialogue). c. If desired, move the Smoothing slider, or enter the percentage in the text box, to define how much Atoll smooths the exported coverage. 5. Click Save to export the coverage prediction results.
1.4.10.2
Exporting an Individual Coverage Prediction in Raster Format

To export a coverage prediction in raster format 1. Select the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( Note: ) to expand the Predictions folder.
The coverage prediction must be displayed in the map window before it can be exported. For information on displaying objects in the map window, see "Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer" on page 16.
3. You can export the entire coverage prediction, the geographic export zone, or part of the coverage prediction. To export the entire coverage prediction: Right-click the coverage prediction you want to export.
To export the geographic export zone, define the geographic export zone: a. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. b. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Zones folder.
c. Right-click the Geographic Export Zone folder. The context menu appears. d. Select Draw from the context menu. e. Draw the geographic export zone by clicking the point on the map that will be one corner of the rectangle that will define the geographic export zone and dragging to the opposite corner of the rectangle that will define the geographic export zone. When you release the mouse, the geographic export zone will be created from the rectangle defined by the two corners. The geographic export zone is delimited by a light purple line. If you clear the geographic export zones visibility check box in the Zones folder of the Geo tab in the Explorer window, it will no longer be displayed but will still be taken into account. f. Right-click the coverage prediction you want to export.
To export part of the coverage prediction: a. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the coverage prediction.
b. Right-click the part of the coverage prediction you want to export. 4. Select Export the Coverage from the context menu. The Save As dialogue appears. 5. In the Save As dialogue, enter the File name and select the raster format from the Save as type list. 6. Enter the file name and select the type and the path of the file to be exported. 7. Click Save to export the coverage prediction results. The Raster Export dialogue appears. a. Under Region, select the area to export: The Coverage Area of the Prediction Study to export a rectangle containing only the area covered by the study, The Computation Zone to export a rectangle containing the entire computation zone, or
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment The Geographic Export Zone to export the rectangle defined by the geographic export zone.
b. If desired, move the Smoothing slider, or enter the percentage in the text box, to define how much Atoll smooths the exported coverage. c. Click OK to finish exporting the coverage prediction results. Notes When selecting a coordinate system different than the one initially defined in Atoll, the file is converted using the selected coordinate system. You can not export in raster format if the coverage prediction was made per transmitter (for example, coverage predictions with the display type set by transmitter, by a transmitter attribute, by signal level, by path loss, or by total losses). Only the coverage area of a single transmitter can be exported in raster format.
1.4.10.3
Exporting Multiple Coverage Predictions

If you have several coverage predictions that you want to export, you can export them at the same time. To export several coverage predictions at the same time: 1. Select the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the the Predictions folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Export Coverages from the context menu. The Coverage Export dialogue appears. 4. In the Coverage Export dialogue, select the check boxes corresponding to the coverage predictions you want to export. By default, Atoll selects the check boxes of all coverage predictions whose visibility check box is selected on the Data tab of the Explorer window. 5. Under Options, you can define the following parameters: Folder: Enter the folder you want to store the exported coverage predictions in or click the Browse button ( ) to navigate to it. Format: Select the vector file format you want Atoll to export the coverage predictions in. Time stamp: If you select the Time stamp check box, Atoll will add the date and time to the file name of each exported coverage prediction. Resolution in metres: You can define a resolution for the exported coverage predictions.
6. Click Export to export the selected coverage predictions. The selected coverage predictions are saved in the selected folder. Note: When you export several coverage predictions at the same time, Atoll does not take the geographic export zone into consideration. The geographic export zone is only taken into consideration for raster file formats.
1.4.11
Saving a Map as a Graphic Image

You can save a map as a graphic image. To save a map as a graphic image: 1. Click the Select an area button ( 2. Define the area to save: a. Click in the map on one of the four corners of the area you want to select. b. Drag to the opposite corner. 3. Select File > Save Image As. The Map Export dialogue appears. 4. In the Map Export dialogue, select the zone that you wish to save as an image. You can select: Selection: The area on the map selected in step 1. Geographic Export Zone Printing Zone ) in the Map toolbar.
5. Click Export. The Save As dialogue appears. 6. In the Save as dialogue, select a destination folder, enter a File name, and select a file type from the Save as type list. The following file formats are supported: TIF, BIL, BMP, and ArcView Grid (TXT). If you wish to use the saved file as a digital terrain model, you should select the TIF, BIL, or TXT format. When saving in BIL format, Atoll allows you to save files larger than 2 Gb. 7. Click Save. The Exported Image Size dialogue appears. 8. You can define the size of the exported image in one of two ways:
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1.4.12
Copying a Map to Another Application

You can copy a selected area of the map into a document created using another application. To copy a selected area of the map into a document created using another application: 1. Click the Select an area button ( 2. Define the area to copy: a. Click in the map on one of the four corners of the area you want to select. b. Drag to the opposite corner. 3. Select Edit > Copy Image. The Copy Image dialogue appears. 4. Define the resolution of the image in one of the following ways: Select Use Screen Resolution Select Use Custom Resolution and enter a resolution in metres. ) in the Map toolbar.
5. Click OK. 6. Open the application into which you want to paste the image. 7. In the new application, select Edit > Paste Special. 8. In the Paste Special dialogue, select Picture (Enhanced Metafile). Note: You can also select Bitmap to paste the selection without rulers, or Text to paste the upper left and lower right coordinates of the selection.
9. Click OK. The area of the map, including the rulers, is pasted as an image into the new document.
1.4.13
Map Window Pointers

In Atoll, the pointer appears in different forms according to its function. Each pointer is described below:
Appearance
Description Selection arrow
Meaning
The zone selection pointer indicates that, on the map, you can define a zone to print or copy and, in the Panoramic window, you can define the zone to be displayed on the map. To define a zone, click and drag diagonally.
The polygon drawing pointer indicates you can draw a zone to filter either sites or links, draw computation/focus/hot spot/filtering/printing/ eographic export Polygon drawing zones, or draw vector or raster polygons on the map. To draw a polygon, click pointer once to start, and each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the polygon. Close the polygon by clicking twice.
Rectangle drawing pointer Hand Zoom tool
The rectangle drawing pointer indicates you can draw computation/focus/hot spot/filtering/printing/geographic export zones, or draw vector or raster rectangles on the map. To define a zone, click and drag diagonally. The hand pointer indicates you can move the visible part of the displayed map. The zoom pointer indicates you can click to zoom in and right-click to zoom out at the location of the mouse pointer The zoom area pointer indicates you can zoom in on an area of the by clicking and dragging to define the area. The pencil pointer indicates you can create a polygonal clutter zone, by clicking once to start the polygon, once to create each corner, and by double-clicking to close the polygon.
Zoom area
Pencil
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Appearance
Description Deletion Position indicator
Meaning
The deletion pointer indicates that you can delete a newly created polygonal clutter zone by clicking its border. The position indicator pointer indicates you can select the border of a polygon. Right-clicking the polygon border opens a context menu allowing you to add a point, delete the polygon, or centre the map on the polygon. The select/create points pointer indicates you can modify the polygon in the map window. You can add a new point and modify the polygon contour by clicking on one of the edges and dragging. You can move an existing point by clicking and dragging an existing point. You can right-click to open a context menu to delete a point, delete the polygon, or centre the map on the polygon. The microwave link pointer indicates you can click a point on the map to create the first point of a microwave link. Once you have created the first point, the microwave link pointer changes and the next click ends the link. The multihop and multipoint pointer indicates you can click once to create the first point of a multi-hop link or the hub of a point-to-multipoint link. In the case of a multihop link, each subsequent click creates another point in the link. In the case of a point-to-multipoint, each subsequent link creates anew point, connected to the hub by a link. The rotate hub antenna pointer indicates you can click the hub antenna and drag it to a new position to change the azimuth of the hub antenna. The measurement pointer indicates you can click on the map to set the start point of your measurement. As you move the pointer, the distance between the first point and the pointer is displayed in the status bar. The terrain section pointer indicates that you can create a terrain section by clicking once on the map to create the first point and once more to create the second point. The terrain profile between the two points is displayed in the Point Analysis window and stored under Terrain Sections in the Geo tab.
Select/create points
Microwave link start End Multi-hop or point-tomultipoint microwave link Rotate hub antenna of point-tomultipoint link Measurements on the map
Terrain section
1.5
Working with Data Tables

Atoll stores object data (sites, antennas, microwave links, etc.) in the form of tables, containing all their parameters and characteristics. The data contained in prediction reports are also stored in the form of tables. You can add columns to the data table and you can delete certain columns. When you create a new column, you can create a default value for a field you create. You can also create a list of options (for text fields) from which the user can choose when filling in the field. You can filter, sort, and group the data contained in these tables, and view a statistical analysis of the data. You can also export the data or import data into the Atoll data tables. In this section, the following are explained: "Opening a Data Table" on page 41 "Adding, Deleting, and Editing Data Table Fields" on page 42 "Editing the Contents of a Table" on page 43 "Opening an Objects Record Properties Dialogue from a Table" on page 44 "Defining the Table Format" on page 44 "Copying and Pasting in Tables" on page 47 "Viewing a Statistical Analysis of Table Contents" on page 49 "Exporting Tables to Text Files" on page 49 "Importing Tables from Text Files" on page 50 "Exporting Tables to XML Files" on page 51 "Importing Tables from XML Files" on page 52.
1.5.1
Opening a Data Table

To open a data table: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the data folder of which you want to display the data table. 3. Select Open Table from the context menu.
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1.5.2
Adding, Deleting, and Editing Data Table Fields

The data for each object type is stored in the form of a data table. Every data table in Atoll is created with a default set of columns, each corresponding to a field. In this section, the following functions are explained: "Accessing an Object Types Table Fields" on page 42 "Adding a Field to an Object Types Data Table" on page 42 "Deleting a Field from an Object Types Data Table" on page 43
1.5.2.1
Accessing an Object Types Table Fields

The fields contained in an object types table are defined in a dialogue. To access an object types table fields: 1. In the Explorer window, open the data table as described in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Right-click the table in the map window. The context menu appears. 3. Select Table Fields from the context menu. A dialogue appears where you can view the existing fields and add or delete new ones. The dialogue displays the following information for each type of data (see Figure 1.13): The Name of the field in the database (Name). The Name of the field in the ATL file (Legend). The Type of the field. The maximum Size of the field. The Default value of the field. The Group to which the field belongs. When opening an Atoll document from a database, you can select a group of custom fields to be loaded from the database, instead of loading all custom fields.
Figure 1.13: The Table tab
1.5.2.2
Adding a Field to an Object Types Data Table

You can add a custom field to any object types data table. To add a custom field to an object types data table: 1. Access the object types table fields as explained in "Accessing an Object Types Table Fields" on page 42. 2. Click Add. The Field Definition dialogue appears (see Figure 1.14). 3. The Field Definition dialogue has the following text boxes: Name: Enter the Name for the field that will appear in the database Group: If desired, you can define a Group that this custom field will belong to. When you open an Atoll document from a database, you can then select a specific group of custom fields to be loaded from the database, instead of loading all custom fields. Legend: Enter the name for the field that will appear in the Atoll document. Type: Select a type for the field (text, short integer, long integer, single, double, true/false, date/time, or currency) Size: The Size field is only available if you have selected "text" as the Type. Enter a size in characters. Default Value: If you want, enter a default value that will appear each time you create a new record of this object type. Choice List: The Choice List field is only available if you have selected "text" as the Type. You can create a choice list by entering the list items in the Choice List text box, separating each list item with a hard return.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment 4. Click OK to return to the object type table. Note: User or custom fields are for information only and are not taken into account in any calculation. You can find these fields in the Other Properties tab of an object types Properties dialogue.
Figure 1.14: The Field Definition dialogue
1.5.2.3
Deleting a Field from an Object Types Data Table

You can delete custom fields from an object types data table. Custom fields are the fields that the user adds to an object types data table, as explained in "Adding a Field to an Object Types Data Table" on page 42. To delete a custom field from an object types data table: Caution: All data stored in the field will be lost when you delete the field itself. Make sure that you are not deleting important information.
1. Access the object types table fields as explained in "Accessing an Object Types Table Fields" on page 42. 2. Select the custom field that you want to delete.
Tip:
Some fields can not be deleted. If you select a field and the Delete button remains unavailable, the selected field is not a custom field and can not be deleted.
3. Click Delete. The field is deleted from the object types data table.
1.5.3
Editing the Contents of a Table

To edit the contents of a table: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the data folder of which you want to display the data table. 3. Select Open Table from the context menu. 4. Edit the content of the table by entering the value directly in the field (see Figure 1.15). 5. Click elsewhere in the table when you have finished to update the table. Your changes are automatically saved.
Tip:
If a list of options has been defined for a field, you can select a value from the list (see Figure 1.16) or enter a new value.
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Figure 1.15: Editing data in the transmitters data tables
Figure 1.16: Choosing data in the transmitters data tables
1.5.4
Opening an Objects Record Properties Dialogue from a Table

You can open the Record Properties dialogue of an object, for example, a site, antenna, transmitter, or cell, from its data table. To open the Record Properties dialogue of an object: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Right-click the record whose properties you want to see. 3. Select Record Properties from the context menu. Note: You can also open the Record Properties dialogue by double-clicking the record. To avoid editing the record when you double-click, double-click the left margin of the record instead of the record itself.
1.5.5
Defining the Table Format

Atoll lets you format the data tables so that the data presented is more legible or better presented. You can change the format of the data table by: "Formatting the Column Headers" on page 45 "Formatting Table Columns" on page 45 "Changing Column Width or Row Height" on page 45 "Displaying or Hiding a Column" on page 46 "Freezing or Unfreezing a Column" on page 46 "Moving Columns" on page 46
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Formatting the Column Headers

1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Select Format > Header Format. The Format dialogue appears. 3. The Format dialogue has the following tabs: Font: You can select the Font, Outline (the font style), font Size, Effects, and Text Colour. Colour: You can select the background colour (Interior) of the column headers, by selecting a Foreground colour, a Background colour, and a pattern from the list box. You can also select a 3D Effect for the header. Borders: You can select the Border, the Type, and the Colour for each column header. Alignment: You can select both the Horizontal and Vertical alignment of the column header text.
4. Click OK.
Formatting Table Columns

1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Select Format > Column Format. The Format dialogue appears. 3. The Format dialogue has the following tabs: Font: You can select the Font, Outline (the font style), font Size, Effects, and Text Colour. Colour: You can select the background colour (Interior) of the column headers, by selecting a Foreground colour, a Background colour, and a pattern from the list box. You can also select a 3D Effect for the header. Borders: You can select the Border, the Type, and the Colour for each column header. Alignment: You can select both the Horizontal and Vertical alignment of the column header text.
4. Click OK.
Changing Column Width or Row Height

You can change the column width and row height in a data table. When you change the column width, you change the width only for the selected column. When you change the row height, however, you change the row height for every row in the table. To change the column width: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Click the border separating two column headers and drag to change the column width (see Figure 1.17). To change the row height: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Click the border separating two rows and drag to change the row height (see Figure 1.18).
Figure 1.17: Changing column width
Figure 1.18: Changing row height
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Displaying or Hiding a Column

You can choose which columns in data tables to display or hide. To display or hide a column: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Select Format > Display Columns. The Columns to Be Displayed dialogue appears (see Figure 1.19). 3. To display a column, select its check box. 4. To hide a column, clear its check box.
Tip:
You can also hide a column by right-clicking on its header and selecting Hide Columns from the context menu. You can hide more than one column by pressing CTRL while selecting the columns and then selecting Hide Columns from the context menu.
5. Click Close.
Figure 1.19: The Columns to Be Displayed dialogue Note: You can also right-click the data table and select the Display Columns or Hide Columns command from the context menu.
Freezing or Unfreezing a Column

In Atoll, you can freeze one or more columns of a data table so that they always remain visible as you scroll horizontally through the table. For example, while scrolling through the Sites table, you might want to have the Name column always visible. You can keep this column, or any other column visible, by freezing it. To freeze a column: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Select the header of the column you want to freeze. Click and drag over several headers to select more than one column to freeze. Note: You can only freeze adjacent columns.
3. Right-click the selected header or headers and select Freeze columns from the context men. Note: You can not freeze a column in a report table.
To unfreeze columns: Select Format > Unfreeze columns.
Moving Columns
In Atoll, you can change the column order so that you can group similar columns or present data in a determined order. To move a column: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Select the header of the column you want to move. Click and drag over several headers to select more than one column to move.
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Note:
You can only move several columns at the same time when they are adjacent.
3. Click again on the selected column and drag to the desired area. As you drag the column, the position the column will occupy is indicated by a red line (see Figure 1.20).
Figure 1.20: Moving columns
Note:
It may be necessary to click Refresh
in the Map toolbar for your changes to appear.
1.5.6
Copying and Pasting in Tables

In Atoll, you can copy and paste data in tables using the Copy (CTRL+C), Cut (CTRL+X), and Paste (CTRL+V) commands on the Edit menu. You can copy and paste data to create new elements or you can copy and paste the same data into several cells. In this section, the following is explained: "Copying and Pasting a Table Element" on page 47 "Pasting the Same Data into Several Cells" on page 47.
1.5.6.1
Copying and Pasting a Table Element

You can create a new element in tables by copying an existing element, pasting it into a new row and editing the details that are different. Note: Each element in a table must have a unique Name.
To create a new element by copying and pasting: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Click in the left margin of the table row containing the element to select the entire row. 3. Select Edit > Copy to copy the table row. 4. Click in the left margin of the table row marked with the New Row icon ( ) to select the entire row.
5. Select Edit > Paste to paste the copied data into the new row. Atoll, creates a new element from the copied data. The name of the new element is the same as that of the copied element, preceded by "Copy of." You can edit this name.
1.5.6.2
Pasting the Same Data into Several Cells

You can paste the same data into several cells, using Fill Up or Fill Down. To paste the same data into several cells: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Click on the cell with the data you wish to copy and drag to select the cells into which you wish to copy the data (see Figure 1.21).
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Figure 1.21: Selecting the cells 3. Copy into the selected cells: To copy the contents of the top cell of the selection into the other cells, select Edit > Fill > Down (see Figure 1.22).
Figure 1.22: Copying the contents of the top cell To copy the contents of the bottom cell of the selection into the other cells, select Edit > Fill > Up (see Figure 1.23).
Figure 1.23: Copying the contents of the bottom cell
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1.5.7
Viewing a Statistical Analysis of Table Contents

You can view a statistical analysis of the contents of an entire column in a table or of the contents of a selection of cells. To view a statistical analysis of table contents: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Select the column data you want to analyse: To view a statistical analysis of an entire column: Click the column title. The entire column is selected.
To view a statistical analysis of a selection of cells in one column: Select the cells you want to analyse. You can select contiguous cells by clicking the first cell and dragging to the last cell of the selection you want to analyse, or by clicking the first cell, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last cell. You can select non-contiguous cells by pressing CTRL and clicking each cell in the column separately.
Tip:
In Atoll you can organise data in several different ways, allowing you to select only certain data. For more information, see "Grouping, Sorting, and Filtering Data" on page 56.
3. Right-click the selection of cells. The context menu appears. 4. Select Statistics from the context menu. The Statistics dialogue appears (see Figure 1.24).
Figure 1.24: The Statistics dialogue The statistics displayed depend on the type of numerical data selected. If you leave the Statistics dialogue open, you can view the statistical analysis of other cells by selecting them in the table. The contents of the Statistics dialogue are updated automatically.
1.5.8
Exporting Tables to Text Files

You can export entire Atoll data tables, or selected columns, to ASCII text files (in text, TXT, and Comma Separated Value, CSV, formats) and to MS Excel files. To export a table: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Right-click the table. The context menu appears. 3. Select Export from the context menu. The Export dialogue appears. You can see how the exported table will appear in the Preview pane (see Figure 1.25).
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Figure 1.25: Exporting a data table 4. Select the Header check box if you want to export the names of the columns with the data. 5. Select a Decimal Symbol from the list. 6. Select a Field Separator from the list. 7. Select the fields (displayed as columns in the table) you want to export. You can display all the fields belonging to a table by clicking the Expand button ( ) to the left of the table name. You can select contiguous fields by clicking the first field, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last field. You can select non-contiguous fields by pressing CTRL and clicking each fields separately. a. To select a field to be exported, select the field in the Available Fields box and click to the Exported Fields list. All fields in the Exported Fields list will be exported. to move it
b. To remove a field from the list of Exported Fields, select the field in the Exported Fields list and click to remove it. c. To change the order of the fields, select a field and click or to move it up or down in the list. The fields at the top of the Exported Fields appear at the left of the exported table. Note: You can save the choices you have made in the Export dialogue as a configuration file by clicking the Save button at the top of the dialogue and entering a name for the file in the Save As dialogue that appears. The next time you export a data table, you can click Load in the Export dialogue to open your configuration file with the same settings you used this time.
8. Click Export. The Save As dialogue appears. 9. In the Save As dialogue, enter the File name and select the format from the Save as type list. 10. Click Save to export the table. You can export the Sites, Links, Multi-Hops, and Point to Multipoint tables to text files by selecting the folder or a subfolder in the Explorer window and pressing CTRL+E. For information on importing data into a data table, see "Importing Tables from Text Files" on page 50.
1.5.9
Importing Tables from Text Files

You can import data in the form of ASCII text files (in TXT and CSV formats) into Atoll data tables. To import a table: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Right-click the table. The context menu appears.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment 3. Select Import from the context menu. The Open dialogue appears. 4. Select the ASCII text file you want to open and click Open. The Import dialogue appears (see Figure 1.26).
Figure 1.26: Importing information into a data table 5. Enter the number of the first line of data in the 1st Data Line box. 6. Select a Decimal Symbol from the list. 7. Select a Field Separator from the list. 8. Select the Update Records check box if you want to replace the data of records already existing in the table. Note: Atoll compares the values in the left-most column of the data to be imported with the values in the same column of the data table to see if records already exist. The values of these records are replaced when the Update Records check box is selected. If the Update Records check box is not selected, these records are not imported.
9. Under Field Mapping, there are two header rows: Source: The column headers from the text file you are importing. Destination: The column headers from the Atoll data table.
Align the content of the source file with the content of the destination file by clicking the column header in the Destination row and selecting the corresponding column from the Atoll data file (see Figure 1.26). Select <Ignore> for source file columns that you do not want to import.
Tip:
You can change the width of the columns to make the contents easier to work with. See "Changing Column Width or Row Height" on page 45. You can save the choices you have made in the Import dialogue as a configuration file by clicking the Save button at the top of the dialogue and entering a name for the file in the Save As dialogue that appears. The next time you export a data table, you can click Load in the Import dialogue to open your configuration file with the same settings you used this time.
Note:
10. Click Import. The contents are imported in the current Atoll data table. You can import data from text files into the Sites, Links, Multi-Hops, and Point to Multipoint tables by selecting the folder or a subfolder in the Explorer window and pressing CTRL+I. For information on exporting the information in a data table into a text file, see "Exporting Tables to Text Files" on page 49.
1.5.10
Exporting Tables to XML Files

You can export the data tables in your Atoll document to XML files. You can use XML to exchange information between Atoll and the OMC.
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Atoll User Manual Atoll creates one XML file for each exported data table, and an index.xml file that contains the mapping between the tables that were exported and the XML files corresponding to each data table. The index.xml file also stores the information on the system (GSM, UMTS, etc.), the technologyTDMA, CDMA, , etc., and the version of Atoll with which the XML files were created. For more information about the formats of the XML files, see the Technical Reference Guide. To export all the data tables in your document to XML files: 1. Select File > Data Exchange > XML File Export. The Browse for Folder dialogue appears. 2. Select the folder where the XML files are to be stored. Click the Make New Folder button if you want to create a new folder to store the XML files. 3. Click OK. All the data tables in the document are exported to XML files. For information on importing the data tables from XML files into your document, see "Importing Tables from XML Files" on page 52.
1.5.11
Importing Tables from XML Files

You can import data tables into your Atoll document from XML files. You can use XML to exchange information between Atoll and the OMC. In order for Atoll to be able to correctly import the data tables from XML files, the XML files and the current Atoll document must use the same system (GSM, UMTS, etc.), the technologyTDMA, CDMA, , etc., and the Atoll version used to create the XML files must be the same as the version used to import the data. For more information about the formats of the XML files, see the Technical Reference Guide. To import data tables into your document from XML files: 1. Select File > Data Exchange > XML File Import. The Browse for Folder dialogue appears. 2. Select the folder where the index.xml file is located. 3. Click OK. The data tables from the XML files listed in the index.xml file are imported in the document . Note: Tables are imported in the same order they appear in the index.xml file. Do not modify the order of tables in the index.xml file because the order in which the data is imported is very important; some data must be imported before other data. For example, antennas used by transmitters must be imported before the transmitters themselves.
During the import procedure, existing data in the tables are overwritten by the data from the XML files. Once the import is complete, Atoll performs a database integrity check, and a duplicate records check to ensure that the import did not create database problems. For information on exporting the data tables in your document to XML files, see "Exporting Tables to XML Files" on page 51.
1.6
Printing in Atoll
In Atoll, you can print any part of your document, including maps, data tables, document reports, and antenna patterns. This section explains the following: "Printing Data Tables and Reports" on page 52 "Printing a Map" on page 52 "Printing a Docking Window" on page 56
1.6.1
Printing Data Tables and Reports

Data tables and reports are both presented in tabular format in Atoll and can, therefore, both be printed in the same way. If you wish to see how the table will appear once printed, see "Previewing Your Printing" on page 55. To print a table: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. If you want to print an area of the table, select it by clicking in one corner of the area and dragging diagonally to the opposite corner. 3. Select File > Print. 4. If you want to print only a selected area, choose Selected in the Print dialogue. 5. Click OK to print.
1.6.2
Printing a Map
You can print a map in Atoll and create a paper copy of studies, predictions, etc. Atoll offers several options allowing you to customise and optimise the printed map. Atoll supports printing to a variety of paper sizes, including A4 and A0.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment Before you print a map, you have the following options: You can print the entire map, or you can define an area of the map to be printed in one of the following ways: Selecting the print area (see "Defining the Printing Zone" on page 53). Creating a focus zone (see "Drawing a Focus Zone" on page 31).
You can accept the default layout or you can modify the print layout (see "Defining the Print Layout" on page 54). You can see how the map will appear once printed (see "Previewing Your Printing" on page 55). Important: Printing graphics is a memory-intensive operation and can make heavy demands on your printer. Before printing for the first time, you should review the "Printing Recommendations" on page 53 to avoid any memory-related problems.
To print a map: 1. Select the document window containing the map. 2. You now have the following options before printing the map: You can select a print area ("Defining the Printing Zone" on page 53) or create a focus zone ("Drawing a Focus Zone" on page 31). You can modify the print layout ("Defining the Print Layout" on page 54). You can see how the map will appear once printed (see "Previewing Your Printing" on page 55).
3. Select File > Print. 4. Click OK.
1.6.2.1
Printing Recommendations
The appearance of the map is determined by the arrangement and properties of the objects the map contains. Objects in Atoll are arranged in layers. The layers on the top (as arranged on the Data and Geo tabs) are the most visible on the screen and in print. The visibility of the lower layers depends on which layers are above it and on the transparency of these layers (for information on transparency, see "Defining the Transparency of Objects and Object Types" on page 23). Before printing a map, it is recommended to organise the layers from top to bottom as follows, when a document contains surface layers (raster maps or polygonal vector maps), lines (vectors such as roads, or airport), and points (measurements, etc.): Points (vectors) Roads and Lines (vectors) Surface polygons (vectors) Multi-format maps - population, geoclimatic, traffic maps (vector or raster), and others Clutter class maps (transparent raster maps) Images, DTM, or clutter height maps (non-transparent maps).
Sites and transmitters must be above all the other layers. For this reason, visible objects on the Data tab, for example, sites, transmitters, and predictions, are displayed above objects on the Geo tab. For performance reasons, however, it is strongly recommended to put vector layers, such as roads, over predictions. This will ensure that these vector layers are visible when you print the map. To put vector layers from the Geo tab over predictions: 1. In the Explorer window, click the Geo tab. 2. Right-click the vector layer you wish to move to the Data tab. The context menu appears. 3. Select Transfer to Data from the context menu. 4. Click the Data tab. 5. Drag the vector layer to a position above Predictions but below Sites, Antennas, and Transmitters.
1.6.2.2
Defining the Printing Zone

You can define an area to be printed. To create a printing zone: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Zones folder.
3. Right-click the Printing Zone folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Draw from the context menu. 5. Draw the printing zone: a. Click the point on the map that will be one corner of the rectangle that will define the printing zone. b. Drag to the opposite corner of the rectangle that will define the printing zone. When you release the mouse, the printing zone will be created from the rectangle defined by the two corners. The printing zone is delimited by a light green line (see Figure 1.27). If you clear the printing zones visibility check box in the Zones folder of the Geo tab in the Explorer window, it will no longer be displayed but will still be taken into account.
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Figure 1.27: Printing zone You can also create a printing zone as follows: Vector Edition toolbar: You can use the New Polygon ( ) and New Rectangle ( ) buttons available in the Vector Edition toolbar to draw the printing zone. Existing polygon: You can use any existing polygon on the map as a printing zone by right-clicking it and selecting Use as > Printing Zone from the context menu. Importing a polygon: If you have a file with an existing polygon, you can import it and use it as a printing zone. You can import it by right-clicking the Printing Zone folder on the Geo tab and selecting Import from the context menu. Fit to Map Window: You can create a printing zone the size of the map window by selecting Fit to Map Window from the context menu.
Once you have created a printing zone, you can change its size by dragging the edges of the zone displayed on the rulers of the map window. You can also use Atolls polygon editing tools to edit the printing zone. For more information on the polygon editing tools, see "Using Polygon Zone Editing Tools" on page 31. Note: You can export the printing zone as a polygon, so that you can use it in a different Atoll document, by right-clicking the Printing Zone folder on the Data tab of the Explorer window and selecting Export from the context menu.
1.6.2.3
Defining the Print Layout

You can use the Print Setup dialogue to define how your map will appear when you print it. On the Print Setup dialogue, you can: Set the scale of the map. Choose to print the rulers with the map. Choose to print the area outside the focus zone. Choose to print the legend. Add a title, comment, logo, header, or footer. Select paper size and source, as well as the page orientation and the margins.
These settings can be saved as a configuration, allowing you to define a standard appearance which you can then import the next time you print a similar document. To define the appearance of the map when it is printed: 1. Select File > Print Setup. The Print Setup dialogue appears. You define the print set up on the Page tab, the Components tab, and the Header/Footer tab. You can see any changes you make in the schematic preview on the right side of the Print Setup dialogue. Note: If you have previously defined a configuration file containing all the necessary settings, you can click the Import button under Configuration to import those settings.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment 2. Click the Page tab. On the Page tab, you can define the page size, margins, and orientation and the scale of the printed map: a. Under Orientation, select whether the page should be printed in Portrait or Landscape. b. Under Paper, select the Size of the paper and, optionally, the Source of the paper. c. Under Scaling, define the scale of the printed image either by selecting Fit to page, or by selecting Scale and defining the scale. d. Under Margins, set the margins of the page in millimetres. 3. Click the Components tab. a. Under Map, you can define the appearance of the printed map: Select the Rulers check box if you want to print the map with a scale around it. Select the Area inside focus zone only check box if you only want to print the part of the map inside the focus zone.
b. Under Legend, you can define the placement of the legend. Select the Legend check box if you want to print a legend with the map. Click a button to set the Position of the legend. The buttons inside the square will place the legend on top of the map. The buttons outside of the square will place the legend outside of the map.
Click a Font button to open the Font dialogue to define the font of the legend.
c. Select the Comments check box if you want to print a comment with the map and set its Position. Clicking the Properties button opens a dialogue where you can enter text and set variables such as the current time and date. If you want the comment to appear on the map (and not outside of it), select the On the map check box. 4. Click the Header/Footer tab. On the Header/Footer tab, you can set the position of graphic elements. a. Select the Map Title check box if you want to define a title for the map and set its Position. Clicking the Properties button opens a dialogue where you can enter text and set variables such as the current time and date. If you want the title to appear on the map (and not outside of it), select the On the map check box. b. Under Logo 1 and Logo 2, you can define graphics that appear for the map. The graphics can be a company logo or other information, such as copyright information, in the form of a BMP graphic. i. For the selected check box, click the Properties button. The Logo dialogue appears. By default, Atoll searches for the header and footer logos in the Atolls installation folder. If a file named logo.bmp is present in this folder, it is considered as the default header logo. However, you can select a different file. ii. Click File. The Open dialogue appears. iii. Select the your graphic in BMP format and click Open. Note: Only BMP graphics can be used as logos. If your logo is in a different format, you must first convert it using a graphics programme to the BMP format.
iv. Select the correct Width and Height (in pixels). v. Click OK. c. Select the Header/Footer check box if you want to define a header or footer for the map and set its Position. Clicking the Properties button opens a dialogue where you can enter text and set variables such as the current time and date. If you want the header or footer to appear on the map (and not outside of it), select the On the map check box. 5. Once you have made your settings, click OK to close the Print Setup dialogue, or click Print to print the document. Note: You can save the current settings as a configuration file by clicking the Export button under Configuration. This enables you to re-use the same settings the next time by importing them.
1.6.3
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Previewing Your Printing

When you want to print maps, data tables, or reports, you can preview your printing. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited
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Atoll User Manual To preview your printing: 1. Select the map or table you want to print. 2. Select File > Print Preview. The Print Preview window appears. At the top of the Print Preview window, you can click one of the following buttons: Click Print to open the Print dialogue. Click Zoom In to zoom in on the print preview. Click Zoom Out to zoom out on the print preview. Click Next Page to display the following page Click Prev Page to display the previous page. Click Two Page to display two pages side by side Click One Page to display a single page.
1.6.4
Printing a Docking Window

You can print the content of many docking windows using the context menu; selecting File > Print only prints the contents of a document window, as explained in "Printing a Map" on page 52. The docking windows whose contents you can print are: Legend Window (for more information on this tool, see "Adding an Object Type to the Legend" on page 24) Point Analysis Tool CW Measurement Analysis Tool (for more information on this tool, see the Measurements and Model Calibration Guide. Drive Test Data Analysis Tool Microwave Link Analysis (for more information on this tool, see "Studying Reflection" on page 210)
To print the content of a docking window: 1. Open the docking window you want to print. If you want to print a Point Analysis window, click the tab of the study you want to print.
2. Right-click the window you wish to print. 3. Select Print from the context menu. The Print dialogue appears. 4. Click OK to print.
1.7
Grouping, Sorting, and Filtering Data

In Atoll you can organise data in several different ways, allowing you to select only certain data and then, for example, modify only selected data or run calculations on the selected data. Atoll allows you to group, sort, or filter data quickly by one criterion, or by several. After you have defined how you will group, sort, or filter data, you can save this information as a folder configuration. In this section the following will be explained: "Grouping Data Objects" on page 56 "Sorting Data" on page 60 "Filtering Data" on page 62 "Folder Configurations" on page 69 "Creating and Comparing Subfolders" on page 71
1.7.1
Grouping Data Objects

You can group objects according to a selected property on the Data tab of the Explorer window. The objects to be grouped can be in a data folder or in a subfolder (see "Creating and Comparing Subfolders" on page 71). You can also define the properties by which you can group objects. Grouping objects in the Explorer window is similar to sorting data in the data table because it puts all records with the selected property together. Once you have grouped data objects, you can access their Properties dialogue from the context menu to edit properties on all grouped objects. You can save the grouping parameters as a folder configuration. For information, see "Folder Configurations" on page 69. This section explains: "Grouping Data Objects by a Selected Property" on page 56 "Configuring the Group By Submenu" on page 57 "Advanced Grouping" on page 58.
For examples of grouping data objects, see "Examples of Grouping" on page 59.
1.7.1.1
Grouping Data Objects by a Selected Property

You can group data objects by a selected property using the Group By command on the context menu.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment To group data objects by a selected property: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder or subfolder whose objects you want to group. The context menu appears. 3. From the Group By submenu, select the property by which you want to group the objects. The objects in the folder are grouped by that property. Note: If the range of properties available in the Group By submenu has been configured as explained in "Configuring the Group By Submenu" on page 57, you can select additional properties by selecting More Fields from the Group By submenu. For information on using the dialogue that appears, see "Configuring the Group By Submenu" on page 57.
To undo the grouping: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder or subfolder whose objects you have grouped. 3. From the context menu, select from the Group By > None. See "Examples of Grouping" on page 59.
1.7.1.2
Configuring the Group By Submenu

Some data objects, such as transmitters, have a large number of properties that will appear by default in the Group By submenu. You can make it easier to group data objects by configuring the Group By submenu to display only the properties that are relevant for grouping. To configure the Group By submenu: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder whose Group By submenu you want to configure. The context menu appears. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. 4. Select the General tab of the Properties dialogue. 5. Click the Configure button next to the Group By field that shows how the data objects are presently grouped. The Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 1.28).
Figure 1.28: The Configuration dialogue 6. Select the fields you want to appear in the Group By submenu. You can display all the fields belonging to a table by clicking the Expand button ( ) to the left of the table name. You can select contiguous fields by clicking the first field, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last field. You can select non-contiguous fields by pressing CTRL and clicking each fields separately. To select a field to appear in the Group By submenu, select the field in the Available Fields list and click to move it to the Grouping Fields list. To remove a field from the list of Grouping Fields, select the field in the Grouping Fields list and click to remove it. To change the order of the fields, select a field and click or to move it up or down in the list. The objects will be grouped in the order of the fields in the Grouping Fields list, from top to bottom.
7. Click OK to close the Configuration dialogue and click OK to close the Properties dialogue. The Group By submenu will now contain only the fields you selected.
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1.7.1.3
Grouping Microwave Links by Site

You can find all the microwave links that are connected to a specific site by grouping all links by site. To group microwave links by site: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Classify by Site from the context menu. Atoll creates subfolders for each site with a microwave link and sorts the links by site (see Figure 1.29).
Figure 1.29: Grouping microwave links by site To restore normal display of microwave links: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Classify by Site from the context menu. The default display of the contents of the Links folder is restored.
1.7.1.4
Advanced Grouping
You can group data objects by one or more properties, using the Group By button on the Properties dialogue. To group data objects by one or more properties: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder or subfolder whose objects you have grouped. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. 4. Select the General tab of the Properties dialogue. 5. Click the Group By button. The Group dialogue appears (see Figure 1.30).
Figure 1.30: The Group dialogue 6. Select the fields by which you want to group the objects. You can select contiguous fields by clicking the first field, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last field. You can select non-contiguous fields by pressing CTRL and clicking each fields separately. To select a field to be used to group the objects, select the field in the Available Fields list and click to move it to the Group these fields in this order list. To remove a field from the list of Group these fields in this order, select the field in the Group these fields in this order list and click to remove it.
To change the order of the fields, select a field and click or to move it up or down in the list. The objects will be grouped in the order of the fields in the Group these fields in this order list, from top to bottom.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment 7. Click OK to close the Group dialogue and click OK to close the Properties dialogue and group the objects. To undo the grouping: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder or subfolder whose objects you have grouped. 3. From the context menu, select from the Group By > None.
1.7.1.5
Examples of Grouping
In this example, there is an Atoll document with a large number of sites and, therefore, transmitters. While it is easy to see on the map which transmitters are part of which site, in the Explorer window, you can only see a very long list of transmitters under the Transmitter folder. By right-clicking the Transmitter folder and selecting Group By > Site (Figure 1.31), you can group the transmitters by the site they are located on.
Figure 1.31: Grouping transmitters by site The result of grouping can be seen in Figure 1.32.
Figure 1.32: Transmitters grouped by site
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Atoll User Manual You can also group objects by the computation or focus zone. You normally create a computation or focus zone when you want to concentrate on a given subset of transmitters, for example, when you are working on a certain area of the network. By grouping them by computation or focus zone, the transmitters you are working on are immediately visible under the Transmitter folder. By right-clicking the Transmitter folder and selecting Group By > Polygon > Focus Zone (Figure 1.31), you can group the transmitters in the focus zone together.
Figure 1.33: Grouping transmitters by zone The result of grouping can be seen in Figure 1.32. The transmitters are now in two groups: those inside the focus zone and those outside the focus zone.
Figure 1.34: Transmitters grouped by site
1.7.2
Sorting Data
In Atoll, you can sort the document data either in the data tables or using the Sort function of Properties dialogue. You can sort the data in ascending (A to Z, 1 to 10) or descending (Z to A, 10 to 1) order. You can sort the data by either one or by several columns. When you sort data by several columns, Atoll sorts the records by the first column and then, within each group of identical values in the first column, Atoll then sorts the records by the second column, and so on. Once you have sorted data objects, you can save the settings as a folder configuration. For information, see "Folder Configurations" on page 69. This section explains the following: "Sorting Data in Tables" on page 60 "Advanced Sorting" on page 61
1.7.2.1
Sorting Data in Tables

When sorting data in tables, you can sort by one column or by several columns.
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Sorting by One Column

To sort data in a table by one column: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Select the header of the column that you want to sort on. The entire column is selected. 3. Right-click the column header. The context menu appears. 4. From the context menu, select how you wish to sort: Sort Ascending: sort the data table records from the lowest value in the reference column to the highest value. Sort Descending: sort the data table records from the highest value in the reference column to the lowest value.
Sorting by Several Columns

You can only sort in a table by adjacent columns. If you want to sort by columns that are not adjacent, you can move the columns first as explained in "Moving Columns" on page 46.
Tip:
If you want to sort data by several columns without moving the columns, you can use the Sort function on the Properties dialogue. For information, see "Advanced Sorting" on page 61.
To sort data in a table by several columns: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Click the header of the first column and drag over the adjacent columns that will be your sort references. The entire column is selected. 3. Right-click the column headers. The context menu appears. 4. From the context menu, select how you wish to sort: Sort Ascending: sort the data table records from the lowest value in the first reference column to the highest value. Sort Descending: sort the data table records from the highest value in the first reference column to the lowest value.
1.7.2.2
Advanced Sorting
You can sort data by several criteria using the Sort function of the Properties dialogue. To sort data using the Sort function of the Properties dialogue: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder whose data you want to sort. The context menu appears 3. Select Properties from the context menu. 4. Select the General tab in the Properties dialogue. 5. Click the Sort button. The Sort dialogue appears (see Figure 1.35). 6. For the first column you want to sort on: a. Select the column name from the Sort by list. b. Choose whether you want to sort in ascending or descending order. 7. For each other column you want to sort on: a. Select the column name from the And by list. b. Choose whether you want to sort in ascending or descending order. 8. Click OK.
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Figure 1.35: The Sort dialogue
1.7.3
Filtering Data
In Atoll, you can filter data according to one or several criteria. You can filter data to be able to work with a subset of data, or to facilitate working with large documents by reducing the amount of records displayed. The filtered data objects are the data objects that remain after you have applied your filter criteria. You can save the filtering parameters as a folder configuration. For information, see "Folder Configurations" on page 69. This section explains the following: "Filtering in Data Tables by Selection" on page 62 "Advanced Data Filtering" on page 63 "Restoring All Records" on page 64 "Advanced Filtering: Examples" on page 64.
1.7.3.1
Filtering in Data Tables by Selection

You can filter a data table by selecting one or more values. Once you have selected one or more values, you can choose to view only records that have the same value or only records that do not have that value. To filter a data table on one or more fields: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Select the value to filter on. To select more than one value, press CTRL as you click the other values. 3. Select one of the following from the Records menu: Filter by Selection: All records with the selected value or values are displayed. You can now modify these records or make calculations on them as you would normally do with the entire data table (see Figure 1.36 on page 62). Filter Excluding Selection: All records without the selected value or values are displayed. You can now modify these records or make calculations on them as you would normally do with the entire data table (see Figure 1.37 on page 63).
Figure 1.36: Filtering by selection (Antenna AO9209)
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Figure 1.37: Filtering excluding selection (Antenna AO9209)
1.7.3.2
Advanced Data Filtering

You can use advanced data filtering to combine several criteria in different fields to create complex filters. To create an advanced filter: 1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 41. 2. Select Records > Advanced Filter. The Filter dialogue appears.
Tip:
You can also access the Filter dialogue by clicking the Filter button of the Properties dialogue.
3. Click the Filter tab: a. Select a Field from the list. b. Under Values to Include, you will find all the values represented in the selected field. Select the check boxes next to the values you want to include in the filter. Click Clear All to clear all check boxes. Note: Making selections on the Filter tab of the Filter dialogue is the equivalent of filtering by selection as explained in "Filtering in Data Tables by Selection" on page 62.
4. Click the Advanced tab: a. In the Column row, select the name of the column to be filtered on from the list. Select as many columns as you want (see Figure 1.38).
Figure 1.38: The Filter dialogue - Advanced tab b. Underneath each column name, enter the criteria on which the column will be filtered as explained in the following table:
Formula
=X <> X <X
Data are kept in the table only if

value equal to X (X may be a number or characters) value not equal to X (X may be a number or characters) numerical value is less than X
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Formula
>X <=X >=X *X* X*
Data are kept in the table only if

numerical value is greater than X numerical value is less than or equal to X numerical value is greater than or equal to X text objects which contain X text objects which start with X
5. Click OK to filter the data according to the criteria you have defined. Filters are combined first horizontally, then vertically. See "Advanced Filtering: Examples" on page 64.
1.7.3.3
Restoring All Records

After you have applied filter criteria to records, you may want to cancel the filter criteria and display all the records again. To restore all records: Select Records > Remove Filter.
1.7.3.4
Advanced Filtering: Examples

In this section, you will find a few examples of advanced filtering: "Advanced Filtering: Example 1" on page 64 "Advanced Filtering: Example 2" on page 65 "Advanced Filtering: Example 3" on page 65.
1.7.3.4.1
Advanced Filtering: Example 1

In this example, there is an Atoll document with antennas from two manufacturers and with different characteristics.
Figure 1.39: Initial table The objective of this example is to use filter criteria to find antennas manufactured by Kathrein with a beamwidth between 50 and 100. To do this, the following filter syntax is entered in the Advanced tab of the Filter dialogue (for information on the Advanced tab, see "Advanced Data Filtering" on page 63): The first criterion, as shown in Figure 1.40, is all antennas made by a manufacturer with a name beginning with a "K" ("=K*"). While you could write in the entire name ("=Kathrein"), it is not necessary because there is only one manufacturer with a "K." The second criterion is all antennas with a beamwidth under 100. The third criterion is all antennas with a beamwidth over 50.
The combination of these criteria is all antennas from manufacturers with a name beginning with "K" and with a beamwidth under 100 but over 50. The result of this advanced filter can be seen in the second pane of Figure 1.40.
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Figure 1.40: Advanced filtering
1.7.3.4.2

In this example, the document is the same as in "Advanced Filtering: Example 1" on page 64. The objective of this example is the same as well: to use filter criteria to find antennas manufactured by Kathrein with a beamwidth between 50 and 100. The filter syntax is entered in the Advanced tab of the Filter dialogue (for information on the Advanced tab, see "Advanced Data Filtering" on page 63), in this case, however, the entered filter syntax contains errors: As shown in Figure 1.41, the first criterion is all antennas made by a manufacturer with a name beginning with a "K" ("=K*"). The second criterion is all antennas with a beamwidth under 100 and over 50.
The result of this advanced filter can be seen in the second pane of Figure 1.40.
Figure 1.41: Errors in filtering As previously stated, the objective of this example was to use filter criteria to find antennas manufactured by Kathrein with a beamwidth between 50 and 100. However, because the second criterion (beamwidth under 100 and over 50) is malformed, with "> 50" placed under "< 100", it functioned as an OR condition and not as an AND condition. The resulting filter searched for all antennas manufactured by Kathrein with a beamwidth under 100, or all antennas over 50; all antennas are displayed.
1.7.3.4.3

In this example, the document is the same as in "Advanced Filtering: Example 1" on page 64. The objective of this example is the same as well: to use filter criteria to find antennas manufactured by Kathrein with a beamwidth between 50 and 100. The filter syntax is entered in the Advanced tab of the Filter dialogue (for information on the Advanced tab, see "Advanced Data Filtering" on page 63), in this case, however, the entered filter syntax contains errors: As shown in Figure 1.42, the first criterion is all antennas made by a manufacturer with a name beginning with a "K" ("=K*"). The second criterion is all antennas with a beamwidth under 100 and over 50.
The result of this advanced filter can be seen in the second pane of Figure 1.40.
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Figure 1.42: Errors in filtering As previously stated, the objective of this example was to use filter criteria to find antennas manufactured by Kathrein with a beamwidth between 50 and 100. However, because the second criterion is malformed, the filter only generates an error message and no antennas are filtered out.
1.7.4
User Configurations
In Atoll, you can export many types of settings you have made in a user configuration and then import the settings in another document. If you are working in a multiple-user environment with a central database, the information stored in a user configuration, such as geographic data, is not stored in the database. You can create a user configuration file, however, to ensure that all users in a large radio-planning project use the same settings. The file extension of the user configuration file is CFG. If only the geographic data set or computation and focus zones are being exported in the user configuration file, Atoll gives the file the extension "GEO." Because the file is in XML (eXtensible Markup Language), you can open and edit it with any XML-capable text editor. When you create a user configuration file, you can export the following information: Geographic data set: The complete path of imported geographic maps, map display settings (such as, the visibility scale, transparency, tips text, etc.), clutter description (code, name, height, standard deviations, indoor loss, orthogonality factor, the percentage of pilot finger of each clutter class, default standard deviations, and indoor loss) and raster or user profile traffic map description. Vector maps must have the same coordinate system as the raster maps. Important: If you export the geographic data set in a user configuration file, the coordinate system of any vector geographic data must be the same as that of the raster geographic data. Computation and Focus Zones: The computation and focus zone in the current document. Folder configurations: Sorting, grouping and filtering settings (those saved by the user and the current settings, even if not saved), the filtering zone, and the display settings of radio data folders (including measurement display settings). Microwave Link Parameters: The settings of microwave links. Macros: The complete path of any macros. Because a macro is linked to an Atoll session, and not to a specific Atoll document, you can export the macros in a user configuration even if you do not have an Atoll document open.
For a detailed description of the user configuration file, see the Administrator Manual. In this section, the following are explained: "Exporting a User Configuration" on page 67 "Importing a User Configuration" on page 67.
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1.7.4.1
Exporting a User Configuration

You create a user configuration by exporting the selected settings to an external file. To export a user configuration: 1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Export. The User Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 1.43).
Figure 1.43: Exporting a user configuration 2. Select the check boxes of the information you want to export as part of the user configuration. 3. Click OK. The Save As dialogue appears. 4. Enter a File name for the user configuration file and click Save. The folder configuration has been saved.
1.7.4.2
Importing a User Configuration

You can import a user configuration that you or another user has created, as explained in "Exporting a User Configuration" on page 67, it into your current Atoll document. To import a user configuration: 1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Import. The Open dialogue appears. 2. Select the user configuration file with the data you want to import. 3. Click Open. The User Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 1.44).
Figure 1.44: Importing a user configuration 4. Select the check boxes of the information you want to import. 5. Click OK. The user configuration is imported.
1.7.5
Site Lists
In Atoll, you can create lists of sites. Once you have created a site list, you can modify the list and use it to filter data to be able to work with a subset of data, or to facilitate working with large documents by reducing the amount of records displayed.
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Atoll User Manual In a multi-user environment, site lists can be stored in the database. When you open a document from a database, you can select the sites to load according to any defined site lists. In a large radio-planning project, this allows you to more effectively manage your resources by reducing the unnecessary data you retrieve from the database. In this section, the following are explained: "Creating a Site List" on page 68 "Adding a Site to a List from the Explorer Window" on page 68 "Adding a Site to a List from the Map Window" on page 68 "Adding Sites to a List Using a Zone" on page 68 "Editing a Site List" on page 69 "Filtering on a Site List" on page 69.
1.7.5.1
Creating a Site List

You can create lists of sites that you can then use to filter the data displayed. To create a site list: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder where you want to create the list: Site list: if you want to create a site list: a. Right-click the Sites folder. The context menu appears. b. Select Site Lists > Open Table from the context menu. The Site Lists table appears. 3. Enter the name of the new list in the row marked with the New Row icon ( ).
1.7.5.2
Adding a Site to a List from the Explorer Window

You can add a site to a list by selecting it from the Explorer window. To add a site to a list: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of Sites folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the site you want to add to the list. The context menu appears. Site list: if you want to add a site to a list: Select Add Site to a List from the context menu. A dialogue appears.
4. Select the name of the list from the dialogue.
Tip:
You can create a new list by entering a name in the list instead of selecting the name from the list. The selected site will be added to the new list.
5. Click OK. The site is added to the selected list.
Tip:
You can quickly create a complete list by first filtering the contents of the Sites folder as explained in "Filtering Data" on page 62. Then, by right-clicking the Sites folder and selecting Site Lists > Add Sites to a List from the context menu, you can add the filtered contents of folder to the list you select.
1.7.5.3
Adding a Site to a List from the Map Window

