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Mentum Planet: Market

leading, state-of-the-art

planning and optimization

software solution for wireless

access networks
Wireless network planning and optimization the need to reduce costs and increase
has evolved. Historically, RF planning capacity all while maintaining a high
software was used primarily for the Quality of Service (QoS) for existing custom-
design of greenfield networks. However, ers. Meeting this challenge is crucial. It
as wireless technologies have advanced, is the key to retaining customers, offering
the expectations for planning tools have competitive services and increasing profits.
as well. Mentum Planet is an industry leading
Todays operator must evolve its solution that delivers results. Mentum
network to offer advanced data services offers objective, vendor-agnostic advice
cost-effectively and stay one step on how to optimally deploy advanced
ahead of the competition. New technologies wireless networks using the Mentum
such as WiMAX and LTE present new Planet planning and optimization toolset.
opportunities, but their advanced features Mentum combines the focus, flexibility
also provide challenges that need to be and responsiveness of a smaller com-
overcome through innovative design and pany with the resources, experience and
optimization software. expertise of an industry leader. The result:
Who Needs Mentum Planet? Accurate planning and optimization our customers get the results they are
Network operators, system software is more critical than ever. looking for as quickly as they need them.
integrators and RF consultants It is critical to successfully roll out Building on Our Success
RF coverage, capacity and state-of-the-art services, to build or Building upon the worlds original
performance engineers expand networks and to implement planning solution, MSIs Planet, Mentum
Who Are Our Customers? optimization/densification activities. Planet is the result of over 15 years of
Mentum has more than 250 customers who: Operators have to balance the introduction of feature development and several years
Employ all wireless technologies new technologies and related services against ofstrategic and targeted R&D effort.
Utilize from 1-500+ software licenses
Are located in 90 countries in every
region of the world Expanding Role For Planning Solutions
Mentum Planet Supported
Technologies Planning Expansion Optimization Evolution
WCDMA and HSPA
Traditional Role Evolving Role
CDMA2000 and 1xEV-DO
Greenfield network planning New technology
(Rel. O and Rev. A)
Site planning and acquisition deployment/overlay
WiMAX (mobile and fixed) and CAPEX planning Convergence, merging
pre-WiMAX BWA technologies Coverage planning networks
GSM/GPRS/EDGE Traffic planning Optimization with ACP and
AMPS/TDMA, iDEN Manual optimization/scenario measured data
4G technologies (LTE/UMB/WiMAX planning Enabler for operational
release 2) under development Frequency planning efficiencies as a centrally
Visualization and reporting integrated and open data
management system

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[The worlds most innovative wireless network planning,
optimization and data management platform]

The Evolution Of Planet

MSI Marconi Ericsson Mentum

1992: MSIs first RF 2000: MSI acquired by 2006: Ericsson acquires 2007: CTS International
planning software Marconi Marconi, including the acquires the Planet
Planet Planet group assets from Ericsson and
2001: Marconi acquires
creates its new identity:
1999: Planet DMS, first Northwood Technologies 2006: Improved integra-
Mentum
enterprise-grade and deciBel Planner tion with other Ericsson
planning tool TEMS tools 2007: With focus on the
2003: Marconi launches
planning and optimiza-
Planet EV with .NET 2006: Further develop-
tion market, Mentum
Windows Platform ment of next-generation
Planet is at the core of
technologies: HSPA,
Mentums growth
EV-DO and WiMAX
strategy

