ATOLL User - Manual-201-250

Chapter 5: Managing Calculations in Atoll
When you calculate coverage predictions, only unlocked coverage predictions are calculated. Unlocked coverage predic-
tions are displayed in the Predictions folder with the unlocked icon ( ). For information on locking and unlocking cover-
age predictions, see "Locking Coverage Predictions" on page 201.
To calculate created coverage predictions:
• Click the Calculate button ( ) in the toolbar. When you click the Calculate button, Atoll first calculates non-
existent and invalid path loss matrices and then, unlocked coverage predictions in the Predictions folder.
The progress of the calculations is displayed in the Event Viewer window.
After calculation, the results are displayed in the map window, if the coverage prediction’s visibility check box has
been selected.
5.4.2.3.2 Calculating a Single Coverage Prediction

To calculate a single coverage prediction:
1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window.
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Predictions folder.
3. Right-click the coverage prediction you want to calculate. The context menu appears.
4. Select Calculate from the context menu.
Atoll first calculates non-existent and invalid path loss matrices and then, the coverage prediction even if this one
has been previously locked.
been selected.
5.4.2.3.3 Forcing Calculations

When you have several defined coverage predictions, you can start calculation when you want and Atoll will calculate
them one after the other. Normally, Atoll only recalculates non-existent and invalid path loss matrices before calculating
coverage predictions. If you want, you can make Atoll recalculate all path loss matrices, including valid ones.
When you calculate coverage predictions, only unlocked coverage predictions are calculated. Unlocked coverage predic-
tions are displayed in the Predictions folder with the unlocked icon ( ). For information on locking and unlocking cover-
age predictions, see "Locking Coverage Predictions" on page 201.
To force Atoll to recalculate all path loss matrices before calculating coverage predictions:
• Click the Force Calculate button ( ) in the toolbar. When you click the Force Calculate button, Atoll first
removes existing path loss matrices, recalculates them and then calculates unlocked coverages predictions.
been selected.
5.4.2.3.4 Stopping Calculations

When Atoll has begun to calculate coverage predictions, you can stop the calculation at any given point. This can be
useful if, for example, you want to change one of the coverage predictions or if you don’t want to calculate the coverage
predictions at that time.
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.
5.4.2.3.5 Locking Coverage Predictions

Coverage predictions are locked by default as soon as they have been calculated. Then, when you calculate new coverage
predictions, only unlocked coverage predictions are calculated. Locking a coverage prediction retains the information as
calculated under given conditions (e.g., before a new base station is created or before optimising the network). It also
saves time by limiting unnecessary recalculation.
Note: To prevent Atoll from automatically locking coverage predictions after calculating them,
you can set an option in the atoll.ini file. For information on setting options in the atoll.ini
file, see the Administrator Manual.
To lock a coverage prediction:

3. Right-click the coverage prediction you want to lock. The context menu appears.
Unlocked coverage predictions are displayed in the Predictions folder with the unlocked icon ( ).
4. Select Study Locked from the context menu.
© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 201

Atoll User Manual
The icon changes to the locked icon ( ) and the Study Locked item in the context menu now appears checked.
The coverage prediction is now locked and will not be calculated when the Calculate button in the toolbar is
clicked. However, if you select Calculate from the coverage prediction’s context menu, Atoll will first unlock the
coverage prediction and then calculate it.
You can lock all unlocked coverage predictions using the Predictions folder’s context menu.
5.4.2.3.6 Unlocking Coverage Predictions

Coverage predictions are locked by default as soon as they have been calculated. You can unlock a single coverage
prediction.
To unlock a coverage prediction:
3. Right-click the coverage prediction you want to unlock. The context menu appears.
Locked coverage predictions are displayed in the Predictions folder with the locked icon ( ).
4. Select Study Locked from the context menu.
The icon changes to the unlocked icon ( ) and the Study Locked item in the context menu is no longer selected.
You can unlock all locked coverage predictions using the Predictions folder’s context menu.
5.4.2.4 Saving Defined Coverage Predictions

Once you have defined a coverage prediction, you can use it again in other Atoll documents, either by using the coverage
prediction to create a template or by exporting its coverage and display parameters in a user configuration.
5.4.2.4.1 Saving a Coverage Prediction as a Template

Once you have defined a coverage prediction, you can use it as the basis for a template. This template will be available
to you in the Study Types dialogue the next time you want to create a new coverage prediction. The initial parameters of
the template will be the same as the coverage prediction it is based on but, when you select it in the Study Types dialogue,
Atoll allows you to modify them.
To save a coverage prediction as a template:
3. Right-click the coverage prediction you want to save as a template. The context menu appears.
4. Select Save as a Template from the context menu. The Save As dialogue appears.
In the Save As dialogue, Atoll proposes a name and location for the XML file that will contain the template. You
can accept the default values or you can change the name and save the XML file in any folder you have write
access to.
5. Click Save. Atoll saves the template in the selected XML file.
The next time you create a new coverage prediction, the template will be available at the bottom of the list, under the full
path and file name of the XML file (see Figure 5.11). If you have other XML template files, you can click the Browse button
and select it in the Open dialogue.
Figure 5.11: Study Types dialogue
In a multi-user environment, the administrator can make templates available for all the users by saving the XML file in the
Atoll installation directory. For more information, see the Administrator Manual.
202 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

