ATOLL User - Manual-151-200

Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment
4.4.2 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 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.
- All the folder: Choose this option if you want to import all the files in a folder.
6. Click the Browse button ( ) to navigate to the file or the folder to be imported.
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 in
the Events viewer how many files have been successfully and unsuccessfully imported.
For more information on importing microwave antennas in the Planet format, see the Administrator Manual.
4.4.3 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 151
• "Copying an Antenna Pattern to One or More Antennas" on page 151.
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:
4. Select Antennas > Open Table from the context menu. The MW Antennas table appears.
5. Right-click the antenna in the Waveguides and Cables table whose horizontal or vertical pattern you want to edit.
The context menu appears.
6. Select Record Properties from the context menu. The antenna’s Properties dialogue appears.
7. Select the tab of the pattern you want to edit (for information on the tabs of the antenna’s Properties dialogue,
see "Creating an Antenna" on page 149).
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.
Copying an Antenna Pattern to One or More Antennas
Atoll enables you to copy antenna patterns within the MW Antennas table. By copying and pasting patterns in the MW
Antennas table you can assign antenna patterns from one antenna to another.
To open the MW Antennas table:
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 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 151

Atoll User Manual
By resizing row height and column width, you can view all antenna patterns in order to be able to compare them
(see Figure 4.4).
Figure 4.4: 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 antenna’s
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.
4.4.4 Printing Microwave Antenna Patterns

To print the pattern of a microwave antenna:
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.
9. Right-click the antenna pattern and select Print from the context menu.
4.5 Microwave Equipment

Microwave radio equipment refers to 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)
152 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

• Outdoor unit (ODU)

• Antenna
Figure 4.5: 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 radi-
ated 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 fre-
quency to be used by different radio systems in physical proximity to one another.
Vertical polarisation Horizontal polarisation
Figure 4.6: 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.

Atoll User Manual
For more information on antennas, see "Defining Antennas" on page 149.

In this section, the following are explained:
• "Modelling the IDU and ODU in Atoll" on page 154
• "Importing Microwave Equipment in Pathloss Format" on page 157
• "Advanced Configuration" on page 158.
4.5.1 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 initially
create a new piece of microwave equipment using the MW Equipment, and then define its parameters using its Proper-
ties dialogue.
To create a piece of microwave equipment:
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 sig-
nal 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 dis-
crimination 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
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 ac-
tive. 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 accept-
able errors rates) in the presence of frequency-selective fading.
This information is available from the manufacturer.
Figure 4.7: 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 Kn
64-QAM 15.4
16-QAM 5.5
8-PSK 7
4-PSK 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. Rummler1 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.
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 man-
ufacturer in the From manufacturer text box.
1. 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.

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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 cal-
culated:
- Calculated C/I min.: If you want to use a calculated minimum C⁄I, select Calculated C/I min., and define
an interference margin in the For a Margin Against Interference Of text box. Atoll will calculates the re-
quired quality based on the user-defined interference margin.
- User-defined C/I min.: If you want to define a minimum C⁄I, 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
Commutation Delay is used only if Hot Standby Available is selected on the General tab of this Properties
dialogue.

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 atten-
uation in dB (Att.) for each frequency shift in MHz (Delta F). This information is provided by the equipment man-
ufacturer.
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 T⁄I Curve tab of Properties dialogue, define a threshold-to-interference (T⁄I) curve either by clicking the
Initialise from standard graphs button, to let Atoll create the curve from standard values, or by defining an atten-
uation in dB (Att.) for each frequency shift in MHz (Delta F). This information is provided by the equipment man-
ufacturer.
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 curve
defines the curve 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 T⁄I curve 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:
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 equipment’s Properties dialogue
appears.
7. Edit the properties as previously explained in this section.
4.5.2 Importing Microwave Equipment in Pathloss Format

You can add microwave equipment by importing equipment files that are in Pathloss format (version 4.0). These equip-
ment files are ASCII files with the extension RAF. Any T⁄I graphs stored in the equipment file are imported into the theo-
retical graphs table. For more information on the theoretical graphs, see "Theoretical Graphs" on page 162.
For further information about the Pathloss file format, see the Technical Reference Guide.
To import Pathloss-format equipment files:
4. Select Equipment > Import Manufacturer Data from the context menu. The Data Import dialogue appears.

Atoll User Manual
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.
6. Click the Browse button ( ) to navigate to the file or the folder to be imported.
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.
4.5.3 Advanced Configuration

Atoll offers several advanced configuration options:
• "Digital Hierarchies" on page 158
• "Interference Reduction Factor" on page 159
• "Theoretical Graphs" on page 162.
4.5.3.1 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 multi-
plexing 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 equip-
ment. For example, a microwave link that has a capacity of 2 with an assigned trunk type of E1 will be capable of trans-
ferring 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.
To create a microwave trunk type:

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 4.8).

Figure 4.8: 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 type’s Properties dialogue:
• Double-click the trunk type in the left margin of the Trunk Types table. The trunk type’s Properties dialogue
appears (see Figure 4.9).
Figure 4.9: Trunk type Properties dialogue
4.5.3.2 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 victim–interferer microwave transceiver equipment pair by defining the protec-
tion 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 T⁄I graphs to determine the IRF graph. Atoll uses either the graphs defined for

Atoll User Manual
the equipment if available, or the theoretical "T⁄I" graphs if not (for more information on the theoretical graphs, see
"Theoretical Graphs" on page 162).
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.
• "Defining IRF Graphs Manually" on page 160
• "Defining IRF Graphs with the Assistant" on page 161.
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:
4. Select Equipment > IRF > Open Table from the context menu. The Trunk Types table appears (see
Figure 4.10).
Figure 4.10: 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 4.11).
Figure 4.11: 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.

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:
4. Select Equipment > IRF > Edit Grid from the context menu. The IRF Setting dialogue appears (see Figure 4.10).
Figure 4.12: 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 manufac-
turer are displayed in the grid.
7. Select the RX Equipment Manufacturer from the menu. Only equipment manufactured by the selected manufac-
turer 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 theo-
retical 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.

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d. Click OK.
To delete an IRF graph between the transmission and reception equipment:
b. Select Delete from the context menu.
To create an IRF graph between the transmission and reception equipment using equipment graphs or theoretical
graphs:
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.
4.5.3.3 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 differ-
ent frequency bands and bandwidths.1
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:
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
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 graph’s 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.
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 func-
tion 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).
1. T/I curves 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.

9. Click OK.
4.6 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 describes the modelling of waveguides and cables in Atoll:
• "Defining Microwave Waveguides and Cables" on page 163
• "Modifying a Microwave Waveguide or Cable" on page 164.
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 164.
To create a microwave waveguide or cable:

4. Select Waveguides and Cables > New from the context menu. The MWGuides New Element Properties dia-
logue appears (see Figure 4.13).
Figure 4.13: 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 ( ) opens the Prop-
erties dialogue of the selected frequency band.
- 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 Rectan-
gular.
6. Click OK.

Atoll User Manual
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:
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 record’s 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 ( ) opens the Prop-
erties dialogue of the selected frequency band.
- 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 Rectan-
gular.
8. Click OK.
4.7 Microwave Antenna/Equipment/Waveguide Compat-

ibility
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.
• "Defining Compatibility Manually" on page 164
• "Using Assistants to Define Compatibility" on page 165.
4.7.1 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.
• "Using the Microwave Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility Table" on page 164
• "Using the Microwave Antenna/Equipment Compatibility Table" on page 165
4.7.1.1 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:
4. Select Compatibility > Antenna/Waveguide > Open Table from the context menu. The Antenna/Guides Com-
patibility 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 double-
clicking the Comment field to open the record’s 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.
4.7.1.2 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:
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 record’s 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.
4.7.2 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.
• "Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility" on page 165
• "Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Equipment Compatibility" on page 166.
4.7.2.1 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:
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 ( ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected
frequency band.
6. Select the Antenna Manufacturer from the list. Only antennas manufactured by the selected manufacturer are
displayed in the table. Clicking the Browse button ( ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected manufac-
turer.
7. Select the Guide Manufacturer from the list. Only waveguides manufactured by the selected manufacturer is dis-
played in the table. Clicking the Browse button ( ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected manufac-
turer.

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:
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:
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 antenna-
waveguide pairs.
4.7.2.2 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:
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 ( ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected
frequency band.
6. Select the Antenna Manufacturer from the list. Only antennas manufactured by the selected manufacturer are
turer.
7. Select the Equipment Manufacturer from the list. Only equipment manufactured by the selected manufacturer is
turer.

8. You can now define the compatibility between an antenna and equipment, delete a defined compatible antenna-
equipment pair, or define compatibility with an antenna, a piece of equipment, and waveguides:
To define the compatibility between an antenna and equipment:
b. Select Add Record from the context menu. The cell is marked in green to indicate that the antenna and equip-
ment are compatible.
To delete a defined compatible antenna-equipment pair:
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 equip-
ment 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 corre-
sponding 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 antenna-
equipment pairs.

Atoll User Manual

Chapter 5
Managing Calculations in Atoll
Atoll
RF Planning and Optimisation Software
Atoll User Manual
5 Managing Calculations in Atoll

Once you have created a network, you can make predictions. There are two types of predictions:
• Point predictions using the Point Analysis tool: The Point Analysis tool allows you to predict, at any point on
the map, the profile between a reference transmitter and a receiver, the value of the signal levels of the sur-
rounding transmitters, an active set analysis for UMTS, CDMA2000, and TD-SCDMA projects and an interference
analysis for GSM/GPRS/EDGE projects.
• Coverage predictions: You can calculate standard coverage predictions, coverage by transmitter, coverage by
signal level and overlapping zones, and specific coverage studies such as interference studies for GSM/GPRS/
EDGE projects or handover, service availability, etc. for UMTS, CDMA2000 and TD-SCDMA projects. Many cus-
tomisation features on coverage studies are available in order to make their analysis easier.
Atoll facilitates the calculation of coverage predictions with support for multithreading and distributed calculating. The
progress of the calculations can be displayed either in the Event Viewer window or in a log file.
Atoll also allows you to use polygonal zones to limit the amount of resources and time used for calculations. The polygonal
zones, such as the filtering zone and the computation zone, help you to restrict calculations to a defined set of transmitters,
and to limit calculations and coverage predictions.
Depending on the type of project you are working on, you can choose between the propagation models available in Atoll.
5.1 Working with Propagation Models

In the section, the following are explained:
• "Propagation Model Characteristics: Overview" on page 170
• "The Standard Propagation Model" on page 171
• "The Okumura-Hata Propagation Model" on page 177
• "The Cost-Hata Propagation Model" on page 178
• "The ITU 529-3 Propagation Model" on page 179
• "The Erceg-Greenstein Propagation Model" on page 181
• "The WLL Propagation Model" on page 182
• "The Longley-Rice Propagation Model" on page 183
• "The ITU 1546 Propagation Model" on page 183
• "The Sakagami Extended Propagation Model" on page 184
• "Managing Propagation Models" on page 184.
5.1.1 Propagation Model Characteristics: Overview

Each propagation model available in Atoll is suited for certain conditions, frequencies and radio technologies. The follow-
ing table summarises the frequency band, necessary geo data, recommended use of each propagation model.
Frequency
Model Geo Data Taken into Account Recommended Use
Band
Longley-Rice - Flat areas
~ 40 MHz - Terrain profile
(theoretical) - Very low frequencies
- Long distances (d > 10 km)

ITU 370-7 Vienna 93 100 – 400 MHz - Terrain profile
- Low frequencies
1 < d < 1000 km