You can add a site to a list by selecting it from the map window. To add a site to a list: 1. In the map window, right-click the site you want to add to a list. Site list: if you want to add a site to a list: Select Add Site to a List from the context menu. A dialogue appears.
Tip:
3. Click OK. The site is added to the selected list.
1.7.5.4
68
Adding Sites to a List Using a Zone

You can add the sites contained in a zone to a site or transmitter list.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment To add the sites contained in a zone to a list: 1. Create a zone as explained in "Using Zones in the Map Window" on page 29 that contains the sites you want to add to a list. You can use a filtering, computation, focus, printing, or geographic export zone. 2. On the Geo tab of the Explorer window, right-click the zone and select the following from the context menu: Add Sites to a List: Select Add Sites to a List to add the sites in the zone to a site list. A dialogue appears.
Tip:
4. Click OK. The sites contained in the zone are added to the selected list.
1.7.5.5
Editing a Site List

You can edit a site list using the Site List table. To edit a site list: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder where you want to create the list: Site list: if you want to edit a site list: a. Right-click the Sites folder. The context menu appears. b. Select Site Lists > Open Table from the context menu. The Site Lists table appears. 3. Select the name of the list you want to edit and click Properties. The Properties dialogue appears. 4. You can now edit the list: To add a site to the list: Select the name of the site in the row marked with the New Row icon ( ).
To delete a site from the list: a. Click in the left margin of the row containing the site to select it. b. Press DEL to delete the site from the list. 5. Click OK when you have finished editing the site list.
1.7.5.6
Filtering on a Site List

You can use site or transmitter lists to filter the contents of Sites folder. To filter folder contents using a site list: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder whose contents you want to filter. The context menu appears. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 4. On the General tab of the Properties dialogue, click the Filter button. The Filter dialogue appears. 5. If you have created a list, there will be an additional tab: Sites: Click the Site Lists tab.
6. Select the check box of the list or lists that you want to display. 7. Click OK to close the Filter dialogue. 8. Click OK to close the Properties dialogue. Only sites that belong to the selected list are now displayed in the Data tab of the Explorer window and in the map window.
1.7.6
Folder Configurations
In Atoll, the parameters defining how data contained in a folder are grouped, sorted, or filtered are referred to as a folder configuration. You can define folder configurations and save them, allowing you to consistently apply the same grouping, filtering, or sorting criteria. In this section, the following are explained: "Creating a Folder Configuration" on page 70 "Applying a Saved Folder Configuration" on page 70 "Reapplying the Current Folder Configuration" on page 70 "Exporting a Folder Configuration" on page 70 "Importing a Folder Configuration" on page 70 "Deleting a Folder Configuration" on page 71.
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1.7.6.1
Creating a Folder Configuration

In Atoll, you can save the parameters defining how data contained in a folder are grouped, filtered, or sorted as a folder configuration. To create a configuration: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder whose settings you want to save. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. 4. Select the General tab in the Properties dialogue. 5. If you have not yet done so, set the following parameters as desired: Group By (see "Grouping Data Objects" on page 56) Sort (see "Sorting Data" on page 60) Filter (see "Filtering Data" on page 62).
6. Under Configuration, click Save. 7. Enter the name of the configuration in the Save Configuration dialogue. 8. Click OK to save the configuration and click OK to close the Properties dialogue. The saved folder configuration is only available for the current folder and can be reapplied to the folder by selecting it from the Configurations submenu on the folders context menu.
1.7.6.2
Applying a Saved Folder Configuration

You can apply a configuration that has been created and saved for the present folder. To apply a saved folder configuration: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder to which you want to apply a configuration. The context menu appears. 3. On the Configurations submenu, select the name of the configuration you want to apply. The folder configuration is applied to the current folder.
1.7.6.3
Reapplying the Current Folder Configuration

If you have grouped, filtered, or sorted a data folder, you have created and applied a folder configuration. If you then add or modify data, the properties of these may not match the folder configuration you previously made on the data folder. In this case, you can reapply the same filter or sort settings to the new or modified data. To reapply the folder configuration: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder whose folder configuration you want to reapply. 3. Select Apply Current Configuration from the context menu. The previously configured folder configuration is reapplied to the data.
1.7.6.4
Exporting a Folder Configuration

When you create a folder configuration, you save it to the current ATL document. However, you can export it as part of a user configuration to an external file, so that it can be used in other documents. To export a folder configuration: 1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Export. The User Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 1.43 on page 67). 2. Select the Folder Configuration check box. If you want to export other configurations at the same time, select those check boxes as well. 3. Click OK. The Save As dialogue appears. 4. Enter a File name for the CFG file and click Save. The folder configuration has been saved.
1.7.6.5
Importing a Folder Configuration

Once you have exported a folder configuration as explained in "Exporting a Folder Configuration" on page 70, you can import it into your current document. To import a folder configuration: 1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Import. The Open dialogue appears. 2. Select the CFG file with the folder configuration you want to import. 3. Click Open. The User Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 1.44 on page 67). 4. Select the Folder Configuration check box.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment If you want to import other configurations at the same time, select those check boxes as well. 5. Click OK. The folder configuration is imported.
1.7.6.6
Deleting a Folder Configuration

You can delete a folder configuration from the Atoll document when you no longer need it. To delete a folder configuration: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder with the folder configuration you want to delete. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. 4. Select the General tab in the Properties dialogue. 5. Under Configuration, select the name of the configuration from the list. 6. Click Delete. The folder configuration is deleted. Caution: When you delete a folder configuration, Atoll will not ask for confirmation; it is deleted immediately.
1.7.7
Creating and Comparing Subfolders

You can compare the effects of different grouping, sorting, or filtering settings by creating subfolders of object folders in the Data tab and applying different settings to each subfolder. Each subfolder contains a copy of the data in the object folder in which it was created. To create a subfolder of a folder: 1. In the Data tab of the Explorer window, right-click the folder you want to create a subfolder of. 2. Select Create a Subfolder from the context menu. A subfolder is created containing a copy of the original folder content. You can now perform the following actions on the subfolder: Grouping (see "Grouping Data Objects" on page 56) Sorting (see "Sorting Data" on page 60) Filtering (see "Filtering Data" on page 62).
Tip:
If you have created several subfolders, you can rename each one to give it a more descriptive name. For information on renaming an object, see "Renaming an Object" on page 17.
Once you have performed the actions on each subfolder, you can compare the differences, by displaying in turn each subfolder, with its grouping, sorting, or filtering settings, on the map. For more information on display properties, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21. To compare subfolders: 1. In the Data tab of the Explorer window, clear the check boxes to the left of each subfolder. The data objects are not displayed on the map. 2. Select the check box of one of the subfolders, leaving the check boxes of the other subfolders cleared. The data objects of the selected subfolder, with its associated grouping, sorting, or filtering settings, are displayed on the map. 3. Clear this check box and select the check box of a different subfolder. How the objects are displayed on the map will change, depending on the different grouping, sorting, or filtering settings of the selected subfolder. You can remove subfolders by deleting them. When you delete a subfolder, the data contained are not deleted. When you delete the last subfolder, the data reappear under the initial folder. To delete a subfolder: Right-click the subfolder to be deleted and select Delete from the context menu.
Tip:
If, after deleting the last subfolder, the data do not reappear under the initial folder, you can refresh the display by right-clicking the folder and selecting Group By > None from the context menu.
1.7.8
Filtering Data Using a Filtering Zone

In Atoll, you can simplify your calculations by using a polygon on the map to limit the amount of data considered in calculations. By limiting the number of sites, you can reduce the time and cost of calculations and make visualisation of data
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Atoll User Manual objects on the map clearer. You can select a pre-existing computation or focus zone as a filter zone or you can draw a new filtering zone. The data objects filtered by the polygon are reflected on the map and in the data tables. On the Data tab of the Explorer window, any folder whose content is affected by the filtering zone appears with a special icon ( folder contents have been filtered. When you have applied a polygon filter, you can perform the following actions on the filtered data: Grouping (see "Grouping Data Objects" on page 56) Sorting (see "Sorting Data" on page 60) Filtering (see "Filtering Data" on page 62). ), to indicate that the
For more information on creating and editing a filtering zone, see "Using a Filtering Zone" on page 29.
1.8
Tips and Tricks

In this section, you will learn a few shortcuts and tricks to help you work more efficiently with Atoll: "Undoing and Redoing" on page 72 "Refreshing Maps and Folders" on page 72 "Searching for Objects on the Map" on page 72 "Using the Status Bar to Get Information" on page 73 "Saving Information Displayed in the Event Viewer" on page 74 "Using Icons from the Toolbar" on page 74 "Using Shortcuts in Atoll" on page 75.
1.8.1
Undoing and Redoing

You can undo or redo most actions in Atoll, up to a maximum of 10 actions. If you perform an action that can not be undone, for example, a simulation, the Undo and Redo histories are erased. For example, you can undo or redo: Most modifications in the workspace: such as creating, deleting, and moving a site, a station or a group of stations, modifying the antenna azimuth, moving a transmitter, or deleting a transmitter, Tasks performed in the Explorer: such as creating and deleting objects (sites, transmitters, antennas, repeaters or remote antennas, links, groups of hexagons, measurement paths, coverage predictions, maps, propagation models, etc.). Tasks performed in tables: such as adding or deleting records, pasting in tables.
To undo an action: Select Edit > Undo.
To redo an action that you have undone: Select Edit > Redo.
1.8.2
Refreshing Maps and Folders

Under certain circumstances, for example, when you add data that is inconsistent with an applied filter, the data displayed on the map or in the Explorer window, may not be actual. You can refresh the display to get Atoll to reload the data and reapply the current configurations to folders. To refresh the display of the Explorer window and the map: Click the Refresh button ( ) on the toolbar or press F5.
1.8.3
Searching for Objects on the Map

Atoll provides several tools for finding data objects on the map. You can search for some objects (sites, transmitters, repeaters, or links) by their name, using the Find toolbar. By using the Location Finder, you can search for a site, a microwave link, or a vector by any text field. You can also use the Location Finder to search for a point on the map by its x and y coordinates. This section explains: "Searching for a Map Object by Its Name" on page 72 "Searching for a Map Object using Any Text Property" on page 73 "Searching for a Point on the Map" on page 73.
1.8.3.1
Searching for a Map Object by Its Name

You can use the Find toolbar to search for the following map objects by name: sites microwave links.
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment To search for a map object by name using the Find toolbar: 1. Select View > Find Toolbar to display the Find toolbar. Note: You can change the Find toolbar to a floating window by double-clicking it.
2. From the Find list, choose the map object you are searching for: Site Link
3. Enter the name of the object in the Named box. You can use an asterisk ("*")as a wild card in the following ways: *X* X* *X names which contain X names which start with X names which end with X
4. Press ENTER. Atoll selects the object and centres it in the map window. Note: You can also search for a map object by its name by using the Location Finder. For information, see "Searching for a Map Object using Any Text Property" on page 73.
1.8.3.2
Searching for a Map Object using Any Text Property

You can use the Location Finder to search for the following map object using any text (i.e., non-numeric) property: sites microwave links vectors.
To search for a map object by a text property using the Location Finder: 1. Click the Location Finder button ( ) on the toolbar. The Location Finder dialogue appears.
2. From the Find list, choose the map object you are searching for: Site Link Vector
3. If you wish to search all the sites in the search, including sites that are presently filtered out, select the Include all the sites in the search (filtered or not) check box. 4. Under Criteria, select a Field to be searched and enter the value of the field. You can use an asterisk as a wild card in the following ways: *X* X* text objects which contain X text objects which start with X
5. Click OK. Atoll selects the site and centres it in the map window.
1.8.3.3
Searching for a Point on the Map

You can search for a point by entering its x and y coordinates in the Location Finder. To search on the map for a point using the Location Finder: 1. Click the Location Finder button ( 2. From the Find list, choose Point. 3. Enter the x and y coordinates of the point, using the same units as defined under Display on the Coordinates tab of the Options dialogue (see "Projection and Display Coordinate Systems" on page 81). 4. Click OK. Atoll marks the point ( ) and centres it in the map window. ) on the toolbar. The Location Finder dialogue appears.
Note:
To remove the point icon (
), select it and then select Delete from the context menu.
1.8.4
Using the Status Bar to Get Information

Atoll displays the following information, if available, about the current position of the mouse pointer in right side of the status bar (see Figure 1.45): the current X-Y coordinates (according to the defined display coordinate system) the altitude (as defined in the DTM) the clutter class (as defined in the clutter classes properties) the clutter height (as defined in the clutter height file, or in the clutter classes).
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X-Y coordinates
Altitude (from DTM)
Clutter class
Figure 1.45: Information displayed in the status bar
1.8.5
Saving Information Displayed in the Event Viewer

Atoll displays information about the current document in the Event Viewer. The Event Viewer displays information ( ), warning ( ), and error ( ) messages, as well as the progress of calculations. You can save the information displayed in the Event Viewer in a log file. To save events in the Event Viewer in a log file: 1. If the Event Viewer is not displayed, select View > Event Viewer to display it. 2. Click the event in the Event Viewer to select it. Click and drag to select several events. 3. Right-click the select event(s). The context menu appears. 4. Select Save As. The Save As dialogue appears. 5. In the Save As dialogue, select a destination folder, enter a File name, and select a file type from the Save as type list. 6. Click OK. The selected events are saved in the text file. You can also automatically generate log files for each Atoll session and select the level of information displayed in the Event viewer. For more information about these settings, see the Administrator Manual.
1.8.6
Using Icons from the Toolbar

You can access many commands in Atoll by clicking its icon on the toolbar. Some of them are also linked to shortcut keys (see "Using Shortcuts in Atoll" on page 75). The different icons located in the toolbar are listed below: In the Standard toolbar Open the Project Templates dialogue (CTRL+N) Open the Open dialogue (CTRL+O) Save the current document (CTRL+S) Cut the selected data (CTRL+X) Copy the selected data (CTRL+C) Paste the content of the clipboard (CTRL+V) Undo the last modification (CTRL + Z) Redo the previous undone modification (CTRL + Y) Print the current window (table or map) (CTRL+P) Preview the current window before printing (table or map) (CTRL+P) Open the About Atoll dialogue In the Map toolbar Select area Refresh display of map and folders (F5) Disable zooming and panning tools. Move the map window (CTRL+D)
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Chapter 1: The Working Environment Map scale currently used Previous/Next view (zoom and location) Zoom in on the map and centre on the cursor location (CTRL+A) and zoom out on the map and centre on the cursor location (CTRL+R) Define a zoom area on the map (CTRL+W) Turn on tool tips Measure distances on the map Location finder Display a point-to-point profile In the Microwave link toolbar Create a new microwave link. Create a new multi-hop microwave link. Create a new multipoint microwave link. Currently selected microwave link model Activate the microwave link profile analysis window Show or hide victim and interferer links Show or hide site parities Stop the calculations in progress In the Search toolbar Centre site in the map window. In the Vector Edition toolbar Create a new vector layer (in either the Geo or the Data tab) Select the vector layer to edit Draw a new polygon Draw a new rectangle Draw a new line Draw points Merge several vector polygons Cut out areas in polygons Create new polygon from overlapping areas Split one polygon along the drawn lines. Note: When you place the cursor over an icon, a tool tip appears, giving a short description.
1.8.7
Using Shortcuts in Atoll

Atoll provides many shortcuts that enable you to access commonly used tools and commands more quickly. The shortcuts available are listed below (some of the same commands can be accessed using a toolbar icon; see "Using Icons from the Toolbar" on page 74):
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Atoll User Manual Using the CTRL key: CTRL++: Zoom in on the map (in the toolbar, click CTRL+: Zoom out on the map (in the toolbar, click CTRL+A: Select all records in a table CTRL+C: Copy the selected data (in the toolbar, click CTRL+D: In tables: Copy the first cell of a selection down into all selected cells In the map window: Move the map window (in the toolbar, click ) ) and click the map) and right-click the map)
CTRL+E: Export the table of the selected Sites, Links, Multi-Hops, or Point to Multipoint folder or subfolder to a text file. For more information, see "Exporting Tables to Text Files" on page 49. CTRL+F: Open the Find dialogue in a table CTRL+I: Import the table of the selected Sites, Links, Multi-Hops, or Point to Multipoint folder or subfolder from a text file. For more information, see "Importing Tables from Text Files" on page 50. CTRL+N: Open the Project Templates dialogue (in the toolbar, click CTRL+SHIFT+N: Create a new document from an existing database CTRL+O: Open the Open dialogue (in the toolbar, click CTRL+P: Print the current window (in the toolbar, click CTRL+Q: Select Zoom In/Out tool (in the toolbar, click ) ) ) ) )
CTRL+S: Save the current active document (in the toolbar, click CTRL+U: Copy the last cell of a selection up into all selected cells CTRL+V: Paste the content of the clipboard (in the toolbar, click CTRL+W: Define a zoom area on the map (in the toolbar, click CTRL+X: Cut the selected data (in the toolbar, click ) )
CTRL+Y: Redo the previous undone modification (in the toolbar, click CTRL+Z: Undo the last modification (in the toolbar, click )
Using the ALT key: ALT+ ALT+
: Previous zoom and location on the map (in the toolbar, click : Next zoom and location on the map (in the toolbar, click
)
ALT+F8: Open the Add-ins and Macros dialogue F3: Select the Find Site tool. F5: Refresh display of map and folders (toolbar: select )
Using the Function Keys -
Tip:
Menus and commands can be also accessed by pressing the ALT key and typing the underlined letter in the menu or command name.
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Chapter 2
Starting an Atoll Project
Atoll User Manual
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Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project
Starting an Atoll Project

When you want to start a new project, you base it on a template that has the data and folder structure necessary for the technology you are using. Once you have started your new Atoll project, you can modify the network parameters to meet your particular needs. Several templates are supplied with Atoll: GPS GPRS EGPRS, CDMA200 1xRTT 1xEV-DO, microwave radio links, UMTS HSPA, WiMAX, and LTE. The actual templates supplied depend on the modules included with your Atoll installation. You can also create your own templates by opening an existing template, making the changes necessary to meet your own needs and then saving it as a new template. When you open an existing project, you can select it from the File menu if it is one of the last projects you have worked on, or you can open it from the Open dialogue. Because Atoll can work with linked geographic data files, it may happen that one of the linked files was moved or renamed since the last time you worked on that project. Atoll enables you to find the file and repair the link. In this chapter, the following are explained: "Before Starting a Microwave-Planning Project" on page 79 "Creating an Atoll Document" on page 79.
2.1
Before Starting a Microwave-Planning Project

For every microwave-planning project you must assemble the information necessary: Microwave equipment: sites, antennas, and other equipment. For more information on equipment, see the technology-specific chapters. Microwave data: frequency bands, technology-specific parameters, coordinate systems, etc. For more information onmicrowave data, see the technology-specific chapters. Geographic data: clutter classes, clutter heights, DTM, population maps, etc. For more information on geographic data, see "Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project".
Once the necessary data have been assembled, you can create the Atoll document.
2.2
Creating an Atoll Document

Whatever the radio technology you will be modelling, you create an Atoll document in one of two ways: From a document template: You can create a new Atoll document from a template. Atoll is delivered with a template for each technology you will be planning for. For information on creating a document from a template, see "Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template" on page 79. You can also create your own template by basing it on an existing document that you have already customised with, for example, certain geo data or antennas. From an existing database: When you create a new Atoll document from a database, the database you connect to has been created with the technology and data you need. Working with a database allows several users to share the same data while at the same time managing data consistency. The exact procedure for creating a new Atoll document from a database differs, depending on the database containing the data. Atoll can work with several common databases. For information on starting a document from a database, see "Creating a New Atoll Document from a Database" on page 84.
2.2.1
Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template

You can create a new Atoll document from a template. Atoll has a template for each technology you will be planning for. Each template provides data and a data structure suitable for the technology. For example, the tabs in the transmitter Properties dialogue as well as the radio parameters available differ according to the project. As well, the objects that are available are appropriate for the technology. For example, UMTS cells are only available in UMTS documents and TRX are only available in GSM-TDMA documents. Once you have selected the appropriate template for your microwave-planning project, you configure the basic parameters of the Atoll document (see "Defining a New Atoll Document" on page 81). In this section, the following are explained: "Templates Available" on page 79 "Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template" on page 80 "Defining a New Atoll Document" on page 81
2.2.1.1
Templates Available
Depending on your configuration of Atoll, the following templates are available: Microwave Radio Links: Atoll allows you to model microwave radio links, as part of a complete mobile telecommunications network, from any technology template. However, this template is provided to enable you to create a project of only microwave radio links. TD-SCDMATD-SCDMATD-SCDMA
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2.2.1.2
Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template

To create a new document from a template: 1. Select File > New > From a Document Template. The Project Templates dialogue appears. 2. Select the template on which you want to base your document and click OK. Atoll creates a new document based on the template selected. Figure 2.46 shows a new Atoll document based on the UMTS HSPA HSPA template. The Data tab of the Explorer window now has a folder structure suitable for a UMTS HSPA HSPA radio-planning project, with, among other UMTSUMTS-specific elements, folders for UMTS HSPA HSPA parameters and UMTS HSPA HSPA simulations. The Antennas folder is expanded to show the UMTSUMTS-compatible antennas suggested by Atoll. These can be modified or replaced. Figure 2.47 and Figure 2.48 show the contents of the Geo and Modules tabs of the new document, respectively.
Figure 2.46: New Atoll document based on a template
Figure 2.47: New Atoll document Geo tab
Figure 2.48: New Atoll document Modules tab
When you create an Atoll document from a template, the document is not connected to a database. To verify whether the document is connected to a database: Select File > Database > Connection Properties. The dialogue in Figure 2.49 appears.
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Figure 2.49: An Atoll document based on a template is not connected to a database
2.2.1.3
Defining a New Atoll Document

Once you have created a new Atoll document as explained in "Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template" on page 80, you configure the basic parameters of the Atoll document. You can accept the default values for some parameters, such as basic measurement units, but you must set projection and display coordinate systems. In this section, the following are explained: "Projection and Display Coordinate Systems" on page 81 "Setting a Coordinate System" on page 82 "Setting Measurement Units" on page 82
2.2.1.3.1
Projection and Display Coordinate Systems

In Atoll, you define the two coordinate systems for each Atoll document: the projection coordinate system and the display coordinate system. By default, the same coordinate system is used for both. A projection is a method for producing all or part of a round body on a flat sheet. This projection cannot be done without distortion, thus the cartographer must choose the characteristic (distance, direction, scale, area or shape) which is to be shown appropriately at the expense of the other characteristics, or he must compromise on several characteristics1. The projected zones are referenced using cartographic coordinates (meter, yard, etc.). Two projection systems are widely used: The Lambert Conformal-Conic projection: a portion of the earth is mathematically projected on a cone conceptually secant at one or two standard parallels. This projection type is useful for representing countries or regions that lay primarily east to west. The Universal Transverse Mercator projection (UTM): a portion of the earth is mathematically projected on a cylinder tangent to a meridian (which is transverse or crosswise to the equator). This projection type is useful for mapping large areas that are oriented north-south.
A geographic system is not a projection, but a representation of a location on the earth's surface from geographic coordinates (degree-minute-second or grade) giving the latitude and longitude in relation to the origin meridian (Paris for NTF system and Greenwich for ED50 system). The locations in the geographic system can be converted into other projections. Atoll has databases including more than 980 international coordinate system references, a database based on the European Petroleum Survey Group and another one regrouping only France's coordinate systems. Atoll distinguishes the cartographic coordinate systems for projection and either cartographic or geographic coordinate systems for display. The maps displayed in the workspace are referenced with the same projection system as the imported geographic data files; thus, the projection system depends on the imported geographic file. By choosing a specific display system, you can see (using the rulers or status bars) the location of sites on the map in a coordinate system different from the projection coordinate system. You can also position on the map sites referenced in the display system: the coordinates are automatically converted from the projection system to the display system and the site is displayed on the map. In Figure 2.50, the French Riviera geographic data file has been imported. The map shows the French Riviera projected using the cartographic NTF (Paris)/France II tendue system (coordinates in metres). On the other hand, site coordinates are stated in the geographic WGS 72 system (coordinates in degrees-minutes-seconds).
1. Snyder, John. P., Map Projections Used by the US Geological Survey, 2nd Edition, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 313 pages, 1982. Forsk 2010 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited
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Figure 2.50: NTF (Paris)/France II tendue system used with WGS 72 system Notes: All imported raster geographic files must be use the same cartographic system. If not, you must convert them to a single cartographic system.
2.2.1.3.2
Setting a Coordinate System

Because you are working with maps, you must set a coordinate system for your Atoll document. By default, projection and display coordinate systems are the same, but you can choose a different display coordinate system if you wish. To define the coordinate system: 1. Select Tools > Options. The Options dialogue appears. 2. On the Coordinates tab, click the Browse button ( tems dialogue appears. ) to the right of the Projection field. The Coordinate Sys-
3. In the Coordinate Systems dialogue, select a catalogue from the Find in list. For the projection system, only cartographic systems (identified by the symbol) are available. 4. Select a coordinate system from the list.
Tip:
If you frequently use a particular coordinate system you can add it to a catalogue of favourites by clicking Add to Favourites.
5. Click OK. The selected coordinate system appears in the Projection field and, by default, in the Display field as well. 6. If you wish to set a different coordinate system for the display, click the Browse button ( ) to the right of the Display field and repeat step 3. to step 5. For the display system, both cartographic systems (identified by the symbol) and geographic systems (identified by the symbol) are available.
2.2.1.3.3
Selecting the Degree Display Format

Atoll can display longitude and latitude in four different formats. For example: 265629.9N 26d56m29.9sN 26.93914N +26.93914
To change the degree display format: 1. Select Tools > Options. The Options dialogue appears. 2. On the Coordinates tab, select the format from the Degree Format list. 3. Click OK. Note: The degree format options apply only to the geographic coordinate systems.
2.2.1.3.4
Setting Measurement Units

When you create a new Atoll document, Atoll sets certain measurement units for reception, transmission, distance, height, and offset to internal defaults. You can accept these default measurement units, or you can change them using the Options dialogue.
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Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project To set the measurement units: 1. Select Tools > Options. The Options dialogue appears. 2. On the Units tab, select the desired unit for the following measurements: Reception Transmission Distance Height and offset
3. Click OK.
2.2.2
Working in a Multi-User Environment

A multi-user environment is one where a number of users, or groups of users, work simultaneously on given parts of a single, large (may be nation-wide) network. Different user groups may be working on regional or smaller sections of the network. This section describes the different components of multi-user environments and outlines their purpose. When you create a new Atoll document from a database, Atoll loads the data to which you have rights from database into your new document and then disconnects it from the database. The connection to the reference database is reactivated only when necessary, thus ensuring access to the database by other users. When you work on a document created from a database, you are working on data that you are sharing with other users. Consequently, there are issues related to sharing data that do not arise when you are working on a stand-alone document. For example, when you archive your changes to the database, the changes you have made may occasionally interfere with changes other users have made and you will need to resolve this conflict. In this section, the following are explained: "The Atoll Multi-User Environment" on page 83 "Creating a New Atoll Document from a Database" on page 84 "Working With a Document on a Database" on page 85 "Refreshing an Atoll Document from the Database" on page 86 "Archiving the Modifications of an Atoll Document in the Database" on page 87.
2.2.2.1
The Atoll Multi-User Environment

An Atoll multi-user environment consists of the following elements, connected over a network: A central Atoll project: The central Atoll project can only be accessed, modified, and updated by the Atoll administrator. Through this central Atoll project, the Atoll administrator can manage all the data shared by all the individual Atoll users or groups of users. Shared data: Shared data are initially set up by the administrator using the central Atoll project and are then accessed, modified, worked on, and updated by the Atoll users and the administrator. The shared data are mainly of the following three types: The central database: The central database stores all the radio data of all the Atoll user documents. It is initiated through the central Atoll project by the administrator, and is then subdivided into sections on which users or groups of users can work simultaneously. Once the database is in place, users can modify their projects, refresh their projects from the data stored in the database, and archive their modifications in the database. The use of a database means that potential data conflicts due to modifications from other users, modified or deleted records, for example, can be detected and resolved. Shared geographic data: Shared geographic data files are usually stored on a common file server with a fast access connection. Since geographic data files are usually large, they are usually linked to an Atoll file, i.e., they are stored externally, so as to minimise the size of the Atoll file. Users who modify geographic data locally, for example, editing edit clutter or traffic in their respective projects, usually store these modifications locally, since these modifications rarely have an impact on other users.
User Documents: Individual user documents are initialised by the administrator but are later worked upon and managed by each user. User documents are Atoll files which are connected to the central database, load only the required part of the geographic data (as defined by the CFG file, for example), and have access to the shared path loss matrices folder.
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Figure 2.51: Components of Multi-user Environments Note: For information on creating and maintaining the database, see the Administrator Manual.
2.2.2.2
Creating a New Atoll Document from a Database

When you create a new document from a database, you must connect to the database. Once connected, Atoll loads the database into a new Atoll document. Then the connected is interrupted. A new connection with the database will be created only when necessary, in order to allow other users access to the database. The exact procedure of connecting with the database differs from one database to another. Atoll can work with the following databases: Microsoft Access Microsoft SQL Server Oracle Sybase Microsoft Data Link files
The following sections give examples of connecting to two different databases and loading data: "Connecting to a Database" on page 84. "Selecting the Data to Load From the Database" on page 85.
An example of a new Atoll document created from a database is shown in: "Working With a Document on a Database" on page 85
2.2.2.2.1
Connecting to a Database
To create a new document from a database: 1. Select File > New > From an Existing Database. The Open from a Database dialogue appears. 2. In the Files of type list, select the option corresponding to the type of your database. Depending on the type of the database, a dialogue may appear where you can enter your User Name, Password, and Server. Note: Additional dialogues may open asking you to choose which project in the database to load or which site list to load.
3. Click OK. The Data to Load dialogue appears, allowing you to select the data to load into Atoll as a new document (see "Selecting the Data to Load From the Database" on page 85).
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2.2.2.2.2
Selecting the Data to Load From the Database

When you create a new document from a database, you can select the data to be loaded from the database to create the document in the Data to load dialogue. You can select which Project, Site List, Custom Fields Groups, and Neighbour to load. If you load the intra-technology or the inter-technology neighbour list, Atoll will also load the associated exceptional pairs table.
Figure 2.52: Selecting the data to load
2.2.2.3
Working With a Document on a Database

Figure 2.53 shows a new Atoll document based created from a database. The Data tab of the Explorer window now has a folder structure suitable for a UMTS radio-planning project. The Sites folder is expanded to show that a document created from a database can have additional data, such as sites, unlike a document created from a template. These can be modified or replaced. Figure 2.54 and Figure 2.55 show the contents of the Geo and Modules tabs of the new document, respectively.
Figure 2.53: New Atoll document opened from a database Note: The new document may open with no site displayed in the map window. This is because the north-west point of the project is by default the axis origin. You can re-centre the document on the data displayed in the Data tab by expanding the Sites folder, rightclicking on any site, and selecting Centre in the map window from the context menu.
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Figure 2.54: New Atoll document Geo tab
Figure 2.55: New Atoll document Modules tab
When you create an Atoll document from a database, you can view the characteristics of the database connection. To view the characteristics of the database connection: 1. Select File > Database > Connection Properties. The Database Connection dialogue appears (see Figure 2.56). 2. You can now: Disconnect your document from the database. Caution: If you disconnect your document from the database, it will be become a stand-alone document and you will not be able to reconnect it to the database.
Modify your connection to the database.
Figure 2.56: The Database Connection dialogue
2.2.2.4
Refreshing an Atoll Document from the Database

As you are working on your document, other users who have access to the database may have modified some of the data. You can ensure that you have the most recent data in your document by refreshing the information from the database. How frequently you refresh the document depends on how frequently the database is updated. If the database is updated frequently, you should refresh your document frequently as well, in order to continue working with the most up-to-date data. To refresh an Atoll document from the database: 1. Select File > Database > Refresh From the Database. The Refresh dialogue appears. 2. In the dialogue, you can do one of the following if you have modified your document but have not yet saved those changes in the database: Archive your changes in the database: This option allows you to archive your changes to the server instead of refreshing your document from the server. Refresh unmodified data only: This option allows you to refresh from the database only those items that you have not modified in your document. Cancel your changes and reload database: This option allows you to cancel any changes you have made and start over from the point of the last archive to the database. Notes: If you chose Refresh unmodified data only or Cancel your changes and reload database, Atoll proceeds without asking for confirmation. If you chose Archive your changes in the database, the Archive dialogue appears. For information on using the Archive dialogue, see "Archiving the Modifications of an Atoll Document in the Database" on page 87.
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Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project 3. Under Take into account, you can select the neighbour lists, Intra-technology Neighbours and Inter-technology Neighbours, to refresh. 4. Under Modifications Since the Last Refresh, you can generate a report for the refresh process. 5. Click OK. The document is refreshed according to the selected options. If you selected to generate a report, Atoll creates a text file in CSV (Comma Separated Values) format in the temporary files system folder, and opens it. You can then rename the file and save it where you wish. The report lists all the modifications (deletions, additions, and updates) that were stored in the database since the last time you refreshed or opened your document.
2.2.2.5
Archiving the Modifications of an Atoll Document in the Database

When you are working on an Atoll document that is attached to a database, you should from time to time archive the modifications you have made to the data on the database. How frequently you should archive your document depends on several factors: the amount and size of changes you make, the number of other users using the database who may benefit from your modifications, etc. What you can archive depends on the user rights the database administrator has given to you. For example, you can have read access to the antennas table, allowing you to create a new Atoll document with the given antennas. However, because only the administrator can modify the properties of the antennas, you will not be able to archive any changes you make to the antennas without write access to the table. The Atoll archiving process is flexible. You can archive all your modifications or only the site-related modifications. As well, when you are archiving, Atoll shows you all modifications that will be archived and, if you wish, you can archive only some of them or even undo modifications you have made locally. Occasionally, other users might have modified some of the same data and, when you archive your changes, Atoll will inform you of the possible conflicts and help you resolve them. In this section, the following are explained: "Archiving All Modifications in the Database" on page 87 "Archiving Only Site-Related Data in the Database" on page 87 "Resolving Data Conflicts" on page 88.
2.2.2.5.1
Archiving All Modifications in the Database

To archive all your modifications in the database: 1. Select File > Database > Archive to the Database. The Archive dialogue appears (see Figure 2.57). 2. In the Archive dialogue, you can do the following: Click Run All to archive all your changes to the database. Select one item under Pending Changes and click Run to archive the selected modification to the database Select one item under Pending Changes and click Differences to view the differences between the local item and the item on the database. Select one item under Pending Changes and click Undo to refresh the modification with the original data from the database.
Figure 2.57: The Archive dialogue 3. If some of the data has been modified on the database since you last refreshed, Atoll stops the archiving process and asks you to resolve the conflict. For information on managing conflicts, see "Resolving Data Conflicts" on page 88. 4. When you are finished archiving, click Close.
2.2.2.5.2
Archiving Only Site-Related Data in the Database

Atoll allows you to archive only site-related data if you wish. Which data is archived depends on the radio technology you are working with. For example, in a UMTS HSPA radio planning project, the site-related data are: sites, transmitters, cells, and neighbours.
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Atoll User Manual To archive only the site-related data in the database: 1. Select File > Database > Archive to the Database. The Archive dialogue appears. 2. In the Archive dialogue, you can do the following: Click Run All to archive all your changes to the database. Select one item under Pending Changes and click Run to archive the selected modification to the database Select one item under Pending Changes and click Differences to view the differences between the local item and the item on the database. Select one item under Pending Changes and click Undo to refresh the modification with the original data from the database.
3. If some of the data has been modified on the database since you last refreshed, Atoll stops the archiving process and asks you to resolve the conflict. For information on managing conflicts, see "Resolving Data Conflicts" on page 88. 4. When you are finished archiving, click Close.
2.2.2.5.3
Resolving Data Conflicts

Atoll enables several users to use the same database by allowing user to load the data and then freeing the database for other users. However, this also creates the possibility of two users modifying the same data. When the second user attempts to archive his changes, Atoll warns him that the data have been changed since he last refreshed the data and that there is a conflict. Atoll allows you to resolve data conflicts. When Atoll finds a conflict, it displays the warning shown in Figure 2.58.
Figure 2.58: Conflict warning You have three options: Ignore: If you click Ignore, Atoll ignores items causing conflicts in the table being archived, archives all other modifications in the table, and continues with the next table. You can resolve the conflicts after the archiving process has ended. However, if conflicts are found in other tables, Atoll will warn you with the Database Transfer Error dialogue again. Ignore All: If you click Ignore All, Atoll ignores all items causing conflicts in all tables being archived, and archives all other modifications. You can resolve the conflicts after the archiving process has ended. Abort: If you click Abort, the archiving process stops. You can attempt to resolve conflicts before restarting the archiving process.
Whether you abort the archive process to resolve the conflict immediately, or wait until the end of the archive process, the procedure to resolve the conflict is the same. To resolve data conflicts one by one: 1. In the Pending Changes pane of the Archive dialogue, select the conflict you want to resolve and click Resolve. There are two different types of data conflicts: On a modified record: You are in the process of archiving your modifications on the database and another user has modified the same data since you last archived or refreshed your data. A conflict is caused only by differences in the same field of the same record between the database and the current Atoll document. The Conflict in Changes dialogue appears, with the fields in conflict highlighted (see Figure 2.59). In the Conflict in Changes dialogue, you can see the value of the field in the database in the Database values column, as well as the value of the same field in your document in the Current values column.
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Figure 2.59: The Conflict in Changes dialogue If you want to overwrite the database value with the value of the same field in your document, select the check box next to the highlighted change and click Archive. Your modification will be written to the database, overwriting the value there. If you want to accept the value of the field in the database, clear the check box next to the highlighted change and click Archive. Your modification will be lost and the value in the database will remain unchanged.
On a deleted record: You are in the process of archiving your modifications on the database and another user has deleted a record since you last archived or refreshed your data. For information, see "Resolving Data Conflicts" on page 88. Atoll displays a message explaining that the record you are trying to update has been deleted from the database (see Figure 2.60). Select one of the following:
Figure 2.60: Conflict on a deleted record Yes: Select Yes to store your modifications in the database, thereby recreating the deleted record. No: Select No to abandon your modifications to this record and delete this record from your document. Cancel: Select Cancel to cancel.
2. Click Close to close the Archive dialogue. To resolve all the data conflicts: 1. In the Pending Changes pane of the Archive dialogue, select any conflict and click Resolve All. Atoll displays a message explaining how Resolve All works (see Figure 2.61). Select one of the following:
Figure 2.61: Resolving all the data conflicts simultaneously Yes: Select Yes to accept all the modifications made by other users in the database and update your document with values from the database. No: Select No to overwrite the modifications made by other users in the database with the values from your document. Cancel: Select Cancel to cancel.
2. Click Close to close the Archive dialogue. Important: You should only resolve all the data conflicts when you are certain about the modifications.
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2.3
Making a Backup of Your Document

Atoll can create and automatically update backups of documents you are working on. Once you have saved the document, Atoll creates a backup of the original document and updates it at a defined interval. For example, for a document named "filename.atl," Atoll will create a backup file called "filename.atl.bak" in the same folder as the original document. You can define the update interval each time you start Atoll. You can also configure Atoll to create automatic backups of external path loss matrices (LOS files) by setting an option in the atoll.ini file. For more information, see the Administrator Manual. When you have activated automatic backup, Atoll automatically creates a backup for every document open. Consequently, if you have a lot of documents open, this operation can take a long time. However, you can optimise the process by opening large documents in separate Atoll sessions, instead of in the same Atoll session. This also improves memory management because each instance of Atoll has its own 2 GB (under 32-bit operating systems; 4 GB under 64-bit operating systems) memory allocation. If you open two large documents in the same Atoll session, these documents will use the same 2 GB memory pool. If you open them in two different Atoll sessions, each document will have its own 2 GB allocated memory. In this section, the following are explained: "Configuring Automatic Backup" on page 90 "Recovering a Backup" on page 91.
2.3.1
Configuring Automatic Backup

You can set up automatic backup for each Atoll session. To configure automatic backup: 1. Select File > Configure Automatic Backup. The Automatic Backup Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 2.62).
Figure 2.62: Automatic backup configuration dialogue 2. Select the Activate automatic backup check box. 3. Select the Prompt before starting automatic backup check box if you want Atoll to ask you before saving the back up of your file every time (see Figure 2.63). 4. Enter a time interval, in minutes, between consecutive backups in the Automatically save backups every text box. Note: It can take a long time to back up large documents. Therefore, you should set a correspondingly larger interval between backups when working with large documents in order to optimise the process.
5. Click OK. If you selected the Prompt before starting automatic backup check box, Atoll prompts you each time before backing up the document. If you click OK, Atoll proceeds to back up all open documents. If you click Cancel, Atoll skips the backup once.
Figure 2.63: Automatic backup prompt The automatic backup timer is stopped while the prompt is displayed. Atoll displays a message in the Event Viewer every time a backup file is updated. If you are performing calculations, i.e., coverage predictions or simulations, the automatic backup is delayed until the calculations have ended. The timer starts again once the calculations are over. If you save the original document manually, the timer is reset to 0.
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2.3.2
Recovering a Backup
You can easily recover your backup document and open it in Atoll just like any other Atoll document. To recover your backup document: 1. Using Windows Explorer, navigate to the folder containing your original Atoll document and its backup. 2. If the original document was named "filename.atl," the backup document will be in the same folder and will be called "filename.atl.bak". Rename the document and remove the BAK extension. For example, you could change the name to "filename-backup.atl." Important: If you just remove the BAK extension, your backup file will have the same file name as the original file and Windows will not allow you to rename the file. Therefore, it is safer to give a new name to the backup file and keep the original file until you are sure which version is most recent. 3. Open the renamed backup document in Atoll. You will be able to recover all the work up to the last time the backup was saved.
2.4
Making and Sharing Portable Atoll Projects

You can create portable Atoll documents in two ways: by embedding all the geographic data in the ATL file, or by creating a compressed archive (ZIP file) containing the ATL file and all geographic data linked to the Atoll document.
In most working environments, geographic data files are stored on a common file server and are linked to the ATL documents of different users over a network. Often these geographic data files are quite large, and it is not feasible to embed these files in an ATL file due to file size, memory consumption, and performance reasons. It is, therefore, more useful to make a project portable by creating an archive that contains the ATL and all geographic data files. Atoll lets you make an archive containing the ATL file and all geographic data directly from the File menu. To make an archive containing the ATL file and all linked geographic data files: 1. Select File > Save to Zip. The Save As dialogue appears. 2. Select the folder where the created archive is to be stored, enter a File name for the archive to be created, and select "Zip Files (*.zip)" from the Save as type list. Atoll creates a ZIP file containing: A copy of the ATL file with the same name as the name of the archive (ZIP file). The ATL file added to the archive contains all the data that might be embedded in it (path loss matrices, geographic data, coverage predictions, simulation results, measurement data, etc.). A ".losses" folder containing a pathloss.dbf file and a LowRes subfolder which contains the pathloss.dbf file corresponding to the extended path loss matrices. Externally stored path loss matrices are not added to the archive because they are not necessary for making a portable document because they can be recalculated based on the network and geographic data in the ATL file. The pathloss.dbf files are stored in the archive because they are needed when reopening the archive in Atoll. A "Geo" folder with all the linked geographic data available on the Geo tab of the Explorer window for the Atoll document. This folder contains subfolders with the same names as the folders on the Geo tab. Geographic data that are found outside folders on the Geo tab are stored in files under the Geo folder, and data present within folders on the Geo tab are stored inside their respective folders. If the geographic data files linked to the document are located on a remote computer, such as a file server over a network, they are first copied to the local computer in the Windows temporary files folder and then added to the archive. Once the portable archive is created, you can open it directly from Atoll without first having to extract it using another tool. To open an archive containing an ATL file and all linked geographic data files: 1. Select File > Open from Zip. The Open dialogue appears. 2. Select the ZIP file that contains the ATL file and linked geographic data files. 3. Click Open. The Browse For Folder dialogue appears. 4. Select the folder where you want to extract the contents of the ZIP file. 5. Click OK. Atoll extracts all the files from the archive to the selected folder. If necessary, it creates the subfolders required for extracting the contents of the Geo folder. Once Atoll has finished extracting files from the archive, it opens the extracted ATL file. Geographic data extracted from the archive are linked to the ATL file.
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Notes: You do not need to have a compression utility, such as WinZip or WinRAR, installed on the computer for this feature. The highest compression level is used when creating the archive.
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Chapter 3
Managing Geographic Data
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Chapter 3: Managing Geographic Data
Managing Geographic Data

Several different geographic data types are used in an Atoll document. For example: the Digital Terrain Model (DTM), clutter classes, clutter heights, scanned images, and traffic data maps are types of the geographic data that you can import or create. Some data types, such as clutter classes, can be used to give more realistic calculations. Other types such as scanned images, are used to create a more realistic display of the region under study. You can import a wide variety of both vector and raster-format geo data files. When you import a geo data file into Atoll, you can decide in which folder it goes. The Geo tab of the Atoll Explorer window has folders for the commonly used data types. Therefore, choosing a folder is choosing what the file will be used for. You can also create your own data type by importing a file and defining what data is to be used. Once you have imported a file into the Atoll document, you can edit the data, define how the geo data will be displayed. Atoll also allows you to manage multiple files for a single data type, deciding the priority of data files with different information or different resolutions. You can also display geo data over items on the Data tab, either by transferring them to the Data tab, or by importing them directly to the Data tab. You can also create and edit geographic data. You can add a vector layer to certain data types to which you can add contours, lines, or points, create new geographic data, or modify existing data. You can also create raster-based geographic data such as traffic maps or clutter classes. You can export most geo data objects (for example, DTM, clutter classes, clutter heights, raster polygons, or vector layers) for use in other Atoll documents or in other applications. Atoll also allows you to save changes you make to geo data objects back to the original files. This enables you to update the original files and, through the process of saving them, recompact the file. This chapter explains the following topics: "Geographic Data Types" on page 95 "Supported Geographic Data Formats" on page 96 "Importing Geo Data Files" on page 96 "Clutter Classes" on page 103 "Clutter Heights" on page 106 "Digital Terrain Models" on page 103 "Contours, Lines, and Points" on page 106 "Scanned Images" on page 107 "Geoclimatic Maps" on page 108 "Setting the Priority of Geo Data" on page 109 "Editing Geographic Data" on page 113 "Saving Geographic Data" on page 116.
3.1
Geographic Data Types

An Atoll document can contain several different geographic data types. Atoll supports a wide range of file formats for geographic data files. The different geographic data types play different roles in the Atoll document: Geographic data used in propagation calculation: Digital terrain model Clutter classes Clutter heights Scanned maps Images from web map services (WMS) Contours, lines, and points representing, for example, roads, railways, or regions.
Geographic data used for display purposes:
In this section, the following data types are described: "Digital Terrain Model" on page 95 "Clutter Classes" on page 95 "Clutter Heights" on page 96 "Contours, Lines, and Points" on page 96 "Scanned Images" on page 96 "Geoclimatic Maps" on page 96
Digital Terrain Model

The DTM describes the elevation of the ground over sea level. You can display the DTM in different ways: by single value, discrete values, or by value intervals (see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21). The DTM is automatically taken into account by the propagation model during computations.
Clutter Classes
The clutter class geo data file describes land cover or land use. Clutter classes are taken into account by the propagation model during computations.
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Clutter Heights
Clutter height maps describe the altitude of clutter over the DTM with one altitude defined per pixel. Clutter height maps can offer more precise information than defining an altitude per clutter class because, in a clutter height file, it is possible to have different heights within a single clutter class. When clutter altitude is defined both in clutter classes and in a clutter height map, clutter altitude is taken from the clutter height map. You can display the clutter height map in different ways: by single value, discrete values, or by value intervals (see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21). Note: The only propagation models that can take clutter heights into account in calculations are the Standard Propagation Model and WLL model.
Contours, Lines, and Points

Atoll supports contours, lines, and points to represent polygons such as regions, or lines such as roads or coastlines, or points. They are used for display only and have no effect on computations. Contours can also be used to create filtering polygons or computation or focus zones.
Scanned Images
Scanned images are geographic data files which represent the actual physical surroundings, for example, road maps or satellite images. They are used to provide a precise background for other objects or for less precise maps and are used only for display; they have no effect on calculations.
Geoclimatic Maps
Geoclimatic maps are vector files containing information on climatic conditions such as rain density, vapour density, temperature, and refractivity. Geoclimatic maps are used in microwave link documents to calculate radio wave attenuation.
Traffic Data Maps

Traffic data maps contain information on capacity and service use per geographic area. Traffic data maps are used for network capacity analyses.
3.2
Supported Geographic Data Formats

Atoll supports the following geographic data formats: DTM files in the following formats: TIF (8 or 16-bit), JPEG 2000 (8 to 16-bit), BIL (8 or 16-bit), IST (8 or 16-bit), Planet, BMP (8-bit), GRD/GRC Vertical Mapper (8 or 16-bit), and Erdas Imagine (8 or 16-bit) Clutter height files in the following formats: TIF (8 or 16-bit), JPEG 2000 (8 to 16-bit), BIL (8 or 16-bit), IST (8 or 16-bit), Planet, BMP (8-bit),, GRC Vertical Mapper (8 or 16-bit), and Erdas Imagine (8 or 16-bit) Clutter class and traffic files in the following formats: TIF (8-bit), JPEG 2000 (8-bit), BIL (8-bit), IST (8-bit), BMP (8-bit), Planet, GRC Vertical Mapper (8-bit), and Erdas Imagine (8-bit) Vector data files in the following formats: AGD, DFX, Planet, SHP, MIF, and TAB. Vector traffic files in the following formats: AGD, DFX, Planet, SHP, MIF, and TAB. Scanned image files in the following formats: TIF (1 to 24-bit), JPEG 2000 (1 to 24-bit), BIL (1 to 24-bit), IST (1 to 24-bit), BMP (1 to 24-bit), Planet, Erdas Imagine (1 to 24-bit), GRC Vertical Mapper (1 to 24-bit), and ECW (8 or 24-bit) JPEG 2000 (16-bit), Geoclimatic files in the following formats: AGD, DXF, SHP, MIF, and TAB. Other data in the following formats: TIF (16-bit), JPEG 2000 (16-bit), BIL (16-bit), IST (16-bit), Planet, BMP (16-bit), Erdas Imagine (16-bit), GRD/GRC Vertical Mapper (16-bit), AGD, DXF, SHP, MIF, and TAB. Caution: All raster maps imported must have the same projection coordinate system.
3.3
Importing Geo Data Files

You can import the geographic data you need into the current Atoll document. As explained in "Supported Geographic Data Formats" on page 96, Atoll supports a variety of both raster and vector file formats. When you import a new geo data file, Atoll recognises the file format and suggests the appropriate folder on the Geo tab of the Explorer window. You can
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Chapter 3: Managing Geographic Data embed geo data files in the Atoll document while you are importing them or afterwards (see "Embedding Geographic Data" on page 102). You can share the paths of imported maps and display settings with other users by using Atolls user configuration files. For information on exporting the paths of your documents files or to import the path from another document using user configuration files, see "Geographic Data Sets" on page 112. This section explains the following: "Importing a Raster-format Geo Data File" on page 97 "Importing a Vector-format Geo Data File" on page 98 "Importing MSI Planet Geo Data" on page 99 "Importing a WMS Raster-format Geo Data File" on page 101 "Grouping Geo Data Files in Folders" on page 102 "Embedding Geographic Data" on page 102.
Tip:
You can use the drag-and-drop feature to import geo data files into a document. The format is automatically recognized and Atoll presents you with the appropriate dialogue.
3.3.1
Importing a Raster-format Geo Data File

All raster geo data files must be represented in the same projection coordinate system as the Atoll document itself. To import a geographic data file in a raster format: 1. Select File > Import. The Open dialogue appears. 2. Select the geo data file you want to import. You can import more than one geo data file at the same time, providing that the geo data files are of the same type. You can select contiguous files by clicking the first file, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last file you want to import. You can select non-contiguous files by pressing CTRL and clicking each file. 3. Click Open. The File Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.64). Note: If the Vector Import dialogue appears, go to "Importing a Vector-format Geo Data File" on page 98.
Depending on the type of geo data file you are importing, choose one of the following options: DTM: Select Altitudes (DTM) from the Data Type list. Clutter Classes: Select Clutter Classes from the Data Type list. Clutter Heights: Select Clutter Heights from the Data Type list. Scanned Images: Select Image or Scan from the Data Type list.
4. By default, the imported file is linked to the Atoll document. To embed the data file in the Atoll document, select the Embed in Document check box. For information on embedding files, see "Embedding Geographic Data" on page 102. 5. Click Import. The geo data file is imported and listed in the Geo tab of the Explorer window. When you import a traffic data map, the traffic maps Properties dialogue appears: a. Under Terminals (%), enter the percentage of each type of terminal used in the map. The total percentages must equal 100. b. Under Mobilities (%), enter the percentage of each mobility type used in the map. The total percentages must equal 100. c. Under Services (%), enter the percentage of each service type used in the map. The total percentages must equal 100. d. Under Clutter Distribution, enter for each clutter class the percentage of indoor users. An additional loss will be counted for indoor users during the Monte-Carlo simulations. You do not have to define a clutter weighting for traffic density maps because the traffic is provided in terms of user density per pixel. e. For UMTS and CDMA, select whether the users are active in the Uplink/Downlink, only in the Downlink, or only in the Uplink. f. Click OK.
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Figure 3.64: Importing a clutter class file
3.3.2
Importing a Vector-format Geo Data File