Mentum Planet has evolved to become does not require substantial tuning.
the worlds most innovative network Where more survey data is available, What sets Mentum apart?
planning, optimization and data manage- the Mentum Planet General model is
ment platform, utilizing the most an excellent choice with a decade-long
Focus
Mentum is dedicated specifically to
advanced software architecture available. track record of proven accuracy.
developing wireless planning and
Exceptional Accuracy The Mentum Planet Universal model optimization solutions. It does not use
The value of any simulation-based developed by strategic partner France these products to sell network equipment
planning tool is its ability to emulate Telecom R&D (Orange Labs) has or consulting services. We work directly
real-world conditions. Mentum Planet proven extremely accurate, is easy to for the customer.
excels at accurately modeling changes tune and delivers the industrys fastest
predictions in built-up urban areas and Dependability
prior to implementation so our customers
urban/suburban transition zones. Used in Mentum is committed to the long-term
benefit from efficient planning, accurate
conjunction with Mentum Planet geodata success of Mentum Planet through
budgeting and optimal return on invest-
and drive test data, it provides simula- best-of-class services and R&D efforts.
ment in their deployed networks.
tions with unparalleled accuracy, and Leadership
In addition to industry-standard propagation
models that can be confidently re-applied Mentum anticipates and participates
models, Mentum Planet offers two
in areas with similar RF characteristics. in the evolution of wireless and software
remarkably accurate differentiating
technologies to offer the most benefit
models. CRC-Predict, developed in Advanced Open Software
to our customers both today and
conjunction with strategic partner Platform
tomorrow.
Communications Research Centre Mentum Planet delivers a future-proof
Canada, is the result of more than software architecture that enables rapid
ten years of effort. It is a unique macro customization and integration, and deliv-
model for use in suburban and rural ers improved clientserver performance.
areas that is extremely accurate and Based on Microsofts .NET technology for

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Windows, it also ensures compatibility projects. Maintaining applications and Advanced Traffic Modeling
with all major languages, middleware and data on central servers makes upgrades, Precise modeling of subscriber
databases, and streamlines workflows via redundancy and workflows easier to distributions is the key to simulating
integration with in-house and third-party manage and helps our customers to both interference and actual network
systems through standard APIs. better plan and optimize their networks. performance. Mentum Planets advanced
Mentum Planets advanced platform also Mentum Planet Data Manager is modeling helps illustrate how different
means it can be rapidly customized and extremely flexible, fully supporting user types will impact the network
integrated within an operators existing thin-client architecture deployments and facilitates the delivery of detailed
RF planning environment. based on Citrix as well as standard traffic maps for use in planning or other
client/server architecture. It has been optimization activities, such as automatic
Enterprise-grade Database successfully deployed to support more frequency or cell planning.
Management
than 500concurrent users and allows Mentum Planets unique Subscriber
While traditional RF planning tools have
each to share key data and to pull down, Manager enables simulation of real-
been independent solutions isolated from
edit and only check back in the data world end-user behaviour. It includes
other important data sources such as
they need to a central database. support for subscriber location, operating
operations support systems (OSS),
Administrators can set access privileges environment, mobility and services used
Mentum Planet seamlessly integrates
for users, ensuring corporate design (voice, e-mail, web browsing).
network solutions and enterprise IT
environments. With this innovative standards are maintained and the For rapid planning analysis, or where
solution, operators RF and performance network database is not corrupted by known or estimated traffic loads are
engineers are able to manage, access an unauthorized user. Because data available, Mentum Planet can quickly
and utilize data more effectively. can be easily pulled using a scriptable perform advanced traffic modeling on
data import/export function in other single or multi-technology networks.
The Mentum Planet integrated data man-
applications (including Mentum Ellipse), For the latter, the software models
agement system facilitates multi-user
Mentum Planet integrates easily within off-loading traffic from one layer to
project collaboration and can provide a
the complex OSS ecosystem of wireless the other.
centralized database for all RF planning
operators.

Integration With Operations Support Systems

API Performance Tools


Client Mentum Planet
Drive Test

Data Exchange
Server Data Manager OSS System
Site Configuration
Frequency Plan
Neighbour List
Interference Matrix
Etc.