ITU 1546 30 – 3000 MHz - Terrain profile > Broadcast
> Land and maritime mobile
ITU 526-5 (theoretical) 30 – 10000 MHz - Terrain profile - Fixed receivers
- Fixed receivers
- Terrain profile
WLL 30 – 10000 MHz > Microwave links
- Deterministic clutter
> WiMAX
1 < d < 20 km
- Terrain profile > GSM 900
Okumura-Hata 150 – 1000 MHz
- Statistical clutter (at the receiver) > CDMA2000
> LTE
1 < d < 20 km
Cost-Hata 1500 – 2000 MHz
- Statistical clutter (at the receiver) > UMTS
> LTE

Chapter 5: Managing Calculations in Atoll
Frequency
Model Geo Data Taken into Account Recommended Use
Band
1 < d < 100 km
ITU 529-3 300 – 1500 MHz
- Statistical clutter (at the receiver) > CDMA2000
> LTE
1 < d < 20 km
> GSM 900
> GSM 1800
Standard Propagation - Terrain profile > UMTS
150 – 3500 MHz
Model - Statistical clutter > CDMA2000
> WiMAX
> LTE
(Automatic calibration available)
- Urban and suburban areas

- Terrain profile
Erceg-Greenstein (SUI) 1900 – 6000 MHz 100 m < d < 8 km
- Statistical clutter (at the receiver)
> Fixed WiMAX
1 < d < 20 km
- Terrain profile
Sakagami Extended 3000 – 8000 MHz > WiMAX
- Statistical clutter
(Automatic calibration available)
5.1.2 The Standard Propagation Model

The Standard Propagation Model is a propagation model based on the Hata formulas and is suited for predictions in the
150 to 3500 MHz band over long distances (from one to 20 km). It is best suited to GSM 900/1800, UMTS, and CDMA2000
radio technologies.
The Standard Propagation Model is based on the following formula:
⎛ K 1 + K 2 × Log ( d ) + K 3 × Log ( H Txeff ) + K 4 × DiffractionLoss + K 5 × Log ( d ) × Log ( H Txeff ) + ⎞

P R = P Tx – ⎜ ⎟
⎝ K 6 × H Rxeff + K 7 × Log ( H Rx eff ) + K clutter × f ( clutter ) + K hill, LOS ⎠
where:
• PR received power (dBm)

• PTx transmitted power (EIRP) (dBm)
• K1 constant offset (dB)
• K2 multiplying factor for Log(d)
• d distance between the receiver and the transmitter (m)
• K3 multiplying factor for Log(HTxeff)
• H Tx effective height of the transmitter antenna (m)
eff
• K4 multiplying factor for diffraction calculation. K4 must be a positive number
• DiffractionLoss losses due to diffraction over an obstructed path (dB)
• K5 multiplying factor for Log(HTxeff) x Log(d)
• K6 multiplying factor for HRxeff
• K7 multiplying factor for Log(HRxeff)
• H Rx mobile antenna height (m)
eff
• Kclutter multiplying factor for f(clutter)
• f(clutter) average of weighted losses due to clutter
• Khill, LOS corrective factor for hilly regions (=0 in case of NLOS)
These parameters can be defined on the tabs (Parameters, and Clutter) of the Standard Propagation Model Properties
dialogue. You can also calibrate the Standard Propagation Model using a wizard. For information on the Automatic Cali-
bration Wizard, see the Measurements and Model Calibration Guide.
• "Recommendations for Working with the Standard Propagation Model" on page 172
• "Calculating Diffraction With the SPM" on page 172
• "Sample Values for SPM Formulas" on page 173
• "Calculating f(clutter) with the Standard Propagation Model" on page 173
• "Modelling Fixed Receivers" on page 174
• "Defining the Parameters of the Standard Propagation Model" on page 174.

Atoll User Manual
5.1.2.1 Recommendations for Working with the Standard Propagation Model

It is important to remember that clutter information can be taken into consideration in both diffraction loss and f(clutter). To
avoid taking clutter information into account twice, you should choose one of the following approaches:
• Approach #1: If you specify losses per clutter class, do not consider clutter altitudes in diffraction loss over the
transmitter-receiver profile. This approach is recommended if the clutter height information is statistical (i.e., where
the clutter is roughly defined and without a defined altitude).
Note: Because the Standard Propagation Model is a statistical propagation model, using this
approach is recommended.
• Approach #2: If you consider clutter altitudes, do not define any loss per clutter class. In this case, f(clutter) will
be "0;" losses due to clutter will only be taken into account in the calculated diffraction. This approach is recom-
mended if the clutter altitude information is semi-deterministic (i.e., where the clutter is roughly defined with an
average altitude per clutter class) or deterministic (i.e., where the clutter is sharply defined with an average altitude
per clutter class or where there is a clutter height file).
If the clutter height information is an average height defined for each clutter class, you must specify a receiver
clearance per clutter class. Both ground and clutter altitude are considered along the whole transmitter-receiver
profile except over a specific distance around the receiver (clearance), in which Atoll bases its calculations only
on the DTM. The clearance information is used to model streets because it is assumed that the receiver is in the
street.
It is not necessary to define receiver clearance if the height information is from a clutter height file. In this case,
the clutter height information is accurate enough to be used without additional information such as clearance; Atoll
calculates the path loss if the receiver is in the street (if the receiver height is higher than the clutter height). If the
receiver height is lower than the clutter height, the receiver is assumed to be inside a building. In this case, Atoll
does not consider any diffraction for the building (or any clearance) but takes into account the clutter class indoor
loss as an additional penetration loss. Nevertheless, Atoll does consider diffraction caused by surrounding build-
ings. In Figure 5.1 on page 172 this diffraction is displayed with a green line.
Important: In order to consider indoor losses inside a building when only using a deterministic clutter
map (i.e., a clutter height map), you must clear the Indoor Coverage check box when
creating a prediction or indoor losses will be added twice (once for the entire reception
clutter class and once as indoor losses).
Figure 5.1: Diffraction caused by surrounding buildings when the receiver is indoors
5.1.2.2 Calculating Diffraction With the SPM

You can set the parameters used to calculate diffraction losses on the Parameters and Clutter tabs of the Standard Prop-
agation Model Properties dialogue.
On the Parameters tab, you can define the calculation method used for diffraction and the K4 factor. The methods available
are:
• Deygout
• Epstein-Peterson
• Deygout with correction
• Millington

For detailed information on each method, see the Technical Reference Guide. The methods for calculating diffraction are
based on the general method for one or more obstacles described in the ITU 526-5 recommendations. The calculations
take the curvature of the earth into account. Along the transmitter-receiver profile, you can choose to take either the ground
altitude only or both the ground altitude and the clutter height into account. If you choose to take clutter height into account,
Atoll uses the clutter height information in the clutter heights file. Otherwise, it uses average clutter height specified for
each clutter class in the clutter classes. When the clutter height information is statistical, Atoll also uses clearance values
per clutter class to model streets.
To take heights into account when calculating diffraction:
1. Click the Modules tab of the Explorer window.
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Propagation Models folder.
3. Right-click Standard Propagation Model. The context menu appears.
4. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears.
5. Click the Clutter tab.
6. Under Heights, select one of the following for Clutter taken into account in diffraction:
- 1 - Yes: Select "1 - Yes" if you want heights from the clutter heights to be taken into account on top of the DTM
when calculating diffraction.
- 0 - No: Select "0 - No" if you want diffraction to be calculated using only the DTM.
7. Click OK.
5.1.2.3 Sample Values for SPM Formulas

The following table gives some possible values for the constants used in the Standard Propagation Model formulas.
Minimum Typical Maximum

K1 Variable Variable Variable
K2 20 44.9 70
K3 -20 5.83 20
K4 0 0.5 0.8
K5 -10 -6.55 0
K6 -1 0 0
K7 -10 0 0
K1 is a constant; its value depends on the radio frequency and on the radio technology. The following table gives some
possible values for K1.
Project Type Frequency (MHz) K1

GSM 900 935 12.5
GSM 1800 1805 22
GSM 1900 1930 23
UMTS 2110 23.8
1xRTT 1900 23
2300 24.7
2500 25.4
WiMAX 2700 26.1
3300 27.8
3500 28.3
Its value is heavily influenced by the values given to losses per clutter class.
5.1.2.4 Calculating f(clutter) with the Standard Propagation Model

The average of weighted losses due to clutter, f(clutter), is defined as follows:
n
f ( clutter ) = ∑ Li × wi
i=1

Atoll User Manual
where
L: loss due to clutter.
w: weight.
n: number of points taken into account over the profile.
The losses due to clutter are calculated for the maximum distance from the receiver, defined as Maximum Distance on
the Clutter tab of the Standard Propagation Model Properties dialogue. When the Maximum Distance is defined as
"0", Atoll only considers the losses on the pixel where the receiver is located. On the Clutter tab, each clutter class is
assigned losses and a weighting function, enabling Atoll to give a weight to each point. For more information, see the
Technical Reference Guide.
Note: The losses per clutter class can be calculated using the Automatic Calibration Wizard.
For information on the Automatic Calibration Wizard, see the Measurements and Model
Calibration Guide.
The following table gives typical values for losses (in dB) per clutter class:
Clutter Class Losses (dB)

Dense urban from 4 to 5
Woodland from 2 to 3
Urban 0
Suburban from -5 to -3
Industrial from -5 to -3
Open in urban from -6 to -4
Open from -12 to -10
Water from -14 to -12
Note: The Standard Propagation Model is based on Hata formulas, which are valid for an urban
environment. The values above are consistent with an urban environment because losses
of 0 dB are indicated for an urban clutter class, with positive values for more dense clutter
classes and negative values for less dense clutter classes.
5.1.2.5 Modelling Fixed Receivers

The following are suggestions for defining the height of fixed receivers:
• You can model the receiver as always being above the clutter, by selecting "1 - Yes" for the Receiver on Top of
Clutter option on the Clutter tab of the Standard Propagation Model Properties dialogue. The receiver height
will then be sum of the clutter height and the receiver height. This option can be used to model receivers on top
of buildings, for example.
• You can define a specific receiver height for each clutter class in the Rx Height column on the Clutter tab of the
Standard Propagation Model Properties dialogue. Or, you can select "(default)" for the receiver height. When
creating a coverage prediction, Atoll will then read the receiver height on the Receiver tab of the Properties dia-
logue for the Predictions folder.
5.1.2.6 Defining the Parameters of the Standard Propagation Model

You can define the parameters of the Standard Propagation Model using the Standard Propagation Model Properties
dialogue.
Note: Default values have been assigned to the multiplying factors. The default values
correspond to the rural (quasi-open) Okumura-Hata formula valid for a frequency of
935 MHz. The values for K values can be calculated using an automatic or assisted
calibration method. For more information, see the Measurements and Model Calibration
Guide.
To define the calculations parameters of the Standard Propagation Model:

3. Right-click Standard Propagation Model. The context menu appears.

5. Click the Parameters tab (see Figure 5.2).
Figure 5.2: Standard Propagation Model - Parameters tab
Under Near Transmitter, you can set the following parameters:
- Maximum Distance: Set the maximum distance for a receiver to be considered near the transmitter. If the
distance between the receiver and the transmitter is greater than the set distance, the receiver is considered
far from the transmitter.
- K1 - los and K2 - los: Enter the K1 and K2 values that will be used for calculations when the receiver is in the
transmitter line of sight.
- K1 - nlos and K2 - nlos: Enter the K1 and K2 values that will be used for calculations when the receiver is not
in the transmitter line of sight.
Under Far from Transmitter, the values you set will be used for all receivers whose distance from the transmitter
is greater than the distance specified in Maximum Distance under Near Transmitter. You can set the following
parameters:
- K1 - los and K2 - los: Enter the K1 and K2 values that will be used for calculations when the receiver is in the
transmitter line of sight.
- K1 - nlos and K2 - nlos: Enter the K1 and K2 values that will be used for calculations when the receiver is not
in the transmitter line of sight.
Under Effective Antenna Height, you can set the following parameters:
- Method: Select the method that will be used to calculate HTxeff, the effective antenna height.
Note: You can use the Automatic Calibration Wizard to select the best method for calculating
the effective Tx antenna height. For information on the Automatic Calibration Wizard,
see the Measurements and Model Calibration Guide.
- Distance min. and Distance max.: The Distance min. and Distance max. are set to 3,000 m and 15,000 m
(according to ITU recommendations) for frequencies under 500 MHz and to 0 m and 15,000 m (according to
ITU recommendations) for high frequency mobile communications. These values are only used for the "Abs
Spot Ht" and the "Enhanced Slope at Receiver" methods. For more information on how these values are used,
see the Technical Reference Guide.
- K3: Enter the K3 value.
Under Diffraction, you can set the following parameters:
- Method: Select the method that will be used to calculate diffraction.