When you import geo data files in vector format, their geographic system can be converted to the system used by the Atoll document. To import a vector-format geographic data file: 1. Select File > Import. The Open dialogue appears. 2. Select the geo data file you want to import. You can import more than one geo data file at the same time, providing that the geo data files are of the same type. You can select contiguous files by clicking the first file, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last file you want to import. You can select non-contiguous files by pressing CTRL and clicking each file. 3. Click Open. The Vector Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.67). Note: If the File Import dialogue appears, go to "Importing a Raster-format Geo Data File" on page 97.
Depending on the type of geo data file you are importing, choose one of the following options: Vector Data: i. Select Geo from the Import to list. Select Population from the Import to list. Population:
ii. Under Fields to be imported, the first list contains the attributes of the population vector data file that you are importing, and the second list lets you select whether the attribute corresponds to population density or to a number of inhabitants. iii. Select from the first list which field is to be imported and from the second list whether the imported field is a Density (number of inhabitants per square kilometre for polygons, or number of inhabitants per kilometre for lines) or a Value (number of inhabitants) (see Figure 3.65 and Figure 3.66).
Figure 3.65: Population density (number of inhabitants/km)
Figure 3.66: Population values (number of inhabitants per item polygon/road/point)
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Chapter 3: Managing Geographic Data Geoclimatic File: i. Select Geoclimatic Parameters from the Import to list.
ii. Under Fields to be imported, select from the first list which field is to be imported and select Value from the second list. 4. By default, the imported file is linked to the Atoll document. To embed the data file in the Atoll document, select the Embed in Document check box. For information on embedding files, see "Embedding Geographic Data" on page 102. 5. Click Import. The geo data file is imported and listed in the Geo tab of the Explorer window.
Figure 3.67: Vector Import dialogue Notes: You can import ellipses and arcs from MapInfo files (MIF and TAB). Rectangles are interpreted as polygons. You can define mappings between the coordinate system used for the MapInfo/ESRI vector files, defined in the corresponding MIF/PRJ files, and Atoll. This way, when you import a vector file, Atoll can detect the correct coordinate system automatically. For more information about defining the mapping between coordinate systems, please refer to the Administrator Manual.
3.3.3
Importing MSI Planet Geo Data

MSI Planet geo data are contained in a series of files described in index files. The index file is in ASCII text format and contains the information necessary to identify and properly interpret each geo data file. When you import MSI Planet geo data, you can import each type of geo data separately, by importing the corresponding index file, or you can import several MSI Planet geo data files at the same time, by importing several index files. This section explains the following: "Importing One MSI Planet Geo Data Type" on page 99 "Importing a MSI Planet Geo Database" on page 100.
3.3.3.1
Importing One MSI Planet Geo Data Type

When you want to import a certain type of MSI Planet geo data, such as a DTM or clutter heights, you import the index file containing the information necessary to import the set of files containing the geo data. To import one type of MSI Planet geo data: 1. Select File > Import. The Open dialogue appears. 2. Select the index file you want to import and click Open. The Data Type dialogue appears (see Figure 3.68).
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Figure 3.68: Importing an MSI Planet index file 3. Select the type of geo data you are importing and select the Embed check box if you want to embed the data in the current Atoll document. 4. Click OK to import the geo data into the current Atoll document.
3.3.3.2
Importing a MSI Planet Geo Database

You can import all available MSI Planet geo data at the same time by importing all index files. To import the MSI Planet geo database: 1. Select File > Import. The Open dialogue appears. 2. Select "Planet database" from the Files of Type list. The Planet Data to Be Imported dialogue appears (see Figure 3.69).
Figure 3.69: Importing an MSI Planet database 3. For each type of data that you want to import: a. Select the corresponding check box b. If you want to embed the data, select the Embed check box. c. To locate the MSI Planet index file, click . The Open dialogue appears.
d. Select the MSI Planet index file and click Open. The path and name of the file appears in the corresponding field of the Planet Data to Be Imported dialogue. 4. When you have selected all the types of data you want to import, click OK. The data is imported into the current Atoll document.
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3.3.4
Importing a WMS Raster-format Geo Data File

You can import raster images from a Web Map Service (WMS) server into your Atoll document. The image must be in TIF format. All images imported at the same time are imported as a single image. Before you import them, you can arrange them by placing on top the image that is the most important, such as roads. Or, you can place the least transparent image towards the bottom so that the other images imported at the same time remain visible. The image will be referenced in the document; it can not be embedded. Only WMS data mapped with a projection system (for example, the Lambert Conformal-Conic or the Universal Transverse Mercator projection) can be imported. Before importing an image from a WMS server, you must ensure that the coordinate system used in your document is the same projection system supported by the server. All raster geo data files must be represented in the same projection coordinate system as that used by the Atoll document itself. To import a geographic data file from a web map service: 1. Select File > Import. The Open dialogue appears. 2. From the Files of Type list, select Connection to a Web Map Services server. The Web Map Services Data Import dialogue appears. 3. Select the URL of the WMS server from the Server URL list or enter it directly. Note: The list of WMS servers that appears in the Server URL list are defined by entries in the atoll.ini file. For information on defining these entries, see the Administrator Manual.
4. Click the Connect button. Atoll connects to the URL of the WMS server and displays the information available along with a description of the service (Figure 3.70 on page 101).
Figure 3.70: The Web Map Services Data Import dialogue 5. In the left pane of the Web Map Services Data Import dialogue, navigate to the item you want to import by clicking the Expand button ( ) to open each level. 6. Select either the image you want to import, or the image group, i.e., a group preceded by an Expand button ( ).
7. Click for each image you want to import. The files you want to import appear in the right pane of the Web Map Services Data Import dialogue. Note: You can remove an image or group of images from the images to be imported by selecting it in the right pane and clicking .
8. Arrange the order in which you want the images to appear by selecting each image in the right pane and clicking to move it towards the top or to move it toward the bottom. The images will be imported as a single object and their appearance will depend on the order you define here. 9. The Web Map Import dialogue appears. The following information is given about the imported WMS data: Data Types: "Image or Scan" is selected. Geographic Coordinates: The geographic coordinates are the WMS data are given.
10. The Name suggested is the name of the lowest layer to be imported. If desired, you can modify this name. 11. Click Import. The image is imported by reference into the Atoll document. You can not embed a WMS image in your document. Forsk 2010 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited
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3.3.5
Grouping Geo Data Files in Folders

By default, when you import scanned images and contours, lines, and points, they appear directly on the Geo tab. Other data files, such as clutter classes, are listed together in a single Clutter Classes folder. You can, however, group scanned images and contours, lines, and points into folders as well. Once grouped, these geo data files can be displayed or hidden and moved more easily. They retain, however, their own individual display settings; the display settings cannot be managed at the folder level. You create the folder when you import the first geo data file that will be imported into it. When you import the next geo data file, either raster or vector, you can import it directly into the new folder. To create a new geo data folder when importing: 1. Select File > Import. The Open dialogue appears. 2. Select the geo data file and click Open. If the file to be imported is a raster file, the File Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.64). If the file to be imported is a vector file, the Vector Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.67). 3. From the Data Type list (on the File Import dialogue) or the Import To list (on the Vector Import dialogue), select New folder in Geo. The New Folder dialogue appears. Note: If you want to import your file to the Data tab, you can select New folder in Data.
4. Enter a name for the folder in Folder Name box and click OK. 5. Click Import. Your file is imported into the newly created folder. You can now import other geo data files into this folder by selecting it from the Data Type list (on the File Import dialogue) or the Import To list (on the Vector Import dialogue) when you import. Note: You can transfer geo data that has been imported from the Geo tab to the Data tab, or vice versa. Right-click the data in the Explorer window and select Transfer to Data or Transfer to Geo.
3.3.6
Embedding Geographic Data

By default, when you import a geo data file, Atoll creates a link to the file. You can, however, choose to embed the geo data file in your Atoll document, either when you import it or later. When Atoll is linked to a geo data file, the geo data file remains separate and modifying or saving the Atoll document has no effect on the geo data file. When the geo data file is embedded in the Atoll document, it is saved as part of the document. Both linking and embedding present advantages and disadvantages. For more information, see the Administrator Manual. Important: If you are using distributed calculations, you must link your geo data files. Distributed calculations can not work with embedded geo data files. For information, see the Administrator Manual. To embed a geo data file in the current Atoll document while you are importing: Select the Embed in Document check box on the File Import or Vector Import dialogue box.
To embed a geo data file that is already linked to the current Atoll document: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the file you want to embed in the current document. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. 4. Click the General tab of the Properties dialogue. 5. Click Embed. 6. Click OK. The geo data file is now embedded in the current Atoll document.
3.3.7
Repairing a Broken Link to a Geo Data File

By default, when you import a geo data file, Atoll creates a link to the file; the geo data file remains separate and modifying or saving the Atoll document has no effect on the geo data file. If, however, the geo data file is moved, the link will be broken. The next time you open an Atoll document with the linked geo data file, Atoll cannot find the file and displays the error message shown in Figure 3.71.
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Figure 3.71: Missing shortcut To find the file yourself: When the Missing Shortcut dialogue (see Figure 3.71) appears, click the Browse button to locate the geo data file.
Atoll automatically searches for the missing file as well. It searches for the nearest match, based on size, date, and type. When it finds a possible match, it informs you with a message (see Figure 3.72). If the file corresponds to the source file: Click Yes. The link will be corrected to point to the indicated file.
Figure 3.72: Problem with shortcut You can also repair the link to the geo data file from within the Atoll document. To repair a broken link from within the Atoll document: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. If the geo data file is in a folder, such as the Clutter Classes, Traffic, or DTM folder, click folder. to expand the
2. Right-click on the geo data file whose link you want to repair. The context menu appears. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. 4. On the General tab of the Properties dialogue, click the Find button. 5. Browse to the geo data file, select it and click OK.
3.4
Digital Terrain Models

The Digital Terrain Model (DTM) is a geographic data file representing the elevation of the ground over sea level. To manage the properties of the DTM: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Digital Terrain Model folder. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 4. Click the Display tab to define the display properties for the DTM. For information on Display tab settings, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21.
5. Move the Relief slider towards Flat, if you want to display very few little relief or towards x6 if you want to emphasise the differences in altitude. 6. Click OK to close the Properties dialogue.
3.5
Clutter Classes
The clutter class geo data file describes land cover or land use. Each pixel of a clutter class file contains a code (from a maximum of 256 possible classes) which corresponds to a clutter class, or in other words to a certain type of ground use or cover. The height per class can be defined as part of the clutter class, however this height is only an average per class. A clutter height map can represent height much more accurately because it allows a different height to be assigned for each bin of the map. For information on clutter height maps, see "Clutter Heights" on page 106.
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Atoll User Manual This section explains the following: "Assigning Names to Clutter Classes" on page 104 "Defining Clutter Class Properties" on page 104 "Adding a Clutter Class" on page 105 "Refreshing the List of Clutter Classes" on page 105 "Displaying Total Surface Area per Clutter Class" on page 105.
3.5.1
Assigning Names to Clutter Classes

The clutter class file identifies each clutter class with a code. To make it easier to work with clutter classes, you can assign a descriptive name to each clutter class name. When a clutter class has a descriptive name, it is the name that appears in tool tips and reports. When you import a clutter class file in BIL, TIF, JPEG 2000, or IMP format, Atoll can automatically assign names to clutter classes if the clutter class file has a corresponding MNU file. The MNU file contains a list with the clutter class codes and their corresponding names. For more information on the MNU file format and on creating an MNU file, see the Technical Reference Guide. To assign names to clutter classes: 1. Click the Geo tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. 4. Click the Description tab of the Properties dialogue. 5. In the Name column, enter descriptive text for each class identified in the Code column.
3.5.2
Defining Clutter Class Properties

The parameters are applied in relation to the location of the receiver being studied and the clutter class of the receiver location. These parameters can be set on the Properties dialogue: To define clutter class properties: 1. Click the Geo tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. 4. Click the Description tab of the Properties dialogue. 5. Enter a Name and average Height (m) for each code. Important: If the Height field is left blank, propagation models which use the height information of clutter classes will assume a clutter height of "0" if there is no clutter height map. 6. If desired, you can enter a value for each of the following fields applicable to the current document: For all Atoll documents: Model Standard Deviation (dB): to calculate shadowing losses on the path loss, as related to a userdefined cell edge coverage probability. Indoor Loss (dB): to be applied to the path loss and used in coverage predictions, point analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations. Indoor penetration losses depend on the clutter types as well as the operating frequency. You can define an additional indoor loss per frequency band used in the Frequency bands table in GSM GPRS EGPRS, UMTS HSPA, CDMA2000 1xRTT 1xEV-DO, and TD-SCDMA documents. This is an optional feature that must first be activated. For more information, contact support. TD-SCDMA
Note:
7. Click the Default Values tab. Enter default values for each field. For information about each field, see the descriptions in the previous step. The values entered on the Default Values tab are used if no clutter map is available. Even if there is a clutter classes map, you can select the Use default values only check box on the Default Values tab to make Atoll use the values specified in this tab instead of the values defined per clutter class. 8. Click the Display tab to define the display properties for clutter classes. In addition to the Display tab options described in "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21, each clutter class display type has a visibility check box. By selecting or clearing the visibility check box, you can display or hide clutter class display types individually.
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Note:
Selecting white as the colour for a clutter class value or value interval will cause that clutter class value or value interval to be displayed as transparent.
9. Click OK.
Tip:
You can copy the description table into a new Atoll document after importing the clutter classes file. To copy the description table, select the entire table by clicking the cell in the upper-left corner of the table and press CTRL+C. On the Description tab of the clutter classes Properties dialogue in the new Atoll document, press CTRL+V to paste the values in the table.
3.5.3
Adding a Clutter Class

You can add a new clutter class to your document. To add a new clutter class to the your document: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. 4. Select the Description tab from the Properties dialogue. 5. In the blank row marked with column. at the bottom of the table, enter an unused number from 1 to 255 in the Code
6. Fill in the remainder of the fields as described in step 5. and step 6. of "Defining Clutter Class Properties" on page 104. 7. Click OK. You can now use the new clutter class when modifying the clutter class map. For information on modifying the clutter class map, see "Creating a Clutter Polygon" on page 114.
3.5.4
Refreshing the List of Clutter Classes

Under certain circumstances, it can happen that the list of clutter classes on the Description tab of the clutter classes Properties dialogue contains unused clutter classes. For example, if you have imported two clutter class files and then deleted one of them, the list of clutter classes will still contain the clutter classes of the deleted file, even if they are not used in the remaining file. Whenever you want to ensure that the list of clutter classes is accurate and current, you can refresh the list. To refresh the list of the clutter classes: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. 4. Select the Description tab from the Properties dialogue. 5. Click Refresh. Atoll removes the unused clutter classes from the list. 6. Click OK.
3.5.5
Displaying Total Surface Area per Clutter Class

You can display the total surface area covered by each clutter class in the document. Atoll displays the surface area covered by each clutter class in the focus zone if there is one, in the computation zone if there is no focus zone and, if there is no focus or computation zone, Atoll displays the total surface area covered by each clutter class in the entire document. This information is also available in prediction reports. To display the surface area covered by each clutter class: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder. 3. Select Statistics from the context menu. The Statistics dialogue appears, displaying the surface area (Si in km) of each clutter class (i) and its percentage (% of i) in the computation zone or focus zone, if one exists. Si - 100 % of I = ------------Sk
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3.6
Clutter Heights
Clutter height maps describe the altitude of clutter over the DTM. Clutter height files allow for a higher degree of accuracy because they allow more than one height per clutter class. In a clutter height file, a height is given for each point on the map. If you define clutter height as a property of clutter classes, the height is given as an average per clutter class. When a clutter height file is available, Atoll uses its clutter height information for calculations using certain propagation models (the Standard Propagation Model and WLL model), for display (in tool tips and in the status line), and for CW measurements and test mobile data paths. If no clutter height file exists, Atoll uses the average clutter height per clutter class as defined in the clutter classes properties (see "Defining Clutter Class Properties" on page 104). To manage the properties of clutter heights: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Clutter Heights folder. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 4. Click the Display tab to define the display properties for clutter heights. For information on Display tab settings, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21.
5. Click OK to close the Properties dialogue. The clutter height of the current pointer position as given in the clutter height file or in the clutter classes is displayed in the status bar.
3.7
Contours, Lines, and Points

In Atoll, you can import or create vector objects such as contours, lines, and points. The imported or created vectors are used primarily for display purposes, but polygons can be used as filters, or computation or focus zones. In an Atoll document, vector objects such as contours, lines, and points are arranged in vector layers. When you import a vector file, with, for example, roads, Atoll adds the file as a new vector layer containing all the vector objects in the file. The vector object data can be managed in the vector layer table. For information on working with data tables, see "Working with Data Tables" on page 41. In this section, the following are explained: "Managing the Display of a Vector Layer" on page 106 "Managing the Properties of the Vector Layer" on page 106 "Moving a Vector Layer to the Data Tab" on page 107.
3.7.1
Managing the Display of a Vector Layer

Imported geographic vector files can have different attributes depending on their file formats. Atoll can use additional information related to vectors as display parameters. In addition, Atoll can read three-dimensional vector data. To manage the display of a vector layer: 1. Click the Data or Geo tab in the Explorer window on which the vector layer is located. 2. Right-click the vector layer. The context menu appears. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 4. Select the Display tab of the Properties dialogue. For information on using the display tab, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21. Note: You can manage the display of an individual vector object by right-clicking the vector object in the vector layer folder and selecting Properties from the context menu.
3.7.2
Managing the Properties of the Vector Layer

The properties of the objects on the vector layer can be managed in two ways: either from a table containing all vectors and their attributes or from the Properties dialogue.
Vector Layer Table

All the vector objects of a vector layer and their attributes are listed in the vector table. To open the vector layer table: 1. On the Explorer window tab containing the vector layer, right-click the vector layer folder. The context menu appears. 2. Select Open Table from the context menu. The vector table appears.
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Chapter 3: Managing Geographic Data You can edit the contents of this table using the commands from the context menu or from the Edit, Format, and Records menus. For more information on editing tables in Atoll, see "Working with Data Tables" on page 41.
Vector Layer Properties Dialogue

The vector layer Properties dialogue has three tabs: a General tab, a Table tab, and a Display tab. To open the Properties dialogue of a vector layer: 1. On the Explorer window tab containing the vector layer, right-click the vector layer folder. The context menu appears. 2. Select Properties from the context menu. 3. Click the General tab. The following options are available: Name: The name of the vector layer. You can rename the vector layer using this field. Source File: The complete path of the vector layer file if the file is linked to the Atoll document; otherwise the file is described as embedded. Find: Click the Find button to redefine the path when the files location has changed. Embed: Click the Embed button to embed a linked vector layer file in the Atoll document.
Coordinate System: When a vector layer is linked, the coordinate system used is the files, as specified when the file was imported. When the a vector layer is embedded, the coordinate system used is documents, as specified when the file was embedded. Change: Click the Change button to change the coordinate system of the vector layer. Sort: Click the Sort button to sort the data contained in the vector layer. For information on sorting, see "Advanced Sorting" on page 61. Filter: Click the Filter button to filter the data contained in the vector layer. For information on filtering, see "Advanced Data Filtering" on page 63.
4. Click the Table tab. You can use the Table tab to manage the vector layer table content. For information on the Table tab, see "Adding, Deleting, and Editing Data Table Fields" on page 42. 5. Click the Display tab. You can use the Display tab to manage the vector layer display. For information on the Table tab, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21.
3.7.3
Moving a Vector Layer to the Data Tab

In Atoll, all objects on the Data tab, such as transmitters, antennas, and predictions, are displayed over all objects on the Geo tab. You may wish, however, to ensure that certain geo data, for example, major geographical features, roads, etc., remain visible in the map window. You can do this by transferring the geo data from the Geo tab to the Data tab and placing it above data such as predictions. To transfer a vector layer to the Data tab of the Explorer window: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the vector layer you want to transfer. The context menu appears. 3. Select Transfer to Data tab from the context menu. The vector layer is transferred to the Data tab. You can transfer the vector layer back to the Geo tab by right-clicking it in the Data tab and selecting Transfer to the Geo tab from the context menu. For more information about display priority in Atoll, see "Setting the Priority of Geo Data" on page 109.
3.8
Scanned Images
Scanned images are geographic data files which represent the actual physical surroundings, for example, road maps or satellite images. They are used to provide a precise background for other objects or for less precise maps.They have no effect on calculations. In this section, the following are explained: "Importing Several Scanned Images" on page 107 "Defining the Display Properties of Scanned Images" on page 108.
3.8.1
Importing Several Scanned Images

You can import scanned images into the current Atoll document one at a time, as explained in "Importing Geo Data Files" on page 96, or you can import a group of images by importing an index file listing the individual image files. The index file is a text file with the information for each image file on a separate line. Each line contains the following information, with the information separated by a space: File name: The name of the file, with its path relative to the current location of the index file. XMIN: The beginning X coordinate of the file. XMAX: The end X coordinate, calculated as XMIN + (number of horizontal bins x bin width). YMIN: The beginning Y coordinate of the file. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited
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nice1.tif 984660 995380 1860900 1872280 0 nice2.tif 996240 1004900 1860980 1870700 0
File name To import an index 1. Select File > Import. 2. Select the index file and click Open. The File Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.64). 3. Select Image or Scan from the Data Type list. 4. Click Import. The image files imported and listed in the Geo tab of the Explorer window. XMIN XMAX YMIN YMAX 0
3.8.2
Defining the Display Properties of Scanned Images

Because imported images cannot be modified, they have fewer display parameters than other object types. To define the display properties of a scanned image: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window 2. Right-click the scanned image. The context menu appears. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears (see Figure 3.73). 4. Select the Display tab and set the following options: Colour: Select either Automatic, Shades of gray, or Watermark from the list. Transparent Colour: Select White from the list if you wish parts of the scanned image that are coloured white to be transparent, allowing objects in lower layers to be visible. Lightness: Move the slider to lighten or darken the scanned image. Contrast: Move the slider to adjust the contrast. Visibility Scale: Enter a visibility scale minimum in the between 1: text box and maximum in the and 1: text box. When the displayed or printed scale is outside this range, the scanned image is not displayed.
5. Click OK.
Figure 3.73: Scanned image Properties dialogue
3.9
Geoclimatic Maps
Geoclimatic maps are vector files containing information on climatic conditions such as rain density, vapour density, temperature, and refractivity. Geoclimatic maps are used in microwave link documents to calculate radio wave attenuation. In this section, the following are explained: "Managing Geoclimatic Map Properties" on page 109 "Displaying Geoclimatic Statistics" on page 109.
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3.9.1
Managing Geoclimatic Map Properties

To manage the properties of a geoclimatic map: 1. Right-click the Geoclimatic Parameters folder on the Geo tab of the Explorer window. 2. Select Properties from the context menu. 3. The following tabs are available: Data Mapping: The Data Mapping tab enables you to select which value from each imported vector file is part of the geoclimatic map. The imported vector files are listed in the Name column, with the relevant data selected in the Field column. You can select the parameter it corresponds to from the Parameters column. Display: The Display tab enables you to define how the geoclimatic map appears in the map window. Value interval is the only available display type. For information on using the display tab, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21. 4. Click to expand the Geoclimatic Parameters folder.
5. Right-click any geoclimatic file in the Geoclimatic Parameters folder. 6. Select Properties from the context menu. 7. Click the Table tab. The Table tab enables you to manage the contents of the class table. For information on working with the Table tab, see "Adding, Deleting, and Editing Data Table Fields" on page 42.
3.9.2
Displaying Geoclimatic Statistics

You can display the relative and absolute distribution of each value interval according to the defined value intervals in the display properties (for information on defining value intervals, see "Defining the Display Type" on page 22) of a geoclimatic map. Atoll displays the statistics for the focus zone if there is one, for the computation zone if there is no focus zone and, if there is no focus or computation zone, Atoll displays the statistics for the entire document. To display the statistics of the geoclimatic data: 1. Click the Geo tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Geoclimatic Parameters folder. 3. Select Statistics from the context menu. The Statistics window appears with the distributions of each value interval. Note: Statistics are displayed only for visible data. See "Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer" on page 16.
3.10
Setting the Priority of Geo Data

Atoll lists the imported DTM, clutter class or traffic objects in their respective folders and creates a separate folder for each imported vector data file and scanned image. Each object is placed on a separate layer. Thus, there are as many layers as imported objects. The layers are arranged from top to bottom in the map window as they appear on the Geo tab of the Explorer window. It is important to remember that all objects on the Data tab, such as transmitters, antennas, and predictions, are displayed over all objects on the Geo tab.
3.10.1
Setting the Display Priority of Geo Data

There are several factors that influence the visibility of geo data: The display check box: The check box immediately to the left of the object name in the Geo tab controls whether or not the object is displayed on the map. If the check box is selected ( ), the object is displayed; if the check box is cleared ( ), the object is not displayed. If the check box, is selected but shaded ( ), not all objects in the folder are displayed. For more information, see "Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer" on page 16. The order of the layers: The layer at the top of the Geo tab is on top of all other layers in the map window. Data on layers below is only visible where there is no data on the top layer or if you adjust the transparency of the objects on the top layer. You can use drag and drop to change the order of layers by dragging a layer on the Geo tab of the Explorer window towards the top or the bottom of the tab.
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Note:
All objects on the Data tab, such as transmitters, antennas, and predictions, are displayed over all objects on the Geo tab. Vector geo data, however, can be transferred to the Data tab, where they can be placed over data such as predictions. In this way, you can ensure that certain vector geo data, for example, major geographical features, roads, etc., remain visible in the map window For more information, see "Moving a Vector Layer to the Data Tab" on page 107.
The transparency of objects: You can change the transparency of some objects, such as predictions, and some object types, such as clutter classes, to allow objects on lower layers to be visible on the map. For more information, see "Defining the Transparency of Objects and Object Types" on page 23. The visibility range of objects: You can define a visibility range for object types. An object is visible only in the map window if the scale, as displayed on the zoom toolbar, is within this range. For more information, see "Defining the Visibility Scale" on page 23.
In Figure 3.74, vector data (including the linear vectors HIGHWAYS, COASTLINE, RIVERLAKE, MAJORROADS, MAJORSTREETS, RAILWAYS and AIRPORT), clutter classes, DTM and scanned image have been imported and a UMTS environment traffic map has been edited inside the computation zone. In the map window, the linear objects (ROADS, RIVERLAKE, etc.) are visible both inside and outside the computation zone. The clutter class layer is visible in the area where there is no traffic data (outside the computation zone). On the other hand, the DTM layer which is beneath the clutter class layer and the scanned map which is beneath the DTM layer, are not visible.
Figure 3.74: Displaying Geo data layers
3.10.2
Setting the Priority of Geo Data in Calculations

The priority of geo data in calculations is determined in much the same way as it is for display. When you make calculations in Atoll, the data taken into account in each folder (Clutter Classes, DTM, etc.) is the data from the top down. In other words, Atoll takes the object on top and objects below only where there is no data in higher levels; what is used is what is seen. Note: The visibility in the context of calculations must not be confused with the display check box ( ). Even if the display check box of an object is cleared ( ), so that the object is not displayed on the map, it will still be taken into consideration for calculations. The only cases where clearing the display check box means that the data will not be used are for population data in reports, and for custom geo data maps.
Object folders, for example, the DTM, clutter classes, clutter heights, and traffic density folders, can contain more than one data object. These objects can represent different areas of the map or the same parts of the map with the same or different resolutions. Therefore for each folder, you should place the objects with the best data at the top. These are normally the objects which cover the least area but have the highest resolution. For example, when calculating coverage in an urban area, you might have two clutter class files: one with a higher resolution for the downtown core, where the density of users is higher, and one with a lower resolution but covering the entire area. In this case, by placing the clutter class file for the downtown core over the file with the lower resolution, Atoll can base its calculations for the downtown core on the clutter class file with the higher resolution, using the second file for all other calculations. Population maps and custom geo data maps, both of which can be used in prediction reports follow the same rules of calculation priority.
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Chapter 3: Managing Geographic Data The following sections give several examples to better illustrate how data are used in Atoll: "Example 1: Two DTM Maps Representing Different Areas" on page 111 "Example 2: Clutter Classes and DTM Maps Representing the Same Area" on page 111 "Example 3: Two Clutter Class Maps Representing a Common Area" on page 111.
3.10.2.1
Example 1: Two DTM Maps Representing Different Areas

In this example, there are two imported DTM files: "DTM 1 represents a given area and has a resolution of 50 m. DTM 2 represents a different area and has a resolution of 20 m.
In this example, the file order of the DTM files in the Explorer window does not matter because they do not overlap; in both Case 1 and Case 2, Atoll will take all the data from both "DTM 1 and "DTM 2 into account.
Explorer window
Case 1 DTM
Work space
DTM 2 (20m) DTM 1 (50m)
Case 2 DTM
DTM 1 (50m) DTM 2 (20m)
Figure 3.75: Multi-layer management in calculations two DTM maps representing different areas
3.10.2.2
Example 2: Clutter Classes and DTM Maps Representing the Same Area
In this example, there are two imported maps: A clutter class map called Clutter. A DTM map called DTM.
Independently of the order of the two maps in the Explorer window, Atoll uses both the clutter and DTM data in calculations. In Case 1, the clutter class map is on top of the DTM map. In Case 2, the DTM map is on top of the clutter class map. In both Case 1 and Case 2, Atoll will use both the clutter and DTM data in calculations.
Explorer window
Case 1 Clutter classes Clutter DTM DTM Case 2 DTM DTM Clutter classes Clutter
Work space
Figure 3.76: Multi-layer management in calculations Clutter and DTM maps representing the same area
3.10.2.3
Example 3: Two Clutter Class Maps Representing a Common Area

In this example, there are two imported clutter classes maps: "Clutter 1" represents a large area with a resolution of 50 m. "Clutter 2" represents a smaller area with a resolution of 20 m. This area is also covered by "Clutter 1"
In the case of two clutter class maps, Atoll uses the order of the maps in the Clutter Classes folder on the Geo tab of the Explorer window to decide which data to use. In Case 1, "Clutter 2" is on top of "Clutter 1". Atoll will therefore use the data in "Clutter 2" where it is available, and the data from "Clutter 1" everywhere that is covered by "Clutter 1" but not by
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Explorer window
Work space
Case 1 Clutter classes Clutter 2 (20m) Clutter 1 (50m)
Case 2 Clutter classes Clutter 2 (50m) Clutter 1 (20m)
Figure 3.77: Multi-layer management in calculations two clutter maps representing the same area
3.11
Displaying Information About Geo Data

You can display information about a geo data map by using tooltips. For information on how to display information in tooltips, see "Defining the Object Type Tip Text" on page 24. To display information about the geo data in a tool tip: Hold the pointer over the geo data until the tool tip appears. The surface area is only given for closed polygons.
Note:
Tool tips only appear when the Display Tips button ( selected.
) on the toolbar has been
3.12
Geographic Data Sets

In Atoll, once you have imported geographic data and defined their parameters, you can save much of this information in a user configuration file. Then, another user, working on a similar Atoll document, can import the configuration file containing the paths to the imported geographic data and many of the defined parameters. When you export the geographic data set, you export: the paths of imported geographic maps map display settings (visibility scale, transparency, tips text, etc.) clutter description (code, name, height, standard deviations, indoor loss, orthogonality factor, percentage pilot finger of each clutter class, default standard deviations, and indoor loss) raster or user profile traffic map description.
In this section, the following are explained: "Exporting a Geo Data Set" on page 112 "Importing a Geo Data Set" on page 113. Note: You can export and import other types of information with user configuration files as well. For information, see the Administrator Manual.
3.12.1
Exporting a Geo Data Set

When you export a geo data set in a user configuration file, the information listed in "Geographic Data Sets" on page 112 is saved into an external file. Important: Vectors must be in the same coordinate system as the raster maps.
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Chapter 3: Managing Geographic Data To export a geo data set in a user configuration file: 1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Export. The User Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 3.78). 2. In the User Configuration dialogue, select the Geographic Data Set check box.
Figure 3.78: The User Configuration dialogue 3. Click OK, The Save As dialogue appears. 4. In the Save As dialogue, browse to the folder where you want to save the file and enter a File name. 5. Click OK.
3.12.2
Importing a Geo Data Set

When you import a user configuration file containing a geo data set, the information listed in "Geographic Data Sets" on page 112 is imported into your current Atoll document. To import a user configuration file containing a geo data set: 1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Import. The Open dialogue appears. 2. Browse to the user configuration file, select it and click Open. 3. The User Configuration dialogue appears. When you import a user configuration file including a geographic data set, Atoll checks if there are already geographic data in the current Atoll document. If so, the option Delete existing geo data appears with other options in the User Configuration dialogue. 4. In the User Configuration dialogue, select the check boxes of the items you want to import. 5. If you already have geographic data in your current Atoll document and would like to replace it with any imported data, select the Delete existing geo data check box. If you do not want to replace existing geo data with imported data, clear the Delete existing geo data check box. 6. Click OK. Note: You can automatically start Atoll with a user configuration file by naming the file "atoll.cfg" and placing it in the same folder as the Atoll executable. You can also edit the Windows shortcut to Atoll and add "-cfg <.cfg_file>" where is the complete path to the user configuration file.
3.13
Editing Geographic Data

In Atoll, you can edit geo data that you have imported or you can create geo data by, for example, adding a vector layer to the Population folder and then adding polygons. The following types of geographic data can be edited: Clutter classes (for more information, "Editing Clutter Class Maps" on page 114) Contours, lines, and points (for more information, "Editing Polygons, Lines, and Points" on page 34) Population maps (if they are in vector format, i.e., Erdas Imagine (16-bit), AGD, DXF, SHP, MIF, or TAB format) (for more information, "Editing Geoclimatic Maps" on page 115) Geoclimatic maps (for more information, "Editing Geoclimatic Maps" on page 115) Traffic data maps Custom data maps (for more information, "Editing Geoclimatic Maps" on page 115).
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3.13.1
Editing Clutter Class Maps

Clutter class maps and certain traffic maps are raster maps. You can edit these maps by creating or modifying polygons. In this section, the following are explained: "Creating a Clutter Polygon" on page 114 "Editing Clutter Polygons" on page 114 "Displaying the Coordinates of Clutter Polygons" on page 115. "Deleting Clutter Polygons" on page 115
3.13.1.1
Creating a Clutter Polygon

In Atoll, you can modify imported clutter class maps or create your own maps by adding data in the form of polygons. You can later edit and export the polygons you have created. All modifications you make to clutter class maps are taken into account by propagation model calculations. To create a polygon: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Edit from the context menu. The Editor toolbar appears with a clutter or traffic list, a polygon drawing tool , a polygon deletion tool , and a Close button (see Figure 3.79).
Figure 3.79: Editor toolbar 4. From the list, select the clutter class for the polygon you want to create. Note: Clutter classes are defined on the Descriptions tab of the clutter classes Properties dialogue.
5. Click the polygon drawing button (
). The pointer changes to a pencil (
).
6. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the polygon. 7. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the polygon. 8. Double-click to close the polygon. Note: You can copy the exact coordinates of a closed polygon by right-clicking it on the map and selecting Properties from the context menu.
3.13.1.2
Editing Clutter Polygons

You can edit clutter polygons by moving existing points of the polygon or by adding or deleting points. To edit clutter polygons: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Edit from the context menu. The Editor toolbar appears (see Figure 3.79). 4. Select the polygon. You can now edit the clutter polygon by: Moving a point: i. Position the pointer over the point you want to move. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Drag the point to its new position. Adding a point: i. Position the pointer over the polygon border where you want to add a point. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Right-click and select Insert Point from the context menu. A point is added to the border at the position of the pointer. Deleting a point: i. Position the pointer over the point you want to delete. The pointer changes ( ).
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3.13.1.3
Displaying the Coordinates of Clutter Polygons

To display the coordinates of the points defining the polygon area: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Edit from the context menu. The Editor toolbar appears (see Figure 3.79). 4. Right-click the polygon and select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears with the coordinates of the points defining the polygon and the total area. Note: You can select and copy the coordinates displayed in the Properties dialogue of the polygon.
3.13.1.4
Deleting Clutter Polygons

You can delete clutter polygons. To delete a clutter polygon: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Edit from the context menu. The Editor toolbar appears (see Figure 3.79). 4. Click the polygon deletion tool ( ). The pointer changes ( ).
5. Click the polygon you want to delete. The polygon is deleted.
3.13.2
Editing Geoclimatic Maps

Some geographic data maps, for example, geoclimatic maps, are made up of individual vector objects. You can modify and create these geo data maps by adding a vector layer and then adding vector objects (contours, lines, and points) to this layer. To create a vector layer and vector objects on a geo data map: 1. Click the Geo tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the geo data object, the Geoclimatic Parameters, folder, to which you want to add a vector layer. 3. Select Add Vector Layer from the context menu. A new data object called "Vectors" is created in the selected geo data object folder. 4. Right-click the new vector layer. The context menu appears. 5. Select Edit from the context menu. The vector tools on the Vector Edition toolbar are activated.
Tip:
You can also activate the vector tools by selecting the vector layer to edit from the Vector Edition toolbar list. Because Atoll names all new vector layers "Vectors" by default, it might be difficult to know which Vectors folder you are selecting. By renaming each vectors folder, you can ensure that you select the correct folder. For information on renaming objects, see "Renaming an Object" on page 17. ) on the Vector Edition toolbar:
6. To draw a polygon, click the New Polygon button (
a. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the contour. b. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the contour. c. Double-click to close the contour. 7. To draw a rectangle, click the New Rectangle button ( ) on the Vector Edition toolbar:
a. Click the point on the map that will be one corner of the rectangle. b. Drag to the opposite corner of the rectangle. c. Release the mouse to create the rectangle defined by the two corners. 8. Right-click the new polygon or rectangle and select Properties from the context menu. 9. Enter a value: Geoclimatic Parameters: Enter a value in the Rain Intensity field to indicate the intensity of rainfall for the polygon. ) or the New Rectangle ( ) button on the Vector Edition toolbar.
10. Press ESC to deselect the New Polygon (
11. For Atoll to consider the new vector layer as part of the data map, you must map the vector layer. Right-click the the Geoclimatic Parameters, folder. The context menu appears. Forsk 2010 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited
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You can edit the vector objects as explained in "Editing Polygons, Lines, and Points" on page 34.
3.14
Saving Geographic Data

Atoll allows you to save your geographic data files separately from saving the Atoll document. Atoll supports a variety of both raster and vector file formats (for more information, see "Supported Geographic Data Formats" on page 96). Saving a geographic file separately from saving the Atoll document enables you to: Save modifications you have made to an external file: If you have made modifications to geo data, you can export them to a new external file. Update the source file with modifications you have made: If you have made modifications to a geo data type in Atoll, you can save these changes to the source file. Combine several files into one file: If you have several smaller files in one folder of the Geo tab, you can save them as one file. Export an embedded file to be used in another Atoll document or in another application: You can save a file to an external file, in the same format or in another one. Create a new file from part of a larger one: You can select part of certain geo data types and then save the selected part as a new file.
This section explains the following: "Saving Modifications to an External File" on page 116 "Updating the Source File" on page 117 "Combining Several Files into One File" on page 118 "Exporting an Embedded File" on page 118 "Creating a New File from a Larger File" on page 119
3.14.1
Saving Modifications to an External File

In Atoll, you can save your modifications to an external file. This section explains the following: "Exporting an Edited Clutter Class Map in a Raster-Format File" on page 116 "Exporting an Edited Vector Layer in Vector-Format File" on page 117.
3.14.1.1
Exporting an Edited Clutter Class Map in a Raster-Format File

You can export clutter class modifications in a raster-format file, either in the same format as used in the current Atoll document, or in a different raster format. You can also choose to export the entire clutter class geo data, the part containing the computation zone, or just your modifications to the geo data. When you have made modifications to a raster-format geo data file, exporting either the entire geo data or just your modifications allows you to save those modifications to an external file. To export clutter class modifications in a raster-format file: 1. Click the Geo tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder. 3. Select Save As from the context menu. The Save As dialogue appears. 4. In the Save As dialogue, browse to the folder where you want to save the file, enter a name for the file, and select the file format from the Save as type list. You can select from one of the following file formats: BMP: When you select bitmap format, Atoll automatically creates the corresponding BPW file containing the georeference information. TXT: The ArcView text format is intended only for export; no corresponding geo-reference file is created. TIF: When you select tagged image file format, Atoll automatically creates the corresponding TFW file containing the georeference information. BIL: When you select the BIL format, Atoll automatically creates the corresponding HDR file containing the georeference information. When exporting in BIL format, Atoll allows you to export files larger than 2 Gb. JPEG 2000: When you select the JPEG 2000 format, no corresponding geo-reference file is created. GRC or GRD: Files with the extension GRC or GRD are Vertical Mapper files. When exporting in GRD or GRC formats, Atoll allows you to export files larger than 2 Gb.
5. Click Save. The Export dialogue appears (see Figure 3.80).
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Figure 3.80: Export dialogue 6. Under Region, select one of the following: The Entire Project Area: This option allows you to export the entire clutter class geo data file, including any modifications you have made to the geo data. The exported geo data file will replace the geo data file in the current Atoll document. Only Pending Changes: This option allows you to export a rectangle containing any modifications you have made to the clutter classes. The exported geo data file will be added as a new object to the Clutter Classes geo data folder. The Computation Zone: This option allows you to export the clutter class geo data contained by a rectangle encompassing the computation zone, whether or not the computation zone is visible. The exported geo data file will be added as a new object to the selected geo data folder.
7. Define a Resolution in Metres. The resolution must be an integer and the minimum resolution allowed is 1. The suggested resolution value is defined by the following criteria: If one object has been modified, the suggested resolution is the resolution of the modified object. If several objects have been modified, the suggested resolution is the highest resolution of the modified objects. If there is no initial clutter class object, the resolution will equal the highest resolution of the DTM maps. If the Atoll document in which you created the clutter class file has no DTM, no other clutter class geo data file, or traffic objects, the suggested resolution is 100 m.
8. Click OK. The selected data is saved in an external file.
3.14.1.2
Exporting an Edited Vector Layer in Vector-Format File

You can export an edited vector layer as a vector format file. A vector layer can contain contours, lines, and points. Along with vector layers you have added to the Geo tab, the following maps can be exported as vector format files: Vector-format population maps Vector-format geoclimatic maps Vector-format custom maps.
Once you save a vector layer, the exported file replaces the vector layer as a linked file. You can embed the file afterwards (see "Embedding Geographic Data" on page 102). To export a vector layer: 1. On the Explorer window tab containing the vector layer, right-click the vector layer folder. The context menu appears. 2. Select Save As from the context menu. The Save As dialogue appears. 3. In the Save As dialogue, browse to the folder where you want to save the file, enter a name for the file, and select the file format from the Save as type list. You can select from one of the following file formats: AGD: The Atoll Geographic Data format is an Atoll-specific format. As a format created for Atoll, Atoll can read AGD files faster than the other supported vector formats. SHP: The ArcView vector format should be used for vector layers containing only polygons; it cannot save vectors made of lines or points. If you have a vector layer with vector lines or points, use either the AGD, the MIF or the TAB format. MIF and TAB: MapInfo formats.
4. Click Save in the Save As dialogue. The Vector Export dialogue appears, displaying the current coordinate system and allowing you to change the coordinate system by clicking Change. 5. Click Export. The vector layer is saved in the format and with the name you specified and the exported file replaces the vector layer in the current document as a linked file.
3.14.2
Updating the Source File

While working on an Atoll document, you may make changes to geo data. If the geo data file is embedded in the Atoll document, Atoll saves the changes automatically when you save the document. If the geo data file is linked, Atoll prompts you to save the changes when you close the document.
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Atoll User Manual To update the source file of a linked geo data file: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder containing geo data file whose source file you want to update. The context menu appears. 3. Select Save from the context menu. The linked file is updated. Caution: You will not be warned that you are replacing the current file. Therefore, ensure that you want to replace the current file before proceeding to the following step. If you do not want to replace the current file, you can save your changes to an external file ("Exporting an Edited Vector Layer in Vector-Format File" on page 117).
3.14.3
Combining Several Files into One File

In certain circumstances, for example, after importing an MSI Planet index file, you may have several geo data files of the same type. You can combine these separate files to create one single file. The files will be combined according to their order from the top down in the folder on the Geo tab of the Explorer window. If the files overlap on the map, the combined file will show the file on the top. You can create a one file from a section of the following geo data types: Digital terrain model Clutter classes Clutter heights Scanned maps
To combine individual files into a new file: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder of the geo data files you want to combine into one file. The context menu appears. 3. Select Save As from the context menu. The Save As dialogue appears. 4. Enter a File name and select a file type from the Save as type list. 5. Click OK. The Export dialogue appears (see Figure 3.81). 6. Under Region, select The Entire Project Area. This option allows you to save the entire area covered by the geo data files, including any modifications you have made to the geo data. 7. Define a Resolution in Metres. The resolution must be an integer and the minimum resolution allowed is 1. The suggested resolution value is the highest resolution of all objects. 8. Click OK. The selected data is saved as a new file.
3.14.4
Exporting an Embedded File

You can export an embedded geo data file to be used in a different Atoll document, or in a different application. When you export an embedded file, Atoll replaces the embedded file in the current Atoll document with the newly exported file. To export an embedded geo data file: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder of the embedded geo data file you want to export. The context menu appears. 3. Select Save As from the context menu. The Save As dialogue appears. 4. Enter a File name and select a file type from the Save as type list. 5. Click OK. If the geo data file is a vector file, the Vector Export dialogue appears (see Figure 3.81).
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Figure 3.81: The Vector Export dialogue a. The Vector Export dialogue displays the coordinate system of the file. To change the coordinate system used for the exported file, click Change. The Coordinate Systems dialogue appears. For information on the Coordinate Systems dialogue, see "Setting a Coordinate System" on page 82. b. Click Export. The geo data file is exported with the selected coordinate system. If the geo data file is a raster file, the Export dialogue appears (see Figure 3.82).
Figure 3.82: Export dialogue a. Under Region, select one of the following: The Entire Project Area: This option allows you to export the entire raster-format geo data file, including any modifications you have made to the geo data. The exported file will replace the embedded file in the Geo data tab. Only Pending Changes: This option allows you to export a rectangle containing any modifications you have made to the geo data. The exported file will be added as an object in the geo data folder. The Computation Zone: This option allows you to export the geo data contained by a rectangle encompassing the computation zone, whether or not the computation zone is visible. The exported file will be added as an object in the geo data folder.
b. Define a Resolution in Metres. The resolution must be an integer and the minimum resolution allowed is 1. c. Click OK. The selected data is saved in an external file.
3.14.5
Creating a New File from a Larger File

You can create a new file from a section of a larger file. You can use this new file in the same Atoll document, or in a new Atoll document. To create a new file, you must first define the area by creating a computation zone. You can create a new file from a section of the following geo data types: Digital terrain model Clutter classes Clutter heights Scanned maps Population Geoclimatic maps
To create a new file from a section of a larger file: 1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the folder of the embedded geo data file you want to export. The context menu appears. 3. Select Save As from the context menu. The Save As dialogue appears. 4. Enter a File name and select a file type from the Save as type list. 5. Click OK. The Export dialogue appears (see Figure 3.81).
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Atoll User Manual 6. Under Region, select The Computation Zone. This option allows you to export the geo data contained by a rectangle encompassing the computation zone, whether or not the computation zone is visible. The exported geo data file will be added as a new object to the selected geo data folder. 7. Define a Resolution in Metres. The resolution must be an integer and the minimum resolution allowed is 1. 8. Click OK. The selected data is saved as a new file.
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Chapter 4
Antennas and Equipment
Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment
Antennas and Equipment

In Atoll, the equipment used to create a network is modelled, along with the characteristics which have a bearing on network performance. This chapter explains working with antennas as well as equipment such as waveguides and cables: "Defining the List of Manufacturers" on page 123 "Defining Antennas" on page 123 "Microwave Equipment" on page 127 "Microwave Waveguides and Cables" on page 137 "Microwave Antenna/Equipment/Waveguide Compatibility" on page 138.
4.1
Defining the List of Manufacturers

In Atoll, the manufacturers of microwave radio equipment, waveguides, and antennas are listed in the Manufacturers table. To create or modify an entry in the Manufacturers table: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Manufacturers > Open table from the context menu. The Manufacturers table appears. 5. To create an entry in the Manufacturers table, enter the following in the row marked with the New Row icon ( ): Name: The name of the manufacturer. Comments: Any comments.
6. To modify an entry in the Manufacturers table, modify any of the entries in the corresponding row.
4.2
Defining Antennas
In Atoll, each microwave antenna is identified by a name, and defined by the operating frequency band, manufacturer name, horizontal and vertical antenna patterns, gain, and antenna diameter. The operating frequency band and manufacturer-related information are used as filtering criteria when defining compatible antenna/equipment sets. Four different antenna pattern diagrams are used in microwave antennas, i.e., horizontal and vertical plane diagrams for horizontal and vertical polarization. Each of these patterns can have both co-polar and cross-polar patterns defined. Because an antenna can be horizontally and vertically polarized, Atoll uses the relevant antenna pattern diagrams when determining propagation. In this section the following are described: "Creating an Antenna" on page 123 "Importing Microwave Antennas" on page 125 "Editing Microwave Antenna Patterns" on page 125 "Printing Microwave Antenna Patterns" on page 126.
4.2.1
Creating an Antenna
The microwave antenna is used to radiate or receive electromagnetic energy in the form of high-frequency radio waves. Atoll models microwave antennas and provides default microwave antennas. As well, Atoll enables you to create new antennas and set the parameters of each (i.e., name, manufacturer, gain, horizontal pattern, vertical pattern, and diameter).
Tip: To create an antenna:
When you create a new antenna, you can copy the horizontal and vertical antenna patterns from a spreadsheet or word processor.
1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Antennas > New from the context menu. The MW Antennas New Element Properties dialogue appears. 5. Click the General tab. You can enter information in the following fields:
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Atoll User Manual Name: Atoll automatically enters a default name for each new antenna. You can modify the name Atoll enters if you wish. Manufacturer: The name of the antenna manufacturer. Frequency Band: The frequency band that this antenna will be used with. Gain: The antennas isotropic gain. Diameter: The diameter of the antenna. Under Cross Polar Discrimination (XPD), displays the cross polar discriminations for horizontal and vertical polarisations. Horizontal: The ratio of power received in the cross-polar section to the power received in the co-polar section, for the horizontal polarisation. - Vertical: The ratio of power received in the cross-polar section to the power received in the co-polar section, for the vertical polarisation. Comments: Any additional information on the antenna. -
6. Define the co-polar and cross-polar sections for each plane of the antenna. A microwave antenna is defined by 8 radiation patterns. On each of the four tabs of the antenna properties dialogue, you can define the co-polar and cross-polar sections for each plane of the antenna: Horizontal polarisation - Horizontal plane: Co-polar section: Horizontal polarised port response to a horizontally polarised signal in the horizontal plane. Cross-polar section: Vertical polarised port response to a horizontally polarised signal in the horizontal plane. Co-polar section: Horizontal polarised port response to a horizontally polarised signal in the vertical plane. Cross-polar section: Vertical polarised port response to a horizontally polarised signal in the vertical plane. Co-polar section: Vertical polarised port response to a vertically polarised signal in the horizontal plane. Cross-polar section: Horizontal polarised port response to a vertically polarised signal in the horizontal plane. Co-polar section: Vertical polarised port response to a vertically polarised signal in the vertical plane. Cross-polar section: Horizontal polarised port response to a vertically polarised signal in the vertical plane.
Horizontal polarisation - Vertical plane: -
Vertical polarisation - Horizontal plane: -
Vertical polarisation - Vertical plane: -
a. Switch to the document containing the horizontal pattern. b. Select the columns containing the angles and attenuation values of the horizontal pattern. c. Copy the selected data.
Figure 4.83: Copying horizontal pattern values d. Switch to Atoll. e. Click the upper-left cell of the horizontal pattern. f. Paste the data in the table. If there are some blank rows in the data sheet, Atoll will interpolate the values in order to obtain a complete and realistic pattern. When performing a calculation along an angle for which no data is available, Atoll calculates a linear interpolation from the existing pattern values.
g. Click Apply to display the pattern. 7. Click OK. If some values are missing in the data sheet, Atoll interpolates the values in order to obtain a complete and realistic pattern around the antenna. When you paste the data into the MW Antennas New Element Properties dialogue, Atoll removes blank rows in the pattern table when you press the Apply button. When you calculate along an angle for which no data is available, Atoll calculates a linear interpolation from existing pattern values.
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Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment
4.2.2
Importing Microwave Antennas