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[ Mentum Planet uses sophisticated network parameter modeling
and algorithms to replicate actual network behaviour ]

Mentum Planet Product Structure

3GPP 3GPP2 WiMAX

Capesso Capesso Capesso Automated Cell Planning

Automated Frequency
Renaissance Included
Planning

HSPA EV-DO
Network Simulation
WCDMA CDMA WiMAX

Mentum Planet Core Package

}
Measurement Data Package
Extensions to Core
Universal Model Package
Indoor/Outdoor Integration iBwave RF-vu

With detailed traffic input, Mentum Planet Information System (GIS) features labourious import/export translation
uses sophisticated network parameter through its OEM version of MapInfo procedures. Mentum Planets own data
modeling and algorithms to replicate Professional. As the only RF planning formats are open and based on GIS
actual network behaviour. The analysis and optimization tool with native MapInfo standards, making them easily created
provides detailed reports and maps file support, Mentum Planet users have and accessed through other applications.
illustrating how the radio network will easy access to worldwide data and an The ability to pull in marketing data
perform under various configurations and advanced GIS toolset that provides a and share engineering data through
loading scenarios, helping operators to foundation for managing all geographic MapBasic scripts across the operators
understand how to cope with the increase data in the planning environment. organization promotes the full potential
in demand and how to spend wisely to Widely used throughout the telecom of Mentum Planet. The MapInfo GIS
address it. sector, MapInfo Professional allows foundation facilitates map data creation
MapInfo Location Intelligence users to easily import and map data such and editing, spatial data visualization,
A network operators primary asset is its as traffic patterns, measurement data query and analysis, map plotting, Google
network coverage and capacity. Mentum and site locations and share outputs Earth exports, access to web-enabled
Planet offers unparalleled Geographic with other MapInfo users without GIS data repositories and reporting.

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Mentum Planet Deployment Scenarios

1. Stand-alone
Thick-client Mentum
Region A
Planet Server 3. Enterprise,
Workstation
Centrally Hosted
Mentum Planet Workstations Client-server
Solution
Mentum
Planet Server
2. Thick-client
Workgroup With Region B
Centralized Data
Database
Servers
Mentum Planet Workstations (Oracle or Mentum Mentum Planet Clients
MS SQL) Planet Server

Flexible Deployment Models multi-rate coding (AMR) and advanced As a complement to Renaissance,
Mentum Planet supports a variety of frequency-hopping planning methods. Mentum Planet provides a unique GSM
deployment models through its unique It also generates advanced interference performance analysis tool based on
software design and licensing system. matrices (IMs) based on histograms and powerful and rapid simulation
provides an interference matrix manager techniques. It allows engineers to
A network administrator can opt for
to merge IMs from multiple sources predict not only QoS for mixed voice/data
standalone workstation deployments,
(network measured, survey, modeled networks, but also establishes bench-
with or without a Data Manager to share
coverage and local knowledge). marks for various frequency plans and
project data. Or, alternatively, they can
The optional Renaissance automatic their relative QoS impact on the network.
employ a centralized model supported
through Citrix or Windows Terminal frequency planning (AFP) solution,
Services or some combination of both. developed in conjunction with France
Telecom R&D (Orange Labs) and proven
Mentum Planet also offers a flexible
on some of Europes largest networks,
licensing system that allows software
is a best-in-class frequency planning
licenses to be acquired on a named
solution that lets the user optimize their
end-user basis or a pool shared for
spectrum utilization.
multiple users. The licensing system
also offers a cost-effective commuter Renaissance delivers unmatched
license option that supports disconnected frequency plan quality and specialized
operation of the software for use when features such as:
away from the office. Partial frequency retune
capabilities
Full Support for Advanced Mixed voice and packet data
GSM/GPRS/EDGE Networks scenario optimization
Mentum Planet supports the analysis of
Mentum Planet provides comprehensive Voice/data trade-off and area/traffic
HSPA network performance using detailed
support for 2G+ technology and supports trade-off
throughput predictions based on achiev-
advanced GSM features such as adaptive MAL and MAIO joint optimization
able data rates, coverage probabilities and
end-user network utilization.