Under Other Parameters, you can set the following parameters:

Atoll User Manual

- Kclutter: Enter the Kclutter value.
- Hilly Terrain Correction Factor: Select "1 - Yes" to take the Hilly Terrain Correction Factor into account.
Otherwise, select "0 - No". The Hilly Terrain Correction Factor corrects path loss for hilly regions when
transmitter and receiver are in LOS. For more information on the Hilly Terrain Correction Factor, see the
Technical Reference Guide.
- Limitation to Free Space Loss: When using a Hata-based propagation model, it is possible to calculate a
theoretical path loss that ends up being lower than the free space loss. In Atoll, you can define any Hata-
based propagation model to never calculate a path loss that is lower than the calculated free space loss per
pixel. Select "1 - Yes" if you want the propagation model to limit the path loss calculated per pixel to the cal-
culated free space loss.
- Profiles: Select the method to be used to extract the profile. If you select "1 - Radial," Atoll establishes a pro-
file between each transmitter and each point located on its calculation perimeter (as defined by the calculation
radius) and then uses the nearest profile to make a prediction on a point inside the calculation perimeter. This
process is called radial optimisation. If you select "2 - Systematic," Atoll systematically determines a profile
between each transmitter and each point in its calculation area. This method requires a significantly longer
calculation time, therefore, you should choose "1 - Radial" if you want a shorter calculation time.
- Grid Calculation: Select "0 - Centred" if you want Atoll to perform the calculations at the centre of each pixel
or select "1 - Bottom left" if you want Atoll to perform the calculations at the lower left of each pixel.
6. Click the Clutter tab (see Figure 5.3).
Figure 5.3: Standard Propagation Model - Clutter tab
Under Clutter Taken into Account, you can set the following parameters under Heights:
- Clutter taken into account in diffraction: Select "1 - Yes" if you want the clutter heights to be taken into
account when calculating diffraction.
- Receiver on top of clutter: Select "1 - Yes" if you want the receiver to be considered to be located on top of
clutter. This option can be used where fixed receivers are located on top of buildings.
Under Clutter Taken into Account, you can set the following parameters under Range:
- Max. distance: Set the maximum distance from a receiver to be considered when calculating f(clutter).
- Weighting function: Select a weighting function to be used when calculating f(clutter). It enables you to
weight losses for each pixel between a receiver and a maximum distance. For more information on weighting
functions, see the Technical Reference Guide.
Under Parameters per clutter class, you can set the following parameters for each clutter class:
- Losses: Enter, if desired, losses for each clutter class to be considered when calculating f(clutter).
- Clearance: Enter, if desired, a clearance around each receiver for each clutter class. The clearance informa-
tion is used to model streets because it is assumed that the receiver is in the street. The clearance is used
when calculating diffraction when statistical clutter is taken into account.
- Rx Height: Enter, if desired, a specific receiver height for each clutter class. Or, you can select "(default)" for
the receiver height. When creating a coverage prediction, Atoll will then read the receiver height on the
Receiver tab of the Properties dialogue for the Predictions folder.
7. Click OK.

5.1.3 The Okumura-Hata Propagation Model

The Okumura-Hata model is suited for predictions in the 150 to 1000 MHz band over long distances (from one to 20 km).
It is best suited to GSM 900 and CDMA 1xRTT radio technologies.
Hata models in general are well adapted to the urban environment. You can define several corrective formulas and asso-
ciate a formula with each clutter class to adapt the Hata model to a wide variety of environments. You can also define a
default formula to be used when no land use data is available. Additionally, you can consider diffraction losses based on
the DTM.
• "Defining General Settings (Okumura-Hata)" on page 177
• "Selecting an Environment Formula (Okumura-Hata)" on page 177
• "Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Okumura-Hata)" on page 178.
5.1.3.1 Defining General Settings (Okumura-Hata)

To set general parameters on the Okumura-Hata propagation model:
3. Right-click Okumura-Hata. The context menu appears.
5. Click the Parameters tab. You can modify the following settings:
- Add diffraction loss: The Okumura-Hata propagation model can take into account losses due to diffraction,
using a 1-knife-edge Deygout method, and using the ground altitude given in the DTM. For detailed informa-
tion on the Deygout method, see the Technical Reference Guide. The calculations take the curvature of the
earth into account. Select "1 - Yes" if you want the propagation model to add losses due to diffraction. You can
weight this diffraction for each Hata environment formula (See "Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas
(Okumura-Hata)" on page 178)
- Limitation to free space loss: When using a Hata-based propagation model, it is possible to calculate a the-
oretical path loss that ends up being lower than the free space loss. In Atoll, you can define any Hata-based
propagation model to never calculate a path loss that is lower than the calculated free space loss per pixel.
Select "1 - Yes" if you want the propagation model to limit the path loss calculated per pixel to the calculated
free space loss.
6. Click OK.
5.1.3.2 Selecting an Environment Formula (Okumura-Hata)

The Okumura-Hata propagation model can use an environment formula appropriate to each clutter class when calculating.
You can assign a default formula that Atoll can use for all clutter classes for which you have not assigned an environment
formula or if you do not have clutter classes in your Atoll document.
To select environment formulas:
5. Click the Configuration tab.
6. Under Formulas related to clutter classes, select the Default formula row. Under this grid, choose the appro-
priate formula in the formula scrolling list.
Atoll uses the default environment formula for calculations on any clutter class to which you have not assigned
an environment formula or if you do not have clutter classes in your Atoll document.
7. For each clutter class under Formulas related to clutter classes, select the corresponding row. Under this grid,
choose the appropriate formula in the formula scrolling list and an optional correction (in dB). This correction acts
as an additional loss on the loss calculated by the chosen formula.
For information on modifying the selected formula, see "Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Okumura-
Hata)" on page 178.
8. Click OK.
Note: Correction terms can be evaluated using the Automatic Calibration Wizard. For
information on the Automatic Calibration Wizard, see the Measurements and Model
Calibration Guide.

Atoll User Manual
5.1.3.3 Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Okumura-Hata)

Several environment formulas are available with the Okumura-Hata propagation model to model different environments.
You can modify existing environment formulas used by the Okumura-Hata propagation model or create new environmental
formulas.
To create or modify an environment formula:
6. Click the Formulas button. The Formulas dialogue appears. You can do the following:
- Add: To create a new formula, click the Add button and modify the parameters of the formula.
- Delete: To delete a formula, select the formula and click the Delete button.
- Modify: To modify an existing formula, select the formula and modify the parameters.
7. Click OK to save your changes and close the Formulas dialogue.
8. Click OK.
Notes:
• You can weight the diffraction loss by setting the diffraction multiplying factor within the range
]0;1].
• Constant values and diffraction multiplying factor can be evaluated using the Automatic Cali-
bration Wizard for each environment formula. For information on the Automatic Calibration
Wizard, see the Measurements and Model Calibration Guide.
5.1.4 The Cost-Hata Propagation Model

The Cost-Hata model is suited for coverage predictions in the 1500 to 2000 MHz band over long distances (from one to
20 km). It is best suited to DCS 1800 and UMTS radio technologies.
default formula to be used when no land use data is available.
• "Defining General Settings (Cost-Hata)" on page 178
• "Selecting an Environment Formula (Cost-Hata)" on page 179
• "Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Cost-Hata)" on page 179.
5.1.4.1 Defining General Settings (Cost-Hata)

To set general parameters on the Cost-Hata propagation model:
3. Right-click Cost-Hata. The context menu appears.
- Add diffraction loss: The Cost-Hata propagation model can take into account losses due to diffraction, using
a 1-knife-edge Deygout method, and using the ground altitude given in the DTM. For detailed information on
the Deygout method, see the Technical Reference Guide. The calculations take the curvature of the earth into
account. Select "1 - Yes" if you want the propagation model to add losses due to diffraction. You can weight
this diffraction for each Hata environment formula (See "Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Cost-
Hata)" on page 179)
free space loss.
6. Click OK.

5.1.4.2 Selecting an Environment Formula (Cost-Hata)

The Cost-Hata propagation model can use an environment formula appropriate to each clutter class when calculating. You
can assign a default formula that Atoll can use for all clutter classes for which you have not assigned an environment
6. Under Formulas related to clutter classes, select the Default formula row. Under this grid, choose the appro-
priate formula in the formula scrolling list.
7. For each clutter class under Formulas related to clutter classes, select the corresponding row. Under this grid,
choose the appropriate formula in the formula scrolling list and an optional correction (in dB). This correction acts
as an additional loss on the loss calculated by the chosen formula.
For information on modifying the selected formula, see "Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Cost-Hata)"
on page 179.
8. Click OK.
5.1.4.3 Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Cost-Hata)

Several environment formulas are available with the Cost-Hata propagation model to model different environments. You
can modify existing environment formulas used by the Cost-Hata propagation model or create new environmental formu-
las.
8. Click OK.
Notes:
• You can weight the diffraction loss by setting the diffraction multiplying factor within the range
]0;1].
• Constant values and diffraction multiplying factor can be evaluated using the Automatic Cali-
bration Wizard for each environment formula. For information on the Automatic Calibration
Wizard, see the Measurements and Model Calibration Guide.
5.1.5 The ITU 529-3 Propagation Model

The ITU 529-3 model is suited for predictions in the 300 to 1500 MHz band over long distances (from one to 100 km). It is
best suited to the GSM 900 radio technology.
default formula to be used when no land use data is available. In addition, for long distances 20km<d<100 km), the model
uses automatically a corrective formula as defined in the recommendation.
• "Defining General Settings (ITU 529-3)" on page 180
• "Selecting an Environment Formula (ITU 529-3)" on page 180
• "Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (ITU 529-3)" on page 180.

Atoll User Manual
5.1.5.1 Defining General Settings (ITU 529-3)

To set general parameters on the ITU 529-3 propagation model:
3. Right-click ITU529. The context menu appears.
- Add diffraction loss: The ITU 529-3 propagation model can take into account losses due to diffraction, using
a 1-knife-edge Deygout method, and using the ground altitude given in the DTM. For detailed information on
the Deygout method, see the Technical Reference Guide. The calculations take the curvature of the earth into
account. Select "1 - Yes" if you want the propagation model to add losses due to diffraction.
free space loss.
6. Click OK.
5.1.5.2 Selecting an Environment Formula (ITU 529-3)

The ITU 529-3 propagation model can use an environment formula appropriate to each clutter class when calculating. You
can assign a default formula that Atoll can use for all clutter classes for which you have not assigned an environment
6. Under Formulas related to clutter classes, select a Default formula.
7. For each clutter class under Formulas related to clutter classes, select a formula from the list.
For information on modifying the selected formula, see "Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (ITU 529-3)"
on page 180.
8. Click OK.
5.1.5.3 Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (ITU 529-3)

Several environment formulas are available with the ITU 529-3 propagation model to model different environments. You
can modify existing environment formulas used by the ITU 529-3 propagation model or create new environmental formu-
las.
8. Click OK.