Atoll enables you to import antenna files in the Planet microwave antenna format or in standard NSMA (National Spectrum Managers Association) formats defined by recommendations WG16.89.003 and WG16.99.0501. To import antenna files: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Antennas > Import from the context menu. The Data Import dialogue appears. 5. In the Data Import dialogue, choose one of the following options: One file only: Choose this option if you only want to import one file. Entire folder: Choose this option if you want to import all the files in a folder. ) to navigate to the file or the folder to be imported.
6. Click the Browse button (
7. Select the file or folder to be imported and click Open. 8. Click Import. The file or folders are imported. Atoll does not stop the import process if an error occurs. Atoll continues until all files are imported and then displays how many files have been successfully and unsuccessfully imported in the Events viewer. Atoll automatically calculates the antenna diameter from the antenna gain and average operating frequency. The average operating frequency is calculated as (Maximum Frequency - Minimum Frequency)/2. The antenna diameter is calculated using the following equation for a radiation efficiency of 55 %: Gain dBi = 20 Log Diametre m + 20 Frequency MHz 42.2 , which gives:
Frequency Min Frequency dBi + 2.11 Log Max Gain -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- 2 20
Diametre m = 10
For more information on antenna file formats, see the Technical Reference Guide.
4.2.3
Editing Microwave Antenna Patterns

In Atoll, you can modify antenna patterns by editing them individually or you can copy the antenna patterns of one antenna and replace the antenna patterns of another antenna: "Editing a Single Radiation Pattern" on page 125 "Copying an Antenna Pattern to One or More Antennas" on page 126.
Editing a Single Radiation Pattern

You can edit the horizontal or vertical patterns of an antenna. To edit the horizontal or vertical patterns of an antenna: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Antennas > Open Table from the context menu. The MW Antennas table appears. 5. Right-click the antenna in the Antennas table whose horizontal or vertical pattern you want to edit. The context menu appears. 6. Select Record Properties from the context menu. The antennas Properties dialogue appears. 7. Select the tab of the pattern you want to edit (for information on the tabs of the antennas Properties dialogue, see "Creating an Antenna" on page 123). 8. Edit the antenna pattern by entering new values in the table. Note: You can display antenna patterns with either linear or logarithmic axes. You can define the display by right-clicking the pattern window and choosing the either Linear display or Logarithmic display from the context menu.
1. For further information about the standard NSMA format (recommendation WG16.99.050), see the following web site: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/software/nsma/nsma-intrp.html. Forsk 2010 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited
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Copying an Antenna Pattern to One or More Antennas

Atoll enables you to copy antenna patterns in the MW Antennas table. By copying and pasting patterns in the MW Antennas table you can assign the antenna patterns of one antenna to another. To open the MW Antennas table: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Antennas > Open Table from the context menu. The MW Antennas table appears. By resizing row height and column width, you can view all antenna patterns in order to be able to compare them (see Figure 4.84).
Figure 4.84: MW Antennas table 5. In the row of the antenna with the pattern you want to copy, select the cell with the pattern. 6. Select Edit > Copy to copy the cell. 7. In the row of the antenna you want to copy the pattern to, select the cell with the pattern. 8. Select Edit > Paste to paste the antenna pattern. Atoll replaces the old pattern with the new one in the MW Antennas table. Notes: You can also copy an antenna pattern by right-clicking the pattern on the tab of the antennas Properties dialogue and selecting Copy from the context menu. Patterns are displayed in the MW Antennas table with either linear or logarithmic axes as defined in the Properties dialogue of an individual antenna. You can define the display by right-clicking the pattern of an antenna and choosing either Linear display or Logarithmic display from the context menu.
4.2.4
Printing Microwave Antenna Patterns

To print the pattern of a microwave antenna: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Antennas > Open Table from the context menu. The MW Antennas table appears. 5. Right-click the antenna whose pattern you want to print. 6. Select Record Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 7. Select the tab with the antenna pattern you want to print: H Polar. - H Plane: Horizontal polarization - horizontal plane H Polar. - V Plane: Horizontal polarization - vertical plane V Polar. - H Plane: Vertical polarization - horizontal plane V Polar. - V Plane: Vertical polarization - vertical plane
8. Right-click the antenna pattern and select Linear or Logarithmic from the context menu.
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Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment 9. Right-click the antenna pattern and select Print from the context menu.
4.3
Microwave Equipment
Microwave radio equipment are the elements used to convert the initial data to microwave frequency signals that can then be transmitted over a given microwave link and to the elements used to convert microwave frequency signals received to data. The microwave radio system, as well as the equipment that constitute it, is composed of three main sub-systems: Indoor unit (IDU) Outdoor unit (ODU) Antenna
Figure 4.85: Radio system components
Indoor Unit (IDU)

The IDU is the termination point of the end-user equipment that generates the data to be carried by the microwave link. It consists of the following components: The radio modem that converts the digital signal into a form suitable for modulation on the radio carrier signal The power supply for the Outdoor Unit (ODU)
Outdoor Unit (ODU)

The ODU converts the modulated signal from its low frequency form to a high frequency radio signal in the appropriate radio band and channel for radio transmission.
Antenna
The antenna is the part of the microwave link that transmits electromagnetic energy from transmission lines into the air and receives transmitted electromagnetic energy from the air to be then sent on transmission lines. The antenna can be in one of many different shapes (for example, horn, parabolic, flat or planar, lens, yagi, or array) to achieve its specific objectives. The main characteristics of the microwave antenna are the following: Directivity: In practical terms, directivity is defined as: The ability to send the transmitted power in only the desired direction The ability to reject undesired signals coming from other directions.
Gain: The gain is the amount of power radiated in a given direction using only the RF power at the input terminals of the antenna. Front-to-Back Ratio (FBR): The FBR is the ratio of the power radiated in the desired direction to the power radiated in the opposite direction, typically between 35 and 50 dB. In general, the higher the gain of the antenna, the higher the FBR. Radiation pattern: The radiation pattern is a diagram showing the direction of the radiated power. The portion of the pattern where the maximum gain occurs is often referred to as the main lobe of the pattern Polarisation: Polarisation is the ability to transmit only one of the two electromagnetic vector components of the wave (either the horizontal component or the vertical component). Using polarisation enables the same radio frequency to be used by different radio systems in physical proximity to one another.
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Vertical polarisation
Horizontal polarisation
Figure 4.86: Polarisation Cross Polarisation Discrimination (XPD): The XPD is the ratio of power received in the desired polarisation to the power received in undesired polarisation. XPD is a design parameter that is maximized in the main lobe of the antenna pattern.
For more information on antennas, see "Defining Antennas" on page 123. In this section, the following are explained: "Modelling the IDU and ODU in Atoll" on page 128 "Importing Microwave Equipment" on page 132 "Advanced Configuration" on page 132.
4.3.1
Modelling the IDU and ODU in Atoll

In Atoll, the IDU and ODU are combined and modelled as microwave equipment. Microwave transceiver equipment is used to manage output power, power control, modulation and demodulation of signals to be transmitted and signals received at the antenna, to describe the system configuration in terms of channels and to define supported bit rates using trunk types with defined digital hierarchy. The defining parameters of each piece of microwave equipment are stored in the MW Equipment table. You can create a new piece of microwave equipment using the MW Equipment table, and then define its parameters using its Properties dialogue. To create a piece of microwave equipment: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Equipment > New from the context menu. The MW Equipment New Element Properties dialogue appears. 5. On the General tab of Properties dialogue, set the following parameters: Enter the Model or descriptive name of the equipment. Enter the Frequency Band that this equipment will use. Enter the Number of States and select the modulation from the Modulation list. 128 QAM modulation is modelled as shown below:
4 PSK (QPSK) modulation is modelled as shown below:
Enter the maximum power (Max Power) and the Noise Figure. Enter the power range reserved for Adaptive Transmission Power Control (Max ATPC) and the maximum improvement factor reserved for cross-polarisation reduction (XPIF). The Max ATPC is used by the transmitter to adjust power by increasing or reducing it in order to maintain signal quality in case of multipath or rain fading that temporarily attenuates the received signal. Max ATPC also enables the transmitter to respond to increased interference levels resulting from ATPC on other links. The Max ATPC can be optionally taken into consideration during calculations. The maximum improvement factor reserved for cross-polarisation reduction (XPIF) is used only when an XPIC (cross-polarized interference canceller) is present. It is used to reduce the scattering of interference from the undesired polarisation into the desired polarisation due to rain fading by increasing the cross-polarisation discrimination factor (XPD). XPIF is generally within the range of 15-20 dB.
Specify the System Configuration (i.e., the equipment protection configuration). The system configuration is defined in the form of "n + m" where "n" is the number of active channels and "m" is the number of standby channels. Standby channels are inactive and used only when active channels fail. Switching to the standby channel in case of failure can be automatic and is then referred to a "hot" standby system. If the system must be manually switched to the standby channel, the system is called a "cold" standby system. If a hot standby system is available, you must select the Hot Standby Available check box. For a hot standby system, the standby channel frequency must be the same as one of the active channels. For cold standby systems, the
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Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment standby channel frequency can be different from active channels. Frequencies allocated to active and standby channels are defined in the microwave link properties dialogue. 1 + 1 redundancy mode is modelled as shown below:
In this system configuration, only the main equipment is active and on. The other equipment, which will serve as a back-up in case the main equipment fails, is not turned on. 1 + 1 redundancy mode with monitored hot standby (Hot Standby Available) is modelled as shown below:
In this system configuration, both the main and standby equipment are on, but only the main equipment is active. The standby equipment will be automatically put into service immediately if the main equipment fails. Under Radio Signature, choose the method to be used to predict outage times (dispersive fade margin) due to multipath fading. Note: The radio signature parameters are not used by all types of receiver equipment.
This method will characterise the ability of a receiving equipment to perform successfully (i.e., produce acceptable errors rates) in the presence of frequency-selective fading. This information is available from the manufacturer.
Figure 4.87: Defining the method to be used to predict outage times Normalised: For a normalised signature, select Normalised and enter a value for the Kn Parameter. The Kn parameter is mostly dependant on the modulation used.
Modulation
64-QAM 16-QAM 8-PSK 4-PSK
Kn
15.4 5.5 7 1
Kn values (without adaptive equalization) Rummler Model: If you want to use the Rummler model to predict outage times, select Rummler model, and define the frequency shift (Width) and Depth for both minimum and non-minimum phases. For more information, see studies by C.W. Lundgren and W.D. Rummler2 and the ITU P.530 recommendation. 6. On the Hierarchy and Rate tab of Properties dialogue, set the following parameters: Under Digital Hierarchy, select the digital hierarchy type (SDH/SONET or PDH).
Under Rate, select the Capacity (i.e., the number of trunks) and the trunk type from the list.
2. C.W. Lundgren and W.D. Rummler, "Digital radio outage due to selective fading- observation vs. prediction from laboratory simulations," Bell System Technical Journal, pp. 1073-1100, May-June 1979. W.D. Rummler, "Characterizing the effects of multipath dispersion on digital radios," IEEE Globecom Proceedings, pp. 1727-1732, 1988. Forsk 2010 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited
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Atoll User Manual The rate is calculated by the capacity per trunk multiplied by the number of trunks:
The minimal and standardised channel bandwidth resulting from the parameters defined on the Hierarchy and Rate tab is displayed under Channel Bandwidth. You can enter the channel bandwidth defined by the manufacturer in the From manufacturer text box.
7. On the Sensitivity tab of Properties dialogue, set the following parameters: Under Calculation of the Thermal Fade Margin (TFM), define the (BER-Sensitivity) pairs. Enter the receiver signal level (threshold) at which the radio runs continuous errors at a specified rate (BER). This will be used to calculate the thermal fade margin. Under Signal Enhancements Margin Calculation (E), define the Overflow Threshold. The overflow threshold is the maximum receiver sensitivity before saturation. It is used to calculate the margin against enhancements. Under Cross-polar Discrimination Reduction Calculation (MXPD), you can define how the MXPD is calculated: Calculated C/I min.: If you want to use a calculated minimum CI, select Calculated C/I min., and define an interference margin in the For a Margin Against Interference Of text box. Atoll will calculates the required quality based on the user-defined interference margin.
User-defined C/I min.: If you want to define a minimum CI, select User-defined C/I min., and define an interference margin in the For a Margin Against Interference Of text box, as well as the quality required for a BER of 10-3 and 10-6 in the For a BER of 1e-3 and the For a BER of 1e-3 text boxes.
8. On the Losses tab of Properties dialogue, set the following parameters: Enter the losses due to the use of filters on transmission (Transmission Filter) and reception (Reception Filter):
For each circulator present on this piece of equipment, set the Port it is attached to, and define the losses on Transmission and Reception.
9. On the Outages tab of Properties dialogue, set the following parameters: Enter the Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF). The MTBF is used to define the reliability of the equipment and corresponds to the average length of time that the equipment functions without failing. The MTBF is available from the equipment manufacturer. Enter the Hot Standby Commutation Delay. The Hot Standby Commutation Delay is the maximum amount of time it would take to switch to backup equipment if the main equipment fails. The Hot Standby
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Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment Commutation Delay is used only if Hot Standby Available is selected on the General tab of this Properties dialogue. Furthermore, when you define the properties for a link, you must indicate which channel will be used as a backup in case of main equipment failure. For more information on defining link properties, see "Definition of a Microwave Link" on page 185.
10. On the Transmitter Mask tab of Properties dialogue, define the transmitter spectral mask either by clicking the Initialise from standard graphs button, to let Atoll create the mask from standard values, or by defining an attenuation in dB (Att.) for each frequency shift in MHz (Delta F). This information is provided by the equipment manufacturer. The resulting transmitter mask is displayed in the graph window on the right.
11. On the Receiver Mask tab of Properties dialogue, define a receiver mask either by clicking the Initialise from standard graphs button, to let Atoll create the mask from standard values, or by defining an attenuation in dB (Att.) for each frequency shift in MHz (Delta F). This information is provided by the equipment manufacturer. The resulting receiver mask is displayed in the graph window on the right. 12. On the TI Graph tab of Properties dialogue, define a threshold-to-interference (TI) graph either by clicking the Initialise from standard graphs button, to let Atoll create the graph from standard values, or by defining an attenuation in dB (Att.) for each frequency shift in MHz (Delta F). This information is provided by the equipment manufacturer. The threshold-to-interference (T/I) ratio is used to calculate the interference fade margin (IFM) which defines the vulnerability to co-channel and adjacent channel interference. It is provided by the manufacturer. The T/I graph defines the graph of maximum interfering power levels for different frequency separations between the transmitter and victim receivers. For each interfering transmitter, the received power level in dB is compared to the maximum power level to determine whether the interference is acceptable. This is done instead of calculating C/I values and comparing them to the published objectives. The resulting TI graph is displayed in the graph window on the right. 13. Click OK to create the new piece of equipment. You can edit the properties of microwave transceiver equipment through the properties dialogues. To edit the properties of microwave transceiver equipment: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Equipment > Open Table from the context menu. The Equipment table appears. 5. Right-click the record whose properties you want to edit. The context menu appears. 6. Select Record Properties from the context menu. The microwave transceiver equipments Properties dialogue appears. 7. Edit the properties as previously explained in this section.
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4.3.2
Importing Microwave Equipment

Atoll enables you to import equipment files that are in standard NSMA (National Spectrum Managers Association) format defined by the recommendation WG 21.99.051 or in Pathloss format (version 4.0). NSMA-format equipment files are ASCII files with the extension NSM. Pathloss-format equipment files are ASCII files with the extension RAF. Each equipment file can contain several T/I graphs for different pairs of modulations. In this case, the T/I graph defined for identical modulations is imported into the T/I Graph tab while the others are imported into the theoretical graphs table. For more information on the theoretical graphs, see "Theoretical Graphs" on page 136. For further information about the NSMA and Pathloss file formats, see the Technical Reference Guide. To import equipment files: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Equipment > Import Manufacturer Data from the context menu. The Data Import dialogue appears. 5. In the Data Import dialogue, choose one of the following options: One file only: Choose this option if you only want to import one file. Entire folder: Choose this option if you want to import all the files in a folder. ) to navigate to the file or the folder to be imported.
6. Click the Browse button (
7. Select the file or folder to be imported and click Open. 8. Click Import. The file or folders are imported. Notes: Atoll does not stop the import process when an error occurs. It continues until all the files have been imported and then displays in the Events viewer how many files have been successfully and unsuccessfully imported.
4.3.3
Advanced Configuration
Atoll offers several advanced configuration options: "Digital Hierarchies" on page 132 "Interference Reduction Factor" on page 133 "Theoretical Graphs" on page 136.
4.3.3.1
Digital Hierarchies
Atoll models PDH as well as SDH digital hierarchies. The plesiochronous digital hierarchy (PDH) is a technology used to transport large quantities of data over digital transport equipment such as fibre optic and microwave radio. PDH networks have data streams with the same nominal frequency but are not synchronised with each other; in other words, the rising and falling edges of the pulses in each data streams do not coincide. The European and American versions of PDH systems differ slightly in their data rates, but the basic principles of multiplexing are the same. The synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) refers to the group or layers of transmission rates or standards that can transport digital data of different capacities through high bandwidth mediums such as optical fibres or radio waves. Due to the synchronous nature of the SDH, the average frequency of all slave clocks in the system is the same. The European (SDH) and American (SONET) versions of SDH systems differ slightly. The frame formats and thus the data rates of both systems are not the same but are compatible due to their synchronous nature. In Atoll, digital hierarchies are modelled as trunk types. Each defined trunk type defines a supported bit rate and is a parameter of microwave equipment. A microwave link inherits the capacity of the trunk type through its assigned equipment. For example, a microwave link that has a capacity of 2 with an assigned trunk type of E1 will be capable of transferring data at twice the E1 standard bit rate. The following section describes creating and modifying trunk types to model digital hierarchies.
Creating a Microwave Trunk Type

Atoll has a set of default trunk type definitions available, but you can create new trunk types and set their parameters. Note: If you are creating a large number of different trunk types from manufacturers data, it can take a long time. However, if you have the data available in tabular format, you can copy it from the spreadsheet or word processor and paste the data into the Trunk Type table.
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Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment To create a microwave trunk type: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder
3. Right-click on the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Equipment > Digital Hierarchies from the context menu. The Trunk Types table appears (see Figure 4.88).
Figure 4.88: Trunk Types table 5. For each trunk type you define, add the following data: Trunk Type: The name of the trunk type that will model the digital hierarchy. SDH/SONET: If the check box is selected ( ), the digital hierarchy being modelled is SDH or SONET. If the check box is not selected ( ), the digital hierarchy being modelled is PDH. Binary Rate (Mbit/s): The binary rate is the gross data rate of the frame if all the bits are used for traffic. Binary Rate Supported (Mbit/s): The binary rate supported is the payload rate (i.e., the rate of the useful bits not including the overheads bits). No. Bits/Block: The number of bits per block corresponds to the number of bits per frame (i.e., the useful bits plus the overheads bits). BERses: BERses corresponds to Bit Error Rate (BER) as documented in Annex 2, Table 2) of the ITU-R P.530-8 recommendation.
You can also define the properties of a trunk type in its Properties dialogue. To open a trunk types Properties dialogue: Double-click the trunk type in the left margin of the Trunk Types table. The trunk types Properties dialogue appears (see Figure 4.89).
Figure 4.89: Trunk type Properties dialogue
4.3.3.2
Interference Reduction Factor

As the name indicates, the interference reduction factor (IRF) is a method of reducing interference on the received signal. The IRF is a function of the difference between the central frequencies of the interfered signal and the interfering signal. You can define a protection level for each victiminterferer microwave transceiver equipment pair by defining the protection levels (in dB) for each delta frequency (in MHz).
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Atoll User Manual The IRF graphs defined in the IRF table are used during the calculation of interference. When studying the interference between transmission equipment and reception equipment, Atoll first verifies whether an IRF graph is defined for the transmission equipment-reception equipment pair in the IRF table. If so, Atoll uses it. Otherwise, Atoll determines the IRF graph during the process of calculating interference. Atoll proceeds as follows: 1. Atoll verifies that the transmission equipment and the reception equipment have the same manufacturer, capacity and modulation. If so, Atoll uses TI graphs to determine the IRF graph. Atoll uses either the graphs defined for the equipment if available, or the theoretical "TI" graphs if not (for more information on the theoretical graphs, see "Theoretical Graphs" on page 136). 2. If the equipment manufacturer, capacity, or modulation are not the same, Atoll merges the transmitter mask and the receiver mask of equipment in order to determine the IRF graph. Atoll uses either the graphs defined for the equipment if available, or the theoretical graphs if not. In this section, the following are explained: "Defining IRF Graphs Manually" on page 134 "Defining IRF Graphs with the Assistant" on page 135.
The following sections describe the modelling of IRF in Atoll.
Defining IRF Graphs Manually

You can define IRF graphs using the IRF table. These IRF graphs will be used to reduce the interference between victim and interferer microwave equipment when calculating interference. To create or modify an IRF graph: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder
3. Right-click on the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Equipment > IRF > Open Table from the context menu. The Trunk Types table appears (see Figure 4.90).
Figure 4.90: IRF table 5. Select the name of the Victim equipment from the list. 6. Select the name of the Interferer equipment from the list.
Note:
If you are creating a new IRF graph, use the row marked with the New Row icon (
7. Double-click in the left margin of the record to open its Properties dialogue (see Figure 4.91).
Figure 4.91: IRF record Properties dialogue
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Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment 8. Under Protection values in the Properties dialogue, enter a protection level (in dB) for each delta frequency (in MHz). The resulting graph is displayed on the right of the Properties dialogue. 9. Click OK.
Defining IRF Graphs with the Assistant

Atoll provides an assistant to allow you to define IRFs between transmission and reception transceiver equipment. When you select a frequency band and the equipment manufacturers with equipment that operate in the same frequency band, Atoll presents the entries where the transmission and reception equipment present the possibility of interference. To use the assistant to define IRFs: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder
3. Right-click on the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Equipment > IRF > Edit Grid from the context menu. The IRF Setting dialogue appears (see Figure 4.90).
Figure 4.92: IRF Setting dialogue 5. Select the Frequency Band from the menu. Only equipment operating in the selected frequency band is displayed in the grid. 6. Select the TX Equipment Manufacturer from the menu. Only equipment manufactured by the selected manufacturer are displayed in the grid. 7. Select the RX Equipment Manufacturer from the menu. Only equipment manufactured by the selected manufacturer are displayed in the grid. 8. You can now define an IRF graph, delete an IRF graph, or create an IRF graph using equipment graphs or theoretical graphs:
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Atoll User Manual To define an IRF graph between the transmission and reception equipment: a. Right-click on the cell of the grid that coincides with both entries. The context menu appears. b. Select Add Record from the context menu. A dialogue appears. c. Under Enter graph values, enter a protection level (in dB) for each delta frequency (in MHz). The resulting graph is displayed on the right of the dialogue. d. Click OK. To delete an IRF graph between the transmission and reception equipment: a. Right-click on the cell of the grid that coincides with both entries. The context menu appears. b. Select Delete from the context menu. To create an IRF graph between the transmission and reception equipment using equipment graphs or theoretical graphs: a. Right-click on the cell of the grid that coincides with both entries. The context menu appears. b. Select Calculate from Masks from the context menu. The IRF Calculation dialogue appears. c. Under Transmitter Filter, select either "As Equipment" to use the transmission spectrum graph defined for the equipment, or select a theoretical "transmission spectrum" graph compatible with the operating frequency band of the transmission equipment. d. Under Reception Filter, select either "As Equipment" to use the receiver selectivity graph defined for the equipment, or select a theoretical "receiver selectivity" graph compatible with the operating frequency band of the reception equipment. e. Define the calculation step stated in frequency spacing (MHz). f. Click Run to calculate the IRF graph.
g. Click OK. 9. Click OK to close the IRF Setting dialogue.
4.3.3.3
Theoretical Graphs
Atoll allows you to define theoretical graphs that you can use when the equipment description is not complete (i.e., when information about the transmitter mask, the receiver mask, or T/I graph is missing). These theoretical graphs can describe either the transmitter mask, or the receiver mask, or T/I graph for a certain manufacturer, frequency band, bandwidth, rate, and modulation. They can be used to initialise equipment properties (the transmitter mask, the receiver mask, the T/I graph) and calculate IRF graphs when no IRF is defined in the IRF table. Default theoretical graphs are available for different frequency bands and bandwidths.3
Creating Theoretical Graphs

A theoretical graph contains information on the behaviour of microwave transceiver equipment under different conditions of C/I. It represents the changes in the Bit Error Rate as a function of the level of interference. To create a theoretical graph: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Equipment > Theoretical Graphs from the context menu. The Theoretical Graphs table appears. 5. Right-click the theoretical graph you want to modify. The context menu appears. 6. Select Record Properties from the context menu. The theoretical graphs Properties dialogue appears. Note: You can create a new theoretical graph by entering a name in the row marked with the New Row icon ( ) and pressing ENTER.
7. Click the General tab and define the following parameters: Name: The name of the theoretical graph. Type of Graph: The type of theoretical graph you define. It can be either a transmitter mask, or a receiver mask, or a T/I graph. Manufacturer: The manufacturer for which the graph is valid. Frequency Band: The frequency band for which the graph is valid. Channel Width: The bandwidth for which the graph is valid. Rate: The rate for which the graph is valid. Modulation: The modulation for which the graph is valid.
3. T/I graphs have been found at the web address http://www.radio.gov.uk and transmitter and receiver masks have been found at http:\\www.ero.dk.
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Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment 8. Click the Values tab and define the corresponding graph. If the graph describes the transmitter mask, define the attenuation of the main transmitted signal (in dB) as a function of the frequency spacing (in MHz). If the graph describes the receiver mask, define the attenuation of the main received signal (in dB) as a function of the frequency spacing (in MHz). If the graph is a T/I graph, define the variation of the T/I (in dB) as a function of the frequency spacing (in MHz).
9. Click OK.
4.4
Microwave Waveguides and Cables

Waveguides and cables are both used to transfer the RF signal from the transmission module of the microwave equipment to the microwave antenna. Microwave energy can be guided in a metallic tube, called a waveguide, with very low attenuation. The waveguide is designed for a specific wavelength. Hence, the operating frequency is a very important characteristic for a waveguide. The electric and magnetic fields are contained within the guide, and therefore there is no radiation loss. Since the dielectric is air, the dielectric losses are also negligible. A waveguide operates between two limiting frequencies, called the cut-off frequency. Cables, on the other hand, have a metallic inner core with a dielectric material separating the outer metallic conductor. The cable is covered with a plastic jacket for protection. The dielectric material is usually air or foam. These are quite robust and therefore easy to install. Cable loss is a function of cross-sectional area; the thicker the cable, the lower the loss. Cable loss is measured in terms of decibels per 100m. The following sections describe the modelling of waveguides and cables in Atoll: "Defining Microwave Waveguides and Cables" on page 137 "Modifying a Microwave Waveguide or Cable" on page 138.
4.4.1
Defining Microwave Waveguides and Cables

In Atoll, microwave waveguides and cables are characterised by the loss a signal undergoes per 100m of their length. Once a microwave waveguide or cable has been defined, you can assign it to a microwave link for both transmission and reception. Note: If you are creating a large number of waveguides and cables based on manufacturers data, it can take a long time. However, if you have the data available in tabular format, you can copy it from the spreadsheet or word processor and paste the data into the MWGuides table. For information on the MWGuides table, see "Modifying a Microwave Waveguide or Cable" on page 138.
To create a microwave waveguide or cable: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Waveguides and Cables > New from the context menu. The MWGuides New Element Properties dialogue appears (see Figure 4.93).
Figure 4.93: MWGuides New Element Properties dialogue 5. For the new waveguide or cable, define the following parameters: Name: The name of the waveguide or cable. Frequency Band: Select the frequency band from the list. Clicking the Browse button ( erties dialogue of the selected frequency band. ) opens the Prop-
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Atoll User Manual Manufacturer: Select the manufacturer from the list. Clicking the Browse button ( ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected manufacturer. Signal Loss: Enter the signal loss in dB per 100 m. Type: Select the type of waveguide or cable. You can select from Cable, Circular, Elliptic, Other, or Rectangular.
6. Click OK.
4.4.2
Modifying a Microwave Waveguide or Cable

In Atoll, you can access and modify any defined microwave waveguide or cable using the MWGuides table. To modify a microwave waveguide or cable: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Waveguides and Cables > Open Table from the context menu. The Waveguides and Cables table appears. 5. Right-click the record in the Waveguides and Cables table that you want to modify. The context menu appears. 6. Select Record Properties from the context menu. The records Properties dialogue appears. 7. For the waveguide or cable, you can modify the following parameters: Name: The name of the waveguide or cable. Frequency Band: Select the frequency band from the list. Clicking the Browse button ( erties dialogue of the selected frequency band. ) opens the Prop-
Manufacturer: Select the manufacturer from the list. Clicking the Browse button ( ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected manufacturer. Signal Loss: Enter the signal loss in dB per 100 m. Type: Select the type of waveguide or cable. You can select from Cable, Circular, Elliptic, Other, or Rectangular.
8. Click OK.
4.5
Microwave Antenna/Equipment/Waveguide Compatibility

Atoll allows you to define compatibility between antennas, equipment, and waveguides. The defined compatible antenna/ equipment/waveguide sets can be then selected when you define the properties of a microwave link. You can define compatibility directly in the Antenna/Equipment Compatibility and Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility tables or you can use the assistants available in Atoll to define compatibility. In this section, the following are explained: "Defining Compatibility Manually" on page 138 "Using Assistants to Define Compatibility" on page 139.
4.5.1
Defining Compatibility Manually

In Atoll, you can use the Antenna/Equipment Compatibility and Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility tables to define which microwave antennas are compatible with which waveguides and which microwave antennas are compatible with which equipment. In this section, the following are explained: "Using the Microwave Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility Table" on page 138 "Using the Microwave Antenna/Equipment Compatibility Table" on page 139
4.5.1.1
Using the Microwave Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility Table

You can use the Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility table to list compatible microwave antennas and waveguides. When you define the properties (i.e., antennas, equipment, and waveguides) of a microwave link, these compatibility definitions can be used to display only compatible antennas, equipment, and waveguides as options in lists. To define antenna/equipment compatibility using the Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility table: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears.
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Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment 4. Select Compatibility > Antenna/Waveguide > Open Table from the context menu. The Antenna/Guides Compatibility table appears. 5. Create a new antenna/waveguide compatibility pair by selecting an Antenna and a Guide from the lists in the row marked with the New Row icon ( ). The values in the Antenna and Guide lists are taken from the MW Antennas table and the MWGuides table, respectively. You can also, if desired, enter a Comment by doubleclicking the Comment field to open the records Properties dialogue. Note: If you have a large number of antenna/equipment compatibility pairs to enter, you can import them by right-clicking on the table and selecting Import from the context menu, or you can paste them into the Antenna/Guides Compatibility table.
4.5.1.2
Using the Microwave Antenna/Equipment Compatibility Table

You can use the Antenna/Equipment Compatibility table to list compatible microwave antennas and equipment. If you have previously defined compatible antenna/waveguide pairs, these are taken into account and, by default, a piece of equipment compatible with an antenna will be compatible with the waveguides compatible with this antenna. When you define the properties (i.e., antennas, equipment, and waveguides) of a microwave link, these compatibility definitions can be used in order to display only compatible antennas, equipment, and waveguides as options in lists. To define antenna/equipment compatibility using the Antenna/Equipment Compatibility table: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Compatibility > Antenna/Equipment > Open Table from the context menu. The Antenna/Equipment Compatibility table appears. 5. Create a new antenna/equipment compatibility pair by selecting an Antenna and Equipment from the lists in the row marked with the New Row icon ( ). The values in the Antenna and Equipment lists are taken from the MW Antennas table and the MW Equipment table, respectively. You can also, if desired, enter a Comment by double-clicking the Comment field to open the records Properties dialogue. Note: If you have a large number of antenna/equipment compatibility pairs to enter, you can import them by right-clicking on the table and selecting Import from the context menu, or you can paste them into the Antenna/Equipment Compatibility table.
4.5.2
Using Assistants to Define Compatibility

Atoll provides assistants to help you define which microwave antennas are compatible with which waveguides and which microwave antennas are compatible with which equipment. In this section, the following are explained: "Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility" on page 139 "Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Equipment Compatibility" on page 140.
4.5.2.1
Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility

Atoll provides an assistant to allow you to define compatible pairs of antennas and waveguides. The assistant gives you an overview of antennas and waveguides that operate in the same frequency band. To use the assistant to define compatible pairs of antennas and waveguides: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder
3. Right-click on the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Compatibility > Antenna/Waveguide > Edit Grid from the context menu. A dialogue appears. 5. Select the Frequency Band from the list. Only antennas and waveguides operating in the selected frequency band are displayed in the table. Clicking the Browse button ( frequency band. ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected
6. Select the Antenna Manufacturer from the list. Only antennas manufactured by the selected manufacturer are displayed in the table. Clicking the Browse button ( turer. ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected manufac-
7. Select the Guide Manufacturer from the list. Only waveguides manufactured by the selected manufacturer is displayed in the table. Clicking the Browse button ( turer. ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected manufac-
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Atoll User Manual 8. You can now define the compatibility between an antenna and a waveguide or delete a defined compatible antenna-waveguide pair:
To define the compatibility between an antenna and a waveguide: a. Right-click on the cell of the grid that coincides with both entries. The context menu appears. b. Select Add Record from the context menu. The cell is marked in green to indicate that the antenna and waveguide are compatible. To delete a defined compatible antenna-waveguide pair: a. Right-click on the cell of the grid that coincides with both entries. The context menu appears. b. Select Delete from the context menu. The cell is no longer marked in green. 9. Click OK. You can use the Fill (Up, Down, Right, Left) and the Copy and Paste commands to create or delete compatible antennawaveguide pairs.
4.5.2.2
Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Equipment Compatibility

Atoll provides an assistant to allow you to define compatible pairs of antennas and equipment. The assistant gives you an overview of antennas and equipment that operate in the same frequency band. To use the assistant to define compatible pairs of antennas and equipment: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder
3. Right-click on the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Compatibility > Antenna/Equipment > Edit Grid from the context menu. A dialogue appears. 5. Select the Frequency Band from the list. Only antennas and waveguides operating in the selected frequency band are displayed in the table. Clicking the Browse button ( frequency band. ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected
6. Select the Antenna Manufacturer from the list. Only antennas manufactured by the selected manufacturer are displayed in the table. Clicking the Browse button ( turer. ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected manufac-
7. Select the Equipment Manufacturer from the list. Only equipment manufactured by the selected manufacturer is displayed in the table. Clicking the Browse button ( turer. ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected manufac-
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Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment 8. You can now define the compatibility between an antenna and equipment, delete a defined compatible antennaequipment pair, or define compatibility with an antenna, a piece of equipment, and waveguides:
To define the compatibility between an antenna and equipment: a. Right-click on the cell of the grid that coincides with both entries. The context menu appears. b. Select Add Record from the context menu. The cell is marked in green to indicate that the antenna and equipment are compatible. To delete a defined compatible antenna-equipment pair: a. Right-click on the cell of the grid that coincides with both entries. The context menu appears. b. Select Delete from the context menu. The cell is no longer marked in green. To define compatibility with an antenna, a piece of equipment, and waveguides: a. Right-click on the cell of the grid that coincides with the entries for the antenna and the equipment. The context menu appears. b. Select Add Record from the context menu. The cell is marked in green to indicate that the antenna and equipment are compatible. c. Right-click on the square and select Record Properties from the context menu. The properties dialogue opens. d. In the properties dialogue, under List of the Compatible Guides, select the waveguides that you want to make compatible with this antenna/equipment pair. If you have previously defined compatible antenna/ waveguide pairs, these are taken into account and, by default, the waveguides compatible with the corresponding antenna are selected. e. Click OK to close the properties dialogue. 9. Click OK. You can use the Fill (Up, Down, Right, Left) and the Copy and Paste commands to create or delete compatible antennaequipment pairs.
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Chapter 5
Managing Frequency Bands and Sub-bands
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Chapter 5: Managing Frequency Bands and Sub-bands
Managing Frequency Bands and Sub-bands

When planning a microwave link network, Atoll enables you to define frequency bands and sub-bands. By defining frequency bands you can determine the operational limits of a microwave link network. Each frequency band is in turn divided into a number of frequency sub-bands. Frequency sub-bands are standardised, ITU-compliant divisions of a frequency band, breaking it into channels. In this chapter, managing frequency bands and sub-bands is explained: "Microwave Frequency Bands" on page 145 "Defining Microwave Link Frequency Bands" on page 146 "Defining Microwave Link Frequency Sub-bands" on page 147.
5.1
Microwave Frequency Bands

Microwave links operate within a high frequency range (2-58 GHz). The length of a microwave length is dependent upon the frequency: as the frequency increases, the length of the microwave link decreases. The characteristics of microwave frequency bands are different depending on the frequency. The default frequency bands supplied with Atoll are based on the F-series ITU-R recommendations:
ITU-R Recommendation Frequency Band
ITU-R F.385-7 ITU-R F.386-6 ITU-R F.747-0 ITU-R F.636-3 ITU-R F.497-6 ITU-R F.595-8 ITU-R F.637-3 ITU-R F.748-4 ITU-R F.749-2 Usually the frequency bands can be divided into three types: "Long-Haul Frequency Band" on page 145 "Medium-Haul Frequency Band" on page 146 "Short-Haul Frequency Band" on page 146.
7 GHz 8 GHz 10 GHz 15 GHz 13 GHz 18 GHz 23 GHz 28 GHz 38 GHz
5.1.1
Long-Haul Frequency Band

A long-haul frequency band operates within a range of 2 to 10 GHz and can cover a distance from 45 to 80 km. Long-haul frequency bands suffer from attenuation due to multipath fading. The following table gives details of long-haul frequency bands.
Frequency Band
Maximum Path
Attenuation
Antenna Diameters and Gain
Polarization Used
2 GHz 7 GHz 10 GHz
80 km 50 km 45 km
Multipath fading Multipath fading Multipath fading
Up to 370 cm for a 36 dB gain Up to 370 cm for a 46.8 dB gain
Horizontal and vertical Horizontal and vertical
From 60 to 120 cm for a 34-40 dB gain Horizontal and vertical
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5.1.2
Medium-Haul Frequency Band

A medium-haul frequency band operates within a range of 11 to 20 GHz and can cover a distance from 20 to 40 km. Medium-haul frequency bands suffer from attenuation due to multipath fading. The following table gives details of medium-haul frequency bands.
Frequency Band
Maximum Path
Attenuation
Polarization Used
13 GHz 15 GHz 18 GHza a.
40 km 35 km 20 km
Multipath fading Multipath fading Rain and multipath fading
From 60 to 120 cm for a gain of 36.4-42.4 dB
Horizontal and vertical
From 60-120 cm for a gain of 38-44 dB Horizontal and vertical From 60-180 cm for a gain of 39-49 dB Horizontal and vertical
At 18 GHz, the frequency band experiences atmospheric attenuation of 0.1 dB per km. and attenuation due to rain of approximately 1 dB per km. for rain of 20 mm per hour as well as multipath fading.
5.1.3
Short-Haul Frequency Band

A short-haul frequency band operates within a range of 23 to 58 GHz and can cover a distance up to 18 km. Short-haul frequency bands suffer from attenuation due to multipath fading as well as rain fading (for the lower frequencies in the band). The following table gives details of short-haul frequency bands.
Frequency Band
Maximum Path
Attenuation
Polarization Used
23 GHza 26 GHz and 27 GHza 38 GHzb 55 GHzc 58 GHzd a.
18 km
Rain and multipath fading Rain fading Rain fading Rain fading Rain fading
From 30 to 120 cm for a gain of 35.5-47.3 dB From 30 to 60 cm 30 cm for a gain of 39.66 dB 15 cm 15 cm
Horizontal and vertical
15 km 10 km A few kilometers A few kilometers
Horizontal and vertical Vertical Vertical Vertical
b. c. d.
At 23 GHz, 26 GHz, and 27 GHz, there is atmospheric attenuation of 0.1 dB per km. and attenuation due to rain of approximately 3 dB per km. for rain of 20 mm per hour. At 23 GHz, there is multipath fading as well. At 38 GHz, there is atmospheric attenuation of 0.1 dB per km. and attenuation due to rain of approximately 3 dB per km. for rain of 20 mm per hour. At 55 GHz, there is atmospheric attenuation of 5 dB per km. and attenuation due to rain of approximately 7 dB per km. for rain of 20 mm per hour. At 58 GHz, there is atmospheric attenuation of 12 dB per km. and attenuation due to rain of approximately 7 dB per km. for rain of 20 mm per hour.
5.2
Defining Microwave Link Frequency Bands

Microwave frequency bands are implemented in Atoll. There must be at least one frequency band that can be assigned to microwave links that are created. By default, Atoll includes several pre-defined, ITU-compliant frequency bands. To create or modify a frequency band: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Microwave Radio Links folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Frequencies > Frequency Bands from the context menu. The Frequency Bands table appears (see Figure 5.94).
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Figure 5.94: The Frequency Bands table 4. To create a frequency band, enter the following in the row marked with the New Row icon ( Name: The name of the frequency band. Min. Frequency (MHz): The minimum frequency of the frequency band (in MHz). Max. Frequency (MHz): The maximum frequency of the frequency band (in MHz). Comments: Any comments. Note: The information necessary to define a frequency band can be found in the F-series ITU-R recommendations. ):
5. To modify a frequency band, modify any of the entries in the corresponding row.
5.3
Defining Microwave Link Frequency Sub-bands

Frequency bands can be divided into a frequency sub-bands. Frequency sub-bands are standardised, ITU-compliant divisions of a frequency band, breaking it into channels. ITU-compliant divisions can have more than one frequency sub-band defined for a single frequency band. A frequency sub-band has two half-bands. A duplex link usually uses one of these half-bands in one direction and the other half-band in the other direction. These half-bands are referred to as upper and lower half-bands. You can define a channelisation plan for the lower and upper half-band of each sub-band. Atoll automatically generates a channelisation plan or channel-to-frequency map using the information entered for the frequency sub-bands. To create or modify a frequency sub-band: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Microwave Radio Links folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Frequencies > Frequency Sub-Bands from the context menu. The Frequency Sub-Bands table appears (see Figure 5.95).
Figure 5.95: The Frequency Sub-Bands table
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Atoll User Manual 4. To create a frequency sub-band, enter the following in the row marked with the New Row icon ( Name: The name of the frequency sub-band. Frequency band: The name of the frequency band to which the sub-band belongs. Reference Frequency (MHz): The reference frequency (in MHz). Lower Half-Band Shift (MHz): The lower half-band shift of the sub-band (in MHz). Upper Half-Band Shift (MHz): The upper half-band shift of the sub-band (in MHz). First Channel: The first channel of the sub-band. Last Channel: The last channel of the sub-band. Step: The step between channels. Note: The information necessary to define a frequency sub-band can be found in the F-series ITU-R recommendations. ):
5. To modify a frequency sub-band, modify any of the entries in the corresponding row.
5.3.1
Example of Creating a Frequency Sub-band

You can find the information necessary to create a frequency sub-band in the appropriate ITU-R recommendation. In this example, the recommendation R F.747-0 (for 10 GHz) is used. On the first page of ITU-R F.747-0 (see Figure 5.96), you see that the recommendation is for Frequency Band 10 GHz.
Figure 5.96: First page of Recommendation ITU-R F.747 On page 2, you see the information in Figure 5.97:
Figure 5.97: Second page of Recommendation ITU-R F.747 The information on page 2 of Recommendation ITU-R F.747 gives you the following values: Reference Frequency (MHz): 11 701 MHz (the reference frequency is the central frequency of the sub-band). Lower Half-Band Shift (MHz): -1204 MHz Upper Half-Band Shift (MHz): -1113 MHz Important: Remember to include the negative sign ("-") when defining the lower and upper half-band shifts. Inter-Channel Space (MHz): 7 MHz (as indicated by "+ 7m") First Channel: 1 (as indicated by "from 1 to 12") Last Channel: 12 (as indicated by "from 1 to 12") Step: 1 (as indicated by "The 12 values of m from 1 to 12)
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Managing Calculations in Atoll

Once you have created microwave links, you can make predictions to study how well your network functions: "Using Propagation Models in Microwave Projects" on page 151 "Defining Microwave Link Classes and Performance Objectives" on page 154 "Defining Calculation Parameters" on page 156.
6.1
Using Propagation Models in Microwave Projects

The following propagation models are available in Atoll for use in microwave projects: Microwave Propagation Model: The Microwave Propagation Model is used to calculate the fade margin and to determine the link profile. For more information, see "Working with the Microwave Propagation Model" on page 151. Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model: The Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model is used to calculate interference. For more information, see "Working with the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model" on page 153.
6.1.1
Working with the Microwave Propagation Model

The Microwave Propagation Model is used to calculate the fade margin and to determine the link profile. When calculating attenuation, the Microwave Propagation Model takes free space path losses, atmospheric losses, attenuation due to diffraction, and tropospheric losses into account. If you want to analyse a microwave link, a propagation model must be assigned to it, as explained in "Link Parameters" on page 159. The parameters of the propagation model, including some of its coefficients, can be modified using the Microwave Propagation Model Properties dialogue. To define the parameters of the Microwave Propagation Model: 1. Click the Modules tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Propagation Models folder.
3. Right-click the Microwave Propagation Model. The context menu appears. 4. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 5. Click the Parameters tab (see Figure 6.102).
Figure 6.98: Microwave Propagation Model Properties - Parameters tab Under Heights, you can set the following parameter: Clutter Taken into Account in Diffraction: Select "1 - Yes" to have Atoll take clutter height information into account when calculating diffraction. Otherwise, select "0 - No". If you choose to take clutter height into account, Atoll uses the clutter height information in the clutter heights file if available. Otherwise, it uses average clutter height specified for each clutter class in the clutter classes.
Under LOS Attenuation, you can set the following parameters: K1, K2, and K3: Enter the K1, K2, and K3 values that will be used to calculate free space losses.
Under Diffraction, you can set the following parameters: Method: Select the method that will be used to calculate diffraction.
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K4: Enter the K4 value that will be used to calculate diffraction.
Under Tropospheric Scatter, you can set the following parameters: Method: Select the method that will be used to calculate tropospheric scattering: No attenuation: No attenuation will be calculated. ITU-R P617-1: Attenuation will be calculated according to the ITU-R P617-1 recommendations for 50%, 90%, or 99.99% of the time. ITU-R P452: Attenuation will be calculated according to the ITU-R P452 recommendations. Simplified Method: Attenuation will be estimated using an Atoll-specific equation.
N0: Enter the value for N0, which is the surface refractivity of the centre of the path. Ktropo: Enter the value for the weight factor. Atoll multiplies the loss given by the selected method to calculate the tropospheric scatter loss.
Under Vegetation, you can set the following parameters: Method: Select the method that will be used to calculate attenuation due to vegetation: No attenuation: No attenuation will be calculated. ITU-R P.833-4: Attenuation will be calculated according to ITU-R P.833-4 recommendations.
A1: Enter the value of the A1 coefficient. Alpha: Enter the value of the Alpha coefficient. A1 and Alpha coefficients are used to calculate the maximum attenuation experienced by a transmitter or a receiver site located within a vegetation area. The maximum attenuation is taken into consideration to calculate the attenuation due to vegetation.
The attenuation due to vegetation is calculated and displayed in link budget and interference reports for information only. It is not taken into account when calculating the total attenuation. 6. Click the Clutter tab (see Figure 6.99).
Figure 6.99: Microwave Propagation Model Properties - Clutter tab Under Clutter Consideration, you can set the following parameters for each clutter class: Clearance per clutter class: Define a clearance (in metres) around each transmitter and each receiver site for each clutter class. The clearance information is used when clutter is taken into account in diffraction. Both ground altitude and clutter height are considered along the whole profile except over a specific distance around the transmitter and the receiver sites (i.e., the clearance), where Atoll bases its calculations only on the DTM.
7. Clutter categories: Select a clutter category for each clutter class. Clutter categories are taken into consideration when studying reflections and must be defined in order to analyse reflections along the profile. Clutter categories are ITU-standardised clutter classes. For information on clutter categories, see "Global Parameters" on page 156.Click OK. For more information on the parameters of the Microwave Propagation Model, see the Technical Reference Guide.
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6.1.2
Working with the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model

The Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model is used to calculate interference. It is an empirical model, but it takes more physical characteristics into consideration than the Microwave Propagation Model, which is why it is recommended for calculating interference. Assigning the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model to a microwave link is explained in in "Link Parameters" on page 159. The parameters of the propagation model, including some of its coefficients, can be modified using the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model Properties dialogue. To define the parameters of the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model: 1. Click the Modules tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Propagation Models folder.
3. Right-click the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model. The context menu appears. 4. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 5. Click the Parameters tab (see Figure 6.102).
Figure 6.100: Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model Properties - Parameters tab Under Heights, you can set the following parameter: Clutter Taken into Account in Diffraction: Select "1 - Yes" to have Atoll take clutter height information into account when calculating diffraction. Otherwise, select "0 - No". If you choose to take clutter height into account, Atoll uses the clutter height information in the clutter heights file if available. Otherwise, it uses average clutter height specified for each clutter class in the clutter classes.
Under Reference attenuation not exceeded during the average year, you can set the following parameter: Required Time Percentage: Enter the percentage of time during which the global attenuation is not exceeded.
Under Rec. ITU-R P452 version, you can set the following parameter: Method: Select the method that will be used to calculate the global attenuation (dB) between an interfering transmitter and an interfered (victim) receiver: ITU-R P.452-12 Simplified ITU-R P.452-8
6. Click the Clutter tab (see Figure 6.101).
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Figure 6.101: Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model Properties - Clutter tab Under Clutter Consideration, you can set the following parameters for each clutter class: Clearance per clutter class: Define a clearance (in metres) around each transmitter and each receiver site for each clutter class. The clearance information is used when clutter is taken into account in diffraction. Both ground altitude and clutter height are considered along the whole profile except over a specific distance around the transmitter and the receiver sites (i.e., the clearance), where Atoll bases its calculations only on the DTM.
7. Click OK. For more information on the parameters of the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model, see the Technical Reference Guide.
6.2
Defining Microwave Link Classes and Performance Objectives

In this section, the following are explained: "Microwave Link Classes" on page 154 "Defining Performance Objectives" on page 154.
6.2.1
Microwave Link Classes

Microwave link classes are used to differentiate microwave link types. Different link classes can use different performance objectives. By assigning microwave links to microwave link classes, you can assign the link classes targe parameters and usage limitations to the selected microwave links. To create or modify a microwave link class: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Microwave Radio Links folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Link Classes from the context menu. The Link Classes table appears. 4. Enter or modify the values in the table columns to create or modify a link class. Each link class has the following parameters: Name: The name of the link class Type: The type of link class (International or National) Sub-Class: The sub-class (Long Haul, Short Haul, Access, Intermediate country, etc.) Min and Max. L (M): The minimum and maximum length (in metres) for this link class.
The Atoll microwave module includes some pre-defined microwave links classes that are compliant with ITU G.821 and G.826 recommendations.
6.2.2
Defining Performance Objectives

The ITU G.821 recommendation defines microwave performance parameters as functions of microwave performance events. As outlined in the ITU recommendations, error events can occur in link paths or in connections; some error
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Chapter 6: Managing Calculations in Atoll performance events are applicable to both while others are specific to the path or connection. These microwave error performance parameters are fully modelled in Atoll and include: ESR SESR BBER
These error performance parameters are based on measurements of microwave error performance events. Error performance events and error performance parameters are briefly described in the following sections: "Microwave Error Performance Events" on page 155 "Microwave Error Performance Parameters" on page 155 "The Purpose of Microwave Error Performance Objectives" on page 155.
Microwave Error Performance Events

Microwave error performance parameters are based on the following events: Errored Block (EB): The EB is a block of data with one or more erroneous bits. Errored Second (ES): The ES is a one-second period with one or more errored blocks or at least one defect. Severely Errored Second (SES): The SES is a one-second period with 30% errored blocks or at least one defect. SES is a subset of ES. Note: Consecutive Severely Errored Seconds can result in periods of unavailability, especially when there are no backup or standby procedures. Periods of consecutive Severely Errored Seconds persisting for T seconds, where 2 = T < 10 (sometimes referred to as "failures"), can have a severe impact on service, leading to the disconnection of switched services. The frequency of these events can be limited by limiting the SESR.
Background Block Error (BBE): The BBE is an errored block not occurring as part of an SES.
Microwave Error Performance Parameters