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[ Mentum Planet is the ideal solution to meet the engineering and marketing
requirements of a 3G network overlay over an existing 2G network ]

Finally, Mentum Planet offers full multi- characteristics that add value, minimize Comprehensive
technology support. A single network interference and enable the use of high 3GPP2 Capabilities
can be composed of WCDMA and HSPA, throughput TFRCs. In interference-limited CDMA environ-
along with GSM/GPRS/EDGE allowing Mentum Planet has HSPA capabilities ments, it is important to understand the
engineers to analyze the interaction supporting all deployment configurations performance of every cell in the network
between these layers and analyze including Rel. 99, HSDPA and HSUPA, and and its interaction with other cells. With
performance of one layer against another. HSPA or Rel. 99 exclusively. With ongoing advanced traffic modeling, detailed
Mentum Planet is the ideal solution to development in support of future 3GPP PN analysis planning and PN conflict
meet the engineering and marketing release evolution such as HSPA+ and analysis, plus pilot pollution inspection
requirements of a 3G network overlay LTE, Mentum continues its commitment and support for repeaters, Mentum
over an existing 2G network. to leading-edge support for the most Planet continues to lead the way in plan-
advanced wireless technologies. ning capabilities for CDMA2000 networks.
Full Support for
3GPP Technologies
Mentum Planet offers options for Mentum Software Portfolio
WCDMA and HSPA analyses. Detailed
inputs are possible through the Subscriber
Manager plus a fast, efficient Monte
Carlo engine, while quick analyses can
be generated through a unique rapid
planning analysis engine.
Mentum Planet allows operators to
predict network performance by using
all data available, whether collected
through drive test or gathered in the form
of OSS statistics. Its interactive planning
features, including the CPICH pollution
analysis tool, a spatial statistics engine
and extensive reporting capabilities,
provide a comprehensive toolset for all
RF engineering tasks.
The intelligent system capabilities of
the HSPA radio access layer are mainly
implemented through adaptive scheduling
and selection of Transport Format and
Resource Combinations (TFRCs) as a
function of radio conditions and resource
usage. Mentum Planet can help improve
the performance levels of new and
existing networks with accurate modeling

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Mentum Planet offers advanced WiMAX modeling capabilities, including support
of advanced antenna techniques for accurate coverage predictions in the most
complex environments.

With the optional CDMA2000 module, mance, allowing assessment of capacity Forum board members use Mentum
Mentum Planet delivers high accuracy in challenges (e.g. reasons for blocked calls), Planet in their designs, an unofficial
a comprehensive yet easy to-use feature network coverage (e.g. pilot coverage) endorsement of Mentum Planet as the
set, making it the top choice of CDMA and network quality (e.g. EV-DO data leading 4G RF planning and optimization
operators around the world. rates) all in the same project and all toolset in the market.
Planning and managing high-speed using todays network or tomorrows
Mentum Planet delivers comprehensive
data services poses unique challenges forecasted traffic and expected network
modeling of the WiMAX radio technology,
to RF engineers. The optional Mentum configuration.
including support for 802.16d and
Planet EV-DO extension allows users 802.16e, OFDM/OFDMA, diversity
Worldwide WiMAX Leader
to define and analyze EV-DO carriers in schemes and adaptive antenna systems.
Mentum Planet was selected by the
detail, providing a variety of outputs to OFDM/OFDMA modeling is achieved
largest operator of WiMAX in the world,
assess achievable forward/reverse link
which means the products feature set through detailed modeling of sub-
data rates and coverage probability, and
for WiMAX planning and optimization has carriers, sub-channelization and other
to find the optimal balance of coverage,
been tested like no other. It also ensures specific technology parameters. Mentum
quality and capacity. The EV-DO modeling
compatibility with leading equipment Planet for WiMAX includes innovative
and simulation capabilities are fully
vendors in the WiMAX technology space. algorithms that can evaluate the
integrated in the Mentum Planet 3G
impact of collision-based interference,
Monte Carlo engine, thus allowing users Mentum takes its leadership in this
power control, adaptive modulations
to analyze data-only carriers in concert innovative technology seriously. In fact,
and other advanced parameters on the
with other non-EV-DO-based carriers. we are a member company in the WiMAX
performance of the network all while
Several reports and statistical analyses Forum to ensure our involvement in its
accounting for radio propagation and
provide insight into the network perfor- evolution. Currently, many of the WiMAX
traffic loading.