The ITU 370-7 model is based on the recommendations of the Vienna 1993 international conference on telecommunica-
tions network coordination. This model is suited for predictions in the 100 to 400 MHz band over long distances (over
10 km), such as in broadcast studies. It uses the terrain profile to calculate propagation.
The only parameter you can define with the ITU 370-7 (Vienna 93) model is the percentage of time during which the real
field is higher than the signal level calculated by the model (1%, 10%, or 50% of the time). The value 50% is usually used
for coverage predictions, whereas 1% is usually used for interference studies.
To set the percentage of time during which the real field is higher than the signal level:
5. Click the Parameters tab.
6. Under Calculate exceeded signal during, select one of the following:
- 50% of the time
- 10% of the time
- 1% of the time
7. Click OK.
Note: When using the ITU 370-7 model, do not define the cell edge coverage probability in the
coverage prediction properties with a value other than 50%, or cell edge coverage
probability will be considered twice.
5.1.7 The Erceg-Greenstein Propagation Model

The Erceg-Greenstein (SUI) propagation model is suited for predictions in the 1900 and 6000 MHz range over distances
between 100 m and 8 km. The Erceg-Greenstein (SUI) propagation model is suited for WiMAX (IEEE 802.16d and
802.16e).
The Erceg-Greenstein (SUI) propagation model is well adapted for suburban environment. You can define several correc-
tive formulas and associate a formula with each clutter class to adapt the model to a wide range of environments. You can
also define a default formula to be used when no land use data is available. You can also set a default formula which is
used when no clutter data is available.
• "Defining General Settings (Erceg-Greenstein (SUI))" on page 181
• "Selecting an Environment Formula (Erceg-Greenstein (SUI))" on page 182
• "Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Erceg-Greenstein (SUI))" on page 182.
5.1.7.1 Defining General Settings (Erceg-Greenstein (SUI))

To set general parameters on the Erceg-Greenstein (SUI) propagation model:
3. Right-click Erceg-Greenstein (SUI). The context menu appears.
- Add diffraction loss: The Erceg-Greenstein (SUI) propagation model can take into account losses due to
diffraction, using a 1-knife-edge Deygout method, and using the ground altitude given in the DTM. For detailed
information on the Deygout method, see the Technical Reference Guide. The calculations take the curvature
of the earth into account. Select "1 - Yes" if you want the propagation model to add losses due to diffraction.
- Limitation to free space loss: When using the Erceg-Greenstein (SUI) propagation model, it is possible to
calculate a theoretical path loss that ends up being lower than the free space loss. In Atoll, you can define the
Erceg-Greenstein (SUI) propagation model to never calculate a path loss that is lower than the calculated free
space loss per pixel. Select "1 - Yes" if you want the propagation model to limit the path loss calculated per
pixel to the calculated free space loss.
7. Click OK.

Atoll User Manual
5.1.7.2 Selecting an Environment Formula (Erceg-Greenstein (SUI))

The Erceg-Greenstein (SUI) propagation model can use an environment formula appropriate to each clutter class when
calculating. You can assign a default formula that Atoll can use for all clutter classes for which you have not assigned an
environment formula or if you do not have clutter classes in your Atoll document.
6. Under Formulas related to clutter classes, select a Default formula.
7. For each clutter class under Formulas related to clutter classes, select a formula from the list.
For information on modifying the selected formula, see "Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Erceg-
Greenstein (SUI))" on page 182.
8. Click OK.
5.1.7.3 Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Erceg-Greenstein (SUI))

Several environment formulas are available with the Erceg-Greenstein (SUI) propagation model to model different envi-
ronments. You can modify existing environment formulas used by the Erceg-Greenstein (SUI) propagation model or create
new environmental formulas.
8. Click OK.

The ITU 526-5 model is suitable for predictions in the 30 to 10,000 MHz band with fixed receivers.
According to the ITU 526-5 recommendations:
• If there are no obstacles, propagation takes place in free space
• If there is an obstacle, attenuation due to diffraction will be taken into account. The model uses the terrain profile
and a diffraction mechanism (3-knife-edge Deygout method), optionally with correction, to calculate path loss.
To set the parameters on the ITU 526-5 propagation model:
6. If desired, select the Apply to empirical correction check box and enter a formula that will be used as a correc-
tion with the Deygout method. Otherwise, the Deygout method will be used without correction.
7. Click OK.
5.1.9 The WLL Propagation Model

The WLL propagation model is designed for radio local loop applications in the 30-10,000 MHz band. The model is derived
from the ITU 526-5 model.

Along the Tx-Rx profile, both ground altitude and clutter height are considered to calculate diffraction losses. Atoll takes
clutter height information in clutter heights file if available in the ATL document. Otherwise, it considers average clutter
height specified for each clutter class in the clutter classes file description. If the ATL document does not contain any clutter
height file and no average height per clutter class is specified, Atoll will consider ground altitude only.
To set the parameters on the WLL propagation model:
3. Right-click WLL. The context menu appears.
5. Click the Parameters tab. You can set the following parameters:
- Free space loss: You can modify the parameters of the formula used to calculate path loss in free space.
- Line of sight only: If the Line of sight only option is selected, Atoll checks for each pixel if the receiver is
in the transmitter line of sight. The receiver is considered to be in the transmitter line of sight if 100% of the
Fresnel half-ellipsoid is clear, in other words, if no obstacle is on the transmitter-receiver profile. If the receiver
is not in the transmitter line of sight, no results at all will be displayed. If the Line of sight only option is not
selected, Atoll calculates the path loss for each pixel, using the formula defined in the dialogue.
Important: If you select the Line of sight only option and the receiver is not in the transmitter line of
sight, no results at all will be displayed because Atoll will only show results for the line of
sight.
- Transmitter clearance: You can set the clearance around the transmitter. This clearance can be used, for
example, to model streets in areas where the clutter class file does not show enough detail. It will be taken
into consideration when calculating diffraction. The default value is 20 m.
- Receiver default clearance: You can set the default clearance around the receiver. This default clearance
will be used for each clutter class where the receiver clearance is not specified. This clearance will be taken
into consideration when calculating diffraction. The default value is 20 m.
- Receiver height per clutter class: You can set a height for the receiver for each clutter class. Because the
WLL propagation model is designed for networks with immobile receivers, the receivers are often on top of
buildings. This option allows you to specify a height which will be added to the clutter class.
- Receiver clearance per clutter class: You can set a clearance around the receiver for each clutter class.
This clearance will be taken into consideration when calculating diffraction.
6. Click OK.
5.1.10 The Longley-Rice Propagation Model

Longley-Rice is a theoretical model suited for predictions in the 40-MHz band in flat areas. The Longley-Rice propagation
model uses the terrain profile to calculate propagation. However, the parameters of the Longley-Rice propagation model
can be set using distance and an additional loss value.
To set the parameters on the Longley-Rice propagation model:
3. Right-click Longley-Rice. The context menu appears.
6. Under Add to propagation loss, enter the formula that will be used to calculate additional losses (in flat terrain,
a value of "0" means a signal decreasing in a linear fashion as a function of distance). "dkm" in the formula is the
distance in kilometres from the transmitter.
7. Click OK.
5.1.11 The ITU 1546 Propagation Model

The ITU 1546 propagation model is based on the ITU-R P-1546-2 recommendations. This model is suited for predictions
in the 30 to 3000 MHz band over distances from 1 to 1000 km. It is appropriate for point-to-area predictions such as broad-
cast and land and maritime mobile services, and fixed services employing point-to-multipoint systems. It uses the terrain
profile to calculate propagation.
Because this propagation model is based on graphs giving the field strength as a function of distance provided in the ITU
recommendations for different operating frequencies, the only parameters you have to define for this model are:
• the percentage of time during which the real field strength is higher than the signal level calculated by the model
(1%, 10%, or 50% of the time), and
• the type of path over which the signal level is to be predicted (land in urban or suburban zones, land – other zones,
or sea).

Atoll User Manual
To set the propagation model parameters:

6. Under Calculate Signal Level Exceeded During, select one of the following:
- 50% of the time
- 10% of the time
- 1% of the time
7. Under Type of Path, select one of the following:
- Land (Urban or Suburban Zones)
- Land (Other Zones)
- Sea
8. Click OK.
For more information, see the Technical Reference Guide and the ITU-R P.1546 recommendation.
5.1.12 The Sakagami Extended Propagation Model

The Sakagami extended propagation model is based on a simplified version of the extended Sakagami-Kuboi propagation
model. The Sakagami extended propagation model is valid for frequencies above 3 GHz. Therefore, it is only available in
WiMAX 802.16d and WiMAX 802.16e documents by default.
The Sakagami-Kuboi propagation model requires detailed information about the environment, such as the widths of the
streets where the receiver is located, the angles formed by the street axes and the directions of the incident waves, the
heights of the buildings close to the receiver, etc. The Sakagami-Kuboi propagation model is valid for frequencies below
2.2 GHz. Studies have shown that the Sakagami-Kuboi propagation model can be extended to frequencies higher than
3 GHz, which also allows the input required by the model to be simplified. The same studies show that the path loss
predicted by the extended model is almost independent of the input parameters such as street widths and angles.
The path loss calculation formula of the Sakagami extended propagation model is similar to the formula of the Standard
Propagation Model. In Atoll, this model is in fact a copy of the Standard Propagation Model with the following values
assigned to the K coefficients:
K
Value Assigned
Coefficient
K1 65.4 (calculated for 3.5 GHz)
K2 40
K3 -30
K4 0
K5 0
K6 0
K7 -5
For more information on working with the Standard Propagation Model, see "The Standard Propagation Model" on
page 171.
5.1.13 Managing Propagation Models

The propagation models available for the current Atoll document can be found in the Propagation Models folder on the
Modules tab of the Explorer window. You can manage the propagation models with the commands available on the
context menu.
To manage the propagation models of the current Atoll document:
3. Right-click the propagation model you want to manage. The context menu appears.
4. Select one of the following commands from the context menu:
- Properties: The Properties dialogue appears. You can view the general information about the propagation
model on the General tab:

- Name: The name of the propagation model, as displayed in the Propagation Models folder
- Signature: The signature is assigned to the propagation model by Atoll. Each time you modify the param-
eters of the selected propagation model, Atoll changes the signature. The signature of the propagation
model used to calculate a set of path loss matrices is stored with the matrices. This enables Atoll to verify
the validity of the path loss matrices.
- When path loss matrices are not embedded in the Atoll document but are stored externally, the signature
is found in the MODEL_SIG field of the Pathloss.dbf file. The name of the propagation model used is found
in the MODEL_NAME field of the Pathloss.dbf file.
- Description: You can enter a description or comments in this field.
- Duplicate: The selected propagation model is duplicated. It appears in the Propagation Models folder with
the same name, preceded by "Copy of."
- Copy: The selected propagation model is copied. You can paste it, with its current settings into a new Atoll
document by opening the document, clicking the Modules tab of the Explorer window and pressing CTRL+V.
Note: If there is already a propagation model in the Atoll document with the same name as the
one you are trying to paste, Atoll will display a warning and will not allow you to overwrite
the existing propagation model.
- Delete: The selected propagation model is deleted.