The total observation time (Stotal) is split into two parts, namely, the time for which the connection is deemed to be available (Savail) and the time when it is unavailable (Sunavail). Error performance should only be evaluated while the connection is in the available state. The parameters are: Errored Second Ratio (ESR): The ESR is the ratio of ES to total seconds in available time during a fixed measurement interval. Severely Errored Second Ratio (SESR): The SESR is the ratio of SES to total seconds in available time during a fixed measurement interval. Background Block Error Ratio (BBER): The BBER is the ratio of Background Block Errors (BBE) to total blocks in available time during a fixed measurement interval. The count of total blocks excludes all blocks during SESs.
In Atoll, you can define microwave link classes and performance objectives based on these error performance parameters. Atoll also includes default lists of microwave link classes and performance objectives based on the ITU G.821 and G.826 recommendations.
The Purpose of Microwave Error Performance Objectives

The performance objectives serve two main goals: Performance objectives give the user of national and international digital networks an indication of the expected error performance under real operating conditions, thereby facilitating service planning and terminal equipment design. Performance objectives form the basis upon which performance standards are based for transmission equipment and systems in an ISDN connection.
Performance objectives represent a compromise between meeting service requirements and designing a practically feasible network, taking economic and technical constraints into consideration. The performance objectives, although expressed to suit the needs of different services, are intended to represent a single level of transmission quality.
6.2.2.1
Defining Quality Objectives

Using different parameters (BBER, ESR, and SESR), you can define one or more quality objectives for each link class in Atoll. Each quality objective is characterised by a performance objective equation that defines the limitation of the relevant quality objective parameter (BBER, ESR, SESR). The performance objective equations define the behaviour of the quality parameter as a function of the length (L) of the microwave link. The length of a microwave link is, in turn, limited by the minimum and maximum lengths defined in the microwave link class. Each quality objective is also characterised by its minimum and maximum bit rates. Atoll includes by default the quality objectives defined in the ITU G.821 and ITU G.826 recommendations. You can also define customised quality objectives. To modify the pre-defined ITU G.821 and ITU G.826 quality objectives or to create a new quality objective: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Microwave Radio Links folder. The context menu appears.
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Atoll User Manual 3. Select Performance Targets > Quality from the context menu. The Quality Objectives dialogue appears. You can either edit a default ITU G.821 and ITU G.826 quality objective or create a new quality objective. To edit a ITU G.821 or ITU G.826 quality objective: Select the appropriate tab (ITU G.821 or ITU G.826) and modify the properties of the quality objective. To create a new customised quality objective: Select the Customised tab and enter the parameters in the row marked with the New Row icon ( 4. Click OK. ).
6.2.2.2
Defining Availability Objectives

Using different parameters (BBER, ESR, and SESR), you can define one or more quality objectives for each link class inAtoll. Each availability objective is characterised by a performance objective equation that defines the limitation of the relevant availability objective parameter (BBER, ESR, SESR). The availability objective equations define the behaviour of the availability parameter as a function of the length (L) of the microwave link. The length of a microwave link is, in turn, limited by the minimum and maximum lengths defined in the microwave link class. Each availability objective is also characterised by its minimum and maximum bit rates. Note: The availability objectives are global objectives. They consist of three partial objectives as microwave link unavailability can be either due to rain, due to equipment failure, or random.
Atoll includes by default the availability objectives defined in the ITU G.821 and ITU G.826 recommendations. You can also define customised availability objectives. To modify pre-defined ITU G.821 and ITU G.826 availability objectives or to create a new availability objective: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Microwave Radio Links folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Performance Targets > Availability from the context menu. The Availability Objectives dialogue appears. You can either edit a default ITU G.821 and ITU G.826 availability objective or create a new availability objective. To edit a ITU G.821 and ITU G.826 availability objective: Select the appropriate tab (ITU G.821 or ITU G.826) and modify the properties of the availability objective. To create a new customised quality objective: Select the Customised tab and enter the parameters in the row marked with the New Row icon ( 4. Click OK. ).
6.3
Defining Calculation Parameters

In a microwave project, parameters that affect calculations can be divided into: Global parameters: Global parameters are defined for all microwave links and affect all links. For information on setting global parameters, see "Global Parameters" on page 156. Link parameters: Link parameters are defined per link and affect individual links. For information on setting link parameters, see "Link Parameters" on page 159.
As well, any parameters set for the propagation model affect calculations: Microwave Propagation Model: For information on setting Microwave Propagation Model parameters, see "Working with the Microwave Propagation Model" on page 151. Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model: For information on setting Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model parameters, see "Working with the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model" on page 153.
6.3.1
Global Parameters
The global properties of a microwave links project are defined for all microwave links in the Properties of the Microwave Radio Links folder. The global parameters are those used for: Quality and availability analysis Objective selection Interference calculation.
To define the global parameters for microwave links: for quality and availability analysis, objective selection, and interference calculation: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Microwave Radio Links folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Properties from the context menu. The Microwave Radio Links Properties dialogue appears.
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Power control on the useful signal: Select the Power control on the useful signal check box if power control on the transmitted signal is to be considered.
Under Results, you can define the following parameters: The link direction to be analysed: Select the link direction to be analysed: either A >> B, B >> A, or both. Calculated Port: Under Calculated Port, select which channel should be displayed the results of a link analysis: All: If you select All, Atoll performs the link analysis and displays the results for all channels. Worst channel engineering: If you select Worst channel engineering, Atoll performs the link analysis for each channel and displays the results for the worst channel in terms of margin (i.e., the channel with the lowest margin). Specific port engineering: If you select Specific port engineering, Atoll performs the link analysis and displays the result for the channel specified individually for Site A and Site B.
Under BER, you can define the following options: Calculate BER1: Select Calculate BER1 if you want Atoll to perform link analysis for the BER1 value. Calculate BER2: Select Calculate BER2 if you want Atoll to perform link analysis for the BER2 value. Values defined for each link: If you select Values defined for each link, Atoll performs the link analysis using the values for BER1 and BER2 defined in the properties of each link. Same value for all links: If you select Same value for all links, you can define a value for BER 1 and BER 2 that Atoll will use for all links.
5. Click the Interference tab. On the Interference tab, the parameters you define will be used for interference calculation. Under Interferer Filtering, you can define the following parameters: Max. Distance: Enter the maximum distance in metres that Atoll will search around each site to find potentially interfering sites. Interfered Bandwidth: Define which sites are to be considered as interferers. You can choose from the following options: Co-channel Only: Only co-channel sites are considered as interferer sites. Atoll considers co-channel interference when the difference between the interfering and interfered frequencies does not exceed the interfered bandwidth. User-defined Percentage: If you select this option, you can enter the percentage of the interfered bandwidth that Atoll should consider when searching for interferers. Therefore, if you keep the default value of 250%, a site will be considered as an interferer when the difference between the interfering and interfered frequencies does not exceed 2.5 times the interfered bandwidth. No Filter: There is no filter and all sites within the maximum distance are considered as interferers. No IRF graph is taken into account when the Co-channel Only option is selected.
Note: -
Interference via repeaters: Select how interference caused by repeaters should be taken into consideration. Ignore interference between channels of a same link: Select this option if you want Atoll to ignore interference generated by channels of the same link on each other. This option is useful if you have links with 2+0 configuration (i.e., links with two channels). It also applies to parallel links. In this context, parallel links are referred to as links sharing the same link extremities (e.g., two links between the same two sites).
Under Calculation Parameters, you can define the following parameters: Power Control: Define whether automatic transmission power control is to be considered always on, always off or is to be calculated according to geometric correlation. Correlation Area: Enter the surface in km2 of the correlation area. Ignore decoupling reduction when cross polarisation is not defined at the receiver: Select this option if you want Atoll to ignore decoupling reduction when cross polarisation is not defined at the receiver.
Under Result filtering, you can define the following parameters: Min. Threshold Degradation: Enter the minimum degradation threshold. Results that do not meet the threshold will not be displayed. Calculation Details: Select the interference to be displayed in the results: none, on the uplink or downlink, or on both the uplink and downlink.
6. Click the Models tab. On the Models tab, the parameters you define will be used for quality and availability analysis.
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Under Quality, you can define the following parameters: Method: Select the method to be used to calculate quality: Vigants-Barnett, K.Q factor, ITU-R P.530-5, ITU-R P.530-8, ITU-R P.530-10, ITU-R P.530-11, or ITU-R P.530-12. If you select a method based on one of the ITU-R P.530 recommendations, you can set further parameters under ITU-R P.530. Multipath Occurence: If you select recommendation ITU-R P.530-10, ITU-R P.530-11, or ITU-R P.530-12, you can use either a simplified method or a method taking roughness into account to calculate the geoclimatic factor (K). If you select Vigants-Barnett, you can either enter the geoclimatic factor (K) value or use a simplified method or use a method taking roughness into account to calculate the geoclimatic factor (K). ITU-R P.530: If you selected a method based on one of the ITU-R P.530 recommendations under Method, you can set the following parameters: Multi-Path Propagation: Under Multi-Path Propagation, select the Ignore Signal Enhancements check box if you want to ignore signal enhancements and XPD reduction in multi-path propagation. Reduction of XPD is taken into consideration when calculating unavailability due to multi-path and unavailability due to rain whereas signal enhancements have an impact on unavailability due to multi-path only. Selective Fadings: Under Selective Fadings you can define reference delay values for the secondary signal t (tau) for minimum and non minimum phase conditions. Erroneous Blocks: Under Erroneous Blocks you can define athe network level consideration values for the Residual Bit Error Rate (RBER), number of errors per burst for Bit Error Rate between 10-3 and BERSES and for Bit Error Rate between BERSES and RBER. K.Q. Method: If you selected K.Q. method based under Method, you can set the following parameters: Frequency Exponent: Under K.Q. Method, define the exponent of the frequency. Distance: Under K.Q. Method, define the distance. 7. Click the Objectives tab. On the Objectives tab, the parameters you define will select objectives. Under Performance Objectives Selection, you can define how quality and availability objectives are selected. The objectives can be selected according to the microwave link rate and the type of the objective (from ITU-T G.821 or ITU-T G.826 recommendations or a customised objective). Clicking the Browse button ( ) beside the Quality or Availability field opens a dialogue where you can define a priority for each selection criterion. Under Availability Objectives Apportionment, you can define the ratio between the different objectives considered in the global availability objective. Microwave link unavailability can be due either to rain (with its impact on propagation), to equipment failure, or it can be random. Therefore, the global availability objective consists of three partial objectives for which you can define a weight. These weights are taken into consideration when calculating the performance objectives to be considered when analysing the microwave link unavailability due to rain and the unavailability due to equipment failures. 8. Click the Clutter Categories tab. On the Clutter Categories tab, the parameters you define will be used to analyse reflection and calculate vegetation losses. This tab lists all clutter categories defined in Rec. ITU-R P.1058-2 and their characteristics. For each clutter category, you can define the following parameters: Reflective: Select the Reflective check box if you want Atoll to consider all clutter classes with this clutter category as relection areas. Vegetation with leaves: Select the Vegetation with leaves check box if you want Atoll to consider all clutter classes with this clutter category as vegetation zones with foliage. Vegetation without leaves: Select the Vegetation without leaves check box if you want Atoll to consider all clutter classes with this clutter category as vegetation zones without foliage. Soil type: Select the type of ground as defined in Rec. ITU-R P. 527-3. The type of ground is used to determine permittivity and conductivity values taken into account in reflection analysis. The following are the available types of ground: A: sea water (average salinity), 20C B: wet ground C: fresh water, 20C D: medium dry ground E: very dry ground F: pure water, 20C G: ice (fresh water)
9. Click OK.
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6.3.2
Link Parameters
The link parameters which affect calculations are the following: Geoclimatic parameters: The geoclimatic parameters define the environment and the climatic zone in which the link is operating, including climatic factor, rain intensity (exceeding 0.01% of time), PL percentage, temperature, water vapour density, earth curvature factor (k), effective earth curvature factor (ke) and the geoclimatic factor K. Reliability parameters: The reliability parameters define the quality and availability of the microwave link. Under ideal circumstances a microwave link should be completely reliable 100% of the time. In practice, this performance level is never achieved due to continuously changing propagation conditions and possible problems with the equipment. Propagation parameters: A propagation can optionally be defined to calculate the useful signal and the interfering signal. The margin calculated by the propagation model defined for the useful signal is also used to calculate the quality and availability of the microwave link. If no propagation model is defined for the useful link, the target values for quality and availability as defined in the link class are used. Link class: Each link class can have different performance objectives. By assigning the link class with the appropriate performance objectives, you assign the performance objectives to the link. For information on creating a link class, see "Microwave Link Classes" on page 154.
The link parameters which affect calculations can be defined for a single microwave link and then applied to all microwave links or to a group of microwave links that share the same characteristics. Defining calculation parameters is explained in the following sections: "Defining Calculation Parameters for a Single Microwave Link" on page 159 "Defining Calculation Parameters for All Microwave Links" on page 163 "Defining Calculation Parameters for a Group of Microwave Links" on page 165.
6.3.2.1
Defining Calculation Parameters for a Single Microwave Link

You set the calculation parameters for a microwave link on three tabs of the links Properties dialogue: the Geoclimatic tab, the Reliability tab, and the Propagation tab. To define the calculation parameters for a single microwave link: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( 3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. ) to expand the Links folder.
4. Right-click the link for which you want to set the calculation parameters. The context menu appears. 5. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. Note: You can also access a links Properties dialogue by right-clicking the transmitter on the map and selecting Properties from the context menu.
The microwave link Properties dialogue has several tabs: General, Radio, Connections, Geoclimatic, Reliability, Propagation, and Display. The link settings that affect calculations are on the Geoclimatic, Reliability, and Propagation tabs and are described here. For an explanation of the options available on the General, Radio, Connections, and Display tabs, see "Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management". 6. Click the Geoclimatic tab (see Figure 6.102).
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Figure 6.102: Microwave link Properties dialogue - Geoclimatic tab 7. On the Geoclimatic tab, you can define climate-related settings affecting the microwave link: Current Methods: Under Current Methods, you can see the calculation methods used to analyse the microwave link quality and availability. The methods displayed are those set on the Models tab of the Microwave Radio Links Properties dialogue. The geoclimatic parameters available depend on the selected quality and availability methods. To access all geoclimatic parameters independently of the methods you have selected, click the Display All button under Current Methods. Atmospheric and Climatic Conditions: Under Atmospheric and Climatic Conditions, you can define the conditions under which the microwave operates: Climatic Zone: Select the climatic zone that best describes the climate in which the microwave link operates. The climatic zones available depend on the calculation methods selected on the Models tab of the Microwave Radio Links Properties dialogue. When using Crane as the availability calculation method, you can select the following climatic zones:
Climatic Zone
Polar (Dry) Polar (Moderate) Cold (Dry) Temperate Continental (Dry) Subtropical Arid (Dry) Cold (Moderate) Temperate Continental (Moderate) Temperate Continental (Wet) Temperate Maritime Subtropical Wet Tropical Moderate Tropical
Type
Crane Global Rain Zone

A B
Dry
B1 D1 F B2 D2 D3 C E G H
Continental Continental humid
Humid
When using Vigants-Barnett as quality calculation method, you can choose between Warm and Humid, Temperate and Dry. Temperature: Set the average temperature of the zone in which the microwave link operates. Clicking the button ( ) beside the Temperature text box opens a dialogue where you can select the temperature
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Chapter 6: Managing Calculations in Atoll based on Rec. ITU-R P.1510-0, ITU-R P.835-3 (and select a season), or the temperature set in the geoclimatic file. Rec. ITU-R P.530: The parameters found under Rec. ITU-R P.530 are those recommended by ITU-R P.530 to calculate the quality of the microwave link: Water Vapour Density: Set the water vapour density in grams per cubic metre. Clicking the button ( ) beside the Water Vapour Density text box opens a dialogue where you can select the water vapour density based on Rec. ITU-R P.836-3 (and select the percentage of the average year where the defined water vapour density is exceeded), or based on Rec. ITU-R P.835-3 (and select a season), or the water vapour density set in the geoclimatic file. The dialogue also displays the water vapour pressure in hectopascals (hPa) calculated using your data and based on Rec. ITU-R P.836-3. Rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year: Set the rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year (or, in other words, the rainfall observed 99.99% of the average year). Clicking the button ( ) beside the Rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year text box opens a dialogue where you can select the rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year based on Rec. ITU-R P.837-4 or the rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year set in the geoclimatic file. Atmospheric Pressure: Set the atmospheric pressure in grams per cubic metre. Clicking the button ( ) beside the Atmospheric Pressure text box opens a dialogue where you can select the atmospheric pressure based on Rec. ITU-R P.835-3 (and select a season), or the atmospheric pressure set in the geoclimatic file. Relative Humidity: The Relative Humidity displayed is calculated using the defined water vapour density. Rec. ITU-R P.530-12: Under ITU-R P.530-12, you can enter the Rain Height (0C Isotherm) in metres. The rain height is the height of the top of the rain column above mean sea level from the 0C isotherm. Clicking the button ( ) beside the Rain Height text box opens a dialogue where you can select the rain height based on Rec. ITU-R P.839-3 (and select a season), or the rain height set in the geoclimatic file. Refractivity: Under Refractivity, you can define the Refractivity gradient near the earths surface in N-units per km. Clicking the button ( ) beside the Refractivity gradient near the earths surface text box opens a dialogue where you can select the refractivity gradient based on Rec. ITU-R P.453-9, using a userdefined reference altitude, or the refractivity gradient for less than 65 m., as well as the percentage of the year that N is not exceeded, or the refractivity gradient set in the geoclimatic file. Under Refractivity, the k factor median value, calculated using the set parameters, is displayed. Geoclimatic Factor: The parameters under Geoclimatic Factor are used to calculate the quality of the microwave link and are broken down by calculation method. Under Geoclimatic Factor, you can set the following parameters: ITU-R P.530-5, -8 and Vigants-Barnett: Under ITU-R P.530-5, -8 and Vigants-Barnett, you can select the Terrain Type. The terrain types available depend on the calculation methods selected on the Models tab of the Microwave Radio Links Properties dialogue. If you are using ITU-R P.530-5 or 530-8 methods, you can choose between "Plain Zone" for terrestrial microwave links where the height of the lowest antenna in the link is lower than 700 m; "Mountain" for terrestrial microwave links where the height of the lowest antenna in the link is higher than 700 m; "Lake" for microwave links over an expanse of water; or "Overwater" for microwave links over an extended expanse of water. If you are using using the VigantsBarnett method, you can choose between "Flat Terrain", "Average Terrain" and "Montainous Terrain". ITU-R P.530-5, -8: Under ITU-R P.530-5, -8, you can define the PL factor. PL is the percent of time the relative refractivity gradient is less than -100 NKm. The PL factor can be found on the ITU-R maps. This parameter is taken into account when using ITU-R P.530-5 and ITU-R P.530-8 calculation methods. K.Q. Method: Under K.Q. Method, you can define K.Q. for the K.Q method. K models geo-climatic and terrain effects on climate while Q is the factor for variables other than those dependent on distance and frequency. ITU-R P.530: Under ITU-R P.530, you can define the K factor. K models geo-climatic and terrain effects on climate. Clicking the button ( ) beside the K text box opens a dialogue where you can select the K factor based on Rec. ITU-R P. 530-5 or Rec. ITU-R P. 530-8 (and select a terrain type and enter a value for C0 and for the percentage of time the refractivity gradient (< 100 m.) is less than -100 N-unitskm for the worst average month) or based on Rec. ITU-R P. 530-10 and above (and select the simplified method where you also define the refractivity gradient (< 65 m.) not exceeded during 1% of the average year or select the method with terrain roughness taken into account where you define the refractivity gradient and the terrain roughness). Vigants-Barnett: Factor C: Parameters available under Vigants-Barnett depend on the option selected on the Models tab of the Microwave Radio Links Properties dialogue. If you select User-defined under Multipath Occurence, you can enter the C factor value, the propagation condition factor for the VigantsBarnett method. If you select Simplified Method, Atoll displays the C factor value corresponding to the defined climate zone. Finally, if you select Terrain-based Method, Atoll displays the C factor value corresponding to the defined climate zone and lets you select whether you want to take the terrain roughness into account.
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Atoll User Manual 8. Click the Reliability tab (see Figure 6.103).
Figure 6.103: Microwave link Properties dialogue - Reliability tab 9. On the Reliability tab, you can define reliability-related parameters: Link Class: Under Link Class, you can select the link class. Each link class can have different performance objectives. By assigning the link class with the appropriate performance objectives, you assign the performance objectives to the link. For information on creating a link class, see "Microwave Link Classes" on page 154. Clicking the Browse button ( ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected link class.
Clicking the Objectives button opens a dialogue where you can view and modify the performance objectives of the selected link class. Bit Error Rate: Under Bit Error Rate, you can set the values for BER 1 and BER 2. Atolldisplays the resulting sensitivity for each BER. If the value for BER that you enter is not defined in the properties of the equipment, Atoll will interpolate to determine the corresponding sensitivity. Availability: Under Availability, you can set the MTTR (mean time to repair). The MTTR is taken into account when calculating unavailability due to failures if the microwave link is not equipped with a hot standby channel system.
10. Click the Propagation tab (see Figure 6.104).
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Figure 6.104: Microwave link Properties dialogue- Propagation tab 11. On the Propagation tab, you can define propagation-related parameters: Model used for the useful signal: Under Model used for the useful signal, you can select the propagation model that will be used to calculate the path loss as well as the margin required for quality and availability for the microwave link. If no propagation model is selected, the quality and availability of the link will be defined by the respective target values defined in the link class. Model used for the interfering signal: Under Model used for the interfering signal, you can select the propagation model that will be used to calculate interference.
12. Click OK.
6.3.2.2
Defining Calculation Parameters for All Microwave Links

Under certain circumstances, for example, in a highly homogeneous network, you will want to set the same calculation parameters for all microwave links. You can set the same calculation parameters for all microwave links at the same time by first defining the calculation parameters for a single microwave link and then copying the calculation parameters to all microwave links. To define the calculation parameters for all microwave links: 1. Define the calculation parameters for a single microwave link, as described in "Defining Calculation Parameters for a Single Microwave Link" on page 159. 2. Copy the defined calculation parameters to all microwave links. To copy the defined calculation parameters to all microwave links: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Open Table from the context menu. The Links Table appears. 5. Locate the row in the Links Table with the microwave link whose calculation parameters you just updated. In the Links Table, the column names corresponding to the calculation parameters on the tabs of the microwave links Properties dialogue are: Geoclimatic tab: Forsk 2010 Environment Type R001 (mm/h) Geoclimatic Factor (K) Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited
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Reliability tab:
Propagation tab:
6. For each cell with a calculation parameter that you have already modified, copy the values into all cells above the modified cell: a. Click the modified cell.
b. Drag upwards to select the cells into which you want to copy the data.
c. Select Edit > Fill > Up.
The contents of the modified cell are copied into all cells selected.
7. Repeat the procedure to copy the modified values into the remaining cells above the modified microwave link. 8. For each cell with a calculation parameter that you have already modified, copy the values into the cells below the modified cell:
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Chapter 6: Managing Calculations in Atoll a. Click the modified cell.
b. Drag downwards to select the cells into which you want to copy the data.
c. Select Edit > Fill > Down.
9. Repeat the procedure to copy the modified values into the remaining cells below the modified microwave link.
6.3.2.3
Defining Calculation Parameters for a Group of Microwave Links

Under certain circumstances, for example, in a network that spans a great distance, you will want to set the same calculation parameters for defined groups of microwave links but not for all links. You can set the same calculation parameters for defined groups of microwave links by first defining the calculation parameters for a single microwave link, sorting the microwave links according to their common attributes, and then copying the calculation parameters to all microwave links in that group. To define the calculation parameters for a group of microwave links: 1. Define the calculation parameters for a single microwave link, as described in "Defining Calculation Parameters for a Single Microwave Link" on page 159. 2. Select the microwave links to which you want to copy the calculation parameters by: Grouping the microwave links (see "Grouping Microwave Links" on page 165) Sorting the microwave links (see "Sorting Microwave Links" on page 166) Filtering the microwave links (see "Filtering Microwave Links" on page 168)
3. Copy the defined calculation parameters to the selected group of microwave links.
Grouping Microwave Links

To select the microwave links to which you want to copy the calculation parameters by grouping: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. From the Group By submenu, select the property by which you want to group the microwave links. Ensure that you chose a property that all the microwave links you want to modify and the link with the modified calculation parameters have in common. The microwave links in the folder are grouped in separate folders by that property.
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Note:
If the range of properties available in the Group By submenu has been configured as explained in "Configuring the Group By Submenu" on page 57, you can select additional properties by selecting More Fields from the Group By submenu. For information on using the dialogue that appears, see "Configuring the Group By Submenu" on page 57.
5. Right-click the folder with the grouped microwave links. The context menu appears. 6. Select Open Table from the context menu. The Links Table appears. 7. Copy the calculation parameters from the modified microwave link to the other microwave links in the group as explained in "Defining Calculation Parameters for All Microwave Links" on page 163. Once you have finished copying the calculation parameters, you can ungroup the links by right-clicking the Links folder and selecting Group By > None from the context menu.
Sorting Microwave Links

To sort the microwave links to which you want to copy the calculation parameters: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Open Table from the context menu. The Links Table appears. 5. Right-click the table column with the parameter you want to sort on. The context menu appears. 6. Select either Sort Ascending or Sort Descending from the context menu. 7. Locate the row in the Links Table with the microwave link whose calculation parameters you just updated. In the Links Table, the column names corresponding to the calculation parameters on the tabs of the microwave links Properties dialogue are: Geoclimatic tab: Environment Type R001 (mm/h) Geoclimatic Factor (K) PL (%) Water Vapour (g/m3) Temperature (C) Factor K.Q Rain Height (m) Atmospheric Pressure (hPa) Refractivity Factor C Climatic Zone Class (EPO) Hot Standby BER 2nd BER MTTR (h) Propagation Model Interference Model
Reliability tab:
Propagation tab:
8. For each cell with a calculation parameter that you have already modified, copy the values into all cells in the group above the modified cell: a. Click the modified cell.
b. Drag upwards to select the cells into which you want to copy the data. Important: Ensure that you only select the cells of the microwave links you want to modify.
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c. Select Edit > Fill > Up.
9. Repeat the procedure to copy the modified values into the remaining cells in the group above the modified microwave link. 10. For each cell with a calculation parameter that you have already modified, copy the values into the cells in the group below the modified cell: a. Click the modified cell.
b. Drag downwards to select the cells into which you want to copy the data. Important: Ensure that you only select the cells of the microwave links you want to modify. c. Drag downwards to select the cells into which you want to copy the data.
d. Select Edit > Fill > Down.
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Atoll User Manual The contents of the modified cell are copied into all cells selected.
Filtering Microwave Links

To filter the microwave links to which you want to copy the calculation parameters: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Open Table from the context menu. The Links Table appears. You can now filter on a value in the table. You can either use a value that all microwave links to which you want to copy calculation parameters have in common with the microwave link you previously modified, or you can use a value these microwave links do not have. 5. Select the value to filter on. To select more than one value, press CTRL as you click the other values. 6. Right-click the cell and select one of the following from the context menu: Filter by Selection: All microwave links with the selected value or values are displayed. You can now modify these microwave links as you would normally do with the entire Links table (see Figure 6.105 on page 168). Filter Excluding Selection: All microwave links without the selected value or values are displayed. You can now modify these records or make calculations on them as you would normally do with the entire Links table(see Figure 6.106 on page 169).
Figure 6.105: Filtering by selection (Sub-Band A>> B: 18 GHz, 220 MHz)
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Figure 6.106: Filtering excluding selection (Sub-Band A>> B: 18 GHz, 220 MHz) Note: You can use advanced data filtering to combine several criteria in different fields to create complex filters. For more information on advanced filtering, see "Advanced Data Filtering" on page 63.
7. Copy the calculation parameters from the modified microwave link to the other microwave links in the group as explained in "Defining Calculation Parameters for All Microwave Links" on page 163.
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Chapter 7
Microwave Link Project Management
Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management
Microwave Link Project Management

The microwave links module enables you to plan, design, and analyse microwave link networks. Using Atoll's microwave links module, microwave link networks can be designed and analysed in separate Atoll projects as well as within 2G (GMS/GPRS/EGPRS) and 3G (CDMA2000/UMTS/WCDMA) mobile network projects. Using Atoll's microwave links module, you can define and model frequency bands and sub-bands, antennas, radio equipment, feeder equipment, passive repeaters, simple, multi-hop, and point-to-multipoint links. You can define and set target performance objectives in terms of link classes and performance objectives, defining the quality and availability targets. You can determine link budgets over a single link, over multiple connected links (multi-hop links), or over a hub with several links (point-to-multipoint links). You can also carry out end-to-end reliability analyses, interference analyses, and frequency planning. Atoll also enables you to design your microwave link networks while taking future growth and enhancements into consideration. Comprehensive analysis features in the Atoll microwave link module enable the study of simple, multi-hop, and point-tomultipoint microwave links in any network. Any microwave link is considered operational when it globally satisfies the required quality and availability criteria set by the operator. Any microwave link is assessed generally in terms of the link's robustness, i.e., the data transmission should undergo the least possible errors, the link should suffer the least number of failures (usually measured per year) and the duration of these failures should also be as short as possible. All these criteria are described in detail in the ITU standards and recommendations. Atoll follows these standards and enables the user to set in-depth quality and availability targets for the network being designed. Furthermore, it is fundamental to the correct performance of a microwave radio link that line-of-sight be available, i.e., that there be a clear transmission path between the two nodes of the link. The electromagnetic signal disperses as it moves away from source, and therefore the line-of-sight clearance must take this dispersion into account and attention should be paid to objects near the direct signal path to ensure the required signal levels reach the receiving antenna. This is referred to as "Fresnel Zone" clearance. Atoll's profile analysis feature permits allows you to view the line of sight, Fresnel zone clearance, and reflective surfaces along the link's profile. Real-life microwave links do not operate in ideal environments. As it is not always possible to have a direct line-of-sight connection between two extremities, repeaters are employed as a workaround in order to create a pseudo-direct link. Atoll fully models the design and use of microwave repeaters, and allows two repeaters to be inserted within a microwave link. Performance improvement techniques such as frequency and space diversity at reception are also modelled. Since several links can share their extremities (start or end), the description of a microwave links network in Atoll is divided into two folders on the Data tab of the Explorer window: The Sites folder, which contains the set of points that can be used as extremities for links. This folder can also contain sites for 2G and 3G mobile network projects in the case of incorporated mobile/microwave projects. The Microwave Radio Links folder, which contains the definitions of links, multi-hop links, point-to-multipoint links, the quality targets and performance objectives, etc. Each link refers to at least two separate sites in the Sites folder.
7.1
Designing a Microwave Link Network

Figure 7.107 depicts the process of creating and planning a microwave link network. The steps involved in planning a microwave link network are described below. The numbers refer to Figure 7.107. 1. Open an existing microwave link document or create a new one ( 1 ). You can open an existing Atoll document by selecting File > Open. You can create a new Atoll document as explained in "Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project".
2. Configure the microwave link network by defining network parameters ( 2 ). You can define the equipment such as antennas, waveguides, and cables used in the network (see "Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment") You define and modify microwave frequency bands (see "Chapter 5: Managing Frequency Bands and Subbands").
3. Add sites and carry out basic evaluations of the candidate sites and locate more suitable locations for candidate sites ( 3 ). You can add sites or modify existing ones (see "Creating or Modifying a Site" on page 175). You can evaluate the location of existing sites (see "Site Survey Tools" on page 176) and search for new candidate sites (see "Search Tools for New Sites" on page 184).
4. Create microwave links between sites ( 4 ). You can create a microwave link (see "Creating or Modifying a Microwave Link" on page 188) based on a link template. If necessary , you can modify the template on which new links are based (see "Managing Microwave Link Templates" on page 190). If necessary, you can create repeaters along microwave links between sites. You can create multi-hop microwave links ("Creating Multi-hops" on page 208).
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6. Plan link channels ( 9 ) "Planning Microwave Link Channels" on page 216.
Optimisation and analysis are iterative steps. In some cases, the last four steps can be repeated in order to achieve the optimum solution for the network. 7. If necessary, modify network parameters to study the network with a different frequency plan ( 10 ). After modifying the networks frequency plan, you must perform steps 7 and 8 again.
Figure 7.107: Planning a microwave link network - workflow
7.2
Planning and Optimising Microwave Sites

As described in "Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project", you can start an Atoll document from a template, with no sites, or from a database with a set of sites. As you work on your Atoll document, you will still need to create sites and modify existing ones. In Atoll, a site is defined as a geographical point supporting one or more microwave links. Atoll enables you to verify the characteristics of each candidate in order to chose the best site. Additionally, Atoll has tools that allow you to search for new locations for sites. In this section, the following are explained: "Creating Sites" on page 174 "Site Survey Tools" on page 176 "Search Tools for New Sites" on page 184.
7.2.1
Creating Sites
When you create a microwave site, you create only the geographical point. The created site can then support one or more microwave links. In this section, the following are described: "Site Description" on page 175 "Creating or Modifying a Site" on page 175.
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7.2.1.1
Site Description
The parameters of a site can be found in the sites Properties dialogue. The Properties dialogue has two tabs: The General tab (see Figure 7.108):
Figure 7.108: New Site dialogue Name: Atoll enters a default name for each new site. You can modify the default name. If you want to change the default name that Atoll gives to new sites, see the Administrator Manual. Position: By default, Atoll places the new site at the centre of the map window. You can modify the location of the site. Altitude: The altitude, as defined by the DTM for the location specified under Position, is given here. You can specify the actual altitude under Real, if you want. If an altitude is specified here, Atoll will use this value for calculations. Comments: You can enter comments in this field if you want. Pylon Height: You can define the height of the structure on which you can install antennas. Atoll can use this height in several analyses (site analysis, antenna height optimisation, etc.). Support Type: You can describe the nature of site. This field is for information only.
The Pylon tab:
7.2.1.2
Creating or Modifying a Site

You can modify an existing site or you can create a new site. You can access the properties of a site, described in "Site Description" on page 175, through the sites Properties dialogue. How you access the Properties dialogue depends on whether you are creating a new site or modifying an existing site. To create or modify a site: 1. If you are creating a new site: a. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. b. Right-click the Sites folder. The context menu appears. c. Select New from the context menu. The Sites New Element Properties dialogue appears (see Figure 7.108 on page 175). 2. If you are modifying the properties of an existing site: a. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. b. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Sites folder.
c. Right-click the site you want to modify. The context menu appears. d. Select Properties from the context menu. The sites Properties dialogue appears. 3. Modify the parameters described in "Site Description" on page 175. 4. Click OK.
Tip:
If you are creating several sites at the same time, or modifying several existing sites, you can do it quickly by editing or pasting the data directly in the Sites table. You can open the Sites table by right-clicking the Sites folder on the Data tab of the Explorer window and selecting Open Table from the context menu. For information on copying and pasting data, see "Copying and Pasting in Tables" on page 47.
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7.2.2
Site Survey Tools

Atoll provides several tools to enable you to evaluate the line of sight around a site or between candidate sites. In this section, the following are explained. "Displaying the Line of Sight Area Around One Site" on page 176 "Analysing the Line of Sight Between Candidate Sites" on page 176 "Finding the Best Route Between Two Sites" on page 179 "Displaying the Terrain Profile Between Candidate Sites" on page 180 "Displaying a 360 View Around One Site" on page 181
7.2.2.1
Displaying the Line of Sight Area Around One Site

Atoll allows you to display the line-of-sight area around a site in the map window. To display the line-of-sight area around a site: 1. Right-click the site either on the map, or in the Sites folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Line of Sight Area from the context menu. The Line of Sight Area dialogue appears. 3. Under Calculation Parameters, define the following parameters: Max Distance: Enter the maximum distance around the selected site that should be taken into consideration. Site Height: Enter the transmitter site height, taking into consideration, for example, building height. Receiver Height: Enter the receiver site height, taking into consideration, for example, building height. Factor k: Enter a value for the earth curvature factor.
4. Select one of the following: Line of Sight Clearance: Select Line of Sight Clearance if you want to study the line of sight between the transmitter and receiver sites. Ellipsoid Clearance: Select Ellipsoid Clearance if you want to study the percentage of clearance of the Fresnel ellipsoid and define the following: Frequency: Enter the operating frequency you want to study. Clearance: Enter the percentage of clearance of the lower half of the Fresnel ellipsoid.
5. Under View, define the display parameters of the line-of-sight area: To set the transparency of the displayed line-of-sight area, move the slider. To define a colour for the displayed line-of-sight area, click the Colour button and select a colour from the palette that appears.
6. Click OK. Atoll calculates and displays the line-of-sight area around the selected site. To delete the line-of-sight area around a site: 1. Right-click the site either on the map, or in the Sites folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Delete Line of Sight Area from the context menu.
7.2.2.2
Analysing the Line of Sight Between Candidate Sites

In Atoll, you can analyse the line of sight (LOS) between candidate sites. The analysis can be done for one particular site if one extremity of the microwave link is already locked or for all sites. In the analysis, Atoll considers the selected site(s) and all sites located within the focus zone; if no focus zone is defined, Atoll will use the computation zone. For information on the focus zone, see "Using a Focus Zone" on page 31 and for information on the computation zone, see "Using a Computation Zone" on page 30. To calculate a LOS report for one particular site: 1. Right-click the site either on the map or in the Sites folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Line of Sight Report from the context menu. The Line of Sight Parameters dialogue appears (see Figure 7.109).
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Figure 7.109: Setting the calculation parameters for a line of sight report 3. Click the Calculation Parameters tab. 4. Under Height - Transmitter Side and Height - Receiver Side you can select how pylon height will be defined on the transmitter and receiver side of the microwave link. Select one of the following to define the pylon height for the transmitter and the receiver: Use the pylon height defined by site: If you select Use the pylon height defined by site, Atoll will use the pylon height defined by site for each line of sight. Use the default height: If you select Use the default height, Atoll will use the pylon height you define in the Default Height box.
5. Define the Maximum Distance around the selected site to be considered in the line of sight analysis. 6. Under Earth Curvature Factors, define two k factor values. 7. Under Penetration Condition, define the following parameters: Take clutter into account in diffraction: Select the Take clutter into account in diffraction check box if you want to use clutter information when calculating diffraction in the line of sight. Frequency Band: Select the frequency band to be used when calculating the line of sight from the list. The average frequency of the selected frequency band is displayed in the Frequency box.
8. Click the Clutter tab. On the Clutter tab you can set clutter-related parameters that will be used to calculate the line of sight. The settings on the Clutter tab are independent from any clutter parameters you might have set for the propagation model. For each clutter class, you can set the following: Receiver Height: You can define a receiver height for each clutter class. It is not used when calculating the line of sight between existing sites. Clearance: If you want, you can define a clearance around each site for each clutter class. The clearance is used when calculating diffraction. Both ground altitude and clutter height are considered along the whole profile except over a specific distance around the sites (clearance), where Atoll bases its calculations only on the DTM.
9. Click the Table tab. On the Table tab you can define the content of the report. Atoll displays a default set of fields and lets you select other information to be included in the report. a. Click Add. The Field Selection dialogue appears. b. In the Field Selection dialogue, select the fields that you want to display in the report. You can select contiguous fields by clicking the first field, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last field. You can select non-contiguous fields by pressing CTRL and clicking each fields separately. To select a field to be included in the report, select the field in the Available Fields list and click to move it to the Selected Fields list. To remove a field from the list of Selected Fields, select the field in the Selected Fields list and click to remove it. To change the order of the fields, select a field and click or to move it up or down in the list. The objects will be displayed in the order of the fields in the Selected Fields list, from top to bottom.
c. Click OK to return to the Table tab. 10. Click OK. Atoll displays the selected results in the Line of Sight Report table for each site in the focus zone if available and computation zone if there is no focus zone. As well, Atoll displays a terrain section on the map between each pair of sites (see "Displaying the Terrain Profile Between Candidate Sites" on page 180).
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Atoll User Manual The Line of Sight Report table contains the following default information for each pair of sites. Site1 is the studied site and Site2 a candidate site within the focus zone if available and computation zone if there is no focus zone. Site1: Site1 is the transmitting site of the pair of sites. Site2: Site2 is the receiving site of the pair of sites. Distance (m): The distance between the sites. Line of Sight (k1) (%): The clearance or penetration of the Fresnel ellipsoid in percentage for the first k factor value. The result can be between -100 and 100%. A value from -100 to 0% corresponds to the percentage of penetration of the upper half of the Fresnel ellipsoid. A value from 0 to 100% corresponds to the percentage of clearance of the lower half of the Fresnel ellipsoid (see Figure 7.110). Line of Sight (k2) (%): The clearance or penetration of the Fresnel ellipsoid in percentage for the second k factor value. Antenna 1 Height (m): The height of the transmitting antenna. Antenna 2 Height (m):The height of the receiving antenna. Frequency (MHz): The mean frequency used to calculate the line of sight between the transmitting site and the receiving site. Direction (): The angle from Site1 to Site2 in the horizontal plane.
Figure 7.110: Line of sight clearance
Tip:
If you double-click one terrain section in the Line of Sight Report table, Atoll will automatically center it in the map and will display its profile in the Terrain Section tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window.
You can remove the line-of-sight sections by selecting Delete Line of Sight Lines from the sites context menu. To calculate a LOS report for all sites: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Sites folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Line of Sight Report from the context menu. The Line of Sight Parameters dialogue appears. 4. Click the Calculation Parameters tab. 5. Under Height - Transmitter Side and Height - Receiver Side you can select how pylon height will be defined on the transmitter and receiver side of the microwave link, respectively. Select one of the following to define the pylon height for the transmitter and the receiver: Use the pylon height defined by site: If you select Use the pylon height defined by site, Atoll will use the pylon height defined by site for each line of sight. Use the default height: If you select Use the default height, Atoll will use the pylon height you define in the Default Height box.
6. Define the Maximum Distance around the selected site to be considered in the line-of-sight analysis. 7. Under Earth Curvature Factors, define two k factor values. 8. Under Penetration Condition, define the following parameters: Take clutter into account in diffraction: Select the Take clutter into account in diffraction check box if you want to use clutter information when calculating diffraction in the line of sight. Frequency Band: Select the frequency band to be used when calculating the line of sight from the list. The average frequency of the selected frequency band is displayed in the Frequency box.
9. Click the Clutter tab. On the Clutter tab you can set clutter-related parameters that will be used to calculate the line of sight. The settings on the Clutter tab are independent from any clutter parameters you might have set for the propagation model. For each clutter class, you can set the following: Receiver Height: You can define a receiver height for each clutter class. It is not used when calculating the line of sight between sites. Clearance: If you want, you can define a clearance around each site for each clutter class. The clearance is used when calculating diffraction. Both ground altitude and clutter height are considered along the whole profile except over a specific distance around the sites (clearance), where Atoll bases its calculations only on the DTM.
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management 10. Click the Table tab. On the Table tab you can define the content of the report. Atoll displays a default set of fields and lets you select other information to be included in the report. a. Click Add. The Field Selection dialogue appears. b. In the Field Selection dialogue, select the fields that you want to display in the report. You can select contiguous fields by clicking the first field, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last field. You can select non-contiguous fields by pressing CTRL and clicking each fields separately. To select a field to be included in the report, select the field in the Available Fields list and click to move it to the Selected Fields list. To remove a field from the list of Selected Fields, select the field in the Selected Fields list and click to remove it. To change the order of the fields, select a field and click or to move it up or down in the list. The objects will be displayed in the order of the fields in the Selected Fields list, from top to bottom.
c. Click OK to return to the Table tab. 11. Click OK. Atoll displays the results in the Line of Sight Report table for each site in the focus zone if available and computation zone if there is no focus zone. As well, Atoll displays a terrain section on the map between each pair of sites (see "Displaying the Terrain Profile Between Candidate Sites" on page 180). The Line of Sight Report table contains the following default information for each pair of sites. Site1 is the studied site and Site2 a candidate site within the focus zone if available and computation zone if there is no focus zone. Site1: Site1 is the transmitting site of the pair of sites. Site2: Site2 is the receiving site of the pair of sites. Distance: The distance between the sites. Line of Sight (k1) (%): The clearance or penetration of the Fresnel ellipsoid in percentage for the first k factor value. The result can be between -100 and 100%. A value from -100 to 0% corresponds to the percentage of penetration of the upper half of the Fresnel ellipsoid. A value from 0 to 100% corresponds to the percentage of clearance of the lower half of the Fresnel ellipsoid (see Figure 7.110). Line of Sight (k2) (%): The clearance or penetration of the Fresnel ellipsoid in percentage for the second k factor value. Antenna 1 Height: The height of the transmitting antenna. Antenna 2 Height: The height of the receiving antenna. Frequency: The mean frequency used to calculate the line of sight between the transmitting site and the receiving site.
You can remove the line-of-sight lines by selecting Delete Line of Sight Lines from the context menu of the Sites folder of the Explorer windows Data tab.
7.2.2.3
Finding the Best Route Between Two Sites

Atoll allows you to find all routes between two sites fulfilling line-of-sight criteria. The routes can consist of several hops and have different lengths. If you want, Atoll can display the route with the least of hops or the shortest route. In the analysis, Atoll considers the selected sites and all sites located within the focus zone; if no focus zone is defined, Atoll will use the computation zone. For information on the focus zone, see "Using a Focus Zone" on page 31 and for information on the computation zone, see "Using a Computation Zone" on page 30. To find the best route between two sites: 1. Right-click the target site either on the map, or in the Sites folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Routing from the context menu. The Line of Sight Parameters dialogue appears. 3. On the Routing Options tab, define the following parameters: Source Site: The starting site. Atolllists all sites in the focus zone if available and computation zone if there is no focus zone (for information on the focus zone, see "Using a Focus Zone" on page 31 and for information on the computation zone, see "Using a Computation Zone" on page 30). Maximum Number of Hops: The maximum number of hops allowed between starting and target sites. Minimise the number of hops to reach the target: Select this option if you want Atollto display the best solution in terms of number of hops, i.e. the path containing the least of hops. Minimise the total path length: Select this option if you want Atollto display the best solution in terms of distance, i.e. the shortest path.
4. Click the Calculation Parameters tab. 5. Under Height - Transmitter Side and Height - Receiver Side you can select how pylon height will be defined on the transmitter and receiver side of the microwave link. Select one of the following to define the pylon height for the transmitter and the receiver: Use the pylon height defined by site: If you select Use the pylon height defined by site, Atoll will use the pylon height defined by site for each line of sight. Use the default height: If you select Use the default height, Atoll will use the pylon height you define in the Default Height box.
6. Define the Maximum Distance around the selected site to be considered in the line-of-sight analysis. 7. Under Earth Curvature Factors, define the first k factor value.
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Atoll User Manual 8. Under Penetration Condition, define the following parameters: a. Select the Take clutter into account in diffraction check box if you want to use clutter information when calculating diffraction in the line of sight. b. Select one of the following: Line of Sight Clearance: Select Line of Sight Clearance if you want to study the line of sight between the transmitter and receiver sites. Ellipsoid Clearance: Select Ellipsoid Clearance if you want to study the percentage of clearance of the Fresnel ellipsoid. Then, define the percentage of Clearance of the lower half of the Fresnel ellipsoid and select the Frequency band to be considered when calculating the line of sight (the average frequency of the selected frequency band is displayed in the Frequency box).
10. Click OK. Atoll displays the results in the Routing to Site table. The Routing to Site table contains the following information for each route. Node1: The name of the source site selected in the Routing Options tab. Node#: The name of sites been through by the route and the name of the target site. Distance: The length of the route.
The number of columns named "Node#" displayed in the Routing to Site table depends on the maximum number of hops defined in the Routing Options tab. In addition, Atoll displays terrain sections on the map between each site of routes (see "Displaying the Terrain Profile Between Candidate Sites" on page 180). You can remove the line of sight lines by selecting Delete Line of Sight Lines from the context menu of the Sites folder of the Explorer windows Data tab.
7.2.2.4
Displaying the Terrain Profile Between Candidate Sites

In Atoll, you can check the terrain profile between two microwave sites. To study the terrain profile between two microwave sites: 1. Select how pylon height will be defined on both sites of the microwave link by clicking the arrow next to the Height Profile button ( ) on the toolbar and selecting one of the following:
Antenna Height Defined by Site: If you select Antenna Height Defined by Site, Atoll will use the pylon height defined on each site. Antenna Height Defined per Clutter Class: If you select Antenna Height Defined per Clutter Class, Atoll will use the receiver height defined per clutter class on the Clutter tab of the Line of Sight Parameters dialogue. Default Antenna Height: If you select Default Antenna Height, Atoll will use the pylon height you define in the Default Height box of the Line of Sight Parameters dialogue. Note: You can set further options using the Line of Sight Parameters dialogue. You can open the Line of Sight Parameters dialogue by clicking the arrow next to the Height Profile button ( ) on the toolbar and selecting Properties. For a description of the options available in the Line of Sight Parameters dialogue, see "Analysing the Line of Sight Between Candidate Sites" on page 176.
2. Click the Height Profile button (
) on the toolbar.
3. Move the pointer to the site on the map. When the frame appears around the site, indicating it is selected, click to create the first analysis point. 4. Move the pointer to another site on the map. When the frame appears around the site, indicating it is selected, click to create the second analysis point. 5. The profile between both sites appears on the Terrain Section tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window. Atoll displays the terrain height along the profile as well as clutter classes and clutter heights when the visibility box of the Clutter Classes folder on the Geo tab is selected. A blue ellipsoid indicates the Fresnel zone between both sites. By default, Atoll considers the pylon heights defined for the selected sites to determine the profile. You can modify them as well as the studied frequency in the Terrain Section Properties dialogue. If you do not want to display the clutter along the profile, you can clear the visibility check box of the Clutter Classes folder on the Geo tab. 6. Right-click the Terrain Section tab. The context menu appears.
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management 7. Select Properties. The Terrain Section Properties dialogue appears. 8. In the Terrain Section Properties dialogue, you have the following parameters: Id: The terrain section reference number. Line of Sight (%): The percentage of clearance/penetration of the Fresnel zone. The value can vary between -100 and 100%. A value from -100 to 0% corresponds to the percentage of penetration of the upper half of the Fresnel ellipsoid. A value from 0 to 100% corresponds to the percentage of clearance of the lower half of the Fresnel ellipsoid. Site1: The Site1 name. Site2: The Site2 name. Distance (m): The distance between Site1 and Site2. Pylon 1 Height (m): The pylon height on Site1 to be considered. Pylon 2 Height (m): The pylon height on Site2 to be considered. Frequency (MHz): The frequency to be considered.
9. Click OK to close the dialogue and apply the parameters. If you have previously calculated a LOS report on a site or a group of sites (see "Analysing the Line of Sight Between Candidate Sites" on page 176), proceed as follows: 1. On the map, click the terrain section you want to analyse. 2. Click the Height Profile button ( ) on the toolbar.
3. Atoll opens the Terrain Section tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window. It displays a Fresnel ellipsoid between both sites, and terrain height and clutter along the profile. In order to calculate the Fresnel ellipsoid, Atoll uses the site heights, the k factor value and the frequency used for the LOS report calculation. If you have several terrain sections displayed on the map, you can colour them according to the percentage of clearance/ penetration of the Fresnel zone. 1. Click the Geo tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Terrain Sections folder and select Properties from the context menu. The Terrain Section Properties dialogue appears. 3. Select the Display tab and define the following parameters: Under Display Type, select "Value Intervals." Under Field, select "Visibility". You can change the value intervals and their displayed colour. For information on changing display properties, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 21.
4. Click OK. Then, you can use any terrain section to create a microwave link. 1. On the map, right-click the terrain section you want to use for the microwave link design. 2. Choose the Create Link command in the context menu. Atoll adds the new microwave link in the Links folder; its properties are based on the selected link template.
7.2.2.5
Displaying a 360 View Around One Site