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[ Mentum Planet was selected by the largest
operator of WiMAX in the world ]

Mentum Planet also supports performance against the cost, feasibility and value of matic implementation planning report
enhancing features of WiMAX and Smart potential changes to the network and so that network improvements can be
Antennas. MIMO-A and MIMO-B are the recommended plan is seamlessly implemented in the optimal order.
supported within the product, as well as used within Mentum Planet for analysis
and further action. Incorporating Measurement Data
phased array antennas and beamswitch
All wireless operators base their plan-
antennas. Users can investigate Plans developed with Capesso are ning processes on a range of prediction
mobility by assessing handover areas demonstrably better, delivered faster, and network-derived data. In addition to
and neighbour lists for different sectors. and are more useful than plans devel- a series of features related to simula-
For TDD deployments, Mentum Planet oped any other way. These optimized tion-based activities, Mentum Planet
can automatically optimize network plans deliver significantly improved provides solutions addressing all aspects
uplink/downlink resource allocations coverage, capacity and quality over of this continuum, including support for
taking coverage, interference, traffic manually-developed plans with CW, scanner, test mobile, as well as OSS
distribution and availability of various production-time reduced by up to 90%. data in a single toolset. Purchasing the
adaptive modulation schemes into
Capesso can provide automatic planning optional measurement data package
consideration resulting in maximiza-
for all major radio standards in a single provides customers with the Automated
tion of ARPU/deployment.
package, as well as multiple networks Model Tuner, Survey Manager, Test
Mentum Planet continues to invest in simultaneously. While performing Mobile Tool and Survey Prediction Tool.
its WiMAX capabilities through custom calculations at speeds that set the Users can calibrate predictions using
developments for operators, algorithm benchmark for the ACP competitive Mentum Planets Automated Model
design and feature implementations in environment, Capesso offers an auto- Tuning features in combination with
conjunction with leading vendors and
operators as it continues to pave the
way to 4G.

Capesso Automatic Cell


Planning Solution
Capesso is a fully featured, tightly
integrated Automatic Cell Planning (ACP)
tool developed by Mentums strategic
partner Symena as an optional module
for Mentum Planet. It addresses all
stages of the network lifecycle and sup-
ports GSM/iDEN, GPRS, EDGE, as well as
CDMA2000/1xEV-DO and WCDMA/HSPA
technologies.
Capesso builds upon the workflows and
information available through Mentum
Planet, including geodata, traffic maps
and propagation predictions. Optimization
Advanced automated toolsets such as Capesso for Mentum Planet allow engineers to
criteria are mathematically balanced
quickly develop better network plans or improve existing networks.