- Rename: You can enter a new name for the selected propagation model.
5.2 Defining Calculation Parameters

Atoll uses the propagation model defined for each transmitter to calculate losses along the transmitter-receiver path.
Depending on the type of prediction you make, Atoll either calculates the path loss at any point of the map in real time, or
it calculates a path loss matrix for each transmitter that will be considered in predictions. The path loss matrix contains a
set of path loss values calculated on each pixel over a specific area. It is calculated based on a set of three parameters
defined for the transmitter:
• The propagation model
• The calculation radius
• The resolution.
By using a calculation radius, Atoll limits the scope of calculations to a defined area.
Atoll enables you to calculate two path loss matrices: a main and an extended one. By using two sets of calculation param-
eters, Atoll allows you to calculate high resolution path loss matrices closer to the transmitter with one propagation model,
while reducing calculation time and storage size by using an extended matrix with a lower resolution and another propa-
gation model. Atoll will calculate the extended matrix only if you define all three parameters: propagation model, calcula-
tion radius, and resolution.
If you do not define a calculation radius for the main propagation model and if you do not assign an extended propagation
model, Atoll uses the prediction minimum threshold to define the calculation radius for each transmitter. However, this can
lead to lengthy calculation times.
Note: When creating coverage predictions, you can define a coverage resolution that is different
from the resolution defined for the path loss matrices.

• "Defining Calculation Parameters for One Transmitter" on page 185
• "Defining the Same Calculation Parameters for a Group of Transmitters" on page 186
• "Defining the Same Calculation Parameters for All Transmitters" on page 186
• "Defining a Default Propagation Model" on page 187
• "Defining a Default Resolution" on page 187.
5.2.1 Defining Calculation Parameters for One Transmitter

In Atoll, you can define calculation parameters, in other words, the propagation model, resolution, and calculation radius,
for each transmitter.
To define main and extended calculation parameters for one transmitter:
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Transmitters folder.
3. Right-click the transmitter to which you want to assign main and extended calculation parameters. The context
menu appears.
5. Click the Propagation tab.
6. Under Main Matrix:

Atoll User Manual
- Select a Propagation Model

- Enter a Radius and Resolution.
7. If desired, under Extended Matrix:
8. Click OK. The selected calculation parameters will be used for the selected transmitter.
5.2.2 Defining the Same Calculation Parameters for a Group of

Transmitters
Transmitters that share the same parameters and environment will usually use the same propagation model and settings.
In Atoll, you can defining the same calculation parameters for several transmitters by first grouping them by their common
parameters and then defining the calculation parameters.
To define main and extended calculation parameters for a defined group of transmitters:
2. Right-click the Transmitters folder. The context menu appears.
3. Select from the Group by submenu of the context menu the property by which you want to group the transmitters.
The objects in the folder are grouped by that property.
Note: You can group transmitters by several properties by using the Group By button on the
Properties dialogue. For more information, see "Advanced Grouping" on page 66.
4. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Transmitters folder.

5. Right-click the group of transmitters for which you want to define main and extended calculation parameters. The
context menu appears.
6. Select Open Table from the context menu. The Transmitters table appears with the transmitters from the
selected group.
For each transmitter, you can set the calculation parameters in the following columns:
- Main Propagation Model

- Main Calculation Radius
- Main Resolution
- Extended Propagation Model
- Extended Calculation Radius
- Extended Resolution
7. To enter the same values in one column for all transmitters in the table:
a. Enter the value in the first row in the column.
b. Select the entire column.
c. Select Edit > Fill > Down to copy the contents of the top cell of the selection into the other cells.
Note: If you want to copy the contents of the last cell in the selection into all other cells, you can
select Edit > Fill > Up. For more information on working with tables in Atoll, see "Working
with Data Tables" on page 50.
5.2.3 Defining the Same Calculation Parameters for All Transmit-

ters
In Atoll, you can choose one set of calculation parameters and assign them to all transmitters.
To define the same calculation parameters for all transmitters:
4. Click the Propagation tab.
5. Under Main Matrix:
6. If desired, under Extended Matrix:


7. Click OK. The selected calculation parameters will be used for all transmitters.
Note: Setting a different main or extended matrix on an individual transmitter as explained in

"Defining Calculation Parameters for One Transmitter" on page 185 will override this
entry.
5.2.4 Defining a Default Propagation Model

When you assign a propagation model to a transmitter, you can choose "(Default Model)" from the list of the propagation
models available. Atoll will then calculate path loss using the default propagation model set for the project.
To define the default propagation model for the Atoll document:
2. Right-click the Predictions folder. The context menu appears.
4. Click the Predictions tab.
5. Select a Default Propagation Model from the list.
6. Click OK. The selected propagation model will be used for predictions for all transmitters whose main propagation
model is "(Default model)."
5.2.5 Defining a Default Resolution

When the resolution of the path loss matrix is not defined in the transmitter properties, Atoll uses the default resolution set
for the Atoll document. Additionally, this resolution is used as the default coverage resolution when you create a new
coverage prediction.
To define the default resolution of the Atoll document:
4. Click the Predictions tab.
5. Enter a Default Resolution.
Tip: By setting an option in the atoll.ini file, you can set Atoll to use the currently defined
default resolution if you clear the value entered in the Resolution text box when you
create a coverage prediction. That way, if you have many coverage predictions, you can
change their resolution by changing the default resolution and recalculating the coverage
predictions. Atoll will then calculate them using the updated resolution. For information
on changing entries in the atoll.ini file, see the Administrator Manual.
6. Click OK.
5.3 Managing Path Loss Matrices

• "Calculating Path Loss Matrices" on page 187
• "Stopping Path Loss Matrix Calculation" on page 188
• "Setting the Storage Location of Path Loss Matrices" on page 188
• "Using Centralised Path Loss Matrices" on page 188
• "Checking the Validity of Path Loss Matrices" on page 189
• "Tuning Path Loss Matrices Using Measurement Data" on page 190
• "Exporting Path Loss Matrices" on page 194.
5.3.1 Calculating Path Loss Matrices

When you calculate a coverage prediction, Atoll automatically calculates non-existent and invalid path loss matrices
before calculating the prediction. This can take a lot of time if there are many path loss matrices that must be calculated.
Consequently, you can calculate path loss matrices separately, when you have more time and computer resources avail-
able. In multi-user environments, the administrator is responsible for shared path loss matrices and can calculate them
separately. Users can then base calculations on the updated shared path loss matrices.

Atoll User Manual
When you calculate a coverage prediction, Atoll calculates only the non-existent and invalid path loss matrices that inter-
sect the rectangle containing the computation zone, whether or not the computation zone is visible. When you manually
calculate the path loss matrices as described in this section, Atoll does not take the computation zone into consideration;
it calculates all non-existent and invalid path loss matrices of active and filtered transmitters.
To calculate path loss matrices:
3. Select Calculations > Calculate Path Loss Matrices from the context menu. Atoll calculates all non-existent
and invalid path loss matrices of active and filtered transmitters.
You can calculate the non-existent and invalid path loss matrices for all transmitters, for a single transmitter, or for a
defined group of transmitters, by expanding the Transmitters folder right-clicking either the single transmitter or the
defined group of transmitters and selecting Calculations > Calculate Path Loss Matrices from the context menu.
Note: You can prevent Atoll from calculating one or more path loss matrices by locking them.
You can lock path loss matrices using the Propagation tab of the Transmitters dialogue.
You can lock a single path loss matrix by selecting the check box in the Locked column,
or more than one by selecting several path loss matrices and then selecting Lock from
the context menu.
5.3.2 Stopping Path Loss Matrix Calculation

Depending on the size of the path loss matrices, it can take a long time and a lot of computer resources to calculate them.
If necessary, you can stop calculation at any point.
To stop calculations:
• Click the Stop Calculations button ( ) in the toolbar. Atoll immediately stops all ongoing calculations. The
results of calculations that have already been completed, however, will be saved.
5.3.3 Setting the Storage Location of Path Loss Matrices

Path loss matrices can be stored internally, in the Atoll document, or they can be stored externally. Storing path loss matri-
ces in the Atoll document results in a more portable but significantly larger document. In the case of large radio-planning
projects, embedding the matrices can lead to large documents which use a great deal of memory. Therefore, in the case
of large radio-planning projects, saving your path loss matrices externally will help reduce the size of the file and the use
of computer resources.
When you save the path loss matrices to an external directory, Atoll creates:
• One file per transmitter with the extension LOS for its main path loss matrix
• A DBF file with validity information for all the main matrices.
• A folder called "LowRes" with LOS files and a DBF file for the extended path loss matrices.
To set the storage location of the path loss matrices:
4. On the Predictions tab, under Path Loss Matrix Storage, you can set the location for your private path loss
matrices:
- Private Directory: The Private Directory is where you store path loss matrices you generate or, if you are
loading path loss matrices from a shared location, where you store your changes to shared path loss matrices.
Click the button beside the Private Directory ( ) and select Embedded to save the path loss matrices in
the Atoll document, or Share to select a directory where Atoll can save the path loss matrices externally.
Caution: When you save the path loss files externally, the external files are updated as soon as
calculations are performed and not only when you save the Atoll document. In order to
keep consistency between the Atoll document and the stored calculations, you should
save the Atoll document before closing it, if you have updated the path loss matrices.
5. Click OK.
5.3.4 Using Centralised Path Loss Matrices

Using centralised path loss matrices is recommended in a multi-user environment when several users are working on the
same radio-planning document. In this case, the radio data is stored in a database. An administrator responsible for calcu-
lations calculates the path loss matrices of the entire project and saves them in an external folder accessible to all users.

This folder is shared by all users and read only. When the user changes his radio data and recalculates the path loss matri-
ces, the changes to the path loss matrices are stored locally; the common path loss matrices are not modified. In other
words, the user can read the information from the shared path loss matrices but any changes he makes will be stored
locally, either in the ATL file or in a private external folder. Centralised path loss matrices will be recalculated by the admin-
istrator and will take into consideration the changes made by all users to the radio data.
• For information on calculating path loss matrices, see "Calculating Path Loss Matrices" on page 187.
• For information on setting the storage location for local path loss matrices, see "Setting the Storage Location of
Path Loss Matrices" on page 188.
• For information on working in a multi-user environment, see the Administrator Manual.
To use pre-calculated path loss matrices:
4. On the Predictions tab, under Path Loss Matrix Storage, you can set the location for the shared path loss
matrices:
- Shared Directory: When you are working in a multi-user Atoll environment, the project data is stored in a
database and the common path loss matrices are stored in a directory that is accessible to all users. Any
changes you make will not be saved to this directory; they will be saved in the location indicated in Private
Directory. The path loss matrices in the shared directory are updated by a user with administrator rights based
on the updated information in the database. For more information on shared directories, see The Administrator
Manual.
Caution: The shared path loss matrices must be unlocked in order for users to be able to work with
them. The administrator can check whether shared path loss matrices are unlocked or
not in the Propagation tab of the Transmitters folder’s Properties dialogue.
5. Click OK.
5.3.5 Checking the Validity of Path Loss Matrices

Atoll automatically checks the validity of the path loss matrices when calculating any coverage prediction. If you want, you
can check whether the path loss matrices are valid before calculating a coverage prediction.
To check whether the path loss matrices are valid:
4. Click the Propagation tab. The path loss matrix information is listed in the Available Results table.
5. Select one of the following display options:
- Display all the matrices: All path loss matrices are displayed.
- Display only invalid matrices: Only invalid path loss matrices are displayed.
The Available Results table lists the following information for each displayed path loss matrix:
- Transmitter: The name of the transmitter.

