Wireless Network Design and

Commission Testing

Tom Bennett
RCDD, DCDC, ESS, OSP, WD, TECH, CT
BICSI
 Welcome and Introduction
Discussion Topics for Todays Session:
The RF Spectrum : Understanding the Frequency Plan
Wireless Architecture
Wireless Topology
Wireless Components
Design Fundamentals
Preliminary Site Surveys
Wireless Toolsets
Pre and Post Commission Testing
The RF Frequency Spectrum
 Frequencies of Interest
Two Way Mobile Radio
3G,4G,5G Frequency Bands
LTE Frequency Band
IDEN
Carrier Wireless
900 Mhz ITMS
 Frequencies of Interest
1.8 Ghz Carrier Cellular
2.1 Ghz Carrier Cellular
2.4 Ghz 802.11
4.9 Ghz Public Safety Band
5.0 Ghz 802.11
5.8 Ghz 802.11
6 Ghz Microwave
 Frequencies of Interest
18 Ghz Microwave
23 Ghz Microwave
40 Ghz Microwave
60 Ghz Millimeter Wave
80 Ghz Millimeter Wave
 Categories of Wireless Architecture

Mobility Based Networks

Cellular
LTE
IDEN
GSM
Trunked Radio
 Categories of Wireless Architecture

Fixed Outdoor Wireless Networks

Microwave 6 Ghz, 12 Ghz, 18 Ghz, 23 Ghz, 38 Ghz
Millimeter Wave 60 Ghz, 80 Ghz
Mesh 900 Mhz, 2.4 Ghz, 5 Ghz, 5.8 Ghz
 Categories of Wireless Architecture

Fixed Indoor 802.11 Wireless Networks

802.11 Standard Deployment
A Channels
B Channels
G Channels
N Channels
AC Channels
 Categories of Wireless Architecture

Distributed Antenna Systems DAS

Host Specific

Host Neutral

Bi-amplifier based Systems

 Categories of Wireless Topology

Point to Point Fixed Transmission

Bandwidth and Frequency Band Options
Short Haul 1-10 Miles

Long Haul 10+ Miles

Two totally different Engineering approaches required

 Categories of Wireless Topology

Point to Multipoint Fixed Transmission

Bandwidth and Frequency Band Options

Master, Slave Operation

 Categories of Wireless Topology

Mesh Networks (Both Fixed and Mobile)

Bandwidth and Frequency Band Options
 Design Fundamentals

LOS vs. NLOS Propagation Performance

Predicting Performance

Fresnel Zone Impact

 Design Fundamentals

Steps for Topographic Analysis

USGS Maps
Terrestrial and Seasonal
Influences
Bodies of Water
 Design Fundamentals

Creation of an RF Path Profile w/Terrestrial

Influences

Design Challenge Activity

 Design Fundamentals

Calculation of Free Space Loss

 Design Fundamentals

Microwave
Analog

Digital
 Design Fundamentals

Millimeter Wave Limited Distance, High Bandwidth

60 Ghz
80 Ghz
Licensed and Unlicensed Spectrum
 Design Fundamentals

Fresnel Zone Performance

Beam Width Antenna Performance
Fade Margin
Other Additional Environmental Factors
 Wireless Network Components

RF Oscillators, Transceivers and their design

IF frequencies and their purpose in the RF chain

Coupling and Circulator losses

Transmission Line Loss vs. Frequency
 Wireless Network Components

RF Antenna Types, Gain and Application

Parabolic Reflectors
Gain versus Diameter
Beam Width versus Distance
Planar Reflectors
Gain vs size
Beam Width vs Distance w/ lobe pattern
 Wireless Network Components

New Industry Developments

Ground Potential Rise Mitigation

Rotational Polarization vs. H, V

MIMO enhancements in antennas, radio

 Wireless Network Components

Antenna Lobe Patterns for Performance

Omnidirectional
vs.
Unidirectional
 Support Infrastructure

Fiber Optics Transport Design

SMAAS (Single Mode as a Strategy) in building system

Coaxial Distribution Model

 Support Infrastructure

Lightning Protection Considerations

 Support Infrastructure

Electrical Power Quality

Testing Voltage, Phase, Noise and Ampacity for all Primary and
Backup Wireless Circuits for Head End Equipment is a Must.
Backup and Generator Requirements for DAS
 Support Infrastructure

Grounding and Bonding Methodology

ANSI/TIA 607 Compliance
 Support Infrastructure

Node B Configuration and Setup

Proper Mounting and Cable Support

Wall Mount, Options and Hardware
Bend Radius and Cable Support
Rack Considerations
Wire Management
 Facility Engineering

Rooftop Spectrum Survey and Analysis

Determining Antenna Orientation Requirements

Antenna Tilt
Transmit Power
 Facility Engineering

Rooftop Systems Engineering

Structural Analysis
Lightning Protection and Prevention Systems
 Facility Engineering