You can display a 360 view around each site. Displaying 360 view around a site helps you to determine if the site is a good candidate and if it is visible from the other sites. To perform a 360 view at any site: 1. Right-click the site either directly on the map or in the Sites folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select 360 View from the context menu. The 360 View tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window opens (see Figure 7.111):
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Figure 7.111: 360 View Tool The 360 View tab shows the points of highest elevations in every direction around the selected site. The altitude (in metres) is reported on the vertical axis and the direction (in ) on the horizontal axis. The height of the studied site is indicated by a blue dotted line. Two purple markers on both sides of the 360 View tab show the pylon height (i.e. the maximum height not to be exceeded if you install an antenna on the site) defined for the studied site. Neighbour sites around the studied one are displayed according to their directions. Each neighbour site is indicated by a vertical red line and its symbol. The line position on the vertical axis depends on the site altitude which includes the Earth curvature. The line lengths and the symbol position on the line depend on the receiver height defined in the 360 View Properties dialogue. If the site is entirely visible from the studied site, the line is solid. If it is entirely hidden by an obstable, the line is dotted. Finally, if a site is partly visible from the studied site, the visible part is represented by a solid line whereas the hidden part is indicated by a dotted line. This representation helps you select a receiver site among neighbours and determine at which height you should install an antenna on the receiver site. Atoll displays the terrain height along the profile as well as clutter classes and clutter heights when the visibility box of the Clutter Classes folder on the Geo tab is selected. Note: The 360 View tab does not display any depth of field.
The 360 View tab provides you with the following options: To center the receiver site in the map window: Click the site in the 360 View tab. The site is automatically selected and centered in the map window. To get information about a receiver site: Place the mouse cursor on the site in the 360 View tab. Atoll displays a tool tip with the following information: The site coordinates (in the display coordinate system), Its distance from the studied site (in m), The direction (in ), The altitude (in m), The curvature of the Earth (in m), The pylon height (in m).
To display the terrain profile between the studied site and the receiver site: Right-click the site in the 360 View tab and select See Terrain Section from the context menu. The Terrain Section tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window opens. To return from the Terrain Section tab to the 360 View tab: Click the 360 View tab in the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window. To view the exact location of a high elevation point in the map window: Click a point on the line indicating the highest elevation points in the 360 View tab. A special pointer ( ) pinpoints the location of the current point in the map window. To get information about a high elevation point: Place the mouse cursor on a point on the line indicating the highest elevation points in the 360 View tab. Atoll displays a tool tip with the following information: The point coordinates (in the display coordinate system), The distance from the studied site (in m), The direction (in ),
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management - The altitude (in m), - The curvature of the Earth (in m), - The clutter height at the point (in m). To configure the 360 view calculation parameters and display options: Right-click the 360 View tab and select 360 View Properties from the context menu. For information on parameters which can be changed, see Changing the Calculation and Display Parameters on page 183. To change the angle of view and the azimuth of the studied site: Click the following buttons available on both sides of the 360 View tab. : Increase the angle of view on the left. : Decrease the angle of view on the left. : Rotate the angle of view on the left. : Increase the angle of view on the right. : Decrease the angle of view on the right : Rotate the angle of view on the right.
Changing the Calculation and Display Parameters

1. Right-click the 360 view tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select 360 View Properties from the context menu. The Line of Sight Parameters dialogue appears. 3. Click the Calculation Parameters tab. 4. Under Height - Transmitter Side and Height - Receiver Side you can select how pylon height will be defined on the transmitter and receiver side of the microwave link, respectively. Select one of the following to define the pylon height for the transmitter and the receiver: Use the pylon height defined by site: If you select Use the pylon height defined by site, Atoll will use the pylon height defined by site for each line of sight. Use the default height: If you select Use the default height, Atoll will use the pylon height you define in the Default Height box.
5. Define the Maximum Distance around the selected site. 6. Under Earth Curvature Factors, define the first k factor value. 7. Under Penetration Condition, define the following parameters: a. Select the Take clutter into account in diffraction check box if you want to use clutter information when calculating diffraction in the line of sight. b. Select one of the following: Line of Sight Clearance: Select Line of Sight Clearance if you want to study the line of sight between the transmitter and receiver sites. Ellipsoid Clearance: Select Ellipsoid Clearance if you want to study the percentage of clearance of the Fresnel ellipsoid. Then, define the percentage of Clearance of the lower half of the Fresnel ellipsoid and select the Frequency band to be considered when calculating the line of sight (the average frequency of the selected frequency band is displayed in the Frequency box).
9. On the Display tab, you can define the following parameters: Pylon Height: When you select this option, Atoll displays two markers on both sides of the window to represent the pylon height defined for the studied site. They are displayed in purple by default. Height of the Selected Site: When you select this option, Atoll displays a horizontal line (a blue dotted line by default) to indicate the height of the selected site. Position of the Other Sites: When you select this option, Atoll displays the position of other sites within the view. Each site is indicated by a vertical line (red by default). Azimuth: Enter the azimuth of the selected site. Beamwidth: Enter the angle of view to be considered. If you enter a beamwidth of 90 and an azimuth of 0, Atoll will display the view between -45 and 45.
10. Click OK.
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7.2.3
Search Tools for New Sites

Atoll provides different tools to find new microwave site locations. You can improve the location of a site, in terms of reception and transmission, by letting Atoll find a higher location for it, as explained in "Moving a Site to a Higher Location" on page 19. You can also let Atoll display the mutually visible areas of multiple sites so as to find good places to create new sites.
Displaying the Mutually Visible Areas of Multiple Sites

Atoll allows you to calculate the line-of-sight areas for several sites and display their intersection. The intersection of lineof-sight areas will be calculated for sites in the computation zone (for information on the computation zone, see "Using a Computation Zone" on page 30). To display the line-of-sight areas of several sites and display their intersection: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Sites folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Line of Sight Report from the context menu. The Line of Sight Parameters dialogue appears. 4. Click the Calculation Parameters tab. 5. Under Height - Transmitter Side, you can select how pylon height will be defined on the transmitter side of each microwave link: Use the pylon height defined by site: If you select Use the pylon height defined by site, Atoll will use the pylon height defined by site. Use the default height: If you select Use the default height, Atoll will use the pylon height you define in the Default Height box.
6. Under Height - Receiver Side, you can select how receiver height will be defined at the far edge of the LOS area: Use heights defined per clutter class: If you select Use heights defined per clutter class, Atoll will use the receiver height defined per clutter class on the Clutter tab of the Line of Sight Parameters dialogue. Use the default height: If you select Use the default height, Atoll will use the receiver height you define in the Default Height box.
7. Define the Maximum Distance around the selected site to be considered in the line-of-sight analysis. 8. Under Earth Curvature Factors, define the first k factor value. 9. Under Penetration Condition, define the following parameters: a. Take clutter into account in diffraction: Select the Take clutter into account in diffraction check box if you want to use clutter information when calculating diffraction in the line of sight. b. Define the type of clearance that will be calculated by selecting one of the following: Line of Sight Clearance: Select Line of Sight Clearance if you want to study the line of sight between the transmitter and receiver sites. Ellipsoid Clearance: Select Ellipsoid Clearance if you want to study the percentage of clearance of the Fresnel ellipsoid and enter the percentage of clearance of the lower half of the Fresnel ellipsoid.
c. Frequency Band: Select the frequency band to be used when calculating the line of sight from the list. The average frequency of the selected frequency band is displayed in the Frequency box. 10. Click the Clutter tab. On the Clutter tab you can set clutter-related parameters that will be used to calculate the line-of-sight area. The settings on the Clutter tab are independent from any clutter parameters you might have set for the propagation model. For each clutter class, you can set the following: Receiver Height: If you want, you can define a receiver height for each clutter class. This is the value that will be taken into consideration if you selected Use heights defined per clutter class under Height - Receiver Side on the Calculation Parameters tab. Clearance: If you want, you can define a clearance around each site for each clutter class. The clearance is used when calculating diffraction. Both ground altitude and clutter height are considered along the whole profile except over a specific distance around the sites (clearance), where Atoll bases its calculations only on the DTM.
11. Click the Display tab. On the Display tab, you can define how the line-of-sight areas will be displayed on the map. You can select one of the following display options: One Area per Site: Select One Area per Site to display a line-of-sight area for each site and then define the colour the line-of-sight areas will be displayed in: Automatic Colour: If you select Automatic Colour, Atoll will automatically assign a different colour to each line-of-sight area, and you will be able to distinguish the line-of-sight areas for each site. Unique Colour: If you select Unique Colour, selecting a colour from the palette, Atoll with display all line-of-sight areas in the same colour, and the resulting display will show the cumulative line-of-sight areas.
Set the transparency of the displayed line-of-sight area, by moving the slider. Overlapping: Select Overlapping to display the line-of-sight areas with coverage from the defined number of sites:
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management Areas covered by at least 2 sites: Check the Areas covered by at least 2 sites check box if you want Atoll to display all areas covered by at least 2 sites in the colour selected from the palette. Areas covered by at least 3 sites: Check the Areas covered by at least 3 sites check box if you want Atoll to display all areas covered by at least 3 sites in the colour selected from the palette. Areas covered by all sites: Check the Areas covered by all sites check box if you want Atoll to display all areas covered by all sites in the colour selected from the palette.
12. Select the Add to Legend check box to add the options defined on the Display tab to the Legend. For information on the Legend window, see "Displaying the Map Legend" on page 29. 13. Click OK. Atoll displays results on the map. To delete the line-of-sight areas: 1. Right-click the Sites folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Delete Line of Sight Areas from the context menu.
7.3
Creating Microwave Links

A microwave radio link, in Atoll, is a point-to-point fixed radio frequency link operating in either simplex or in duplex mode. Duplex operation means that each radio frequency channel consists of a pair of frequencies, one for transmission and one for reception. The baseband signal, containing the user data, occupies a limited bandwidth depending on the modulation scheme used. This baseband signal is modulated onto a radio frequency carrier at the transmission end, and is transmitted over the air as an electromagnetic wavefront. Microwave radio links are designed to operate between 300 MHz and 60 GHz. A microwave link comprises two transmission/reception ends with antennas, transceiver equipment, etc., installed at both. Atoll enables you to manage the microwave link parameters and their activity status globally or individually. A site can support one or more microwave links or passive repeaters. Atoll enables you to create new microwave links by basing them on templates or by setting all the parameters for each new link. In this section, the following are explained: "Definition of a Microwave Link" on page 185. "Creating or Modifying a Microwave Link" on page 188. "Defining Port Parameters" on page 189. "Placing a New Microwave Link Using the Microwave Link Template" on page 190. "Managing Microwave Link Templates" on page 190. "Modifying Microwave Sites and Microwave Links Directly on the Map" on page 191. "Display Tips for Microwave Sites and Links" on page 192. "Checking Data Consistency" on page 192. "Setting the Working Area of an Atoll Document" on page 192.
7.3.1
Definition of a Microwave Link

The parameters of a microwave link can be found in the microwave links Properties dialogue. The Properties dialogue has seven tabs: The General tab: Name: The name of the microwave link. Under Site A: you can set the name of the site defining one extremity of the link. If the extremity of the link is not located exactly on the site, you can modify its position under Antenna Position: Relative to Site: Select this option if you want to enter the antenna position as offsets with respect to the site location, and then enter the x-axis and y-axis offsets, Dx and Dy, respectively. Coordinates: Select this option if you want to enter the coordinates of the antenna position, and then enter the x-axis and y-axis coordinates, X and Y, respectively.
Under Site B: you can set the name of the site defining the other extremity of the link. If the extremity of the link is not located exactly on the site, you can modify its position under Antenna Position: Relative to Site: Select this option if you want to enter the antenna positions as offsets with respect to the site location, and then enter the x-axis and y-axis offsets, Dx and Dy, respectively. Coordinates: Select this option if you want to enter the coordinates of the antenna positions, and then enter the x-axis and y-axis coordinates, X and Y, respectively.
In Atoll, "A" is the site of departure and "B" is the site of arrival. Frequency band: The working frequency band of the microwave link. Length: The calculated length. Repeater P: The name of a passive repeater on the link. Repeater Q: The name of a second passive repeater on the link. Activity: The microwave link activity status. Only active microwave links are considered in reliability and interference analysis. Comments: Any comment about the microwave link.
The Radio tab:
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Atoll User Manual A>>B and B>>A: The direction of the microwave link (A>>B: transmission from Site A to Site B, B>>A: transmission from Site B to Site A). Select both options to make the microwave link bidirectional (i.e., to allow communication in both ways). Under Antennas, you can define antennas and characteristics for the both sites of the link Model: The antenna model. By default, Atoll lists antennas that operate in the frequency band defined for the microwave link. If you want, you can apply an additional filter by clicking the button ( ) beside the
antenna model field. When the filter is active, the appearance of the button changes ( ). In this case, Atoll proposes in the list antennas compatible with the selected equipment as defined in the Antenna/ Equipment Compatibility table. Height/Ground: The antenna height with respect to the ground (in metres). Polarisation: The polarisation of the antenna to be used. This parameter helps Atoll determine which antenna pattern diagrams to use for calculations. Az./Direct Ray: The azimuth with respect to the direct ray between the both extremities. Tilt./Direct Ray: The tilt with respect to the direct ray between the both extremities. Diversity Ant: You can define if a diversity antenna is used at either site to improve reception. Separation: The distance between the main and the diversity antennas when space diversity is used on the site. Model: You can select a piece of equipment. By default, Atoll lists equipment that operates in the frequency band defined for the microwave link. If you want, you can apply an additional filter by clicking the button ( ) beside the antenna model field. When the filter is active, the appearance of the button changes
Under Equipment, you can define equipment related parameters for the both sites of the link: -
( ). In this case, Atoll proposes in the list equipment compatible with the selected antenna as defined in the Antenna/Equipment Compatibility table. Maximum Power: The maximum power that the equipment can transmit. This parameter is taken from the equipment properties. Tuning: Define a value different from 0 dB if you do not want to transmit at maximum power. Nominal power: The output power after tuning. ATPC: The power reserve used to increase the transmitted signal when it rains. This parameter can be defined for biderectional links only. The value cannot exceed the Max ATPC value defined for the equipment. ATPC value is considered in reliability and interference analysis only if power control is on. For information on taking power control into consideration, see "Global Parameters" on page 156. Coordinated Power: The output power taken into account in calculations when power control is on. XPIC System: Select this option if the microwave link uses XPIC (Cross Polarisation Interference Canceller). Sub-Band: The frequency sub-band. By default, Atoll lists all frequency sub-bands available for the microwave link frequency band. If you want, you can apply an additional filter by clicking the button ( ) beside the frequency sub-band field. When the filter is active, the appearance of the button changes ( ). In this case, Atoll provides in the list the sub-band, whose frequency spacing corresponds to the standardised channel bandwidth calculated for the installed equipment. Frequency: The frequency on which the signal is transmitted. This value is used when no sub-band is defined. By default, it equals the central frequency of the frequency band. Half-band: Define which half-band (either the upper or the lower half-band) is assigned to the site. Channels: The channel(s) allocated to the site. The corresponding frequency is indicated in brackets. Channel(s) can be selected only after choosing a frequency sub-band. Port Settings: Click the Port Settings button to configure channel(s) in detail. The Ports Definition dialogue appears. You can configure the channels, transmission and reception port numbers, values for transmission and reception attenuation, the polarisation and the channel port status. The number of ports you can define depends on the system configuration of the selected equipment and cannot exceed n+m (where "n" is the number of channels in normal use and "m" is the number of channels available as standby channels). For further information on port settings, see "Defining Port Parameters" on page 189. Note: Ports have to be configured if you use dual polarized antennas, radio equipment with 1+1 configuration and hot standby, or frequency diversity. For other configurations, port settings is not mandatory; you can define either the frequency or the sub-band and channels.
Under Frequencies, you can define the following parameters: -
The Connections tab: Under Waveguides and Cables, you can select up to two waveguides. For each of them, you can define if it is used either for transmission or reception only, or for both transmission and reception directions and select the waveguide model. By default, Atoll lists waveguides that operate in the frequency band defined for the microwave link. If you want, you can apply an additional filter by clicking the button ( model field. When the filter is active, the appearance of the button changes ( ) beside the antenna
). In this case, Atoll proposes
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management in the list, waveguides compatible with the selected antenna and equipment as defined in the Antenna/ Waveguide Compatibility and Antenna/Equipment Compatibility tables. You can also enter the length of each waveguide. Atoll displays the attenuation. Under Connection Losses, you can define additional losses to be taken into account on transmission, reception, or on both transmission and reception. You can also add a Shielding Factor. Current Methods: Under Current Methods, you can see the calculation methods used to analyse the microwave link quality and availability. The methods displayed are those set on the Models tab of the Microwave Radio Links Properties dialogue. For more information, see "Global Parameters" on page 156. The geoclimatic parameters available depend on the selected quality and availability methods. To access all geoclimatic parameters whatever the methods you have selected, click the Display All button available under Current Methods. The different geoclimatic parameters are described below: Atmospheric and Climatic Conditions: Under Atmospheric and Climatic Conditions, you can define the conditions under which the microwave operates: Climatic Zone: Select the climatic zone that best describes the climate in which the microwave link operates. The climatic zones available depend on the calculation methods selected in the Models tab of the Microwave Radio Links Properties dialogue. When using Crane as the availability calculation method, you can select the following climatic zones:
The Geoclimatic tab: -
Climatic Zone
Polar (Dry) Polar (Moderate) Cold (Dry) Temperate Continental (Dry) Subtropical Arid (Dry) Cold (Moderate) Temperate Continental (Moderate) Temperate Continental (Wet) Temperate Maritime Subtropical Wet Tropical Moderate Tropical
Type
Crane Global Rain Zone

A B
Dry
B1 D1 F B2 D2 D3 C E G H
Continental Continental humid
Humid
When using Vigants-Barnett as the quality calculation method, you can choose between Warm and Humid, Temperate and Dry. Temperature: Set the average temperature of the zone in which the microwave link operates. Clicking the button ( ) beside the Temperature text box opens a dialogue where you can select the temperature based on Rec. ITU-R P.1510-0, ITU-R P.835-3 (and select a season), or the temperature set in the geoclimatic file. For more information on the geoclimatic file, see "Geoclimatic Maps" on page 108. Rec. ITU-R P.530: The parameters found under Rec. ITU-R P.530 are those recommended by ITU-R P.530 to calculate the quality of the microwave link: Water Vapour Density: Set the water vapour density in grams per cubic metre. Clicking the button ( ) beside the Water Vapour Density text box opens a dialogue where you can select the water vapour density based on Rec. ITU-R P.836-3 (and select the percentage of the average year where the defined water vapour density is exceeded), or based on Rec. ITU-R P.835-3 (and select a season), or the water vapour density set in the geoclimatic file. For more information on the geoclimatic file, see "Geoclimatic Maps" on page 108. The dialogue also displays the water vapour pressure in hectopascals (hPa) calculated using your data and based on Rec. ITU-R P.836-3. Rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year: Set the rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year (or, in other words, the rainfall observed 99.99% of the average year). Clicking the button ( ) beside the Rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year text box opens a dialogue where you can select the rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year based on Rec. ITU-R P.837-4 or the rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year set in the geoclimatic file. For more information on the geoclimatic file, see "Geoclimatic Maps" on page 108. Atmospheric Pressure: Set the atmospheric pressure in grams per cubic metre. Clicking the button ( ) beside the Atmospheric Pressure text box opens a dialogue where you can select the atmospheric pressure based on Rec. ITU-R P.835-3 (and select a season), or the atmospheric pressure set in the geoclimatic file. For more information on the geoclimatic file, see "Geoclimatic Maps" on page 108. Relative Humidity: The Relative Humidity displayed is calculated using the defined water vapour density. Rec. ITU-R P.530-12: Under ITU-R P.530-12, you can enter the Rain Height (0C Isotherm) in metres. The rain height is the height of the top of the rain column above mean sea level from the 0C isotherm.
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Atoll User Manual Clicking the button ( ) beside the Rain Height text box opens a dialogue where you can select the rain height based on Rec. ITU-R P.839-3 (and select a season), or the rain height set in the geoclimatic file. For more information on the geoclimatic file, see "Geoclimatic Maps" on page 108. Refractivity: Under Refractivity, you can define the Refractivity gradient near the earths surface in N-units per km. Clicking the button ( ) beside the Refractivity gradient near the earths surface text box opens a dialogue where you can select the refractivity gradient based on Rec. ITU-R P.453-9, using a userdefined reference altitude, or the refractivity gradient for less than 65 m., as well as the percentage of the year that N is not exceeded, or the refractivity gradient set in the geoclimatic file. For more information on the geoclimatic file, see "Geoclimatic Maps" on page 108. Under Refractivity, the k factor median value, calculated using the set parameters, is displayed. Geoclimatic Factor: The parameters under Geoclimatic Factor are used to calculate the quality of the microwave link and are broken down by calculation method. Under Geoclimatic Factor, you can set the following parameters: ITU-R P.530-5, -8 and Vigants-Barnett: Under ITU-R P.530-5, -8 and Vigants-Barnett, you can select the Terrain Type. The terrain types available depend on the calculation methods selected on the Models tab of the Microwave Radio Links Properties dialogue. If you are using ITU-R P.530-5 or 530-8 methods, you can choose between "Open Areas" for terrestrial microwave links where the height of the lowest antenna in the link is lower than 700 m, "Mountain" for terrestrial microwave links where the height of the lowest antenna in the link is higher than 700 m, "Lake" for microwave links over an expanse of water and "Overwater" for microwave links over an extended expanse of water. If you are using using the VigantsBarnett method, you can choose between "Flat Terrain", "Average Terrain" and "Montainous Terrain". ITU-R P.530-5, -8: Under ITU-R P.530-5, -8, you can define the PL factor. PL is the percent of time the relative refractivity gradient is less than -100 NKm. The PL factor can be found on the ITU-R maps. K.Q. Method: Under K.Q. Method, you can define K.Q. for the K.Q method. K models geo-climatic and terrain effects on climate while Q is the factor for variables other than those dependent on distance and frequency. ITU-R P.530: Under ITU-R P.530, you can define the K factor. K models geo-climatic and terrain effects on climate. Clicking the button ( ) beside the K text box opens a dialogue where you can select the K factor based on Rec. ITU-R P. 530-5 or Rec. ITU-R P. 530-8 (and select a terrain type and enter a value for C0 and for the percentage of time the refractivity gradient (< 100 m.) is less than -100 N-unitskm for the worst average month) or based on Rec. ITU-R P. 530-10 and above (and select the simplified method where you also define the refractivity gradient (< 65 m.) not exceeded during 1% of the average year or select the method with terrain roughness taken into account where you define the refractivity gradient and the terrain roughness). Vigants-Barnett: Parameters available under Vigants-Barnett depend on the option selected on the Models tab of the Microwave Radio Links Properties dialogue. If you select the User-defined option under Multipath Occurence, you can enter the C factor value, the propagation condition factor for Vigants-Barnett method. If you select the Simplified Method option, Atolldisplays the C factor value corresponding to the defined climate zone. If you select the Terrain-based Method option, Atoll displays the C factor value corresponding to the defined climate zone and lets you define whether you want to take the terrain roughness into account.
The Reliability tab: Link Class: Under Link Class, you can select the link class. Each link class can have different performance objectives. By assigning the link class with the appropriate performance objectives, you assign the performance objectives to the link. For information on creating a link class, see "Microwave Link Classes" on page 154. Clicking the Browse button ( ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected link class.
Clicking the Objectives button opens a dialogue where you can view and modify the performance objectives of the selected link class. Bit Error Rate: Under Bit Error Rate, you can set the values for BER 1 and BER 2. Atoll displays the resulting sensitivity for each BER.
The Propagation tab, you can define propagation-related parameters: - Model used for the useful signal: Under Model used for the useful signal, you can select the propagation model that will be used to calculate the path loss as well as the margin required for quality and availability for the microwave link. If no propagation model is selected, the quality and availability of the link will be defined by the respective target values defined in the link class. - Model used for the interfering signal: Under Model used for the interfering signal, you can select the propagation model that will be used to calculate interference. The Display tab, you can define the appearance of the microwave link and its extremities.
7.3.2
Creating or Modifying a Microwave Link

You can modify an existing microwave link or you can create a new microwave link. You can access the properties of a microwave link, described in "Definition of a Microwave Link" on page 185, through the microwave links Properties
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management dialogue. How you access the Properties dialogue depends on whether you are creating a new microwave link or modifying an existing microwave link. To create or modify a microwave link: 1. If you are creating a new microwave link: a. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. b. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
c. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. d. Select New from the context menu. The Links New Element Properties dialogue appears. 2. If you are modifying the properties of an existing site: a. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. b. Click the Expand button ( c. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. ) to expand the Links folder.
d. Right-click the microwave link you want to modify. The context menu appears. e. Select Properties from the context menu. The microwave links Properties dialogue appears. 3. Modify the parameters described in "Definition of a Microwave Link" on page 185. 4. Click OK.
7.3.3
Defining Port Parameters

In Atoll, ports are used to configure channel(s) in detail. They have to be defined if you use dual polarized antennas, radio equipment with 1+1 configuration and hot standby, or frequency diversity. For other configurations, port settings is not mandatory; you can define either a frequency or the channels used. You can configure port parameters for an individual microwave link or for all microwave links. To define port parameters for a single microwave link: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( 3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. ) to expand the Links folder.
4. Right-click the microwave link whose port parameters you want to define. The context menu appears. 5. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 6. Select the Radio tab. 7. Under Frequencies, select a Sub-Band for the SiteA of the microwave link. 8. Click Apply. Additional parameters appear. 9. Defined the Half-band used on SiteA. 10. Click the Port Parameter Settings button. The Ports Definition dialogue appears. 11. Define the following parameters for each channel transmitted in one direction: Channel: The channel number. The corresponding frequency is indicated in brackets. Tx port: The port number for the transmitting equipment. The number must be from 1 to 10. Rx port: The port number for the receiving equipment. The number must be from 1 to 10. Transmission Attenuation: The transmission attenuation in dB. Reception Attenuation: The reception attenuation in dB. Polarisation: The signal polarisation. Status: Either select "Main" if the channel is active (channel "n"), "Standby" for a standby channel (channel "m"), "Diversity" if it is used for frequency diversity. In case of frequency diversity, two channels with diversity status are required.
The number of ports you can define depends on the system configuration of the selected equipment and cannot exceed n+m. After defining the configuration for one direction, you can define the opposite direction by clicking the Initialise Symmetrically button. 12. Click OK. The Ports Definition dialogue closes. 13. Click OK. To define port parameters for all microwave links: 1. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Ports > Open table. The table opens. Define the following parameters: Link: the name of the microwave link.
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Atoll User Manual Way: the link direction (AB or BA). Channel: the channel number. The corresponding frequency is indicated in brackets. Tx port: the port number for the transmitting equipment. The number must be from 1 to 10. Rx port: the port number for the receiving equipment. The number must be from 1 to 10. Transmission Attenuation: the transmission attenuation in dB. Reception Attenuation: the reception losses attenuation in dB. Polarisation: the signal polarisation. Status: Either select "Main" if the channel is active (channel "n"), "Standby" for a standby channel (channel "m"), "Diversity" if it is used for frequency diversity. In case of frequency diversity, two channels with diversity status are required.
7.3.4
Placing a New Microwave Link Using the Microwave Link Template

With Atoll, you can create new microwave links based on link templates. This allows you to build your network quickly with consistent parameters. You can create a microwave link in the following ways: Directly on the map between new or existing sites using a link template, On two existing sites using a link template,
To place a microwave link directly on the map using a link template: 1. In the Microwave toolbar, select a link template from the list. 2. Click the arrow next to New Link button ( ) on the Microwave toolbar. ).
3. Select Using The Mouse On The Map from the menu. The pointer changes (
The sites that define the extremities of a microwave link can be already existing sites or Atoll will create new sites automatically at the location you clicked on the map. Each site in Atoll can support several microwave links, transmitters, and passive repeaters. 4. If you are placing a new microwave link on two new sites: a. Click once on the map to indicate the location of the first end of the link. The pointer now changes ( b. Click again on the map to indicate the location of the other end of the link. 5. If you are placing a new microwave link on two existing sites: a. In the map window, click the site that you would like to use as one extremity of the microwave link. The site is now one extremity of the microwave link. The pointer now changes ( ). ).
b. Move the pointer to the site that you would like to use as the other extremity of the microwave link and click it. The microwave link is now created between the two sites. To create a microwave link on two existing sites using a link template: 1. In the Microwave toolbar, select a link template from the list. 2. Click the arrow next to New Link button ( ) on the Microwave toolbar.
3. Select Between Sites from the menu. The Link Creation dialogue appears. 4. In the Link Creation dialogue, define the following parameters: Model: the link template you want to use in order to create the microwave link. Site A: the name of the site defining one extremity of the link. Site B: the name of the site defining the other extremity of the link.
5. Click OK. By default, Atoll names the newly created microwave links in the following manner: SiteX SiteY, where SiteX is the name of the start site (existing or newly created) and SiteY is the name of the end site (existing or newly created).
7.3.5
Managing Microwave Link Templates

Atoll comes with microwave link templates, but you can also create and modify microwave link templates. The tools for working with microwave link templates can be found on the Microwave toolbar (see Figure 7.112).
Figure 7.112: The Microwave toolbar In this section, the following are explained: "Creating or Modifying a Microwave Link Template" on page 191 "Adding a Field to a Microwave Link Template" on page 191 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited Forsk 2010
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management "Deleting a Microwave Link Template" on page 191
7.3.5.1
Creating or Modifying a Microwave Link Template

You can create a link template based on an existing microwave link. To create a link template based on an existing microwave link 1. Right-click the microwave link you want to use as template in the Map window. The context menu appears. 2. Select Save As A Template from the context menu. The new link template has the same parameters as the microwave link it is based on. It is available in the list of the Microwave toolbar. You can also create a link template based on a link template selected in the Link Template Properties dialogue. The new link template has the same parameters as the one it is based on. Therefore, by selecting the existing link template that most closely resembles the link template you want to create, you can create a new template by only modifying the parameters that differ. As well, you can modify the properties of any link template. To create a link template based on an existing link template or modify a link template: 1. In the Microwave toolbar, click the arrow to the right of the list. 2. Select Manage Templates from the list. The Link Template Properties dialogue appears. 3. You can now create a new link template or modify an existing one: To create a new link template: Under Available Templates, select the link template that most closely resembles the link template you want to create and click Add. The Properties dialogue appears. To modify an existing link template: Under Available Templates, select the link template whose properties you want to modify and click Properties. The Properties dialogue appears.
4. For information on the fields available in the open window, see "Modifying Microwave Sites and Microwave Links Directly on the Map" on page 191. 5. Click OK. The new link template will be available in the template menu.
7.3.5.2
Adding a Field to a Microwave Link Template

To add, modify or delete a field in the link templates: 1. In the Radio toolbar, click the arrow to the right of the list. 2. Select Manage Templates from the list. The Link Template Properties dialogue appears. 3. Click the Fields button. 4. In the dialogue that appears, click the Add button to add a field, the Properties button to modify properties, or the Delete button to delete a user-defined field. 5. Click OK. Note: If you add a field to the link templates, you must add an equivalent field to the Sites table or the field will not be taken into account.
7.3.5.3
Deleting a Microwave Link Template

To delete a link template: 1. In the Radio toolbar, click the arrow to the right of the list. 2. Select Manage Templates from the list. The Link Template Properties dialogue appears. 3. Under Available Templates, select the template you want to delete. 4. Click the Delete button. The link template is deleted. 5. Click OK.
7.3.6
Modifying Microwave Sites and Microwave Links Directly on the Map

In Atoll, you can access the Properties dialogue of a site or link using the context menu on the Data tab of the Explorer window. However, in a complex radio-planning project, it can be difficult to find the data object on the Data tab, although it might be visible in the map window. Atoll lets you access the Properties dialogue of sites and links directly from the map. If there is more than one link between the same sites or if there are two sites in close proximity, clicking them in the map window opens a context menu allowing you to select one link or site. You can also change the position of the site by dragging it, or by letting Atoll find a higher location for it.
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Atoll User Manual Modifying sites and links directly on the map is explained in detail in "Chapter 1: The Working Environment": "Displaying the Properties of an Object" on page 18 "Selecting One of Several Microwave Links" on page 19 "Moving a Site Using the Mouse" on page 19 "Moving a Site to a Higher Location" on page 19 "Changing the Azimuth of the Antenna Using the Mouse" on page 19 "Changing the Antenna Position Relative to the Site Using the Mouse" on page 20 "Selecting Another Site for the Link Extremity Using the Mouse" on page 20.
7.3.7
Display Tips for Microwave Sites and Links

Atoll allows to you to display information about microwave links in a number of different ways. This enables you not only to display selected information, but also to distinguish microwave links at a glance. The following tools can be used to display information about microwave links: Label: You can display information about each object, such as each site or microwave link, in the form of a label that is displayed with the object. You can display information from every field in that object types data table, including from fields that you add. The label is always displayed, so you should choose information that you would want to always be visible; too much information will lead to a cluttered display. For information on defining the label, see "Defining the Object Type Label" on page 23. Tooltips: You can display information about each object, such as each site or microwave link, in the form of a tooltip that is only visible when you move the pointer over the object. You can choose to display more information than in the label, because the information is only displayed when you move the pointer over the object. You can display information from every field in that object types data table, including from fields that you add. For information on defining the tooltips, see "Defining the Object Type Tip Text" on page 24. Microwave link colour: You can set the microwave link colour to display information about the microwave link. For example, you can select "Discrete Values" to distinguish microwave links by frequency bands, or to distinguish inactive from active microwave links. For information on defining the microwave link colour, see "Defining the Display Type" on page 22.
7.3.8
Checking Data Consistency

You can perform an audit of the microwave link network. The audit allows you to verify the consistency and validity of some data. To perform an audit of the microwave link network: 1. Select Tools > Data Audit > Microwave Data Check from the context menu. The Microwave Data Check dialogue appears. 2. In the Microwave Data Check dialogue, define the parameters of the audit: Frequency Consistency: Select this check box if you want the audit to verify: Frequency band definition: The minimum frequency must be lower than the maximum frequency. Frequency sub-band definition: The frequency band must be defined, excluded channels must belong to the list of channels and at least one channel must be available. Link definition: at least one direction must be selected, the frequency defined must be within the frequency band limits, the number of channels must not exceed the number of channels allowed by the equipment, the channels must belong to the selected frequency sub-band, the frequency band of antennas, equipment, waveguides and frequency sub-band must be the same as the link frequency band and, the antenna vertical and horizontal patterns must be correctly aligned at the extremities (Antenna patterns are correctly aligned when the horizontal pattern attenuation at 0 is the same as the vertical pattern attenuation at the pattern electrical tilt angle, and when the horizontal pattern attenuation at 180 is the same as the vertical pattern attenuation at the 180 less the pattern electrical tilt angle. Pattern attenuations are considered the same if they differ less than 1 dB.)
Undefined Records: Select this check box if you want the audit to verify if there are undefined multi-hops (i.e., multi-hops with no link), undefined point-to-multipoints (i.e., point-to-multipoints with no link), or unused repeaters. Other (XPIC, Antenna Separation, etc.): Select this check box if you want the audit to verify that: XPIFvalue of the equipment is a non-zero value when XPIC system is used on a link. Antenna separation is a non-zero value when space diversity is used on a link.
List All Verifications: Select this check box if you want to display all verifications performed in addition to detected inconsistencies.
3. Click OK to perform the audit. Atoll displays the results of the audit in the Events Viewer.
7.3.9
Setting the Working Area of an Atoll Document

When you load project data from a database, you will probably only modify the data in the region for which you are responsible. For example, a complex microwave link planning project may cover an entire region or even an entire country. You, however, might be responsible for the planning for only one city. In such a situation, doing engineering and interference studies that calculate the entire network would not only take a lot of time, it is not necessary. Consequently, you can restrict
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management engineering and interference studies to the sites and microwave links that you are interested in and generate only the results you need. In Atoll, there are two ways of restricting the number of sites and microwave links studied, each with its own advantages: Filtering the desired sites and microwave links You can simplify the selection of sites and microwave links to be studied by using a filter. You can filter sites and microwave links according to one or more fields, or you can create an advanced filter by combining several criteria in several fields. You can create a graphic filter by either using an existing vector polygon or creating a new vector polygon. For information on graphic filters, see "Filtering Data Using a Filtering Zone" on page 71. This enables you to keep only the sites and microwave links with the characteristics you want to study. For information on filtering, see "Filtering Data" on page 62. Setting a computation zone Drawing a computation zone to encompass the sites and microwave links to be studied, limits the number of sites and microwave links to be calculated, which in turn reduces the time necessary for calculations. For information on computation zones, see "Using a Computation Zone" on page 30. You can combine a computation zone and a filter, in order to create a very precise selection of the sites and microwave links to be studied. In addition, it is possible to set a focus zone in order to filter the results displayed in reports (link budgets, interference). For information on focus zones, see "Using a Focus Zone" on page 31.
7.4
Analysing the Path Profile

Microwave links can be analysed in terms of the terrain and clutter profile between the two extremities in Atoll. In this section, the following are explained: "Displaying the Path Profile" on page 193. "Determining Microwave Link Antenna Heights" on page 200. "Adding a Microwave Passive Repeater" on page 201.
7.4.1
Displaying the Path Profile

In this section, the following are explained: "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. "Studying Microwave Link Clearance" on page 194. "Managing Microwave Link Profile Display Options" on page 194. "Zooming In on the Profile" on page 194. "Printing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 195. "Displaying Microwave Link Clearance Values Along the Profile" on page 195. "Modifying Microwave Link Profile Values" on page 197
7.4.1.1
Viewing a Microwave Link Profile

In Atoll, you can make a profile analysis of a microwave link. Before studying a microwave link, you must configure its antennas, equipment, its frequency band, and the propagation model you want to use. You can make a microwave link profile analysis using the Profile tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window. To open the Profile tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window: 1. Right-click the microwave link either directly on the map, or from the Links folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Engineering > Profile Analysis from the context menu. You can also open Profile tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window using the Profile Analysis button ( the toolbar. ) in
The Profile tab provides an interactive real-time display of the microwave link profile from site A to site B or vice versa. It includes any passive repeaters composing the link. The altitude (in metres) is reported on the vertical axis and the distance on the horizontal axis. A blue ellipsoid indicates the Fresnel zone between the transmitter and the receiver sites, with a green line indicating the line of sight (LOS). Atoll displays the terrain height along the profile as well as clutter classes and clutter heights when the visibility check box of the Clutter Classes folder on the Geo tab is selected. If you do not want to display the clutter along the profile, you can clear the visibility check box of the Clutter Classes folder on the Geo tab. Along the profile, if the signal meets an obstacle, this causes attenuation with diffraction displayed by a black vertical line (if the propagation model used takes diffraction into account). The main peak is the one that intersects the Fresnel ellipsoid the most. The diffraction attenuation is displayed above the peak. When a repeater is inserted on the link, it is displayed in the profile tab by a vertical line in the profile. At the top of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window, you can select which part of the profile you want to display: Site A ==> Site P Site P ==> Site B Site B ==> Site P
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Atoll User Manual Site P ==> Site A Site A ==> Site B (profile "broken" at Site P) Site B ==> Site A (profile "broken" at Site P)
When a second repeater (Q) is inserted on the link, the profile display options include Site Q as well. You can left-click the Link button in the Profile tab and choose from the context menu: Properties to open the microwave link property dialogue.
7.4.1.2
Studying Microwave Link Clearance

The Profile tab allows you to display the clearance along the entire link profile. When displaying the clearance, you can hide or display the Fresnel zones between the two extremities of the microwave link. To hide or display the Fresnel zones: 1. Open the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Select the microwave link to analyse. 3. Right-click the window where the profile is displayed. The context menu appears. 4. Select Display Fresnel ellipsoids from the context menu. You can view the microwave link profile with two different values of the earth curvature factor (k factor). These values can be set through the advanced options available by clicking the button ( ) opposite the Link list. Atoll displays the clearance (%) and the penetration of the Fresnel zone for each value of k. In addition, it indicates the tilts/direct ray, the azimuths, and the angles of incidence for both antennas. The first Fresnel ellipsoid corresponding to the first k value is shown in blue, while the second related to the second k value is shown in red. You can also display another Fresnel ellipsoid when a secondary antenna is installed at the receiver. If there are obstructions in the path of the microwave link that introduce losses, a green coloured line is drawn from the transmitter to the first obstacles highest point. A perpendicular from the horizontal axis is also drawn to mark the obstacle that introduces the highest loss in the link, and the loss from this obstacle is displayed on the top of this perpendicular. A common mode of operation would be to display the first Fresnel zone at 100% and the second at 60% so as to depict the minimum clearance requirement directly on the profile. To manage the display of Fresnel ellipsoids, both first and second, you have to access the Display options dialogue for the profile and modify these parameters. Here, it is also possible to modify the antenna heights at both extremities manually and automatically, this feature is described in detail in the Optimising microwave link antenna heights section. Note: When 100% of the Fresnel ellipsoid is displayed, the clearance is referred to as F, F1 for the first k factor value and F2 for the second one. When the percentage of the Fresnel ellipsoid is different from 100%, the clearance is referred to as F, F1 for the first k factor value and F2 for the second one.
7.4.1.3
Managing Microwave Link Profile Display Options

The Profile tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool enables you to manage parameters that affect the display of the profile. To open the microwave link profile display options window: 1. Open the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Select the microwave link to analyse. 3. Right-click the window where the profile is displayed. The context menu appears. 4. Select Display Options from the context menu. The Profile Display Options dialogue appears. 5. On the Display tab, you can manage the horizontal and vertical axes graduations and the manner in which the curvature of the Earth is displayed. 6. On the Ellipsoid and Antenna Beamwidth tab, you can define the percentages of the first and second Fresnel ellipsoids to be shown, and whether you want to display the antenna beamwidths for transmitter and receiver sites. 7. On the Reflection tab, you can define whether the reflections should be displayed or not, and reflection paths you want to display, either the unobstructed reflection paths only or both obstructed and unobstructed ones. 8. Click OK.
7.4.1.4
Zooming In on the Profile

Atoll enables you to zoom in on the profile.
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management To zoom in on the Profile: 1. Open the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Select the microwave link to analyse. 3. Right-click the window where the profile is displayed. The context menu appears. 4. Select Zoom In from the context menu. 5. Click in the profile on one of the four corners of the area you want to select. 6. Drag to the opposite corner. When you release the mouse button, Atoll zooms in on the selected area. To restore the initial profile: 1. Open the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Select the microwave link to analyse. 3. Right-click the window where the profile is displayed. The context menu appears. 4. Select Actual Size (1:1) from the context menu.
7.4.1.5
Printing a Microwave Link Profile

You can print a microwave link profile. To print the content of the Profile tab: 1. Open the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Select the microwave link to analyse. 3. Right-click the window where the profile is displayed. The context menu appears. 4. Select Print from the context menu. 5. Click OK to print.
7.4.1.6
Displaying Microwave Link Clearance Values Along the Profile

You can display the clearance values of a microwave link using either the Profile tab or the Values tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool. In this section, the following are described: "Using the Profile Tab to Display Data of Each Point" on page 195 "Using the Values Tab to Display Data of Each Point" on page 196
7.4.1.6.1
Using the Profile Tab to Display Data of Each Point

You can use the Profile tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool to display details on each point along the microwave link profile. Atoll displays the details in a separate window. To display the details on a point of a microwave link profile: 1. Open the Profile tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Select the microwave link to analyse. 3. Right-click the window where the profile is displayed to open its context menu. 4. Select Display the current point information from the context menu. A separate window opens displaying details of the selected point. (see Figure 7.113). 5. Move the pointer along the profile. The window displays the following information for each selected point along the profile: Distance: The distance from the transmitting site. Total Height: The altitude of the ground level more the clutter height. Distance up to Optical Path: The clearance of the Fresnel ellipsoid for the first k factor value. This value is relative to the line of sight and corresponds to the difference of height between the line of sight and the current point. Fresnel Ellipsoid Radius: The radius of the Fresnel ellipsoid for the first k factor value. Pointer Altitude (z): The altitude of the pointer.
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Figure 7.113: Microwave Link Analysis window Profile tab As as you drag the pointer along the profile in the Microwave Link Analysis window, the pointer changes ( ) to indicate the location of the current point along the profile in the map window. When you place the pointer on this special cursor, the following information appears in a tool tip: Coordinates: The cursor coordinates given in the display coordinate system. Distance: The distance from the transmitting site, Total Height: The altitude of the ground level more the clutter height, Clearance: The clearance of the Fresnel ellipsoid for the first k factor value. This value is relative to the line of sight and corresponds to the difference of height between the line of sight and the current point, Fresnel Ellipsoid Radius: The radius of the Fresnel ellipsoid for the first k factor value, Pointer Altitude (z): The altitude of the pointer
7.4.1.6.2
Using the Values Tab to Display Data of Each Point

You can use the Values tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool to view all the profile analysis data for each selected point along the microwave link profile. Values tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool to display details on each point along the microwave link profile. Atoll displays the details in a separate window. To display the profile data using the Values tab: 1. Right-click the microwave link either directly on the map, or from the Links folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Engineering > Values from the context menu. You can also access the Values tab by opening the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window and clicking the Values tab. The Values tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window displays the following values for each point along the profile: Distance (m): the distance from the transmitting site, Height (m): the altitude of the ground level (from DTM files), Clutter: the clutter class, Clutter Height (m): the clutter height from clutter height files if available or from clutter class file, Category: the clutter category assigned to each clutter class when configuring the propagation model, Fresnel Radius (m): the radius of the Fresnel ellipsoid for the first k factor value Clearance (m): the clearance of the Fresnel ellipsoid for the first k factor value. This value is relative to the line of sight and corresponds to the difference of height between the line of sight and the current point, Ellipsoid Penetration (%): the penetration of the current point in the lower half of the Fresnel ellipsoid (percentage of the ellipsoid radius penetrated by the current point). This value is relative to the bottom of the Fresnel ellipsoid and is given for the first k factor value.
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Figure 7.114: Penetration and clearance values on the Values tab
7.4.1.7
Modifying Microwave Link Profile Values

The geographic details provided on the Values tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool are stored in a table. The resolution of the information given depends on the resolution of the geographic data: information is given every X metres, where X is the highest resolution of clutter class and DTM maps. You can modify some profile values at any point along the profile and immediately check the impact of these modifications in the Profile tab. In this section, the following are explained: "Editing Profile Values" on page 197 "Displaying Reflection and Vegetation Zones" on page 198 "Copying and Pasting Profile Values" on page 199 "Exporting Profile Values" on page 199 "Importing Profile Values" on page 199 "Saving the Edited Profile Values" on page 199 "Refreshing the Profile Values" on page 199
7.4.1.7.1
Editing Profile Values

Some values (e.g., the altitude, the clutter class, the clutter height and the clutter category) can be edited in the table or using the mouse. To edit the profile values in the table: 1. Open the Values tab as explained in "Using the Values Tab to Display Data of Each Point" on page 196. 2. Edit the content of the table by entering the value directly in the field. You can edit the following columns: Altitude: The altitude (DTM) Clutter: The clutter class Clutter Height: The clutter height Category: The clutter category.
3. Click elsewhere in the table when you have finished updating the table. To edit profile values using the mouse: 1. Open the Values tab as explained in "Using the Values Tab to Display Data of Each Point" on page 196. 2. Click the Edit button. The Value tab displays a table and a profile view (see Figure 7.115).
Figure 7.115: The Values tab when editing. 3. Right-click the profile view. Forsk 2010 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited
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Atoll User Manual 4. Select Zoom In from the context menu. 5. In the profile, click one of the four corners of the area you want to select. 6. Drag to the opposite corner and release the mouse button. Atoll zooms in on the selected area. 7. Select one of the following columns in the table: Altitude: Select Altitude if you want to edit ground altitudes (see Figure 7.116).
Figure 7.116: Ground in edit mode. i. Click the point you want to edit. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Drag the point to its new altitude. Clutter Height: Select Clutter Height if you want to edit clutter heights (see Figure 7.117).
Figure 7.117: Clutter heights in edit mode. i. Click the point you want to edit. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Drag the point to its new clutter height. Clutter: Select Clutter if you want to edit clutter classes (see Figure 7.118). The clutter classes are displayed with lines separating the clutter classes if clutter heights are defined or with points if clutter heights are not defined.
Figure 7.118: Clutter classes in edit mode. i. Click the line or point. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Drag the line or point to change the area with the corresponding clutter class. Category: Select Category if you want to edit clutter categories (see Figure 7.119). You can see lines separating the clutter categories.
Figure 7.119: Clutter categories in edit mode. i. Click the line. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Drag the line to change the area with the corresponding clutter category.
7.4.1.7.2
Displaying Reflection and Vegetation Zones

When you are editing the profile as explained in "Editing Profile Values" on page 197, you can view reflection areas and vegetation zones.
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management To display reflection areas and vegetation zones: 1. Open the Values tab as explained in "Using the Values Tab to Display Data of Each Point" on page 196. 2. Click the Edit button. The Value tab displays a table and a profile view (see Figure 7.115). 3. Right-click the profile view and select one of the following options from the context menu: Display Reflection Areas: Select Display Reflection Areas to view reflection areas taken into account in the reflection analysis and reflecting paths. Reflection areas are displayed with a pattern ( ). Display Slopes: Select Display Slopes to view the slope of the selected reflection area. You must already have selected Display Reflection Areas if you want to Display Slopes. Display Vegetation Zones with Foliage: Select Display Vegetation Zones with Foliage to view zones with foliage that Atolltakes into account when calculating vegetation losses. Zones with foliage are displayed with with a pattern ( ). Display Vegetation Zones without Foliage: Select Display Vegetation Zones without Foliage to view vegetation zones without foliage that Atolltakes into account when calculating vegetation losses. Vegetation zones without foliage are displayed with with a pattern ( ). Hide Zones: Select Hide Zones to hide reflection areas and vegetation zones.
7.4.1.7.3
Copying and Pasting Profile Values

You can copy and paste some profile values such as altitude, clutter classes, clutter heights, and clutter categories in the table. To copy and paste profile values in the table: 1. Open the Values tab as explained in "Using the Values Tab to Display Data of Each Point" on page 196. 2. Click the Edit button. The Value tab displays a table and a profile view (see Figure 7.115). 3. Click the cell with the data you want to copy and drag to select the cells into which you want to copy the data. 4. Copy into the selected cells: To copy the contents of the clipboard into the selected cells, click the Actions button and select Paste. To copy the contents of the top cell of the selection into the other cells, press CTRL+D. To copy the contents of the bottom cell of the selection into the other cells, press CTRL+U.
7.4.1.7.4
Importing Profile Values

You can import data in the form of ASCII text files (in TXT and CSV formats) into the table of the Values tab. Only editable values (i.e., altitude, clutter classes, clutter heights, and clutter categories) can be imported. To import data into the table: 1. Open the Values tab as explained in "Using the Values Tab to Display Data of Each Point" on page 196. 2. Click the Edit button. The Value tab displays a table and a profile view (see Figure 7.115). 3. Click the Actions button and select Import. The Import dialogue appears. 4. Define import settings as explained in "Importing Tables from Text Files" on page 50.
7.4.1.7.5
Exporting Profile Values

You can export the entire table or selected columns to ASCII text files (in TXT or CSV formats) and MS Excel files. To export profile values: 1. Open the Values tab as explained in "Using the Values Tab to Display Data of Each Point" on page 196. 2. Click the Edit button. The Value tab displays a table and a profile view (see Figure 7.115). 3. Click the Actions button and select Export. The Export dialogue appears. 4. Define export settings as explained in "Exporting Tables to Text Files" on page 49.
7.4.1.7.6
Saving the Edited Profile Values

When you edit the data in the profile table, the changes are not automatically saved and will be lost if you select another link or if you close the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window. If you want, you can save them in the link properties. To save the edited profile values: 1. Open the Values tab as explained in "Using the Values Tab to Display Data of Each Point" on page 196. 2. Click the Edit button. The Value tab displays a table and a profile view (see Figure 7.115). 3. Click the Actions button and select Commit Values to Link.
7.4.1.7.7
Refreshing the Profile Values

You can restore the original link profile values from the geographic data diles and replace the edited values. To restore the original link profile values: 1. Open the Values tab as explained in "Using the Values Tab to Display Data of Each Point" on page 196. 2. Click the Edit button. The Value tab displays a table and a profile view (see Figure 7.115).
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7.4.2
Determining Microwave Link Antenna Heights

When designing a microwave link network, you should define the antenna height to avoid any obstruction of the line-ofsight signal and reflections. In Atoll, you can modify or optimise microwave links antenna heights. Using the Profile tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window, you can modify antenna heights using the mouse or enter new values and see the clearance and penetration parameters displayed. Atoll allows you to calculate and adjust the microwave link antenna heights at the two extremities to their optimum values. In this section, the following are explained: "Defining Microwave Antenna Heights" on page 200 "Defining Microwave Antenna Heights" on page 200 "Automatically Optimising Microwave Antenna Heights" on page 200.
7.4.2.1
Adjusting Microwave Antenna Heights Using the Mouse

You can use the mouse to modify the antenna height of the extremity of a microwave link on the Profile tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window. To modify antenna heights using the mouse: 1. Open the Profile tab as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Click the antenna height pointer ( height. ) (the pointer changes ) and drag it up or down to modify the antenna
3. Right-click the antenna height pointer (
). The context menu appears.
4. Select Save Hx and Tilt, where "x" is either "a" or "b" depending on the site, from the context menu. Atoll saves the current antenna height and tilt in the microwave link. Note: You can specify a maximum pylon height for the receiving and transmitting sites not to be exceeded. This parameter can be defined on the Other Properties tab of the Properties dialogue for each site. When defined, these height limits are displayed on the Profile tab.
7.4.2.2
Defining Microwave Antenna Heights