- Locked: If the Locked check box is selected, the path loss matrix will not be updated even if the path loss
matrices are recalculated.
- Valid: This is a boolean field indicating whether or not the path loss matrix is valid.
- Reason of Invalidity: If the path loss matrix is indicated as being invalid, the reason is given here.
- Size: The size of the path loss matrix for the transmitter.
- File: If the path loss matrix is not embedded, the location of the file is listed.
- Tuned: If the Tuned check box has been selected, the initial path loss matrix obtained by the propagation
model has been tuned by the use of real measurement points. See "Tuning Path Loss Matrices Using Meas-
urement Data" on page 190 for more information.
6. Click the Statistics button to display the number of path loss matrices to be recalculated. The Statistics dialogue
appears (see Figure 5.4) with the total number of invalid path loss matrices and the reasons for invalidity, as well
as a summary of the reasons for invalidity.

Atoll User Manual
Figure 5.4: Path loss matrix statistics
5.3.6 Tuning Path Loss Matrices Using Measurement Data

In Atoll, the path loss matrices are calculated using the propagation model and parameters defined as explained in "Defin-
ing Calculation Parameters" on page 185. However, the results calculated by a propagation model can vary from actual
measurements. Atoll allows you to use available test mobile data paths and CW measurements to increase the accuracy
of calculated path loss matrices.
Atoll uses the selected measurement data to tune a user-defined elliptical area around each measurement point. The
main axis of the ellipse is oriented in the direction of the transmitter or repeater.
Atoll smoothes the differences between tuned path loss matrix points and uncorrected path loss matrix points using an
average error calculated between each measured value and the corresponding value in the path loss matrices.
Important: When you use measurement data to tune path loss matrices, the results are stored
locally. If you are using shared path loss matrices, these results will be automatically
deleted when you make a calculation if the FullResyncPrivShared option is set in the
atoll.ini file. If you are using shared path loss matrices, you should disable this option
before tuning path loss matrices using measurement data. For more information, see the
Administrator Manual.
When using measurement data to tune path loss matrices, you need to have valid path loss matrices (for more information
on path loss matrix validity, see "Managing Path Loss Matrices" on page 187):
1. Define the elliptical area around the measurement point as explained in "Defining the Area to be Tuned" on
page 190.
2. Select the measurement data to be used to tune the path loss matrices:
- CW Measurements: You select the CW measurements from the CW Measurements folder as explained in
"Tuning Path Loss Matrices Using CW Measurements" on page 191. The selected CW measurements will be
used to tune the path loss matrices calculated for the site on which the CW measurements were made.
- Test Mobile Data: You select the test mobile data path from the Test Mobile Data folder as explained in
"Tuning Path Loss Matrices Using Test Mobile Data" on page 192. The selected measurements from test
mobile data path will be used to tune the path loss matrices calculated for the selected transmitter.
Atoll replaces existing path loss matrices with the tuned matrices which remain valid as long as the radio configuration of
the network does not change. Atoll creates an external folder containing the catalogue of all the tuning paths as explained
in "Managing the Tuning Path Loss Matrices Catalogue" on page 193. By activating or deactivating the tuning paths, you
can select the tuning path to be applied to the existing path loss matrices. Therefore, even if the path loss is recalculated,
the path loss is automatically retuned using the active tuning paths.
5.3.6.1 Defining the Area to be Tuned

Atoll tunes the path loss matrices over an elliptical area around each measurement point. The main axis of the ellipse is
oriented in the direction of the transmitter.
To define the elliptical area around each measurement point:
2. Right-click the measurement type that you will use to tune the path loss matrices:
- CW Measurements: If you are going to use CW measurements to tune the path loss matrices, right-click the
CW Measurements folder. The context menu appears.
- Test Mobile Data: If you are going to use test mobile data to tune the path loss matrices, right-click the Test
Mobile Data folder. The context menu appears.
4. Select the Path Losses tab (see Figure 5.5).

Figure 5.5: Defining the ellipse for tuning path loss matrices
5. Under Path Loss Tuning Ellipse, set the following parameters:

- Radius of the Axis Parallel to the Profile: Enter the radius of the ellipse axis oriented in the same direction
as the transmitter (or repeater).
- Radius of the Axis Perpendicular to the Profile: Enter the radius of the ellipse axis perpendicular to the
transmitter (or repeater).
6. Click OK.
5.3.6.2 Tuning Path Loss Matrices Using CW Measurements

Atoll allows you to use available CW measurements to increase the accuracy of calculated path loss matrices.
To use CW measurements to tune path loss matrices:
2. Select how you want to tune the path loss matrices:
To tune the path loss matrix for a single transmitter:
a. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the CW Measurement folder.

b. In the CW Measurement folder, click the Expand button ( ) to expand the site folder containing the CW
measurement path you want to use to tune the path loss matrices.
c. Right-click the CW measurement path in the site folder. The context menu appears.
d. Select Tune Path Loss Matrices from the context menu. Atoll immediately begins optimising the path loss
matrices for the transmitter on which the CW measurement was made. The progress is displayed in the Event
Viewer window.
To tune the path loss matrices for all transmitters:
a. Right-click the CW Measurement folder. The context menu appears.

b. Select Tune Path Loss Matrices from the context menu. The Measurement Path Selection dialogue ap-
pears (see Figure 5.6).
Figure 5.6: Selecting all CW measurement paths
c. Under Measurement Paths, select All.

d. Click OK. Atoll begins optimising the path loss matrices for all transmitters on which CW measurements are
available. The progress is displayed in the Event Viewer window.
To tune the path loss matrices for selected transmitters using selected CW measurement paths:
a. Right-click the CW Measurement folder. The context menu appears.


Atoll User Manual
c. Under Measurement Paths, select the option beside the list of CW measurements.
d. Select the check box corresponding to each transmitter for which you want to tune the path loss matrices.
For some transmitters, more than one CW measurement may exist. In this case, selecting the check box for
the transmitter will select all the CW measurements. If you do not want to use all CW measurements, click the
Expand button ( ) to expand the transmitter list and then select the single CW measurements you want to
use.
e. Click OK. Atoll begins optimising the path loss matrices for all transmitters on which CW measurements are
available. The progress is displayed in the Event Viewer window.
Note: In the case of repeaters, Atoll also tunes the path loss matrix of both the donor transmitter
and the repeater. The contribution of the repeater and donor to the measured value is
calculated based on the ratio of calculated values between the repeater signal and the
donor signal. Each evaluated contribution is then used as input to tune the path loss
matrix of each element. For more information, please refer to the Technical Reference
Guide.
5.3.6.3 Tuning Path Loss Matrices Using Test Mobile Data

Atoll allows you to use available test mobile data paths to increase the accuracy of calculated path loss matrices.
To use test mobile data to tune path loss matrices:
2. Select how you want to tune the path loss matrices:
To tune the path loss matrix using a single test mobile data path:
a. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Test Mobile Data folder.
b. Right-click the test mobile data path you want to use to tune the path loss matrices. The context menu ap-
pears.
c. Select Tune Path Loss Matrices from the context menu. The Path Loss Tuning dialogue appears (see
Figure 5.7).
Figure 5.7: Path Loss Tuning dialogue
d. Click the For the Transmitters list. The list opens.

e. Select the check box for each transmitter whose path loss matrix you want to tune.
f. Click the Field Corresponding to the Measurements list. The list opens.
g. For each transmitter selected fromthe For the Transmitters list, select the check box for each measured sig-
nal strength that will be used to tune the path loss matrices.
h. Click OK. Atoll begins optimising the path loss matrices for the transmitter on which the CW measurement
was made. The progress is displayed in the Event Viewer window.
To tune the path loss matrices using all test mobile data paths:
a. Right-click the Test Mobile Data folder. The context menu appears.

Figure 5.8: Selecting all CW measurement paths
c. Under Measurement Paths, select All.

d. Click the For the Transmitters list. The list opens.
e. Select the check box for each transmitter whose path loss matrix you want to tune.
f. Click the Field Corresponding to the Measurements list. The list opens.
g. For each transmitter selected fromthe For the Transmitters list, select the check box for each measured sig-
h. Click OK. Atoll begins optimising the path loss matrices for the transmitter on which the CW measurement
To tune the path loss matrices for selected transmitters using selected test mobile data paths:
a. Right-click the Test Mobile Data folder. The context menu appears.
c. Under Measurement Paths, select the option beside the list of test mobile data paths.
d. Select the check box corresponding to the test mobile data you want to use to tune the path loss matrices.
e. Click the For the Transmitters list. The list opens.
f. Select the check box for each transmitter whose path loss matrix you want to tune.
g. Click the Field Corresponding to the Measurements list. The list opens.
h. For each transmitter selected fromthe For the Transmitters list, select the check box for each measured sig-
i. Click OK. Atoll begins optimising the path loss matrices for the transmitter on which the CW measurement
Note: In the case of repeaters, Atoll also tunes the path loss matrix of both the donor transmitter
and the repeater. The contribution of the repeater and donor to the measured value is
calculated based on the ratio of calculated values between the repeater signal and the
donor signal. Each evaluated contribution is then used as input to tune the path loss
matrix of each element. For more information, please refer to the Technical Reference
Guide.
5.3.6.4 Managing the Tuning Path Loss Matrices Catalogue

After tuning the path loss matrices is complete, Atoll creates a tuning measurement file for each transmitter and stores it
in a folder with the extension ".tuning". The tuning file contains a header and a list of points defining the measurement data
path excluding the antenna losses. A tuning file can contain several measurement paths, so that several calibrations can
be applied successively on a path loss matrix and stored in a single tuning file. All the tuning files are stored as a catalogue
in the current project. Each single tuning path can be activated or deactivated in order to be automatically applied to path
loss matrices, even after recalculation.
Tuning files are stored in the same way as path loss matrices, as explained in "Setting the Storage Location of Path Loss
Matrices" on page 188. They can be saved on a network and shared between users.

Atoll User Manual
To manage the catalogue of the tuning path loss data:

- Display all the matrices: All path loss matrices are displayed.
- Display only invalid matrices: Only invalid path loss matrices are displayed.
The Available Results table lists the following information for each displayed path loss matrix:
- Transmitter: The name of the transmitter or repeater.

- Locked: If the check box is selected, the path loss matrix will not be updated even if the path loss matrices
are recalculated.
- Valid: This is a boolean field indicating whether or not the path loss matrix is valid.
- Reason of Invalidity: If the path loss matrix is indicated as being invalid, the reason is given here.
- Size: The size of the path loss matrix for the transmitter.
- File: If the path loss matrix is not embedded, the location of the file is listed.
- Tuned: If the check box is selected, the initial path loss matrix obtained by the propagation model has been
tuned by the use of real measurement data.
6. Select the tuning path loss matrices you want to manage using the available catalogue by holding CTRL and click
the corresponding line in the Available Results table and then right-clicking. The context menu appears.
7. Select Path Loss Matrix Tuning from the context menu. The Path Loss Matrix Tuning dialogue appears.
Figure 5.9: Path Loss Tuning Catalogue

- All: All the tuning paths are displayed.
- Active Only: Only the active tuning paths are displayed.
The Available Results table lists the following information for each displayed tuning path, assuming each trans-
mitter (or repeater) can have several ones coming from either the same or different measurement paths:
- Transmitter: The name of the transmitter or repeater.