Engineering Pathway for Donor Antennas

Conduit Recommendations
Bend Radius for LDF and other rigid coaxial cable
 Facility Engineering

Structural Mast, Parapet and Pole Mount Best Practices

Roof Membranes

Roof Structure and Wind Loading

Wind Loading
 Facility Engineering

Rooftop Assessment Challenge Activity

Performing a Rooftop Site Survey
 Performing a Rooftop Site Survey

Examples of Rooftop Design Considerations

Structural Engineering Considerations
Penetrations (Important Warranty Issue)
Anchoring and Cable Support Methodology
Cable Bridge Supports
 Performing a Rooftop Site Survey
Link Simulation and Testing
LOS Verification
Frequency Congestion and Its Impact on
Performance
Mitigation Strategies for Dense Wireless Environments
Colocation of Carrier Equipment
Power and Grounding
 Performing a Rooftop Site Survey

Spectrum Interference Tool Analysis and Mitigation

Techniques and Difficulty Related to Interference Location
 Performing a Pre Install Validation

Pre Install Performance Validation

Verifying Donor Antenna Azimuth and Tilt

Propagation Verification Process

In Building Tests to Confirm Software Analysis
 Support Infrastructure
Telecom Space Installation Considerations
Node A Headend Layout
Single Host
Neutral Host
Adjacencies and Multi Carrier Separation Best Practices
Overhead Ladder Support
Electrical Build Out
 Support Infrastructure

Telecom Space Installation Examples

Single Host

Neutral Host
 RF Antenna Installation

Antenna Mounting Hardware

Mast and Pole Mount

Tower Mount
RF Antenna Alignment

Azimuth and Elevation Settings

 RF Antenna Alignment

Main Lobe Alignment and Peak Performance

 RF Antenna Alignment

Antenna Drift Mitigation

Structural Mount Reinforcement
Tower type (guyed vs. nonguyed)
PM Link Measurement
 RF Antenna Alignment

Safety Considerations for Energy Exposure

Power Levels and EIRP

Physical Safety Systems (Tools, Platform)

 Building Propagation Analysis

Analysis of structural materials and their impact on

attenuation and performance
1. Steel Frame Impacts
2. Core Space Impacts (Elevator, Stair Shafts)
3. Drywall, Wood Frame, Glass Coatings
4. Floor to Floor Isolation
 Building Propagation Analysis

Identifying potential dead spot coverage zones

Basement Areas

Non linear building shapes

Shielded areas (Medical Special Purpose)

Building Propagation Analysis
 Industry RF Tool Sets
iBwave
Multistory DAS propagation analysis
 Industry RF Tool Sets

Air Magnet
802.11 Coverage and AP placement analysis
 Industry RF Tool Sets

Motorola Site Planner

Campus or Downtown Outdoor Mesh Propagation
 Active Survey Validation

Use of Powered RF CW Signal Sources

 Active Survey Validation

RF Spectrum Analyzer survey measurements

 Active Survey Validation

Demonstration of Active Spectrum Sampling using

the Tektronix RSA 306 Field Spectrum Analyzer
 Active Survey Validation

Use of the Impedance Bridge for SRL testing

 Active Survey Validation

Steps to Proper RF Performance Validation

1. Benchmark Measurement at Frequency of Interest
using CORRECT Antenna (Gain approximates Actual)
2. Proper Documentation Process
3. Data Entry
4. Comparison to Predicted Propagation
 Case Studies for Design

Mesh Topology Based Design

Public Safety Mobility Network for Municipality
Challenges
Coordination
Interfaces
Performance
 Case Studies for Design

Distributed Antenna System Design

Regional Health Care Facility
1. Public Safety
2. Carrier Neutral Design
3. SM Riser Network
4. Challenges due to Facility
 Commission Testing

The Commission Testing Process

1. Commissioning Statement
2. Commissioning Agent
3. Commissioning Plan
4. Documentation and Forms
 Commission Testing

Structural Return Loss Testing for Coaxial

Infrastructure with an Impedance Reflection Bridge
 Commission Testing

RF PIM Validation and Network Feedback Carrier Testing

 Commission Testing

The Dynamics of Proper RF Levels

1. RF Level TX/RX balancing
2. Node B output gain
3. Node A Input Receive Level
4. Wireless Device Receiver Dynamics
 DAS Acceptance Test

Testing Procedure for Facility Acceptance

1. Knowledge of Carrier Specific Performance Requirements

2. Documentation Process Format (test measurements)
3. Acceptance Report Submittal Documents
 Carrier Acceptance
Summary of Key Factors for Success
Submission of Design Documentation
Commissioning Roles and Responsibilities
Test and Acceptance Report
Signoff and Carrier Acceptance
System Activation
 Questions

Thank you for participating in the session!

Blessings and have a great 2016 conference.

tbennett@bicsi.org
615-913-6063