You can enter a new height for the antenna of the extremity of a microwave link on the Profile tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window. To modify the antenna height: 1. Open the Profile tab as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Click the button beside the microwave links list ( 3. Right-click the antenna height pointer ( ) and enter the exact antenna height.
). The context menu appears.
4. Select Save Hx and Tilt, where "x" is either "a" or "b" depending on the site, from the context menu. Atoll saves the current antenna height and tilt in the microwave link. Note: You can specify a maximum pylon height for the receiving and transmitting sites not to be exceeded. This parameter can be defined on the Other Properties tab of the Properties dialogue for each site. When defined, these height limits are displayed on the Profile tab.
7.4.2.3
Automatically Optimising Microwave Antenna Heights

Atoll enables you to automatically calculate antenna heights in order to avoid reflections and profile obstructions. To perform an automatic optimisation for an antenna: 1. Open the Profile tab as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Right-click the antenna height pointer ( ). The context menu appears.
3. Select Optimisation Method from the context menu. The Height Optimisation dialogue appears. 4. Select the optimisation method: Clearance Condition Method: The Clearance Condition Method is based on the clearance of the Fresnel ellipsoid. You can enter one or two values of the k factor and define for each of them a target clearance. Atoll will determine antenna heights in order to fulfil the highest constraint.
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management If you have out-of-date clutter class maps, you can estimate the growth of vegetation (Projected tree or foliage growth). Atoll takes this value into account for clutter categories from 6 to 14 and adds it to the clutter height. Minimum Diffraction Loss Method: Atoll determines antenna heights to minimise diffraction losses due to the main obstacle (i.e., it calculates antenna heights to get a clearance of 60% of the first Fresnel zone).
5. Select the Take into account the reflection areas check box and define the range of k factor values (kmin and kmax) to be used during the antenna height optimisation if you want to take reflection into consideration. 6. Click OK. 7. Right-click the the antenna height pointer ( menu appears. ) for the site whose antenna height you want to optimise.The context
8. Choose Optimise to calculate the optimum antenna heights for both extremities. You can also use the context menu to lock the antenna height. This enables you to prevent the antenna height from being modified during the optimisation process. Only the height of the other antenna (assuming it is not loced as well) will be calculated to optimise the link. Furthermore, you can always restore the last antenna height value by selecting Restore from the same menu. 9. Right-click the antenna height pointer ( ). The context menu appears.
10. Select Save Ha, Hb and Tilts from the context menu to save the current antenna heights and tilts in the microwave link. This feature is only available for unbroken microwave link profiles, i.e., it is not accessible for microwave link profiles involving one or more repeaters. It enables you to calculate optimum antenna heights for two-site microwave link profiles (e.g., Site Site B or Repeater P Site B). Note: You can specify a maximum pylon height for the receiving and transmitting sites not to be exceeded. This parameter can be defined in each site properties dialogue (Other Properties tab). If defined, these height limits are represented on the Profile tab.
7.4.3
Adding a Microwave Passive Repeater

Passive repeaters are normally used to redirect the microwave signal around an obstruction. Passive repeaters divide the radio path into two branches, each traversing different type terrain, normally having different lengths and different inclinations. This implies different propagation conditions for these two branches concerning fading, distortions and rain etc. Due to this property of passive repeaters they are also referred to as "beam benders". Passive repeaters have the following advantages over active sites: No power is required No regular road access is required No equipment housing is needed They are environmentally friendly Little or no maintenance is required.
These advantages mean that passive repeaters can be placed in relatively inaccessible areas. There are two main types of passive repeaters. The first type is where two antennas are placed back to back connected by a short feeder cable; these are called back-to-back antenna passive repeaters. The second type is a plane reflector type passive repeater where a flat metal reflector is used to redirect the signal; these are often called passive reflectors or plane reflectors. Atoll can model both types of passive repeaters and provide you with access to all the relevant parameters. The following sections explain how Atoll models passive repeaters. In Atoll, a "repeater" is always a "passive repeater." In this section, the following are explained: "Description of a Passive Repeater" on page 201. "Creating or Modifying a Passive Repeater" on page 202. "Placing a Passive Microwave Repeater on the Map Using the Mouse" on page 202.
7.4.3.1
Description of a Passive Repeater

The parameters of a passive repeater can be found in the passive repeaters Properties dialogue. The Properties dialogue has two tabs: The General tab Name: The passive repeater name. Site: The site where the repeater is located (from the Sites table). Antenna Position: You can modify the Antenna Position, if you wish. - Relative to Site: Select this option if you want to enter the antenna position as offsets with respect to the site location, and then enter the x-axis and y-axis offsets, Dx and Dy, respectively. - Coordinates: Select this option if you want to enter the coordinates of the antenna position, and then enter the x-axis and y-axis coordinates, X and Y, respectively.
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You can access the Properties of the selected site and frequency band by clicking the Browse button ( to the corresponding item. The Type tab Type: Define whether the passive repeater is a reflector type or back-to-back antenna type repeater. For a reflector type repeater, define these parameters: Surface: The surface area for the repeater. Height: The reflector height. Azimuth: The azimuth towards the site of transmission. Tilt: The tilt angle towards the site of transmission. ) to automatically calculate azimuth and tilt angles.
You can click the Calculate button ( -
For a back-to-back antenna type repeater, define the following parameters: Under Antenna1, you can choose the antenna, define the antenna height, the azimuth and tilt angles towards the site of transmission. Under Antenna2, you can choose the antenna, define the antenna height, the azimuth and tilt angles towards the site of reception, and specify whether the antennas have a crossed polarisation. Under Waveguide, you can choose the waveguide and define the length. By default, Atoll lists waveguides that operate in the frequency band defined for the repeater. If you want, you can apply an additional filter by clicking the button ( ) beside the model field. When the filter is active, the appear-
ance of the button changes ( ). In this case, Atoll proposes in the list waveguides compatible with the selected antennas as defined in the Antenna/Guides Compatibility table. You can click the Calculate button ( ) to automatically calculate azimuth and tilt angles.
7.4.3.2
Creating or Modifying a Passive Repeater

You can modify an existing passive repeater or you can create a new passive repeater. You can access the properties of a passive repeater, described in "Description of a Passive Repeater" on page 201, through the passive repeaters Properties dialogue. How you access the Properties dialogue depends on whether you are creating a new passive repeater or modifying an existing passive repeater. To create or modify a passive repeater: 1. If you are creating a new passive repeater: a. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. b. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
c. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. d. Select Passive Repeaters > New from the context menu. The Passive Repeaters New Element Properties dialogue appears. 2. If you are modifying the properties of an existing site: a. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. b. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
c. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. d. Select Passive Repeaters > Open Table from the context menu. The Passive Repeaters table appears. e. Right-click the passive repeater in the Passive Repeaters table. The context menu appears. f. Select Record Properties from the context menu. The passive repeaters Properties dialogue appears.
3. Modify the parameters described in "Description of a Passive Repeater" on page 201. 4. Click OK.
Tip:
If you are creating several passive repeaters at the same time, or modifying several existing passive repeaters, you can do it quickly by editing or pasting the data directly in the Passive Repeaters table. You can open the Passive Repeaters table by rightclicking the Links folder on the Data tab of the Explorer window and selecting Passive Repeaters > Open Table from the context menu. For information on copying and pasting data, see "Copying and Pasting in Tables" on page 47.
7.4.3.3
Placing a Passive Microwave Repeater on the Map Using the Mouse

In Atoll, you can create a passive microwave repeater and place it using the mouse. When you create a passive microwave repeater, you can add it to an existing site, or have Atoll automatically create a new site.
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management Atoll permits a maximum of 2 passive repeaters in a single microwave link. The following terms are used in Atoll for passive repeaters and related parameters: Passive repeaters (maximum 2) along a microwave link are named repeater P and repeater Q respectively. A part of the link is called a "Section." A section can be: One of the directions of a bi-directional link. One of the trajectories towards a repeater (if any). For example: Unidirectional link without repeater: 1 section, Site A Site B Bi-directional link without repeater: 2 sections, Site A Site B and Site B Site A Bi-directional link with 2 repeaters: 6 sections, Site A Site P, Site P Site Q, Site Q Site B, Site B Site Q, Site Q Site P, Site P Site A.
To create a passive microwave repeater and place it using the mouse: 1. Select the microwave link. You can select it from the Links folder of the Explorer windows Data tab, or directly on the map. 2. Click the arrow next to New Repeater button ( ) on the Microwave toolbar.
3. Select Panel Reflector or Back-to-back Antennas from the menu according to the type of passive repeater you want to create. 4. Click the map to place the repeater. The repeater is placed on the map, represented by the site symbol ( ).
Atoll automatically creates a new repeater in the Passive Repeaters table and a new site in the Sites table that is assigned to the newly created repeater. The operating frequency band of the repeater is the frequency band assigned to the microwave link and azimuth(s) for the repeater antenna(s) are calculated according to the directions of the two sections of the microwave link. For information on defining the properties of the new microwave passive repeater, see "Description of a Passive Repeater" on page 201. Note: You can also insert a repeater in a microwave link by selecting Insert Repeater from the microwave links context menu and then clicking on the microwave link where you want to insert the repeater.
7.5
Analysing Microwave Link Reliability

Reliability is the general term used to refer to the quality and availability of a microwave link obtained through assessing its performance according to the criteria defined in the relevant performance objectives. Ideally, a microwave link should be completely reliable 100% of the time. In practice, this performance level is never achieved over any microwave link due the continuously changing propagation conditions and possible problems in the equipment. The objective of carrying out reliability analyses is to estimate the non-availability or outage of a microwave link on annual basis and to determine the quality of connection over worst case or average monthly scenarios. Reliability analysis takes into consideration the parameters of fade margin, diffraction loss, average annual temperature, terrain roughness calculations, radio parameters, antenna parameters, transmission and reception parameters and other miscellaneous losses. A microwave link reliability analysis determines whether a designed system will operate successfully. In this section, the following are explained: "Analysing a Single Microwave Link" on page 203. "Analysing Microwave Links" on page 206. "Performing a End-to-End Reliability Analysis" on page 208.
7.5.1
Analysing a Single Microwave Link

When you create a microwave link, you can study it to test the effectiveness of the set parameters. Before analysing the microwave link reliability, you must assign a propagation model, define the microwave link class and related performance objectives and set the calculation parameters. The propagation model takes the radio and geographic data into account and computes losses along the microwave link path. This allows you to predict the received signal level and to calculate the thermal fade margin. You can assign a propagation model to all microwave links at once, to a group of microwave links, or to a single microwave link. Assigning a propagation model is explained in "Using Propagation Models in Microwave Projects" on page 151. Microwave link classes are used to differentiate microwave link types and give target performance objectives to microwave links. You can assign a link class to all microwave links at once, to a group of microwave links, or to a single microwave link. Assigning a link class is explained in "Defining Microwave Link Classes and Performance Objectives" on page 154. Calculation parameters include global parameters applied to all microwave links and link parameters such as geoclimatic and reliability parameters defined per link. Defining global parameters is explained in "Global Parameters" on page 156. Setting link parameters is explained in "Link Parameters" on page 159.
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Atoll User Manual In this section, the following are explained: "Calculating Microwave Link Required Margins" on page 204 "Calculating a Microwave Link Budget" on page 204. "Modifying Microwave Link Calculation Parameters" on page 205. "Configuring the Link Budget Report Display" on page 206. "Printing and Exporting the Link Budget Report" on page 206
7.5.1.1
Calculating Microwave Link Required Margins

Atoll allows you to determine the margins required by the microwave link to meet the performance objectives defined in the link class. The microwave link required margins are listed on the EPO tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window. To calculate the microwave link required margins: 1. Right-click the microwave link either directly on the map, or from the Links folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Choose Engineering > Required Margin from the context menu. This will open the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window with the EPO tab displayed by default. This tab contains the report generated after the calculation of required margins. This is a comprehensive report and can be configured as described in the Configuring the performance objectives report display section. Microwave link required margin results on the EPO tab include the following information: Link Specifications: Including the information about the sites at the two extremities of the link (name, location, altitude and coordinate system), the equipment installed at each site (name, compatible digital hierarchy, modulation used, capacity, rate, minimal channel bandwidth and the configuration), the operating frequency band of the microwave link, its length and calculation parameters (propagation model, models for availability and quality calculations, whether discrimination reduction and enhancements are taken into account). Performance Objectives taken into account: The performance objectives considered in the margin calculations, i.e., quality objectives (SESR, ESR, BBER) and availability objectives (SESR, ESR, BBER). Rx Level: The reception level information at the receiver including the Bit Error Rate and the receiver sensitivity. Quality (Clear-Air): The data related to the margin calculations and results (acquired margin against dispersive fading, margin against enhancements, margin against discrimination reduction, calculated and required thermal fade margins and calculated and required composite fade margins) and the required total margin. Availability (Rain): The data related to the margin calculations and results (the error performance parameters, their relevant required error performance objective probabilities and required margins) and the total required margin. Requirements: the required output power you can compare to the current output power displayed in brackets, how much you have to decrease or increase the maximum power and the required antenna diameter.
7.5.1.2
Calculating a Microwave Link Budget

Atoll provides you with a detailed microwave link budget tool. This tool generates a comprehensive report for each studied microwave link as detailed below. Moreover, the results provided in this report are calculated in real-time. Therefore, it is possible to modify the properties of the microwave link, or the calculation parameters, and immediately display the impact of the modifications in the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window (both Profile and Report tabs). Furthermore, any modifications made to the profile of the microwave link using the Profile tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window or any modifications in the geography of the microwave link profile made through the Values tab are taken into account in the link budget on the Report tab. To generate a microwave link budget for a single microwave link: 1. Right-click the microwave link either directly on the map, or from the Links folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Engineering > Report from the context menu. You can also open the Report tab by opening the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window and clicking the Report tab. The Report tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window contains the link budget for the link being studied. Microwave link budget results on the Report tab include the following information: Summary: Under Summary, you can read whether quality and availability objectives have been reached for both directions of the link and the specified BER values, a global estimation of the cut off duration over an average year taking into account both link quality and availability, a basic budget including the operating frequency band, the link length, the thermal fade margin, the worst month quality (in % of time) and the average annual availability (in % of time), a snapshot from the Profile tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window in order to facilitate direct visualisation and printing of the link profile with the link budget report and an extract of the map window showing the studied link and the surrounding area. Link specifications: Information relating to the microwave link design; site names, locations, and altitudes for both extremities, repeaters (if any), antennas used at both sites with their respective models, heights, azimuths, tilts, gains, diameters and near fields, diversity antennas and repeater back-to-back antenna details such as the models, heights, azimuths, tilts, gains and diameters, microwave transceiver equipment installed at both sites with details such as the models, digital hierarchy employed, modulation used, data rates, minimal channel bandwidths, capacities and configurations. Transmission parameters: Transmission related parameters for both extremities of the microwave link including the EIRP, ATPC effects, transmitter powers, passive repeater gains (if any), total losses comprising filter losses,
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management connection losses, shared losses, shielding losses, port connection losses, and waveguides and cable losses, polarisation at both sites, and the port and the channel for which the calculations have been performed (maybe the central frequency of the microwave links operating frequency band). Port Configuration: Port configuration related parameters for both directions, the channel, the corresponding frequency, the polarisation, if it is a main channel or a standby channel or a channel for frequency diversity, the transmission and reception port numbers, the port circulator and attenuator losses. Reception parameters: Reception related parameters for both ends of the microwave link including the bit error ratios and sensitivities at the receivers, overflow thresholds, thermal noise, the required C/I and total losses at reception comprising filter losses, connection losses, shared losses, shielding losses, port connection losses, and waveguides and cable losses. Geoclimatic parameters: Information about the type of environment and the climatic zone in which the link is operating, climatic factor, rain intensity (exceeding 0.01% of time), PL percentage, temperature, water vapour density, earth curvature factor (k), effective earth curvature factor (ke) and the geoclimatic factor K. Calculation parameters: Parameters according to which the calculations for the link budget have been performed such as the calculation methods used (propagation model, quality model, availability model, interference, if enhancements and discrimination reduction are ignored, space diversity and frequency diversity), quality objectives (SESR, ESR, BBER), and availability objectives (SESR, ESR, BBER). Propagation: the nominal received signal level, propagation results for both directions of the microwave link including total attenuation, free space loss, losses due to dry air, losses due to water vapour, diffraction losses, vegetation attenuation (displayed for information only because it is taken into consideration in total attenuation), antenna losses and tropospheric scattering, epsilon and the type of path (LOS or NLOS). Non-quality due to multi-path (Clear-Air): Results depicting the quality of the microwave link in both directions, for specified BER values and when interference is not taken into account. These results include the outage probability, the non-outage probability and the outage period for the worst month, the outage probability, the nonoutage probability and the outage period for the average year, performance objectives (probabilities of SESR (required), ESR (required), BBER (required)), details for the worst month (dispersive fading, selective fading, fading due to discrimination reduction, enhancement forecast). Unavailability due to rain: Results depicting the unavailability of the microwave link due to rain in both direction, for specified BER values and when interference is not taken into account. These results include the outage probability, the non-outage probability and the outage period for the worst month, the outage probability, the nonoutage probability and the outage period for the average year, performance objectives (probabilities of SESR (required), ESR (required), BBER (required)), details for the average year (rain fading, rain attenuation, fading due to discrimination reduction). Unavailability due to faults: Results depicting the unavailability of the microwave link due to equipment failure. These results include availability of hot standby, outage probability due to faults for the average year and the outage period for the average year and the performance objective.
This is a comprehensive report and can be configured as described in "Configuring the Link Budget Report Display" on page 206.
7.5.1.3
Modifying Microwave Link Calculation Parameters

You can study the influence of some parameters on the microwave link engineering by changing some calculation options. To modify analysis parameters for a link: 1. In the Report tab (or the EPO tab), click the Actions button. The context menu appears. 2. Select Analysis Parameters for the Hop. The Hop Analysis Parameters dialogue appears. 3. You can set the following options: Take Space Diversity Into Account: If you want to take space diversity into account, select the Take Space Diversity into Account check box and define the following: Distance between antennas: Define the distance between main and diversity antennas. Gain difference between antennas: Define the difference of gain between both antennas.
Take Frequency Diversity Into Account: If you want to take frequency diversity into account, select the Take Frequency Diversity into Account check box and define the number of separation channels. Inverse Polarisation: Select the Inverse Polarisation check box if you want to take inverse polarisation into account.
4. When you have finished modifying analysis parameters, click one of the following: Save in the Link: Click Save in the Link to save these changes in the microwave link properties and click OK to close the dialogue. OK: Click OK without clicking Save in the Link to check the impact of the selected options on the report without modifying the microwave link properties.
To modify calculation parameters for analysis: 1. In the Report tab (or the EPO tab), click the Actions button. The context menu appears. 2. Select Calculation Parameters. The Microwave Radio Link Properties dialogue appears. You can define the studied port, BER values, etc., or change calculation models. For further information, see "Global Parameters" on page 156. 3. Click OK to check the impact of the selected options on the report.
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7.5.1.4
Configuring the Link Budget Report Display

You can configure the display parameters of the report generated under the Report and EPO tabs to display some or all of the parameters used in the calculations and results of the calculations with different styles. To configure the report display: 1. In the Report tab (or the EPO tab), click the Actions button and select Configure Report. The Report Configuration dialogue appears. 2. Click the Contents tab. a. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand a result category.
b. To display a result, select its check box. c. To hide a result, clear its check box. d. To restore the selected results as initially or to refresh the list of results available, select the Reset button. 3. Click the Style tab. a. Click one style. b. To change the font, select the AaBbYyZz button. c. Choose how to align the paragraph. You can choose beween Align Left, Centred and Align Right. d. To restore the initial style, select the Reset button. Note: You can save the choices you have made in the Report Configuration dialogue as a configuration file by clicking the Save As button at the top of the dialogue and entering a name for the file in the Save As dialogue that appears. The next time you configure a reflection analysis report, you can click Open in the Report Configuration dialogue to open your configuration file with the same settings you used this time.
4. Click OK.
7.5.1.5
Printing and Exporting the Link Budget Report

After you have configured the reports displayed in the Report and EPO tabs, you can print them or export them. To print or export the report: 1. In the Report tab (or the EPO tab), click the Actions button in the window to open its context menu, a. Select Print in order to print the link budget report. b. Select Export in order to export the link budget report in RTF format.
7.5.2
Analysing Microwave Links

Atoll enables you to calculate multiple microwave link budgets for a group of microwave links simultaneously. Microwave links in Atoll can be grouped in subfolders according to different property parameters (e.g., by frequency band). You can launch simultaneous link budget calculations for the microwave links grouped in a subfolder. The results are displayed in the form of a report. Before calculating one or more link budgets, you can create a computation zone. The computation zone is used to define the area where Atoll carries out calculations. When you create a computation zone, Atoll carries out the calculation for all microwave links in the subfolder that are active, filtered (i.e., that are selected by the current filter parameters), and intersect the computation zone. The computation zone is taken into account whether or not it is visible. In other words, if you have drawn a computation zone, it will be taken into account whether or not its visibility check box in the Zones folder of the Geo tab in the Explorer window is selected. You will have to delete the computation zone if you no longer want to define an area for calculations. When working with a large network, the computation zone allows you to restrict your studies to the part of the network you are currently working on. By allowing you to reduce the number of microwave links studied, Atoll reduces both the time and computer resources necessary for calculations. If there is no computation zone defined, Atoll makes its calculations on all microwave links in the subfolder that are active and filtered and for the entire extent of the geographical data available. For information on the computation zone, see "Using a Computation Zone" on page 30. In this section, the following are explained: "Setting a Microwave Link as Active" on page 206 "Defining the Content of the Link Budget Report" on page 207 "Calculating Multiple Microwave Link Budgets" on page 207 "Managing Link Budget Calculation Validity" on page 208
7.5.2.1
Setting a Microwave Link as Active

Once microwave links are set up within a network, you can decide whether or not to activate them. Quality, availability and interference analyses and associated reports and statistics only take into account active microwave links (and not filtered
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management microwave links). In the Explorer window, active microwave links are displayed in red ( links are displayed in grey ( ). ) in the Links folder; inactive
You can set an individual microwave link as active from its context menu or you can set more than one microwave link as active by activating them from the Links context menu. To set an individual microwave link as active: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( 3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. ) to expand the Links folder.
4. Right-click the microwave link you want to activate. The context menu appears. 5. Select Active Link from the context menu. The transmitter is now active. To set more than one microwave link as active using the Links context menu: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Select the microwave links you want to set as active: To set all microwave links as active, right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. To set a group of microwave links as active, click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Links folder and rightclick the group of microwave links you want to set as active. The context menu appears.
3. Select Activate Links from the context menu. The selected microwave links are set as active. To set more than one microwave link as active using the Links table: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Open Table. The Links table appears with each microwave links parameters in a second row. 4. For each microwave link that you want to set as active, select the check box in the Activate column. Once you have ensured that all microwave links are active, you can set the propagation model and other calculation parameters. For information on choosing and configuring a propagation model and calculation parameters, see "Chapter 6: Managing Calculations in Atoll".
7.5.2.2
Defining the Content of the Link Budget Report

Before calculating the link budget, you can define the content of the link budget report. To define the content of the link budget report: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Link Budgets > Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. Atoll displays a default set of fields and lets you select other information to be included in the report. 4. Define the content of the report: a. Click Add. The Field Selection dialogue appears. b. In the Field Selection dialogue, select the fields that you want to display in the report. You can select contiguous fields by clicking the first field, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last field. You can select non-contiguous fields by pressing CTRL and clicking each fields separately. To select a field to be included in the report, select the field in the Available Fields list and click to move it to the Selected Fields list. To remove a field from the list of Selected Fields, select the field in the Selected Fields list and click to remove it. To change the order of the fields, select a field and click or to move it up or down in the list. The objects will be displayed in the order of the fields in the Selected Fields list, from top to bottom.
c. Click OK to return to the Properties dialogue. Note: You can save the choices you have made in the Field Selection dialogue as a configuration file by clicking the Save As button at the top of the dialogue and entering a name for the file in the Save As dialogue that appears. The next time you configure a report, you can click Open in the Properties dialogue to open your configuration file with the same settings you used this time.
5. Click OK to validate the selection of fields to be displayed in the report.
7.5.2.3
Calculating Multiple Microwave Link Budgets

You can calculate a link budget for all microwave links or for a group of microwave links.
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Atoll User Manual To perform link budget calculations on a group of microwave links: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Link Budgets > Calculate from the context menu. Atoll displays the link budget report. This report lists the results for all studied microwave links in the selected directions (site A site B/site B site A) and for the defined BER values. Atoll indicates the characteristics of the link (sites, antennas and equipment installed), the signal level received, the fade margin, and its quality and availability. It displays the transmission parameters (EIRP, various losses, etc.), reception parameters (sensitivity, various losses, etc.), calculation options, and geo-climatic parameters. It also details the propagation calculation (total attenuation) and the calculations related to link engineering (quality (Clear-Air), unavailability due to rain, unavailability due to faults). All the results are provided in both the directions of the microwave link being studied. Notes You can stop any calculations in progress by clicking the Stop Calculations button ( ) in the toolbar. You can access each microwave links properties by double clicking the corresponding record in the report.
7.5.2.4
Managing Link Budget Calculation Validity

Link budget calculations performed for a group of microwave links (i.e., intermediate results such as propagation, outage probabilities) are saved in the Atoll document. So, once calculations have been performed for all the links, you can quickly perform a link budget for a group of links. Atoll only recalculates non-existent and invalid microwave links. Calculations can become invalid for different reasons: If a calculation method or option has been changed, If microwave link properties have been modified, If geographic data maps have been updated.
For the first two reasons, Atoll automatically detects invalidity of the calculation when starting calculations and makes the recalculation. In the last case (e.g., if you added a new clutter class map), you must force Atoll to recalculate. To force Atoll to recalculate the link budget: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
To recalculate the link budget for the entire Links folder: Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears.
To recalculate the link budget for a subfolder of links under the Links folder: a. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Links folder.
b. Right-click the subfolder under the Links folder for which you want to calculate link budgets. The context menu appears. 3. Select Link Budgets > Force Calculations from the context menu. Atoll removes existing calculations, including valid ones, and recalculates the link budget. The progress of the calculations is displayed in the Event Viewer window.
7.5.3
Performing a End-to-End Reliability Analysis

AtollMulti-hop microwave links, or multi-hops, are sets of two or more microwave links that are interconnected to get to a destination. In general practice, microwave multi-hop links are used for two purposes; to construct a microwave connection over areas that do not provide line-of-sight and to transfer signals through microwave links over large distances. Atoll enables you to perform end-to-end reliability analysis over multi-hops. In this section, the following are explained: "Creating Multi-hops" on page 208 "Performing a End-to-End Reliability Analysis" on page 210
7.5.3.1
Creating Multi-hops
In Atoll, a multi-hop is managed as a group of microwave links. A microwave link can be common to more than one multihop as well. In this section, the following are explained: "Creating a Multi-hop" on page 209. "Adding a Microwave Link to a Multi-hop Link Using the Mouse" on page 209. "Creating a Multi-hop on the Map Using the Mouse" on page 209. "Mapping Multiple Multi-hop Links and Microwave Links Globally" on page 210. "Setting all Microwave Links of a Multi-Hop Link as Active" on page 210.
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7.5.3.1.1
Creating a Multi-hop
To create a new multi-hop link using the Multi-hops folder: 1. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the button of the Microwave Radio Links folder. The Microwave Radio Links folder opens.
3. Right-click on the Multi-hops folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select New from the context menu. The Multi-Hops New Element Properties dialogue appears. 5. Enter or modify the following fields on the General tab: Name: The Name field is filled automatically by Atoll, but can be modified. Multi-Hops Class: Select the multi-hops class from the list. Atoll uses this information with the multi-hop length to calculate the performance objectives required for the multi-hop. Once you have selected a multi-hops class, you can view and modify the class properties by clicking the Browse button ( Comments: Enter any comments for this new multi-hop. ).
6. Click OK. Atoll creates an empty multi-hop link in the Multi-hops folder. By default, Atoll names the newly created multi-hop link in the following manner: "Multi-hopsX", where "X" increments with each instance of a multi-hop link. 7. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Multi-hops folder. The Multi-hops folder opens.
8. Right-click the new multi-hop link and select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 9. Select the Links tab. 10. Assign links to the multi-hop: a. Select a link from the Link column. b. Enter a number in the Order column to set the position of this link in the multi-hop. 11. Click OK. Note: The Other Properties tab will appear if you have defined additional fields in the Multihops table.
7.5.3.1.2
Adding a Microwave Link to a Multi-hop Link Using the Mouse

To add a microwave link to a multi-hop link using the mouse: 1. Open the context menu of the multi-hop link to which you want to add a microwave link: Either a. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. b. Click the Expand button ( opens. c. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. The Microwave Radio Links folder ) to expand the Multi-hops folder. The Multi-hops folder opens.
d. Right-click on the multi-hop link to which you want to add a microwave link. The context menu appears. Or a. In the map, click the line of the multi-hop link to which you want to add a microwave link. b. Right-click on the multi-hop link. The context menu appears. 2. Select Add a Link from the context menu. The pointer shape changes to 3. On the map, click the microwave link you want to add to the multi-hop link. The microwave link is added to the list of links forming the multi-hop link and assigned an order automatically. in the map window.
7.5.3.1.3
Creating a Multi-hop on the Map Using the Mouse

To create a new multi-hop link using the mouse: 1. Click the Multi-hop button ( ) on the toolbar. The pointer changes ( ).
2. Click on the map to create the first site of the multi-hop link. 3. Click on the map in each place you want to end a link and start a new link. 4. Double-click at the location you want to define as the end of the multi-hop link. The end site of the preceding link is considered to be the start site for the next link within a multi-hop link. The next microwave link in the multi-hop links series is initialised based on the parameters of the preceding one (by inversing the site parities).
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Atoll User Manual The sites that define the extremities of a multi-hop link can be already existing sites. If no site exists, Atoll will create new sites automatically at the location you click. Each site in Atoll can support several microwave links, transmitters, and passive repeaters.
7.5.3.1.4
Mapping Multiple Multi-hop Links and Microwave Links Globally

Atoll allows you to map multiple microwave links to the multi-hop links . To map multiple links to multi-hop links: 1. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Multi-Hops folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Mapping Between Multi-hops and Links from the context menu. The Multi-Hop Links table appears, containing all the multi-hop links and their corresponding microwave links. In this table, you can modify, delete, add, and change the order of the links that make up a multi-hop link.
7.5.3.1.5
Setting all Microwave Links of a Multi-Hop Link as Active

You can activate or deactivate all microwave links belonging to a multi-hop link. Quality and availability analyses only take into account active microwave links and not inactive or filtered microwave links). In the Explorer window, active microwave links are displayed in red ( ) in the Multi-Hops folder; inactive links are displayed in grey ( ). To change the activity status of all microwave links of a multi-hop: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( 3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. ) to expand the Multi-Hops folder.
4. Right-click the multi-hop link whose activity status you want to set. The context menu appears. 5. Do one of the following: Select Activate Links to make all microwave links of the multi-hop link active. Select Deactivate Links to make all microwave links of the multi-hop link inactive.
7.5.3.2
Performing a End-to-End Reliability Analysis

Atoll enables you to perform end-to-end reliability analyses over multi-hop links. This calculation is based on the ITU-R 530-5/8/10 recommendations. To perform an end-to-end reliability analysis over a multi-hop link: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Expand the Multi-Hops folder by clicking the button
3. Right-click the multi-hop that you want to analyse. The context menu appears. 4. Select Analysis from the context menu. The End-to-End Analysis dialogue appears. It contains the following information: Multi-hop link characteristics: the microwave links forming the multi-hop link, total length of the multi-hop link. Summary: Atoll indicates if quality and availability objectives have been reached for both directions of the link. Transmission site characteristics: the frequency band, sub-band, channels, and polarisation of each transmitting site. Reception characteristics: reception thresholds, margins, quality (percentage over a month), availability (percentage over average year) and failures (percentage over year). Multi-hop link budget (both directions): Clear-air quality and unavailability due to rain including total outage ratio, monthly and annual outage periods, quality indicators (probabilities of SESR, ESR, BBER) compared to the required performance objectives and unavailability due to faults comprising annual outages due to faults and annual outage period. Note: Links within a network that are part of multi-hop links but are based on other technologies, such as optic fibre links, are also supported in the calculation.
7.6
Studying Reflection
Studying reflection is essential to designing any microwave link network. A reflected signal that can reach the receiver with enough strength and with a certain delay as compared to the direct signal can generate interference. The interference can generate a fading (called reflective fading) that can lower down the received signal. In Atoll, you can display reflection areas along the link profile and analyse the location of the reflection point and its impact on the received signal level. Atollcalculates the reflection point using 2-Ray model.
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management Clutter categories are taken into account in the reflection study and must be assigned to clutter classes in the microwave propagation model properties before analysing reflections along the profile. For information on assigning clutter categorries to clutter classes in the propagation model properties, see "Working with the Microwave Propagation Model" on page 151 Reflection point can have different locations as the k factor vary during the day. Therefore, the reflection analysis has to be performed for different k factor values. For information on defining the range of k factor values, see "Modifying Reflection Analysis Parameters" on page 214. In this section, the following are explained: "Displaying Reflection" on page 211. "Analysing Reflections" on page 212. "Solutions Against Reflections" on page 215.
7.6.1
Displaying Reflection
Atoll displays reflection areas along the profile and provides information about the interference generated by the reflected signal. Interference can be destructive when the reflection point is located within the reflection area and the reflected signal is received at the receiver side (i.e. it is not obstructed). To display reflection areas: 1. Display the microwave link profile as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Right-click the Profile tab. The context menu appears. 3. Select Display Reflections from the context menu. Atolldisplays reflection areas and unobstructed reflected signals calculated for the first k factor value defined in the Profile tab. Reflection areas are represented with a hashed pattern and unobstructed reflected signals by orange lines. 4. Click one reflection area. Atollcolours the pattern and highlights the corresponding unobstructed reflected path if there is one. The colour indicates if the reflection can generate destructive interference. Green: Either there is no reflection point, or the reflection point is out of the reflection area. The reflection does not create destructive interference. Orange: The reflection point is within the reflection area but the reflected signal is obstructed. The reflection does not create destructive interference. Red: The reflection point is within the reflection area and the reflected signal is received at the receiver side (i.e. the reflected signal is not obstructed). The reflection can create destructive interference.
You can display additional information regarding reflected paths. To display additional information: 1. Display the microwave link profile as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Right-click the Profile tab. The context menu appears. 3. Select Display Options from the context menu. The Profile Display Options dialogue appears. 4. In the Profile Display Options dialogue, select the Reflection tab. 5. Under For All Reflection Zones, you can select the following options: Display the specular reflection point: Select the Display the specular reflection point check box if you want to display reflection areas along the link profile and unobstructed reflected paths. The option is automatically selected after you have displayed reflections as explained in the paragraph above. Display the critical reflection zone when k factor varies: Select the Display the critical reflection zone when k factor varies check box if you want to display the reflection zone regardless of clutter categories. The reflection zone is determined from antenna heights and ground altitude at the transmitter and receiver sites; it is not based on the defined clutter categories. Then, you have to check if this zone is a reflection area and in this case, if there is a reflection point within the reflection area.
6. Under For the selected area, you can select the following options: Display the reflections for the k factor range: Select the Display the reflections for the k factor range check box if you want to display unobstructed and obstructed reflected paths calculated for the defined range of k factor values. For information on defining the range of k factor values, see "Modifying Reflection Analysis Parameters" on page 214. Display the obstructed reflections: Select the Display the obstructed reflections check box if you want to display obstructed reflected signals. Obstructed reflected signals are represented with orange dashed lines. Display all the paths: Select the Display all the paths check box if you want to display all possible reflected signals within the reflection area. Display the reflection plan: Select the Display the reflection plan check box in order to display the reflection slope. This one is used to determine the reflection point.
7. Under Display tide levels, select the Display tide levels check box in order to display the height variation due to tides above the sea water clutter category. For information on defining the height variation, see "Modifying Reflection Analysis Parameters" on page 214.
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Note: Reflection paths and reflective surfaces can only be visualised and analysed over unbroken microwave link profiles, i.e., the profile should not include repeaters.
7.6.2
Analysing Reflections
In this section, the following are explained: "Displaying the Reflection Analysis Report" on page 212. "Configuring the Reflection Analysis Report" on page 214. "Modifying Reflection Analysis Parameters" on page 214.
7.6.2.1
Displaying the Reflection Analysis Report

Atoll provides detailed analysis of reflection areas and their impact on microwave links. To display a detailed analysis of reflection areas: 1. Display the microwave link profile as explained in "Viewing a Microwave Link Profile" on page 193. 2. Right-click the Profile tab. The context menu appears. 3. Select Display Reflections from the context menu. 4. Click a reflection area. 5. Right-click the reflection area. The context menu appears. 6. Select Reflection and Diversity Analysis from the context menu. The Study of reflections and diversity window appears. It consists of two tabs: the Report tab displayed by default and the Attenuation Graphs tab. 7. Select the Report tab. The Report tab contains the following sections: Summary: The Summary part provides information on the impact of the reflection on the direct signal. If required, Atoll recommends some solutions to minimise the reflection effects such as changing the receiver antenna tilt or implementing diversity techniques. In addition, it displays optimal antenna and frequency separations to be used with diversity techniques for the k factor defined in the Profile tab. Link Specifications: You will find data on the studied microwave link: Longitude: The site position on the x-axis. Latitude: The site position on the y-axis. Height: The site altitude. Coordinate System: The display coordinate system set in the .atl document. Frequency Band: The operating frequency band selected in the microwave link properties. Length: The microwave link length. Temparature: The average temperature (in C) of the zone in which the microwave link operates. Water Vapour Density: The water vapour density in grams per cubic metre. Relative Humidity: The relative humidity in %. Earth Curvature Factor (k): The k factor defined in the Profile tab. Geoclimatic factor (K): The K factor which models geo-climatic and terrain effects on climate. Rainfall Rate (exceeded during 0.01% of the average year): The rainfall observed 99.99% of the average year in millimetre per hour. Ground Type: It can be either scattering, or reflecting, or intermediate. It depends on the roughness, the length of the link and the transmitter antenna height above the reflection area. For more information on how the ground type is determined, see the Technical Reference Guide. Humidity Type: The humidity type depends on the clutter category. "Water or very wet" is considered for wet terrains, fresh and sea water clutter categories. "Slightly wet or moderatly dry" is used for rural open, tree covered and cryosphere clutter categories. "Very dry" is considered for built-up area and dry ground clutter categories. Terrain Roughness Factor: The terrain roughness factor. Effective Coefficient Reflection: The reflection coefficient of the reflection area. Total Reflection Area Length: The length of the selected reflection zone and the total length including all reflection zones into brackets. Critical specular reflection point: This indicates if there is a reflection point for the selected reflection zone. Grazing angle of reflected ray: The grazing angle and the incidence angle of the reflected path on the reflection slope plane are complementary angles. Angle at A between direct and reflected ray: The angle between the direct and the reflected paths at Site A.
Geoclimatic Parameters: You will find geoclimatic parameters defined for the studied microwave link:
Ground Characteristics: The Ground Characteristics part contains the following information: -
Reflection area geometry: The Reflection area geometry part contains the following information:
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management Angle at B between direct and reflected ray: The angle between the direct and the reflected paths at Site B.
Attenuations: The Attenuations part contains the following results calculated for the k factor value defined in the Profile tab: Reflected Signal Attenuation: The attenuation of the reflected signal at the receiver side. The signal is attenuated by the receiver antenna (Attenuation due to antenna discrimination) and because it is reflected by the ground (Attenuation due to ground reflection). Total Attenuation: The total attenuation of the reflected signal at the receiver side. This is the sum of the attenuation due to antenna discrimination and the attenuation due to ground reflection. Direct Signal Attenuation: The attenuation of the direct signal at the receiver side. The signal attenuation is due to the receiver antenna (Attenuation due to antenna discrimination) and refractivity (Attenuation due to refractivity). Maximum Possible Attenuation: The strongest attenuation experienced by the direct signal at the receiver side.
Additional results appear if, when configuring the report as explained in "Configuring the Reflection Analysis Report" on page 214, you select the corresponding check boxes: Summary: Under Summary, you can select the following information: Detailed Study: You can read if the specular reflection point is within the reflection area, if the reflected signal is obstructed, and if the reflected and direct signals arrive in phase. <Field Selection>: Atoll recommends optimal antenna and frequency separations to be used with diversity techniques for three k factor values (kmin, kavg and kmax). kavg corresponds to the k factor value defined in the Profile tab. kmin and kmax can be defined in the Parameters for Reflection Analysis of the Link dialogue. For information on defining the kmin and kmax, see "Modifying Reflection Analysis Parameters" on page 214. <Custom Fields>: The custom fields available in Links table. Sites: Sites related parameters such as the pylon height, the support type and custom fields. Antennas: Main, diversity and back antenna properties for both link extremities (SiteA and SiteB) and repeaters (SiteP and SiteQ). Equipment: The equipment parameters for both link extremities (SiteA and SiteB). Terrain Profile: The terrain profile. Calculated Channel: The calculated channel. For information on configuring the channel to be studied, see "Global Parameters" on page 156. Polarisation: The antenna polarisation. Diversity Frequency: The second channel frequency when diversity frequency is used. Environment Type: The terrain type as defined in the link properties. Climatic Zone: The climatic zone as defined in the link properties. Climatic Factor: The geoclimatic factor as defined in the link properties. Atmospheric Pressure: The atmospheric pressure (hPa) as defined in the link properties. Median Value of the k factor: the k factor value observed 50% of time. The value is calculated according to refractivity conditions defined for the link. Effective Earth Curvature Factor (ke at 99.9%): the k factor value observed 99.9% of time. Percentage of time when the refractivity gradient (<100m) is <-100N-units/km: The percentage of the average year where the refractivity gradient value of -100N-units/km is not exceeded. The value is defined in the link properties. Refractivity Gradient: The refractivity gradient near the earths surface (in N-units/km) as defined in the link properties. Rain Height (0C isotherm): The height of the top of the rain column above mean sea level from the 0C isotherm. Fog: the fog intensity in %. The value is read in the Geoclimatic Parameters file. Calculation Methods: The calculation methods used (propagation model, quality model, availability model, if enhancements and discrimination reduction are ignored, calculation on the diversity antenna, space diversity and frequency diversity). Quality Objectives: The quality objectives (SESR, ESR, BBER) to be considered for the link. Availability Objectives: The availability objectives (SESR, ESR, BBER) to be considered for the link. Permitivity: The terrain permitivity. Conductivity: The terrain conductivity in S/m. Specular Reflection Factor: The specular reflection factor. Terrain Irregularity: The terrain irregularity. <Field Selection>: The results listed after can be calculated for three k factor values (kmin, kavg and kmax). kavg corresponds to the k factor value defined in the Profile tab. kmin and kmax can be defined in the Parameters for Reflection Analysis of the Link dialogue. For information on defining the kmin and kmax, see "Modifying Reflection Analysis Parameters" on page 214. Surface Reflection Coefficient: The surface reflection factor.
Link Specifications: Under Link Specifications, you can select the following information: -
Transmission: Under Transmission, you can select the following information: -
Geoclimatic Parameters: Under Geoclimatic Parameters, you can select the following information: -
Calculation Parameters: Under Calculation Parameters, you can select the following information:
Ground Characteristics: The Ground Characteristics part contains the following information:
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Atoll User Manual Divergence Factor: The divergence factor. Zone Location: The distances from Site A at which the reflection area starts and ends. Antenna heights above the reflection plan: The antenna heights at SiteA and SiteB above the reflection plan. Tau(kmax)-Tau(kmin): The difference between Tau calculated for kmax and Tau calculated for kmin. Tau corresponds to the difference in path length between direct and reflected signals expressed in wavelength. If the difference is lower than 1, then there is no minimum (destructive interference at the receiver side due to the reflected signal) that is experienced with the critical k factor range and diversity can be avoided. If the difference exceeds or equals 1, then there is at least one minimum that is experienced with the critical k factor range and diversity may be implemented depending on how well the signal is reflected and whether there is significant discrimination against surface reflections from one or both of the antennas. <Field Selection>: Select the <Field Selection> check box in order for Atoll to display the results listed after for three k factor values (kmin, kavg and kmax). kavg corresponds to the k factor value defined in the Profile tab. kmin and kmax can be defined in the Parameters for Reflection Analysis of the Link dialogue. For information on defining the kmin and kmax, see "Modifying Reflection Analysis Parameters" on page 214. Location of the specular reflection point: The distance of the specular reflection point from Site A. Path difference (direct/reflected) (m): The difference in path length between direct and reflected signals. Reflected path delay: The delay of the reflected path in ns. <Field Selection>: Select the <Field Selection> check box in order for Atoll to display the results listed after for three k factor values (kmin, kavg and kmax). kavg corresponds to the k factor value defined in the Profile tab. kmin and kmax can be defined in the Parameters for Reflection Analysis of the Link dialogue. For information on defining the kmin and kmax, see "Modifying Reflection Analysis Parameters" on page 214.
Reflection area geometry: Under Reflection area geometry, you can select the following information:
Attenuations: Under Attenuations, you can select the following information:
7.6.2.2
Configuring the Reflection Analysis Report

You can configure the display parameters of the reflection analysis report to display some or all of the parameters used in the calculations and results of the calculations with different styles. To configure the reflection analysis report: 1. Display the reflection analysis report as explained in "Displaying the Reflection Analysis Report" on page 212. 2. Click the Actions button and select Configure Report. The Report Configuration dialogue appears. 3. Click the Contents tab. a. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand a result category.
b. To display a result, select its check box. c. To hide a result, clear its check box. d. To restore the selected results as initially or to refresh the list of results available, select the Reset button. 4. Click the Style tab. a. Click a style. b. Click the AaBbYyZz button to change the font. c. Select the paragraph alignment by selecting Align Left, Centred, or Align Right. d. To restore the initial style, click the Reset button. Note: You can save the choices you have made in the Report Configuration dialogue as a configuration file by clicking the Save As button at the top of the dialogue and entering a name for the file in the Save As dialogue that appears. The next time you configure a reflection analysis report, you can click Open in the Report Configuration dialogue to open your configuration file with the same settings you used this time.
5. Click OK.
7.6.2.3
Modifying Reflection Analysis Parameters

You can study the influence of some parameters on the reflection analysis. In addition, you can access and modify the global calculation parameters and the microwave link parameters. To define reflection analysis parameters: 1. Display the reflection analysis report as explained in "Displaying the Reflection Analysis Report" on page 212. 2. Click the Actions button and select Analysis Parameters for the Hop. The Parameters for Reflection Analysis of the Link dialogue appears. 3. Under Analysis Mode, select the reflection area to be considered in the reflection analysis:
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management Calculation on the selected reflection area: If you select this option, Atoll makes the reflection analysis on the selected reflection area. Global Calculation on all reflection areas: If you select this option, Atoll takes into account all reflection areas along the profile in the reflection analysis.
4. Under Antenna heights above the reflection plan, select the method to be used to calculate antenna heights above the reflection plan. You can choose between the Simplified Method and the Method with linear regression on the area. For more information on these calculation methods, see the Technical Reference Guide. 5. Under Terrain Height Irregularity, select the method to be used to calculate terrain height irregularity. You can choose between the Root Mean Square method, the Standard Deviation method and the Interdecile Range method. For more information on these calculation methods, see the Technical Reference Guide. 6. Under Refractivity, select the range of k factor values: kmin Factor: the lowest k factor value to be considered in the reflection analysis. kmax Factor: the highest k factor value to be considered in the reflection analysis.
7. Under Effect due to tide level above sea water, select the Take into account height variations of check box and define the corresponding height. 8. Under Amplitude calculation of the indirect ray, select the method to be used to calculate the indirect signal amplitude. You can choose between the Simplified Method and the Method with equivalent reflection coefficient. For more information on these calculation methods, see the Technical Reference Guide. 9. Click OK. To access the global calculation parameters: 1. Display the reflection analysis report as explained in "Displaying the Reflection Analysis Report" on page 212. 2. Click the Actions button and select Calculation Parameters. To access the microwave link parameters: 1. Display the reflection analysis report as explained in "Displaying the Reflection Analysis Report" on page 212. 2. Click the Actions button and select Link Properties.
7.6.3
Solutions Against Reflections

At the end of the reflection analysis, you can identify whether ground reflection is a problem for the link. In this case, effects of reflections can be minimized by carefully positioning the antenna heights as explained in "Studying Reflection" on page 210, by using the antenna discrimination capabilities and tilting the receiver antenna as indicated in the Summary part of the reflection analysis report, or by using diversity techniques with the antenna/frequency separations recommended in the Summary part of the reflection analysis report. Atoll provides you with a tool you can use to check whether the recommended antenna height and frequency separations are valid over a range of k factor values. You can also use it to optimise the height and frequency separations. To check the recommended antenna height and frequency separations: 1. Display the reflection areas as explained in "Displaying Reflection" on page 211. 2. Click a reflection area. 3. Right-click the Profile tab. The context menu appears. 4. Select Reflection and Diversity Analysis from the context menu. The Study of reflections and diversity window appears. It consists of two tabs: the Report tab displayed by default and the Attenuation Graphs tab. 5. Select the Attenuation Graphs tab. 6. Click the Actions button and select Display Options. The Graph Parameters dialogue appears. By default, Atoll displays the difference of signal strength between the direct path and the reflected path (i.e. the attenuation of the reflected path compared to the direct path) as a function of the antenna height, for different k factor values (kmin, kmax and the kavg) and transmission frequencies. You can also display the difference of signal strength between the direct path and the reflected path as a function of: The k factor, for different receiver antenna heights and transmission frequencies. The transmission frequency, for different k factor values (kmin, kmax and the kavg) and receiver antenna heights.
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Figure 7.120: Study of Reflection and Diversity Attenuation Graph 7. Select the Display tab. 8. Under Vertical Axis, either select the Automatic Bound Calculation check box in order to let Atoll automatically determine the upper and lower values of the vertical axis, or keep clear the Automatic Bound Calculation check box and define these values manually (Max Attenuation and Min Attenuation). 9. Under Horizontal Axis, you can select the following: Ordinate: Select what you want to display on the horizontal axis. You can choose between the receiver antenna height, the k factor and the transmission frequency. Min Bound: The lower value on the horizontal axis. Max Bound: The upper value on the horizontal axis.
10. Under Graph Selection, select the graphs to be displayed and how you want to colour them. 11. Click OK. To optimise the antenna height and frequency separations: 1. Display the reflection areas as explained in "Displaying Reflection" on page 211. 2. Click a reflection area. 3. Right-click the Profile tab. The context menu appears. 4. Select Reflection and Diversity Analysis from the context menu. The Study of reflections and diversity window appears. It consists of two tabs: the Report tab displayed by default and the Attenuation Graphs tab. 5. Select the Attenuation Graphs tab. 6. Click the Actions button and select Display Options. The Graph Parameters dialogue appears. 7. Select the Variable Definition tab. 8. Under k Factor Selection, define the k factor values, kmin, kavg and kmax, to be considered for the analysis. For information, Atoll displays the keff factor at 99% (i.e. the k factor value not exceeded 99% of the average year) and the keff factor at 50% (i.e. the median k factor value). You can redo the analysis with these values. 9. Under Receiver Antenna Height Selection, define the antenna height values, Diversity Antenna, Main Antenna and Other Height, to be considered for the analysis. The optimal separations for the different k factor values are displayed. They are automatically calculated by Atoll. The value calculated for the kavg factor is used to initialise the diversity antenna height (main antenna height - separation) and the other height (main antenna height + separation) values. You can redo the analysis by considering other separations. 10. Under Transmission Frequency Selection, define the transmission frequency values, Diversity Frequency, Main Frequency and Other Frequency, to be considered for the analysis. The optimal separations calculated for the different k factor values are displayed. The value calculated for the kavg factor is used to initialise the diversity frequency (main frequency + separation) and the other frequency values (main frequency + 2*separation). You can redo the analysis by considering other separations. 11. Click OK.
Atoll
7.7
Planning Microwave Link Channels

Planning microwave link networks involves a number of areas of analysis. For each new link created in any environment, there is a list of interference conflicts created due to this newly introduced link. It is common experience that such modifications in existing network designs introduce a number of interference problems that could have been avoided during the initial design of the same network. Thus, frequency planning in microwave networks is of extreme importance not only for interference reduction at the initial stage of the network but also to envisage for future modifications in the network. The process of frequency selection in microwave systems is accomplished with interference minimisation being the most important objective. There are various ways to accomplish this particular objective. A logical approach is to define a number of specific frequency plans, each containing a fixed number of specific frequencies, then divide each plan into a high segment and a low segment.
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management The idea is to basically allow frequency assignments to be made in pairs, with each pair having minimum separations. When an assignment is made, the transmitter and receiver get assignments in opposite segments. If the transmitter frequency is in the high block, the receiver frequency will be in the low block and vice versa. In this section, the following are explained: "Checking Microwave Link Site Parities" on page 217. "Using the Search Tool to Display Channel Reuse" on page 218. "Performing Semi-automatic Channel Search" on page 218. "Working with the Frequency Spectrum Analyser" on page 219. "Displaying Third-order Intermodulation Products" on page 220
7.7.1
Checking Microwave Link Site Parities