- File: The location of the tuning file.
- Name: The name of the tuning entry. Each entry is automatically named by Atoll based on the source of the
tuning data. You can edit the name by right-clicking the line and selecting Properties from the context menu.
- Active: You can set each tuning path as active by selecting the check box. Only active entries are used to
tune the path loss matrices. When several entries are active and therefore applied to the same transmitter (or
repeater), the applicable tunings on the path loss matrix are realised in turn from the top to the bottom of the
catalogue.
- No. points: Displays the number of measurement points on the tuning path.
- X Radius (m): Displays the radius of the ellipse axis oriented in the same direction as the transmitter (or
repeater) during the tuning session.
- Y Radius (m): Displays the radius of the ellipse axis perpendicular to the transmitter (or repeater) during the
tuning session.
- Gain (dB): Displays the gain of the measurement receiver.
- Overall Error: Displays the mean error between each measured value and its corresponding pixel in the path
loss matrix.
- Valid: This is a boolean field indicating whether or not the measurement path data (excluding the antenna
information) are valid.
- Reason of Invalidity: If the measurement path data is indicated as being invalid, the reason is given here.
- Comment: Additional comments referring to the measurement entry are given in this field. You can edit the
comment by right-clicking the line and selecting Properties from the context menu.
Note: When path loss tuning entries are changed (e.g., activated or deleted) Atoll suggests
deleting the corresponding path loss matrices.
5.3.7 Exporting Path Loss Matrices

You can export path loss matrices if you want to use the data in another application.

To export an Atoll document’s path loss matrices:

5. Right-click the Available Results table and select Select All from the context menu.
6. Right-click the Available Results table and select Export from the context menu. The Calculation Results
Export dialogue appears (see Figure 5.10).
7. Set the following export parameters:
- Directory: Enter the directory you want to store the exported path loss matrices in or click the Browse button
( ) to navigate to it. The directory must already exist.
- Exported Values: Select the values that are to be exported: Path Loss (dB), Signal Level (dBm), Signal Level
(dBµV), or Signal Level (dBµV/m).
- Format: Select the format of the exported data: BIL Files (*.bil), TXT Files (*.txt) (Separator: tab), or CSV Files
(*.csv) (Separator: ";").
Figure 5.10: Exporting path loss matrices
8. Click OK to export the path loss matrices.
5.4 Predictions Available in Atoll

There are two types of predictions available in Atoll:
• Point predictions using the Point Analysis tool: It allows you to predict, at any point on the map, the profile
between a reference transmitter and a receiver, the value of the signal levels of the surrounding transmitters, an
active set analysis for UMTS, CDMA2000, and TD-SCDMA projects and an interference analysis for GSM/GPRS/
EDGE projects.
• Coverage predictions: You can calculate standard coverage predictions, coverage by transmitter, coverage by
signal level and overlapping zones, and specific coverage studies such as interference studies for GSM/GPRS/
EDGE projects or handover, service availability, etc. for UMTS, CDMA2000 and TD-SCDMA projects. Many cus-
tomisation features on coverage studies are available in order to make their analysis easier.
• "Making Point Predictions" on page 195
• "Making Coverage Predictions" on page 198.
5.4.1 Making Point Predictions

• "Starting a Point Analysis" on page 195
• "The Tabs of the Point Analysis Tool Window" on page 196
• "Moving the Receiver on the Map" on page 197
• "Taking Indoor Losses into Account" on page 197
• "Taking Shadowing into Account in Point Analyses" on page 197.
5.4.1.1 Starting a Point Analysis

When you start a point analysis, Atoll automatically opens the Point Analysis Tool window.
To make a point analysis:
1. Click the Point Analysis Tool ( ) in the Radio toolbar. The Point Analysis Tool window appears and the
pointer changes ( ) to represent the receiver.
If a transmitter was already selected on the map, a line appears connecting the selected transmitter and the
receiver.

Atoll User Manual
Note: You can open the Point Analysis Tool window without starting a point analysis by
selecting View > Point Analysis Tool.
2. Select the tab of the Point Analysis Tool window corresponding to the type of point prediction you want to make.
For information on the tabs available in the Point Analysis Tool window, see "The Tabs of the Point Analysis Tool
Window" on page 196.
5.4.1.2 The Tabs of the Point Analysis Tool Window

The Point Analysis Tool window has several tabs, enabling you to make several different point predictions. The tabs
available depend on the radio technology of the current document:
• The Profile tab:
The Profile tab is available in the Point Analysis Tool window for GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA, UMTS,
TD-SCDMA, WiMAX, and LTE projects.
The Profile tab of the Point Analysis Tool window displays the profile between a reference transmitter and the
receiver. As well, Atoll displays the strength of the received signal from the selected transmitter. This is calculated
in real time.
• The Reception tab:

The Reception tab is available in the Point Analysis Tool window for GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA, UMTS,
TD-SCDMA, WiMAX, and LTE projects.
The Reception tab of the Point Analysis Tool window displays the predicted signal level from different transmit-
ters in the form of a bar chart, from the highest predicted signal level on the top to the lowest one on the bottom.
The calculations are based on the path loss matrices. Each bar is displayed in the colour of the transmitter it repre-
sents.
In the map window, arrows from the pointer to each transmitter are displayed in the colour of the transmitters they
represent. The best server is indicated by a thick black line from the pointer to the server. The best server for the
pointer is the transmitter from which the pointer receives the highest signal level. If you let the pointer rest, the
signal level received from the corresponding transmitter at the pointer location is displayed in the tooltip.
• The AS Analysis tab:

The AS Analysis tab is available in the Point Analysis Tool window for CDMA and UMTS projects.
The AS Analysis tab displays information on the pilot quality (Ec⁄I0), which is the main parameter used to define
the mobile active set, the connection status, and the active set of the probe mobile.
• The Signal Analysis tab:

The Signal Analysis tab is available in the Point Analysis Tool window for WiMAX and LTE projects.
The Signal Analysis tab displays information on the effective signal levels, received at the probe mobile. Detailed
results also list the downlink and uplink C/(I+N), bearers, used antenna diversity modes, and throughputs available
at the pointer location.
The best server is indicated by a thick black line from the pointer to the server. The best server for the pointer is
the transmitter from which the pointer receives the highest signal level. If you let the pointer rest, the signal level
received from the corresponding transmitter at the pointer location is displayed in the tooltip.
• The Interference tab:
The Interference tab is available in the Point Analysis Tool window for GSM/GPRS/EDGE projects.
The Interference tab displays, in the form of a bar graph, the signal level of the selected transmitter, a black bar
indicating the total interference experienced by the receiver, and bars representing the interference received from
each interferer.
In the map window, arrows from the receiver towards each transmitter are also displayed in the colour of the trans-
mitters they represent. If you let the pointer rest, the interference level received from the corresponding transmitter
at the receiver location will be displayed in the tooltip along with information on the channel being interfered and
the type of interference, i.e., co- or adjacent channel.
• The PN Offset Interference tab:

The PN Offset Interference tab is available in the Point Analysis Tool window for CDMA projects.
The PN Offset Interference tab of the Point Analysis window gives you information on the reception for any point
on the map where there is PN Offset interference.
• The SC Interference tab:

The SC Interference tab is available in the Point Analysis Tool window for UMTS projects.
The SC Interference tab of the Point Analysis window gives you information on reception for any point on the
map where there is scrambling code interference.

• The Results tab:

The Results tab is available in the Point Analysis Tool window for GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA, UMTS,
TD-SCDMA, WIMAX, and LTE projects.
The Results tab displays the current position and height of the receiver, the clutter class it is situated on, the
received signal level from each transmitter, the distance of the receiver from each transmitter, and, in GSM/GPRS/
EDGE projects, the interference and C/I from each transmitter in decreasing order.
In the map window, arrows from the receiver towards each transmitter are also displayed in the colour of the trans-
mitters they represent. The C/I levels at the receiver from transmitters are displayed as titles for the arrows. The
best server is indicated by a thick black line from the pointer to the server. The best server for the pointer is the
transmitter from which the pointer receives the highest signal level.If you let the pointer rest on an arrow, the inter-
ference level received from the corresponding transmitter at the receiver location will be displayed in the tooltip
along with information on the channel being interfered and the type of interference, i.e., co- or adjacent channel.
5.4.1.3 Moving the Receiver on the Map

When you make a point analysis, the pointer ( ) represents the receiver in the map window. You can change the posi-
tion of the receiver in several ways:
• You can move the receiver manually
• You can enter the coordinates of the new position
• You can place the receiver on a selected site.
To change the position of the receiver manually:
• Move the receiver to change the current position.
• Click to place the receiver at the current position. You can move the receiver again by clicking it a second time.
To enter the coordinates of a position:
1. Right-click the receiver ( ) in the map window. The context menu appears.
2. Select Coordinates from the context menu. The Receiver Position dialogue appears.
3. Enter or paste the X and Y coordinates of the position and click OK. The receiver moves to the specified position.
To place the receiver on a selected site:
1. Right-click the receiver ( ) in the map window. The context menu appears.
2. Select Target Site from the context menu. The Target Site dialogue appears.
3. Select the site on which you want to place the receiver from the Name list and click OK. The receiver moves to
the specified position.
5.4.1.4 Taking Indoor Losses into Account

In Atoll you can calculate indoor predictions by taking indoor losses into consideration. You can define default indoor
losses for all clutter classes, or you can define different indoor losses for each clutter class so that the characteristics of
each clutter class are taken into consideration during calculations.
To take indoor losses into account when making a point analysis:
1. Right-click the tab you are using in the Point Analysis window and select Properties from the context menu. The
Properties dialogue appears.
2. Select the Indoor Coverage check box to add indoor losses to the total path loss.
5.4.1.5 Taking Shadowing into Account in Point Analyses

Shadowing, or slow fading, is signal loss along a path caused by obstructions not taken into consideration by the propa-
gation model. Even when a receiver remains in the same location or in the same clutter class, there are variations in recep-
tion due to the surrounding environment.
Normally, the signal received at any given point is spread on a gaussian curve around an average value and a specific
standard deviation. If the propagation model is correctly calibrated, the average of the results it gives should be correct.
In other words, in 50% of the measured cases, the result will be greater and in 50% of the measured cases, the result will
be worse.
Atoll uses a model standard deviation with the defined cell edge coverage probability to model the effect of shadowing
and thereby provide predictions that are reliable more than fifty percent of the time. The additional losses or gains caused
by shadowing are known as the shadowing margin. The shadowing margin is added to the path losses calculated by the
propagation model.
For example, a properly calibrated propagation model calculates a loss leading to a signal level of -70 dBm. You have set
a cell edge coverage probability of 85%. If the calculated shadowing margin is 7 dB for a specific point, the target signal
will be equal to or greater than -77 dBm 85% of the time.
For information on setting the model standard deviation and the C⁄I standard deviations for each clutter class or for all clut-
ter classes, see "Defining Clutter Class Properties" on page 115.
You can take shadowing into account when you are making a point analysis.