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new ways to identify, understand and
Predictions measurement data. Processing and
analysis of measurement data is provided manage the business case for indoor
through the extensive survey management systems. For those buildings where the
features. return on investment makes sense, the
joint solution will enable the calculation
With the Test Mobile Tool, users can
of indoor/outdoor interference and allow
import, analyze, and post-process
users to analyze the impact of indoor
test mobile and scanner data to better
systems on reverse-link interference
leverage its value. CW and drive test
as well as the impact of outdoor cells
data can be used within Mentum Planet
on indoor network performance. Once
to augment predictions through the
integrated with Mentum Planets Data
use of the Survey Prediction Tool. This
Manager, the joint solution will deliver
outstanding application inserts measured
Measurements path-loss values where they are available
enterprise-level data management of
indoor layouts, plans and coverage that
(e.g. on a survey route) and interpolates
enable complete data editing, versioning
neighbouring values based on specialized
and data reporting.
algorithms. The result is startlingly
accurate predictions for Mentum Planet Optimized Geodata
analyses rendered even more accurate Mentum offers a suite of geodata
bythe efficient reuse of collected data. products including clutter (land use),
terrain, and vectors tailored for use in
Integrated Indoor/Outdoor
Mentum Planet. These data sets are
Planning
developed in our GIS lab or are offered in
Mentum is working with the global
conjunction with a select group of vendor
leader in indoor planning solutions,
partners worldwide.
Merged Predictions iBwave. Mentum already distributes its
complementary iBwave RF-vu plan- As the single point of contact for the
ning solution through its global sales customer, Mentum can minimize costs
channel, and as of spring 2008, the while offering an extremely wide variety
two companies will launch the worlds of services from the exacting produc-
first integrated indoor/outdoor network tion of building heights at 1m resolution
planning solution. The joint offering will to the marketing analysis of urban sprawl
enable visualization of indoor systems and growth. The standard Mentum
(distributed antenna systems or others) geodata offering includes 20m, 30m and
from within Mentum Planet in order to 100m products, but higher resolution
understand the possible challenges to datasets are also offered to meet specific
theoutdoor radio access network. customer requirements.
Mentum Planet allows for a combination of
predictive data with real-world measure- The integrated offering will bring
ments to provide network planners and together two complementary planning
optimization engineers with the most tools and will provide operators with
accurate representation of their network.

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[ Mentum can minimize costs while offering an extremely
wide variety of services ]

Specialized Services and Mentum delivers support to its global


Differentiated Customer Care customer base through support centers Mentum Partners
The services Mentum delivers are located in Paris, Ottawa, Dallas and Mentum has strategic technology
focused exclusively around Mentum Hong Kong. Support staff blend a myriad partnerships with:
products, where the companys in-depth of skill sets, including IT, RFdesign and
knowledge provides unique and distinct software programming, to help ensure
advantages. Our team of highly trained customer productivity on Mentum
professionals have years of experience products. Mentum prides itself on
delivering specialized solutions to the after-sales support and uses leading
wireless industry. technologies to provide the best support
in the RF planning software industry.
Services offered include:
Education services: Tool or Proven Leader
technology-based courses delivered Mentum Planet is at the forefront of the
on customer premises, at Mentum RF planning and optimization software
training centers, or through the industry, and Mentum continues to win
Mentum Online Education Program new customers across a broad spectrum
Implementation services: Project of innovative, as well as tried-and-true,
planning, system integration and technologies.
data migration delivered by on-site
Mentum currently serves over 250 cus-
consultants or remotely with client
tomers around the world. The accuracy
access provided to internal IT systems
and technical depth of its software,
Technology or Mentum Planet mentor-
coupled with ongoing research into
ing: Mentum engineers stay on site
broadband technologies, including OFDM
with operators engineers to improve
technologies such as LTE, make Mentum
operational efficiency through applied
a safe investment that will benefit users
RF and tool knowledge transfer
today, tomorrow and wellinto the future. Mentums capabilities include:
Custom integration: Integration of
Worldwide sales, support and
Mentum Planet within operator
customer care
systems or development of specific
Offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris,
features to tackle key workflows
Ottawa and Dallas
Specialized products/services around
Mentum Planet and Mentum Ellipse
Implementation services
Global customer care
Training and mentoring
Geodata
A corporate commitment to deliver
well beyond software Mentum
delivers results

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www.mentum.com Member Company of

sales@mentum.com
2008 Mentum S.A.
Mentum, Mentum Planet and Mentum
Ellipse are registered trademarks owned
by Mentum S.A. All other trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.

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