You can verify the parity of sites either on the map or in a report. Atoll takes into consideration the sites of microwave links which are active, filtered (i.e., that are selected by the current filter parameters), and which intersect the computation zone. In this section, the following are explained: "Checking Site Parities on the Map" on page 217 "Creating a Report on Site Parities" on page 217.
7.7.1.1
Checking Site Parities on the Map

Atoll enables you to view the site parities on the map and thereby detect any possible parity conflicts. To perform a site parity check and display the results on the map: 1. Click on the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand ( ) button to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Interference > Channels Distribution per Site > Display on the Map from the context menu. The Channel Distribution dialogue appears. 5. Select the operating frequency band for which you want to check the parities of microwave link extremities. 6. Choose an icon for the different cases. Lower: The site is assigned frequencies from the lower half-band. Upper: The site is assigned frequencies from the upper half-band. Multiple: The site is assigned frequencies from the lower and upper half-bands. Unspecified: No frequency is assigned to the site.
7. Enter the position of icons relative to the site (in dpi). 8. Select the Add to Legend check box in order to add the displayed icons to a legend. 9. Click OK to start the calculations. You can also open the Channel Distribution dialogue using the toolbar by clicking the Channel Arrangement ( button. Once the site parities are displayed on the map, you can hide them by clicking the Channel Arrangement ( button again. You can also hide the site parities using the context menu. To hide the site parities using the context menu: 1. Click on the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand ( ) button to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. ) )
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Interference and Hide Channel Distribution from the context menu.
7.7.1.2
Creating a Report on Site Parities

Atoll enables you to create a report displaying site parities. To create a report displaying site parities: 1. Click on the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand ( ) button to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Interference, Channels Distribution per Site and Generate Report from the context menu. The Channel Distribution dialogue appears. 5. Select the operating frequency bands for which you want to check the parities of the microwave link extremities. 6. Click OK. Atoll checks the site parities of all the microwave links working at the selected frequency bands. Once Atoll has finished checking site parities, results are displayed in the Channel Distribution table. The Channel Distribution table contains the following information. Forsk 2010 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited
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Atoll User Manual Frequency Band: The operating frequency band. Site: The name of the site. Parity: The parity of the site. Upper: The site is assigned frequencies from the upper half-band. Lower: The site is assigned frequencies from the lower half-band. Multiple: The site is assigned frequencies from the lower and upper half-bands. Unspecified: No frequency is assigned to the site.
Cause: Information provided for multiple parity only. Atoll gives the name of microwave links whose the site has a multiple parity. Longitude: The longitude of the site. Latitude: The latitude of the site.
You can sort and filter data in the Channel Distribution table. For more information, see "Sorting Data in Tables" on page 60 and "Filtering in Data Tables by Selection" on page 62.
7.7.2
Using the Search Tool to Display Channel Reuse

In Atoll, you can use the Search Tool to search for channels. The Search Tool allows you to view channel reuse on the map. To find a channel using the Search Tool: 1. Click View > Search Tool. The Search Tool window appears. 2. Select the MW Channel tab. 3. Select a Frequency Band. 4. Select a Sub-band. 5. Define in which half-band (Lower or Upper) you want to search for the channel. 6. Select a Channel. 7. If you only want the links with the selected frequency Sub-band to be considered, select the Same Sub-band Only check box. 8. If you only want the selected Channel to be displayed, select the Co-channel Only check box. 9. Click Search. Links using the selected channel in the same sub-band are displayed in red. Links using an adjacent channel to the selected channel in the same sub-band are displayed in blue. Links using a channel which completely covers the selected channel are displayed in orange. Links using a channel which is completely covered by the selected channel are displayed in purple. Links using a channel which overlaps the selected channel (i.e., partially covers the selected channel) are displayed in green. All other links are displayed in grey. If you selected the Same Sub-band Only check box, links using the selected channel in the same sub-band are displayed in red; links using an adjacent channel to the selected channel in the same sub-band are displayed in blue and all others are displayed in grey. If you selected the Co-channel Only check box, links using the selected channel in the same sub-band are displayed in red; links using a channel which completely covers the selected channel are displayed in orange; links using a channel which is completely covered by the selected channel are displayed in purple; links using a channel which overlaps the selected channel (i.e., partially covers the selected channel) are displayed in green and all other links are displayed in grey. The Search Tool window provides you with the following options: To restore the initial microwave link colours: Click the Reset Display button in the window. To display all channel arrangements available for the selected frequency band: Click the Frequency Plans button and resize the Search Tool window by dragging the lower border of the window.
7.7.3
Performing Semi-automatic Channel Search

The semi-automatic channel search tool in Atoll ranks channels according to a definable cost function enabling you to find the best channel or channels to allocate to a microwave link. This channel search is performed according to the interference received or transmitted per channel. To perform a semi-automatic channel search for a microwave link: 1. Right-click the microwave link either directly on the map, or in the Links folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Planning > Semi-automatic Search from the context menu. The Semi-Automatic Channel Search dialogue appears. 3. Click the Conditions tab and define the following: Link Directions to Calculate: Select the check box of the directions of the link to be calculated (Site A Site B, Site B - Site A, or both).
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management Under Channels to Study: Frequency Sub-Band: Select the frequency sub-band from the list of available frequency sub-bands from to the frequency band of the microwave link being studied. Site A Half-Band: Select the frequency half-band to calculate (lower or upper) for the transmission site (the opposite half-band is assigned to the reception site). The channels to be analysed: Select Use all the channels of the sub-band if all the channels can be allocated. If only some channels of the frequency sub-band can be allocated, select Restrict the list of potential channels and define the channels available. You can enter or paste a list of channels; the values must be separated with either a comma, or a semi-colon, or a space. You can also enter a range of channels available, by entering the first and last channel of the range separated by a hyphen. For example, entering 20-22 corresponds to entering 20 21and 22.
The link polarisation to be considered in the calculation. Atoll calculates a cost for each channel and each defined polarisation (either horizontal, or vertical, or horizontal and vertical). Under Channel Weightings, use the slider to define the weight given to the interferer and victim channels.
4. Click the Parameters tab and define: The earth curvature factor (k factor). The maximum distance around the studied site to find potential interfering sites. The interfered useful bandwidth (%): The parameter enables Atoll to filter the interferers; this is the percentage of the bandwidth to be considered when searching for interferers. In order to take into account all the potential interferers, set the parameter to 3000%. The minimum threshold degradation. Whether automatic transmission power control is to be considered on the useful signal. Whether automatic transmission power control on interfering signals is to be considered always on, always off or taken into consideration according to geometric correlation.
5. Click Calculate to launch the calculations. The results window displays the list of channels sorted in increasing order with respect to their corresponding costs. This implies that the best available channels, in terms of the related costs, are the ones listed on top of the list. It is then possible through this results window to allocate the best channels to the link by selecting the channels to assign and clicking the Commit button.
7.7.4
Working with the Frequency Spectrum Analyser

Atoll can display a channel usage histogram within any microwave links operating frequency band enabling you to allocate unused or less used channels where required. This tool calculates and draws a graph representing the channels used along with the interference levels received on each channel of a half band. Through this graph, you can find the channels with least interference levels in order to allocate them to microwave links. To open the spectrum analyser: 1. Right-click the microwave link either directly on the map, or in the Links folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Planning and Frequency Spectrum from the context menu. The I Levels on the Band tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window opens (see Figure 7.121):
Figure 7.121: The I Level on the Band tab - Received Interference Levels Option Atoll calculates the interference levels on each channel of the frequency half-band (lower or upper) of the microwave link and represents them as vertical lines on the graph. The red line shows the total noise level received on the interfered channel and each blue line represents the signal level transmitted on each interfering channel. You can locate the channels on which there is the least or no interference and allocate these "free" channels where required. Note: Each vertical line representing the interference level received at any channel depicts the peak signal value. If there are more than one interfering signals, only the peak value is displayed on the graph.
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Atoll User Manual You can change the following options at the top of the I Levels on the Band tab: Hop: Select the hop to be studied, i.e., Site A Site B or vice versa. Intermodulations: Select the Intermodulations option in order to display third-order intermodulation products. For information on displaying the third-order intermodulation products, see Displaying Third-order Intermodulation Products on page 220. Actions > Properties: Click Actions and then select Properties from the menu in order to open the Properties dialogue of the studied microwave link. Actions > Calculation Parameters: Click Actions and then select Calculation Parameters from the menu in order to define global calculation parameters. For information on global parameters, see Global Parameters on page 156. Actions > Print: Click Actions and then select Print from the menu in order to print the content of the I Levels on the Band tab.
7.7.5
Displaying Third-order Intermodulation Products

Intermodulation is caused by non-linear behaviour of the signal processing being used. Non-linear systems generate harmonics, meaning that if the input of a non-linear system is a signal of a single frequency (e.g., f1), then the output is a signal which includes a number of integer multiples of the input frequency (i.e., 2f1, 3f1, 4f1, 5f1, etc.). Intermodulation occurs when the input to a non-linear system is composed of two or more frequencies. The signals of different frequencies are mixed together, forming additional signals at frequencies that are not, in general, at harmonic frequencies of either. These new frequencies are called intermodulation products (IMPs). Atoll can calculate third-order intermodulation products. They are important because they fall within the vicinity of the original frequency components, and can therefore interfere with the desired behaviour. To calculate third-order intermodulation products: 1. Right-click the microwave link either directly on the map, or from the Links folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Planning and Intermodulation Products from the context menu. The I Levels on the Band tab of the Microwave Link Analysis Tool window opens (see Figure 7.122):
Figure 7.122: The I Level on the Band tab - Intermodulations Option Atoll shows the transmission and reception frequencies used by the studied site (i.e., Site A if you selected Site A - Site B or Site B if you selected Site B - Site A) and calculates the third-order intermodulation products for each transmission channel of the frequency half-band of the microwave link. Frequencies are represented by vertical lines and reported on the horizontal axis. Only frequenies within the frequency band of the studied microwave link are represented. The blue lines indicate the frequencies used for transmission; green lines show the frequencies used for reception and red lines represent the third-order intermodulation products. Atoll displays a tool tip when you place the mouse cursor on each vertical line. You can change the following options at the top of the I Levels on the Band tab: Hop: Select the hop to be studied, i.e., Site A Site B or vice versa. Received interference levels: Select the Received interference levels option in order to display channels used along with the interference levels received on each channel of a half band. For information on displaying the received interference levels, see Working with the Frequency Spectrum Analyser on page 219. Actions > Properties: Click Actions and then select Properties from the menu in order to open the Properties dialogue of the studied microwave link. Actions > Calculation Parameters: Click Actions and then select Calculation Parameters from the menu in order to define global calculation parameters. For information on global parameters, see Global Parameters on page 156. Actions > Report: Click Actions and then select Report from the menu in order to display a detailed report on the calculated intermodulation products. The report contains the following information: - The studied microwave link and the selected hop. - The studied site, i.e., Site A if you selected Site A - Site B or Site B if you selected Site B - Site A. - The transmission frequencies used by the site. - The reception frequencies used by the site. - The third-order intermodulation products belonging to the studied frequency band. - A snapshot of the I Levels on the Band tab.
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management Actions > Print: Click Actions and then select Print from the menu in order to print the content of the I Levels on the Band tab.
7.8
Analysing Interference
Atoll includes comprehensive interference analysis features based on the ITU 452-11 recommendations. Interference calculation between links and over the network can be performed for a single link as well as for any user-defined group of links. Atoll calculates all the microwave links in the group that are active, filtered (i.e., that are selected by the current filter parameters), and intersect the computation zone. For information on the computation zone, see "Using a Computation Zone" on page 30. You can set a number of interference calculation parameters including the calculation radius, received interferer signal threshold and geo-climatic correlation factor between links. By default, the interference in Atoll are calculated according to the ITU-R 452-11 recommendations. However, you can change the interference computation method and base it on any of the propagation models available on the Modules tab. When calculating interference levels received for any microwave link, Atoll searches for potential interferers in the network operating in the same frequency band. Potential interferers, among all microwave links in the network, are the active and filtered microwave links whose transmitter receiver trajectory intersects or passes through the computation zone and whose interfering transmitter interfered receiver distance is less than a given value. Atoll also considers the adjacency of frequency bands, i.e., microwave links with equipment operating frequency bands that overlap the operating frequency band of the microwave link being studied. The following parameters are taken into account when calculating interference: Interferer ATPC can be user-defined as always on, always off or based on a calculated geometric correlation. IRFs defined on the IRF table if available T/I curve, transmitter mask, and receiver mask graphs defined at the equipment level or theoretical graphs. Polarisation and equipment signatures. Co-channel and adjacent channel interference.
In this section, the following are explained: "Interference Reduction Factor" on page 221. "Using IRF in Interference Calculations" on page 224. "Performing an Interference Analysis on a Single Microwave Link" on page 224. "Performing an Interference Analysis on Multiple Microwave Links" on page 225. "Managing Interference Calculation Validity" on page 226. "Displaying Interference on the Map" on page 226.
7.8.1
Interference Reduction Factor

As the name indicates, the interference reduction factor (IRF) is a method of reducing interference on the received signal. The IRF is a function of the difference between the central frequencies of the interfered signal and the interfering signal. You can define a protection level for each victiminterferer microwave transceiver equipment pair by defining the protection levels (in dB) for each delta frequency (in MHz). The IRF graphs defined in the IRF table are used during the calculation of interference. When studying the interference between transmission equipment and reception equipment, Atoll first verifies whether an IRF graph is defined for the transmission equipment-reception equipment pair in the IRF table. If so, Atoll uses it. Otherwise, Atoll determines the IRF graph during the process of calculating interference. Atoll proceeds as follows: 1. Atoll verifies that the transmission equipment and the reception equipment have the same manufacturer, capacity and modulation. If so, Atoll uses TI graphs to determine the IRF graph. Atoll uses either the graphs defined for the equipment if available, or the theoretical "TI" graphs if not (for more information on the theoretical graphs, see "Theoretical Graphs" on page 136). 2. If the equipment manufacturer, capacity, or modulation are not the same, Atoll merges the transmitter mask and the receiver mask of equipment in order to determine the IRF graph. Atoll uses either the graphs defined for the equipment if available, or the theoretical graphs if not. In this section, the following are explained: "Defining IRF Graphs Manually" on page 221 "Defining IRF Graphs with the Assistant" on page 222.
The following sections describe the modelling of IRF in Atoll.
7.8.1.1
Defining IRF Graphs Manually

You can define IRF graphs using the IRF table. These IRF graphs will be used to reduce the interference between victim and interferer microwave equipment when calculating interference. To create or modify an IRF graph: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder
3. Right-click on the Links folder. The context menu appears.
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Atoll User Manual 4. Select Equipment > IRF > Open Table from the context menu. The Trunk Types table appears (see Figure 7.123).
Figure 7.123: IRF table 5. Select the name of the Victim equipment from the list. 6. Select the name of the Interferer equipment from the list.
Note:
If you are creating a new IRF graph, use the row marked with the New Row icon (
7. Double-click in the left margin of the record to open its Properties dialogue (see Figure 7.124).
Figure 7.124: IRF record Properties dialogue 8. Under Protection values in the Properties dialogue, enter a protection level (in dB) for each delta frequency (in MHz). The resulting graph is displayed on the right of the Properties dialogue. 9. Click OK.
7.8.1.2
Defining IRF Graphs with the Assistant

Atoll provides an assistant to allow you to define IRFs between transmission and reception transceiver equipment. When you select a frequency band and the equipment manufacturers with equipment that operate in the same frequency band, Atoll presents the entries where the transmission and reception equipment present the possibility of interference. To use the assistant to define IRFs: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder
3. Right-click on the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Equipment > IRF > Edit Grid from the context menu. The IRF Setting dialogue appears (see Figure 7.123).
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Figure 7.125: IRF Setting dialogue 5. Select the Frequency Band from the menu. Only equipment operating in the selected frequency band is displayed in the grid. 6. Select the TX Equipment Manufacturer from the menu. Only equipment manufactured by the selected manufacturer are displayed in the grid. 7. Select the RX Equipment Manufacturer from the menu. Only equipment manufactured by the selected manufacturer are displayed in the grid. 8. You can now define an IRF graph, delete an IRF graph, or create an IRF graph using equipment graphs or theoretical graphs:
To define an IRF graph between the transmission and reception equipment: a. Right-click on the cell of the grid that coincides with both entries. The context menu appears. b. Select Add Record from the context menu. A dialogue appears. c. Under Enter graph values, enter a protection level (in dB) for each delta frequency (in MHz). The resulting graph is displayed on the right of the dialogue. d. Click OK. To delete an IRF graph between the transmission and reception equipment: a. Right-click on the cell of the grid that coincides with both entries. The context menu appears. b. Select Delete from the context menu. To create an IRF graph between the transmission and reception equipment using equipment graphs or theoretical graphs: a. Right-click on the cell of the grid that coincides with both entries. The context menu appears. b. Select Calculate from Masks from the context menu. The IRF Calculation dialogue appears.
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Atoll User Manual c. Under Transmitter Filter, select either "As Equipment" to use the transmission spectrum graph defined for the equipment, or select a theoretical "transmission spectrum" graph compatible with the operating frequency band of the transmission equipment. d. Under Reception Filter, select either "As Equipment" to use the receiver selectivity graph defined for the equipment, or select a theoretical "receiver selectivity" graph compatible with the operating frequency band of the reception equipment. e. Define the calculation step stated in frequency spacing (MHz). f. Click Run to calculate the IRF graph.
g. Click OK. 9. Click OK to close the IRF Setting dialogue.
7.8.2
Using IRF in Interference Calculations

As explained in "Interference Reduction Factor" on page 221, the IRF graphs defined in the IRF table are used during the interference calculation. When studying interference between a transmission equipment and a reception equipment, Atoll first checks if an IRF graph is defined for the transmission equipment - reception equipment pair in the IRF table. If defined, it uses it. Else, it determines the IRF graph during the interference calculation. It proceeds as follows: 1. It checks that the transmission equipment and the reception equipment have the same manufacturer, capacity and modulation. In this case, Atoll uses T/I curves in order to calculate the IRF graph. It uses either the graphs defined for equipment if available, or the theoretical "T/I" graphs if not. 2. If the equipment manufacturer, capacity or modulation are not the same, Atoll merges the transmitter mask and the receiver mask of equipment in order to calculate the IRF graph. It uses either the graphs defined for equipment if available, or the theoretical graphs if not.
7.8.3
Performing an Interference Analysis on a Single Microwave Link

Atoll enables you to carry out interference studies on any microwave link of the network. You can easily define the parameters for studying each microwave link, visualise the results in the form of reports and tables, and view the interference connections between the microwave link extremities being studied and their interferers and victims respectively. To perform an interference analysis on a microwave link: 1. Right-click the microwave link either directly on the map, or in the Links folder of the Explorer windows Data tab. The context menu appears. 2. Select Planning >Interference Details from the context menu. A dialogue containing details of the interference analysis appears. The results are displayed in the following tabs: Qualitative summary: This tab contains a qualitative report generated after the study of interference over any given microwave link. The report includes the following information: - Summary: A summary of the link being studied, its operating frequency band, length, thermal fade margin, worst month quality, average annual availability and whether quality and availability objectives are reached for both directions of the link and the specified BER values. Finally, a global link estimation taking into account both link quality and availability is provided over an average year. - Link specifications: Information relating to the microwave link design; site names, locations, and altitudes for both extremities, repeaters (if any), antennas used at both sites with their respective models, heights, azimuths, tilts, gains, diameters and near fields, diversity antennas and repeater back-to-back antennas details such as the models, heights, azimuths, tilts, gains and diameters, microwave transceiver equipment installed at both sites with details such as the models, digital hierarchy employed, modulation used, data rates, minimal channel bandwidths, capacities and configurations. - Transmission parameters: Transmission related parameters for both extremities of the microwave link including the EIRP, ATPC effects, transmitter powers, passive repeater gains (if any), total losses comprising filter losses, connection losses, shared losses, shielding losses, port connection losses, and waveguides and cable losses, polarisation at both sites, and the port and the channel for which the calculations have been performed (maybe the central frequency of the microwave links operating frequency band). - Port Configuration: Port configuration related parameters for both directions, the channel, the corresponding frequency, the polarisation, whether it is a main channel or a standby channel or a channel for frequency diversity, the transmission and reception port numbers, the port circulator and attenuator losses. - Reception parameters: Reception related parameters for both ends of the microwave link including the bit error ratios and sensitivities at the receivers, overflow thresholds, thermal noise thresholds, the required C/I and total losses at reception comprising of filter losses, connection losses, shared losses, shielding losses, port connection losses and waveguides and cable losses. - Geoclimatic parameters: Information about the type of environment and the climatic zone in which the link is operating, climatic factor, rain intensity (exceeding 0.01% of time), PL percentage, temperature, water vapour density, earth curvature factor (k), effective earth curvature factor (ke) and the geoclimatic factor K. - Calculation parameters: Parameters according to which the calculations for the link budget have been performed such as the calculation methods used (propagation model, quality model, availability model,
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management interference, whether enhancements and discrimination reduction are ignored, space diversity and frequency diversity), quality objectives (SESR, ESR, BBER), and availability objectives (SESR, ESR, BBER). Interference: Calculation parameters taken into consideration for the interference study (power control, minimum threshold degradation, maximum distance, correlation area, interfered useful bandwidth) and results of interference calculations over the microwave link (threshold degradation, nominal received carrier power level, total interference in clear-air, threshold degradation for rain, total interference in rain and C/I). Propagation: The nominal received signal level, propagation results for both directions of the microwave link including total attenuation, free space loss, losses due to dry air, losses due to water vapour, diffraction losses, vegetation attenuation (displayed for information only because it is not considered in the total attenuation), antenna losses and tropospheric scattering, epsilon and the type of path (LOS or NLOS). Non-quality due to multi-path (Clear-Air): Results depicting the quality of the microwave link in both directions, for the specified BER values and whether interference is taken into account. These results include the outage probability, the non-outage probability and the outage period for the worst month, the outage probability, the non-outage probability and the outage period for the average year, performance objectives (probabilities of SESR (required), ESR (required), BBER (required)), details for the worst month (dispersive fading, selective fading, fadings due to discrimination reduction, enhancement forecast), if space and frequency diversities are used. Unavailability due to rain: Results depicting the unavailability of the microwave link due to rain in both directions, for the specified BER values and whether interference is taken into account. These results include the outage probability, the non-outage probability and the outage period for the worst month, the outage probability, the non-outage probability and the outage period for the average year, performance objectives (probabilities of SESR (required), ESR (required), BBER (required)), details for the average year (rain fading, rain attenuation, fading due to discrimination reduction). Unavailability due to failures: Results depicting the unavailability of the microwave link due to equipment failure. These results include availability of hot standby, outage probability due to failures for the average year, the outage period for the average year and the performance objective. Interference Details: List the microwave links that interfere the given extremity of the microwave link being studied and the microwave links interfered by the given extremity of the microwave link being studied.
Victim tabs: List the microwave links that interfere the given extremity of the microwave link being studied along with relevant details of the interference study. Interferer tabs: List the microwave links that are interfered by the given extremity of the microwave link being studied along with relevant details of the interference study.
7.8.4
Performing an Interference Analysis on Multiple Microwave Links

Atoll enables you to calculate interference for a group of microwave links simultaneously or over the entire network of microwave links. Interference results are displayed in the form of a report whose the content you can define. In this section, the following are explained: "Defining the Content of the Link Budget Report" on page 207. "Calculating Multiple Microwave Link Budgets" on page 207.
7.8.4.1
Defining the Content of the Interference Report

Before calculating interference on multiple microwave links, you can define the content of the interference report. To define the content of the interference report: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Interference > Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. Atoll displays a default set of fields and lets you select other information to be included in the report. 4. Define the content of the report: a. Click Add. The Field Selection dialogue appears. b. In the Field Selection dialogue, select the fields that you want to display in the report. You can select contiguous fields by clicking the first field, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last field. You can select non-contiguous fields by pressing CTRL and clicking each fields separately. To select a field to be included in the report, select the field in the Available Fields list and click to move it to the Selected Fields list. To remove a field from the list of Selected Fields, select the field in the Selected Fields list and click to remove it. To change the order of the fields, select a field and click or to move it up or down in the list. The objects will be displayed in the order of the fields in the Selected Fields list, from top to bottom.
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Atoll User Manual c. Click OK to return to the Properties dialogue. Note: You can save the choices you have made in the Field Selection dialogue as a configuration file by clicking the Save As button at the top of the dialogue and entering a name for the file in the Save As dialogue that appears. The next time you configure an interference report, you can click Open in the Properties dialogue to open your configuration file with the same settings you used this time.
5. Click OK.
7.8.4.2
Calculating Interference on Multiple Microwave Links

You can Atoll to calculate interference levels for a group of microwave links. You can also perform interference analysis over the entire network of microwave links. 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears. 3. Select Interference > Calculate from the context menu. Atoll displays the interference report. This report lists the results for all studied microwave links in the selected directions (site A site B/site B site A) and for the defined BER values. You can view details of each microwave link, by double-clicking the record in the report. The details are displayed in a detailed interference results window including five tabs as described in "Performing an Interference Analysis on a Single Microwave Link" on page 224. Notes: You can stop any calculations in progress by clicking the Stop Calculations button ( ) in the toolbar. You can access each microwave links properties by double-clicking the corresponding record in the Victim/Interferer tabs.
7.8.5
Managing Interference Calculation Validity

Interference calculations, performed on a group of microwave links, are saved in the Atoll document. So, once calculations have been performed for all the links, you can quickly perform interference studies for a particular link or a group of links. Atoll only recalculates non-existent and invalid microwave links. Calculations can become invalid for different reasons: If a calculation method or option has been changed, If microwave link properties have been modified, If geographic data maps have been updated.
For the first two reasons, Atoll automatically detects the calculation invalidity when starting calculations and makes the recalculation. In the last case (e.g., if you added a new clutter class map), you must force Atoll to recalculate. To force Atoll to recalculate interference: 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
To recalculate interference for the entire Links folder: Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears.
To recalculate interference for a subfolder of links under the Links folder: a. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Links folder.
b. Right-click the subfolder under the Links folder for which you want to recalculate interference. The context menu appears. 3. Select Interference > Force Calculations from the context menu. Atoll removes existing calculations, including valid ones, and recalculates interference. The progress of the calculations is displayed in the Event Viewer window. You can also reset existing calculations and not recalculate interference afterwards by selecting the Interference > Reinitialise. Atoll removes existing calculations, including valid ones.
7.8.6
Displaying Interference on the Map

After calculating interference on a microwave link, you can display the result on the map. To display interference connections on the map 1. Click the microwave link on the map. 2. Click the Victims and Interferers Links button ( ) in the toolbar. Forsk 2010
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management The interferer and victim connections between the studied microwave link and its interferers and victims are displayed on the map. Atoll displays these interferers and victims for both extremities of the studied microwave link by inwards and outwards pointing arrows respectively. This feature helps you in easily locating the microwave transmitters that are neither interfering with the link nor being interfered by it. You can hide them by clicking the Victims and Interferers Links button ( ) again.
When the interference connections are displayed on the map, you can use the tool tip to show further information about each interference connection by placing the cursor on it. You can define the ways in which interferer and interfered link extremities will be displayed on the map. 1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click on the Links folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Interference and Display Options from the context menu. The Interference dialogue opens. You can choose different types of lines and colours to depict the interference connections on the map and select if you want to make them visible.
7.9
7.9.1
Advanced Configuration
Point-to-Multipoint Links
A point-to-multipoint link is a set of microwave links connected to a hub. A point-to-multipoint link is used when microwave links must be made between one site and a fixed number of other sites. In this section, the following are explained: "Creating a Point-to-Multipoint Link" on page 227. "Point-to-Multipoint Link Properties" on page 228. "Setting all Microwave Links of a Point-to-Multipoint Link as Active" on page 229. "Mapping Microwave Links to Point-to-Multipoint Links Globally" on page 229. "Adding a Microwave Link to a Point-to-Multipoint Link" on page 229. "Adding a Microwave Link to a Point-to-Multipoint Link Using the Mouse" on page 230. "Deleting a Microwave Link from a Point-to-Multipoint Link" on page 230. "Deleting a Point-to-Multipoint Link" on page 230. "Adjusting the Antenna of the Point-to-Multipoint Hub" on page 230. "Adjusting the Antenna of the Point-to-Multipoint Hub Using the Mouse" on page 231
7.9.1.1
Creating a Point-to-Multipoint Link

In Atoll, a point-to-multipoint link can be managed as a group of single-hop microwave links (which can contain repeaters) connected to a hub. You can create a point-to-multipoint link in several different ways: using the mouse, using the point-to-multipoint link folder, or editing the point-to-multipoint links table.
The sites that define the hub or sites of a point-to-multipoint link can be already existing sites or new sites, created automatically at the location you clicked on the map. Each site in Atoll can support several microwave links, transmitters, and passive repeaters. To create a new point-to-multipoint link by using the mouse: 1. Click the New PMP button ( ) on the toolbar. The pointer changes to ( ).
2. Click on the map to create the hub of the point-to-multipoint link. 3. Click the map at each place you want to insert a new link. If you do not click an existing site, Atoll creates a new site where you click. 4. Double-click when adding the last link to complete the point-to-multipoint link. To create a new point-to-multipoint link using the Point-to-Multipoint folder: 1. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click on the Point-to-Multipoint folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select New from the context menu. The Point to Multipoint New Element Properties dialogue appears. 5. Enter or modify the following fields on the General tab: Name: The Name field is filled automatically by Atoll, but can be modified. Frequency Band: You must select a frequency band when you create a point-to-multipoint link. Once you have selected a frequency band, you can view and modify its properties by clicking the browse button ( ).
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Atoll User Manual Nodal Site: You must select the site that will be the hub of the point-to-multipoint link. Once you have selected the hub site, you can view and modify its properties by clicking the browse button ( Type: Select the type: TDMA or FDMA. Antenna: Select the antenna and its parameters. Comments: Enter any comments for this new point-to-multipoint link. ).
6. Click OK. Atoll creates an empty point-to-multipoint link item in the Point-to-Multipoint folder. To add microwave links to the created point-to-multipoint link, see "Adding a Microwave Link to a Point-toMultipoint Link Using the Mouse" on page 230 To create a new point-to-multipoint link using the Point-to-Multipoint table: 1. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click on the Point-to-Multipoint folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Open Table from the context menu. The Point to Multipoint table appears. 5. In the row marked with the new row icon ( ), enter the details of the new point-to-multipoint link. The following fields must be filled: Name, Frequency Band, and Site. 6. To add microwave links to the created point-to-multipoint link, see "Adding a Microwave Link to a Point-toMultipoint Link Using the Mouse" on page 230. By default, Atoll names the newly point-to-multipoint link "PMP HubX", where "X" increments with the creation of each new point-to-multipoint link.
7.9.1.2
Point-to-Multipoint Link Properties

You can modify point-to-multipoint link properties either individually or globally. A global setting is applied to all the filtered point-to-multipoint links. In this section, the following are explained: "Modifying Global Properties" on page 228 "Modifying Individual Properties" on page 228.
7.9.1.2.1
Modifying Global Properties

To manage the point-to-multipoint link properties globally: 1. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click on the Point-to-Multipoint folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select Properties from the context menu. The Point-to-Multipoint Properties dialogue appears. 5. Enter or modify the data on the following tabs of the Point-to-Multipoint Properties dialogue: General: The General tab lets you organise folders and assign or save a configuration. You can also organise point-to-multipoint links by using Atolls group, sort, and filter tools. Table: The Table tab helps you to manage contents, including user-defined fields, of the point-to-multipoint table. Display: The Display tab allows you to manage the display of point-to-multipoint links depending on their attributes, to manage the legend, labels on the map, and the contents of tool tips using the tip tool 6. Click OK. .
7.9.1.2.2
Modifying Individual Properties

To edit the properties of a point-to-multipoint link: 1. Open the context menu of the point-to-multipoint link: On the Data tab of the Explorer window: a. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. b. Click the c. Click the button of the Microwave Radio Links folder. The Microwave Radio Links folder opens. button of the Point-to-Multipoint folder. The Point-to-Multipoint folder opens.
d. Right-click on the point-to-multipoint link whose properties you want to edit. The context menu appears.
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management On the map: a. Select the antenna icon of the point-to-multipoint link hub whose properties you wish to change. The point-tomultipoint icon changes ( Note: ).
Be sure to select the antenna icon of the point-to-multipoint link hub. Do not select the site icon ( ).
b. Right-click on the point-to-multipoint icon. The context menu appears. 2. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 3. Enter or modify the data on the following tabs of the Point-to-Multipoint Properties dialogue: General: The General tab lets you organise folders and assign or save a configuration. You can also organise multi-hops by using Atolls group, sort, and filter tools. Links: The Links tab lets you add, edit, and delete microwave links. Display: The Display tab lets you to select and customize the icon symbolising the point-to-multipoint link on the map. An Other Properties tab is available if you have added fields to the Point-to-Multipoint table.
7.9.1.3
Setting all Microwave Links of a Point-to-Multipoint Link as Active

You can activate or deactivate all microwave links belonging to a point-to-multipoint link. In the Explorer window, active microwave links are displayed in red ( ) in the Multi-Hops folder; inactive links are displayed in grey ( ). To change the activity status of all microwave links of a point-to-multipoint link: 1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( 3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. ) to expand the Point to Multipoint folder.
4. Right-click the PMP hub whose activity status you want to set. The context menu appears. 5. Select one of the following: Activate Links: Select Activate Links to make all microwave links of the point-to-multipoint link active. Deactivate Links: Select Deactivate Links to make all microwave links of the point-to-multipoint link inactive.
7.9.1.4
Mapping Microwave Links to Point-to-Multipoint Links Globally

To map microwave links to point-to-multipoint links globally: 1. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Right-click the Point-to-Multipoint folder. The context menu appears. 4. Select PMP/Link Mapping from the context menu. The PMP/Link Mapping table opens, containing all the pointto-multipoint links and the corresponding microwave links. In this table, you can modify, delete, and add the links that make up a point-to-multipoint link.
7.9.1.5
Adding a Microwave Link to a Point-to-Multipoint Link

Before you can define a microwave link as part of the point-to-multipoint link, the microwave link must first exist between the site of the hub of the point-to-multipoint link and another site. For information on creating links, see "Definition of a Microwave Link" on page 185. To add a microwave link to a point-to-multipoint link: 1. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( 3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. ) to expand the Point-to-Multipoint Links folder.
4. Right-click the new point-to-multipoint link and select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 5. Select the Links tab. 6. In the row with the new row icon ( ), select a link.
7. Click OK. The microwave link is added to the point-to-multipoint link.
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7.9.1.6
Adding a Microwave Link to a Point-to-Multipoint Link Using the Mouse

Before you can define a microwave link as part of the point-to-multipoint link, the microwave link must first exist between the site of the hub of the point-to-multipoint link and another site. For information on creating links, see "Definition of a Microwave Link" on page 185. To add a microwave link to a point-to-multipoint link using the mouse: 1. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( 3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. ) to expand the Point-to-Multipoint Links folder.
4. Right-click the point-to-multipoint link to which you want to add a microwave link. The context menu appears. 5. Select Add a Link from the context menu. The pointer shape changes ( ).
6. On the map, click the microwave link you want to add to the point-to-multipoint link. The microwave link is added to the list of links forming the point-to-multipoint link.
7.9.1.7
Deleting a Microwave Link from a Point-to-Multipoint Link

To delete a microwave link from a point-to-multipoint link: 1. On the map, select the microwave link you want to delete. 2. Right-click the microwave link you want to delete from the point-to-multipoint link. The context menu appears. 3. Select Delete from the context menu. The microwave link is deleted. Note: Deleting a microwave link in this manner does not delete the corresponding sites even if there are no other links or transmitters related to that site.
7.9.1.8
Deleting a Point-to-Multipoint Link

To delete a point-to-multipoint link: 1. Open the context menu of the point-to-multipoint link you want to delete: Either a. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. b. Click the Expand button ( c. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. ) to expand the Point-to-Multipoint Links folder.
d. Right-click the point-to-multipoint link you want to delete. The context menu appears. Or a. On the map, select the line of the point-to-multipoint link you want to delete. b. Right-click on the point-to-multipoint link. The context menu appears. When selecting a point-to-multipoint link, be careful to select the line representing the point-to-multipoint link. Do not select the site icon ( ).
2. Select Delete from the context menu. The point-to-multipoint link is deleted. You can also delete a point-to-multipoint link by deleting the row associated with it in the Point-to-Multipoint table. Deleting a point-to-multipoint link from the table does not delete the corresponding sites even if there are no other links or transmitters relating to that site.
7.9.1.9
Adjusting the Antenna of the Point-to-Multipoint Hub

When a microwave link consists of only two sites, the antenna on each site is aligned with the other antenna. In a pointto-multipoint link, it is impossible for the antenna on the hub to be directly aligned with the antenna on each link. Consequently, the height, azimuth, and tilt of the antenna are calculated as a average of that needed for all link antennas. Atoll calculates these settings for the point-to-multipoint hub antenna when the point-to-multipoint link is created. However, after the point-to-multipoint has been created, other factors such as the addition of new microwave links may mean that the settings of the hub antenna need to be readjusted. Atoll can recalculate the settings for the point-tomultipoint hub antenna. To make Atoll recalculate the settings for the point-to-multipoint hub antenna: 1. Select the Data tab of the Explorer window. 2. Click the Expand button ( 3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder. ) to expand the Point-to-Multipoint Links folder.
4. Right-click the point-to-multipoint link of which you want to recalculate the hub antenna settings. The context menu appears.
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Chapter 7: Microwave Link Project Management 5. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears. 6. Select the General tab of the Properties dialogue. 7. In the "Antenna" subsection, click the Calculate button ( ) to the right of the Tilt field. A dialogue appears with the recalculated height, azimuth, and tilt values for the point-to-multipoint hub antenna. 8. When the values for the point-to-multipoint hub antenna are recalculated, the point-to-multipoint link antennas may need to be adjusted accordingly. If you want Atoll calculate the effect of the recalculated values for the hub antenna on the link antennas, select the Transfer the misalignments to links check box. 9. Click OK to update the values for the point-to-multipoint antennas.
7.9.1.10
Adjusting the Antenna of the Point-to-Multipoint Hub Using the Mouse

To use the mouse to adjust the azimuth of the point-to-multipoint hub antenna: 1. Select the antenna icon of the point-to-multipoint hub. The point-to-multipoint icon changes ( now rotate it manually. 2. Click the antenna icon (the point changes: ) and rotate it to its new azimuth. ) and you can
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Index
Index
A
antenna antenna patterns, copying (MW) 126 antenna patterns, printing (MW) 126 antennas, importing (MW) 125, 132 changing relative position on the map 20 compatibility with equipment (MW) 138, 139 compatibility with equipment, assistant (MW) 139, 140 heights, adjusting (MW) 200 heights, adjusting automatically (MW) 200 heights, optimising (MW) 200 microwave 123 microwave antenna properties 125 microwave, creating 123 point-to-multipoint link, adjusting 230 point-to-multipoint link, adjusting with the mouse 231 single antenna patterns, editing (MW) 125 archiving all modifications to the database 87 only site data to the database 87 automatic backup 90 configuring 90 recovering a backup 91 availability objectives microwave links, defining 156
unfreezing 46 computation zone drawing 30 editing 34 Fit to Map Window 30 importing 30 polygon, creating from 30 Connection Properties 85 context menu 17 renaming objects 17 coordinate system 81 setting 82 coordinates, searching by 73 coverage prediction exporting results 37 geogrphic export zone, defining 33 report, displaying using focus zone 31 report, displaying using hot spot zone 31 coverage predictions restricting sites studied (MW) 192 cursors 40 CW Measurement Analysis Tool printing data 56
D
Data tab 15 data tables adding a field 42 changing column width 45 changing row height 45 copying data 47 deleting a field 43 displaying columns 46 editing 43 exporting data 49 filtering 60 filtering by selection 62 filtering by several criteria 63 filtering, examples 64 formatting column headers 45 formatting table columns 45 freezing columns 46 hiding columns 46 importing data 50 moving columns 46 opening 41 opening record properties from table 44 pasting data 47 printing 52 restoring after filtering 64 sorting 60
B
backup 90 configuring 90 recovering a backup 91 BER graphs creating (MW) 136 budget configuring report (MW) 206 multiple microwave links, calculating for 206, 225 single microwave link, calculating for 204
C
cables creating (MW) 137 microwave 137 channel search, semi-automatic (MW) 218 clearance, displaying for microwave links 194 column headers formatting 45 columns changing width 45 displaying 46 freezing 46 hiding 46 moving 46
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sorting by one column 61 sorting by several columns 61 unfreezing columns 46 viewing properties 42 XML files, exporting to 51 XML files, importing from 52 database archiving all modifications 87 archiving only site data 87 connecting to 84 Connection Properties 85 creating a document from 84 refreshing document 86 resolving data conflicts 88 working with 83 digital hierarchy 132 display changing properties 21 defining display type 22 display type, discrete values 22 display type, unique 22 display type, value intervals 22 display coordinate system 81 Distance Measurement tool 28 document creating from database 79, 84 creating from template 79, 80 geographic data 79 information needed to create 79 microwave data 79 microwave equipment 79 refreshing from the database 86 setting basic parameters 81 document templates, see "templates" DTM maps representing different areas 111
data tables by several criteria 63 examples 64 restoring after filtering 64 using a polygon 29, 71 with subfolders 71 filtering zone deleting 33 drawing 29 Fit to Map Window 30 importing 30 polygon, creating from 30 Find toolbar 72 focus zone creating 31 editing 34 explanation 31 Fit to Map Window 31 importing 31 polygon, creating from 31 using to display coverage prediction report 31 folder configuration 69 applying a saved configuration 70 creating 70 deleting 71 exporting 70 importing 70 reapplying current configuration 70 frequency bands long-haul (MW) 145 medium-haul (MW) 146 microwave 146 short-haul (MW) 146 frequency planning (MW) 216 frequency sub-bands microwave 147
E
equipment compatibility with antennas (MW) 138, 139 compatibility with antennas, assistant (MW) 139, 140 importing (MW) 132 transceiver, properties of (MW) 131 Explorer window 15 Data tab 15 Geo tab 15 layers 16 Modules tab 15 using tabs 15
G
Geo tab 15 geographic export zone creating 33 Fit to Map Window 34 importing 34 polygon, creating from 34 grouping 56 by a property 56, 57 by several properties 58 examples 59 with subfolders 71
F
field adding to a table 42 deleting from a table 43 filter site list, using for 69 transmitter list, using for 69 filtering data tables by selection 62
H
hot spot zone creating 31 editing 34 explanation 31 Fit to Map Window 31 importing 31 using to display coverage prediction report 31
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I
interference analysis several links (MW) 226 single link (MW) 224 interference analysis (MW) 221 interference reduction factor table (MW) 134, 221 using assistant (MW) 135, 139, 140 interference reduction factor (MW) 133, 221 IRF, see "interference reduction factor"
L
label 23 Lambert Conformal-Conic projection 81 layers 16 legend adding object type 24 displaying 24 displaying Legend window 29 printing Legend window 56 line of sight area intersection of areas (MW) 184 studying (MW) 176, 178, 179 line of sight area (MW) 176 lines editing 34 link, point-to-multipoint, see point-to-multipoint links Location Finder searching by coordinates 73 searching by text property 73 long-haul frequency bands (MW) 145
M
manufacturers (MW) 123 map centring on a selected object 28 exporting as image 40 measuring distances 28 moving 27 printing 52 refreshing display 72 saving as image 39 Map toolbar 74 measurement units, setting 82 measuring distances on the map 28 medium-haul frequency bands (MW) 146 microwave error performance events 155 microwave error performance objectives 155 microwave error performance parameters 155 Microwave Link Analysis printing 56 Microwave Link toolbar 75 microwave links 173 antenna heights, adjusting 200 antenna heights, adjusting automatically 200 antenna heights, optimising 200 antenna patterns, copying 126 antenna patterns, printing 126
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antenna properties 125 antenna/equipment compatibility 138, 139 antenna/equipment compatibility assistant 139, 140 antennas 123 antennas, creating 123 antennas, importing 125, 132 availability objectives, defining 156 budget, calculating for multiple links 206, 225 budget, calculating for single link 204 budget, configuring report 206 cables 137 cables, creating 137 calculation parameters 156 calculation parameters, modifying 205, 214 classes, creating 154 classes, modifying 154 clearance, displaying 194 equipment, importing 132 error performance events 155 error performance objectives 155 error performance parameters 155 finding by site 58 frequency bands 146 frequency planning 216 frequency sub-bands 147 global properties, defining 156 grouping by site 58 interference analysis 221 interference on a single link, analysing 224 interference on several links, analysing 226 interference reduction factor 133, 221 LOS between sites, intersection 184 LOS between sites, studying 176, 178, 179 microwave ITU-R P.452 model 153 microwave propagation model 151 multi-hop links, mapping simple links to 210 multi-hop, creating 208 passive repeater 201 passive repeater, inserting (MW) 203 performance objectives 154 point-to-multipoint link 227 point-to-multipoint links, mapping links to 229 profile analysis 193 quality objectives, defining 155 reliability analysis 203 required margins, calculating 204 restricting sites studied 192 semi-automatic channel search 218 simple link, creating 190 simple link, setting as active 206 simple links 185 single antenna patterns, editing 125 site parity 217 site parity, creating a report on 217 site parity, displaying on the map 217 sorting by site 58 spectrum analyser 219 studying LOS between sites 176
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template field, adding 191 template field, deleting 191 template field, modifying 191 template, deleting 191 transceiver equipment, properties of 131 trunk types, creating 132 waveguides 137 waveguides, creating 137 workflow 173 Microwave Propagation Model defining parameters 151, 153 microwave radio links template 79 Modules tab 15 multi-hop links 208 adding links to 209 creating 208 links, mapping to 210 reliability analysis 210 multipoint link, see point-to-multipoint link multi-user environment 83
O
objects changing transparency 23 deleting 17 displaying 16 displaying properties 18 grouping 56 grouping by a property 56, 57 grouping by several properties 58 grouping, examples 59 hiding 16 label 23 tip text 24 visibility scale 23
P
Page Setup, see "printing" Panoramic window 14, 27 passive microwave repeaters creating 202 performance objectives microwave links 154 Point Analysis window printing 56 points editing 34 point-to-multipoint link adding a link 229, 230 creating 227 mapping links 229 properties 228 point-to-multipoint links 227 adding links 229 antenna, adjusting 230 antenna, adjusting with the mouse 231 creating 227
deleting 230 deleting a link from 230 global properties 228 links, adding on the map 230 links, mapping to 229 properties 228 polygon deleting polygon filter 33 drawing a polygon filter 29 editing 34 focus zone, using as 31 geographic export zone, using as 34 printing zone, using as 54 using as computation zone 30 using as filter 29, 71 using as filtering zone 30 printing antenna patterns (MW) 126 CW Measurement Analysis Tool 56 data tables and reports 52 defining print layout 54 docking windows 56 Legend window 56 map 52 Microwave Link Analysis 56 Point Analysis window 56 print preview 55 profile analysis (MW) 195 recommendations 53 Test Mobile Data Analysis Tool 56 printing zone drawing 53 Fit to Map Window 54 importing 54 polygon, creating from 54 profile analysis microwave 193 options (MW) 194 printing (MW) 195 reflections, studying (MW) 210 Values tab (MW) 196 viewing (MW) 193 profile values exporting data 199 importing data 199 projection coordinate system 81 Lambert Conformal-Conic projection 81 Universal Transverse Mercator projection 81 propagation model microwave ITU-R P.452 model 153 microwave propagation model 151 Microwave Propagation Model, defining parameters 151,
153
properties changing display 21 grouping objects by 56, 57 switching between property dialogues 18
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Q
quality objectives microwave links, defining 155
T
table columns formatting 45 tables, see "data tables" templates 79 deleting (MW) 191 field, adding (MW) 191 field, deleting (MW) 191 field, modifying (MW) 191 microwave radio links 79 Test Mobile Data Analysis Tool printing 56 tip text 24 tool tips, see "tip text" toolbar icons 74 Map 74 Microwave Link 75 Search 75 Standard 74 Vector Edition 75 transceiver equipment properties of (MW) 131 transmitter list 67 adding 68 adding transmitter 68 creating 68 editing 69 editing filter 69 transparency, changing 23 trunk types, microwave creating 132
R
redo 72 reflection analysis report display (MW) 214 reflections studying (MW) 210 refresh 72 from the database 86 reliability analysis (MW) 203 renaming 17 default object names 17 repeaters passive repeater (MW) 201 passive repeater, inserting (MW) 203 reports printing 52 required margins, calculating (MW) 204 row height changing 45 rulers displaying 28
S
scale level, choosing 27 Search toolbar 75 searching for map objects 72, 73 short-haul frequency bands (MW) 146 site moving on the map 19 moving to a higher location 19 properties, accessing from the Explorer window 18 properties, accessing from the map 18 site list 67 adding 68 adding site 68 creating 68 editing 69 filter, using as 69 site parity, microwave link 217 creating a report 217 displaying on the map 217 sorting sorting tables by one column 61 sorting tables by several columns 61 with subfolders 71 spectrum analyser (MW) 219 Standard toolbar 74 station template creating (MW) 191 modifying (MW) 191 subfolders creating 71
U
undo 72 Universal Transverse Mercator projection 81 user configuration 66 creating 67 exporting 67 importing 67
V
Vector Edition toolbar 75 visibility scale 23
W
waveguides creating (MW) 137 waveguides and cables, microwave creating 137 waveguides, microwave 137 windows cascading 14 docking 14 floating 14
X
XML
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exporting data tables to 51 importing data tables from 52
Z
zooming choosing a scale 27 in on a specific area 27
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User Manual
Microwave Links
version 2.8.3
AT283_UMM_E2 December 2010
Head Office
7, rue des Briquetiers 31700 Blagnac - France Tel: +33 562 747 210 Fax: +33 562 747 211
US Office
200 South Wacker Drive - Suite 3100 Chicago, IL 60606 - USA Tel: +1 312 674 4846 Fax: +1 312 674 4847
China Office
Suite 302, 3/F, West Tower, Jiadu Commercial Building, No. 66 Jianzhong Road, Tianhe Hi-Tech Industrial Zone, Guangzhou, 510665, P. R. of China Tel: +86 20 8553 8938 Fax: +86 20 8553 8285
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User Manual Microwave Links

Atoll User Manual

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About the Atoll User Documentation

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Atoll User Manual

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The Working Environment .................................................................................................... 13

Atoll User Manual

Map Window Pointers .......................................................................................................................40

Working with Data Tables .........................................................................................................41

1.8.4 1.8.5 1.8.6 1.8.7

Starting an Atoll Project .......................................................................................................... 79

Managing Geographic Data ................................................................................................ 95

Clutter Classes............................................................................................................................. 103

Contours, Lines, and Points .................................................................................................. 106

Geographic Data Sets .............................................................................................................. 112

Atoll User Manual

Importing a Geo Data Set ...............................................................................................................113

Editing Geographic Data .........................................................................................................113

Antennas and Equipment.....................................................................................................123

Managing Frequency Bands and Sub-bands ......................................................145

Defining Microwave Link Frequency Sub-bands .........................................................147

Managing Calculations in Atoll ........................................................................................151

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6.3.2 6.3.2.1 6.3.2.2 6.3.2.3

Microwave Link Project Management ....................................................................... 173

Atoll User Manual

7.6.2.1 7.6.2.2 7.6.2.3 7.6.3

Index ..................................................................................................................................................... 233

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Chapter 1: The Working Environment

The Working Environment

The Atoll Work Area

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Atoll User Manual

Document window (map)

Workspace Explorer window (docked)

Panoramic window (floating)

Point Analysis window (docked) Figure 1.1: Atoll user interface

Working with Document Windows

To cascade document windows: Select Window > Cascade.

Docking or Floating an Atoll Window

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The Explorer Window

Working with the Explorer Window Tabs

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Navigating in the Explorer Window

Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer

Working with Layers Using the Explorer

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Chapter 1: The Working Environment

Working with Objects

Using the Object Context Menu

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Atoll User Manual

Displaying the Properties of an Object

Switching Between Property Dialogues

Modifying Sites and Microwave Link Extremities Directly on the Map

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Chapter 1: The Working Environment

Selecting One of Several Microwave Links

Moving a Site Using the Mouse