Atoll User Manual
To take shadowing into account when making a point analysis:

1. Right-click the tab you are using in the Point Analysis window and select Properties from the context menu. The
Properties dialogue appears.
2. Select the Shadowing Taken into Account check box and enter a Cell Edge Coverage Probability. Atoll cal-
culates the shadowing using the standard deviation defined per clutter class.
3. From the Shadowing Margin list, you can select the standard deviation to see the value used by Atoll to calculate
the shadowing. The standard deviation used by Atoll depends on the Point Analysis tab chosen.
For GSM/GPRS/EDGE, WiMAX, and LTE projects:
- From Model: Atoll uses the model standard deviation to calculate the results for the Profile, Reception, or
Signal Analysis tabs (WiMAX and LTE).
- C⁄I: Atoll uses the C⁄I standard deviation to calculate the results for the Interference tab (GSM/GPRS/EDGE)
and detailed results in Signal Analysis tab (WiMAX and LTE).
For UMTS, CDMA and TD-SCDMA projects:
- From Model: Atoll uses the model standard deviation to calculate the results for the Profile or Reception tabs.
Atoll also uses the model standard deviation, along with the other defined standard deviations, to calculate
the results for the AS Analysis tab (UMTS and CDMA only). Atoll also uses the model standard deviation,
along with the Ec⁄I0 defined standard deviations, to calculate the results for the PN Offset Interference tab
(CDMA) and SC Interference tab (UMTS)
- P-CCPCH Eb/Nt: Atoll uses the P-CCPCH Eb⁄Nt standard deviation to calculate the results for the Profile or
Reception tabs (TD-SCDMA only).
- Ec⁄I0: Atoll uses the Ec⁄I0 standard deviation, along with the model defined standard deviations, to calculate
the results for the PN Offset Interference tab (CDMA) and SC Interference tab (UMTS).
- Eb⁄Nt UL: Atoll uses the Eb⁄Nt UL standard deviation, along with the other defined standard deviations, to
calculate the results for the AS Analysis tab (UMTS and CDMA only).
- Eb⁄Nt DL: Atoll uses the Eb⁄Nt DL standard deviation, along with the other defined standard deviations, to
calculate the results for the AS Analysis tab (UMTS and CDMA only).
Note: The standard deviation chosen from the Shadowing Margin list is for information only; it
is used only to display the value used by Atoll and does not change the standard
deviation used to calculate the displayed results.
5.4.2 Making Coverage Predictions

A coverage prediction displays the results of defined coverage conditions. It is calculated using the path loss matrices and
is based on coverage conditions and coverage resolutions. After calculation, Atoll displays the results as a graphical
representation of the pixels for which the defined coverage conditions are satisfied.
Atoll offers the following general coverage predictions, available for all technologies:
• Coverage by transmitter
• Coverage by signal level
• Coverage by overlapping zones.
Atoll also offers technology-specific coverage predictions, described in the technology-specific chapters, for example:
• Interference studies in GSM/GPRS/EDGE projects
• Coding scheme and throughput studies for GPRS/EDGE
• UMTS or CDMA2000 coverage predictions.
Atoll gives you a large flexibility over how the results of your coverage prediction are displayed. You can select which
attributes should be displayed on the map and how they are displayed. As well, you can define information to be displayed
in the legend, in the label, or in tooltips. Furthermore, Atoll also allows you to filter, sort, or group results before displaying
them.
Atoll offers several options and ways enabling you to create and work with coverage predictions. In this section, the follow-
ing are explained:
• "Creating Coverage Predictions" on page 198
• "Defining the Storage Location of Coverage Prediction Results" on page 200
• "Calculating Coverage Predictions" on page 200
• "Saving Defined Coverage Predictions" on page 202.
5.4.2.1 Creating Coverage Predictions

In Atoll, you can create a coverage prediction using several different methods. Each method has its own advantages. For
example, you can create a new coverage prediction and set all of the parameters. Or you can base a new coverage predic-
tion on an existing one.
In this section, the following ways of creating a coverage prediction are explained:
• "Creating a New Coverage Prediction" on page 199
• "Duplicating a Coverage Prediction" on page 199
• "Cloning a Coverage Prediction" on page 199.

5.4.2.1.1 Creating a New Coverage Prediction

When you create a new coverage prediction, you can select the type of coverage prediction and set all the parameters
that define it. The newly created coverage prediction is not automatically calculated.
To create a coverage prediction:
3. Select New from the context menu. The Study Types dialogue appears.
4. Select a coverage prediction from the Study Types dialogue and click OK. The coverage prediction Properties
dialogue appears.
The Properties dialogue for a coverage prediction common to all technologies has three tabs:
- General tab: You can rename the study, define the coverage resolution, add comments, and define where
the coverage prediction results are stored. For information on defining the storage location of the coverage
prediction results, see "Defining the Storage Location of Coverage Prediction Results" on page 200.
You can also define group, sort, and filter criteria; these criteria will apply to the coverage display, not the re-
sults.
- Condition tab: You can define the parameters of the coverage prediction.
- Display tab: You can define how coverage prediction results will be displayed.
5. Click OK to save your settings. The newly created coverage prediction appears in the Predictions folder. If you
wish, you can create another coverage prediction and calculate all coverage predictions at the same time.
For information on calculating coverage predictions, see "Calculating Coverage Predictions" on page 200.
5.4.2.1.2 Duplicating a Coverage Prediction

You can create a new coverage prediction by duplicating an existing coverage prediction. When you duplicate an existing
coverage prediction, the coverage prediction you create will have the same coverage and display settings as the original
one. Duplicating a coverage prediction is a way to quickly create a new coverage prediction with the same settings as an
original one. The newly created coverage prediction is not automatically calculated.
To duplicate an existing coverage prediction:
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Predictions folder.
3. Right-click the coverage prediction you want to duplicate. The context menu appears.
4. Select Duplicate from the context menu. A new coverage prediction appears in the Predictions folder with the
same name as the original coverage prediction, preceded by "Copy of." The duplicated coverage prediction has
the same coverage and display settings as the original one.
For information on calculating coverage predictions, see "Calculating Coverage Predictions" on page 200.
5.4.2.1.3 Cloning a Coverage Prediction

You can create a new coverage prediction by cloning an existing coverage prediction. When you clone an existing cover-
age prediction, Atoll creates a copy of the coverage prediction with the calculated coverage. You can then change the
display, providing that the selected parameter does not invalidate the calculated coverage prediction. Cloning is useful if
the existing coverage prediction has a display by discrete values (e.g., coverage by transmitter with a display by transmit-
ter) and if you want a new coverage prediction with another display by discrete values (e.g., display by RNC or BSC). In
this case, Atoll maps the results to the selected field and you do not need to recalculate the coverage prediction. On the
other hand, cloning is not relevant if you change the display from a discrete field to value intervals, in which case, you must
recalculate the study.
To clone an existing coverage prediction:
3. Right-click the coverage prediction you want to clone. The context menu appears.
4. Select Clone from the context menu. A new coverage prediction appears in the Predictions folder with the same
name as the original coverage prediction, preceded by "Clone of." The cloned coverage prediction not only has
the same coverage and display settings as the original one, but keeps the same results as well.
5. Right-click the cloned coverage prediction. The context menu appears.
7. Select the Display tab.
8. On the Display tab, keep the Display Type "Discrete Values" selected.
9. Select another value from the Field list to change the value displayed.
10. Click OK to apply the new display parameter.

Atoll User Manual
5.4.2.2 Defining the Storage Location of Coverage Prediction Results

When you define and calculate a coverage prediction, Atoll stores the results in the Atoll document by default. You can,
however, choose to save the coverage prediction results externally. When you are working on extremely large projects,
saving results externally can help reduce the size of the Atoll document and the use of computer resources. These results
can also have been calculated on a server. You can also include in your document the results of coverage predictions that
were calculated on a server. When the original coverage prediction is updated, the results displayed in the current docu-
ment will also be updated.
You can define the storage location of the results either before you calculate the coverage prediction or afterwards.
Note: You can not store externally the results of coverage predictions that are calculated by
transmitter instead of by level.
To define the storage location of coverage prediction results:

3. Right-click the coverage prediction for which you want to define the storage location of the results. The context
menu appears.
4. Select Properties from the context menu. The coverage prediction’s Properties dialogue appears.
5. On the General tab, click the button beside Folder ( ) and select the storage location of the results:
- Saving in the Atoll document: To store the results in the document, select Embedded.
- Saving externally: To store the results externally, select the external storage location. Atoll creates a folder
for the results in the same folder with the Atoll document and gives it the name of the document, with the
extension "studies."
- Sharing the results of another coverage prediction: To display the results of a coverage prediction that
was calculated in a different document, select Connect to Results to navigate to the XML file describing the
coverage prediction results.
Externally stored coverage prediction results can be imported as coverage prediction templates. For more information on
importing coverage prediction templates, see "Saving Defined Coverage Predictions" on page 202. For a detailed descrip-
tion of the XML file, see Studies.XML in the Administrator Manual.
5.4.2.3 Calculating Coverage Predictions

After you have defined a coverage prediction, you can calculate it. Atoll allows you to define and calculate coverage
predictions in two separate steps. This enables you to create one or several coverage predictions at one time, and then
calculate them later, when you do not need the computer resources.
Before calculating one or more coverage predictions, 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 calcu-
lation for all base stations that are active, filtered (i.e., that are selected by the current filter parameters), and whose prop-
agation zone intersects a rectangle containing the computation zone. Therefore, it takes into consideration base stations
inside and base stations outside the computation zone if they have an influence on the computation zone. In addition, the
computation zone defines the area within which the coverage prediction results will be displayed.
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 base stations studied, Atoll reduces both the time and
computer resources necessary for calculations. As well, by taking into consideration base stations within the computation
zone and base stations outside the computation zone but which have an influence on the computation zone, Atoll gives
you realistic results for base stations that are close to the border of the computation zone.
If there is no computation zone defined, Atoll makes its calculations on all base stations that are active and filtered and
for the entire extent of the geographical data available.
For information on creating a computation zone, see "Creating a Computation Zone" on page 42.
• "Calculating Several Coverage Predictions" on page 200
• "Calculating a Single Coverage Prediction" on page 201
• "Forcing Calculations" on page 201
• "Stopping Calculations" on page 201
• "Locking Coverage Predictions" on page 201.
5.4.2.3.1 Calculating Several Coverage Predictions

When you have several defined coverage predictions, you can start calculation when you want and Atoll will calculate
them one after the other.

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Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment

4.4.2 Importing Microwave Antennas

4.4.3 Editing Microwave Antenna Patterns

Editing a Single Radiation Pattern

You can edit the horizontal or vertical patterns of an antenna.

Copying an Antenna Pattern to One or More Antennas

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 151

Figure 4.4: MW Antennas table

4.4.4 Printing Microwave Antenna Patterns

4.5 Microwave Equipment

152 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

• Outdoor unit (ODU)

Figure 4.5: Radio system components

Indoor Unit (IDU)

Outdoor Unit (ODU)

Vertical polarisation Horizontal polarisation

Figure 4.6: Polarisation

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 153

For more information on antennas, see "Defining Antennas" on page 149.

4.5.1 Modelling the IDU and ODU in Atoll

4 PSK (QPSK) modulation is modelled as shown below:

154 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

This information is available from the manufacturer.

Figure 4.7: Defining the method to be used to predict outage times

Kn values (without adaptive equalization)

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 155

7. On the Sensitivity tab of Properties dialogue, set the following parameters:

8. On the Losses tab of Properties dialogue, set the following parameters:

9. On the Outages tab of Properties dialogue, set the following parameters:

156 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

13. Click OK to create the new piece of equipment.

4.5.2 Importing Microwave Equipment in Pathloss Format

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 157

5. In the Data Import dialogue, choose one of the following options:

4.5.3 Advanced Configuration

4.5.3.1 Digital Hierarchies

Creating a Microwave Trunk Type

To create a microwave trunk type:

158 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

Figure 4.8: Trunk Types table

Figure 4.9: Trunk type Properties dialogue

4.5.3.2 Interference Reduction Factor

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 159

Defining IRF Graphs Manually

Figure 4.10: IRF table

5. Select the name of the Victim equipment from the list.

Figure 4.11: IRF record Properties dialogue

160 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

Defining IRF Graphs with the Assistant

Figure 4.12: IRF Setting dialogue

To define an IRF graph between the transmission and reception equipment:

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 161

4.5.3.3 Theoretical Graphs

Creating Theoretical Graphs

7. Click the General tab and define the following parameters:

162 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

4.6 Microwave Waveguides and Cables

Defining Microwave Waveguides and Cables

To create a microwave waveguide or cable:

Figure 4.13: MWGuides New Element Properties dialogue

5. For the new waveguide or cable, define the following parameters:

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 163

Modifying a Microwave Waveguide or Cable