5.4.2.4.2 Exporting a Defined List of Predictions in a User Configuration File

You can export the defined coverage predictions in the Predictions folder in a user configuration file. You can then import
this user configuration file into another Atoll document. All the coverage predictions in the user configuration will then be
available in the Predictions folder of the new Atoll document and can be calculated.
To export a user configuration with the coverage predictions in the Predictions folder:
1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Export. The User Configuration dialogue appears.
2. Select the Prediction List check box, as well as the check box of any other information you want to export as part
of the user configuration.
3. Click OK. The Save As dialogue appears.
4. Enter a File name for the user configuration file and click Save. The folder configuration is saved.
For information on importing the user configuration into another Atoll document, see "Importing a User Configuration" on
page 75.
5.4.2.5 Calculating Indoor Coverage

In Atoll you can calculate indoor coverage by taking the indoor losses into consideration. Indoor losses are defined per
clutter class. You can define a default indoor losses value for all clutter classes. Or, you can define a different indoor losses
value for each clutter classes, to take the characteristics of each clutter class into consideration.
To calculate indoor coverage when making a coverage prediction:
• When creating the coverage prediction, select the Indoor Coverage check box on the Condition tab of the cov-
erage prediction’s Properties dialogue. The indoor losses defined for the clutter classes will be added to the total
path loss for each pixel.
5.4.2.6 Taking Shadowing into Account

Shadowing, or slow fading, is signal loss along a path that is caused by obstructions not taken into consideration by the
propagation model. Even when a receiver remains in the same location or in the same clutter class, there are variations
in reception 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 create coverage 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.
- When creating the coverage prediction, select the Shadowing Taken into Account check box. Then, you can
define the Cell Edge Coverage Probability.
5.5 Using Propagation Models in Microwave Projects

The following propagation models are available in Atoll for use in microwave projects:
• Microwave Propagation Model: The Microwave Propagation Model is used to calculate the fade margin and to
determine the link profile. For more information, see "Working with the Microwave Propagation Model" on
page 203.
• Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model: The Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model is used to calculate interference. For more
information, see "Working with the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model" on page 205.
5.5.1 Working with the Microwave Propagation Model

The Microwave Propagation Model is used to calculate the fade margin and to determine the link profile. When calculating
attenuation, the Microwave Propagation Model takes free space path losses, atmospheric losses, attenuation due to
diffraction, and tropospheric losses into account. If you want to analyse a microwave link, a propagation model must be
assigned to it, as explained in "Link Parameters" on page 211.
The parameters of the propagation model, including some of its coefficients, can be modified using the Microwave Prop-
agation Model Properties dialogue.

Atoll User Manual
To define the parameters of the Microwave Propagation Model:

1. Click the Modules tab of the Explorer window.
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Propagation Models folder.
3. Right-click the Microwave Propagation Model. The context menu appears.
4. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears.
5. Click the Parameters tab (see Figure 5.16).
Figure 5.12: Microwave Propagation Model Properties - Parameters tab
Under Heights, you can set the following parameter:
- Clutter Taken into Account in Diffraction: Select "1 - Yes" to have Atoll take clutter height information into
account when calculating diffraction. Otherwise, select "0 - No". If you choose to take clutter height into
account, Atoll uses the clutter height information in the clutter heights file if available. Otherwise, it uses
average clutter height specified for each clutter class in the clutter classes.
Under LOS Attenuation, you can set the following parameters:
- K1, K2, and K3: Enter the K1, K2, and K3 values that will be used to calculate free space losses.
Under Diffraction, you can set the following parameters:
- Method: Select the method that will be used to calculate diffraction.

- Deygout
- Epstein-Peterson
- Deygout with correction
- Millington
- ITU 452-11
- Full Deygout
- K4: Enter the K4 value that will be used to calculate diffraction.
Under Tropospheric Scatter, you can set the following parameters:
- Method: Select the method that will be used to calculate tropospheric scattering:
- No attenuation: No attenuation will be calculated.
- ITU-R P617-1: Attenuation will be calculated according to the ITU-R P617-1 recommendations for 50%,
90%, or 99.99% of the time.
- ITU-R P452: Attenuation will be calculated according to the ITU-R P452 recommendations.
- Simplified Method: Attenuation will be estimated using an Atoll-specific equation.
- N0: Enter the value for N0, which is the surface refractivity of the centre of the path.
- Ktropo: Enter the value for the weight factor. Atoll multiplies the loss given by the selected method to calcu-
late the tropospheric scatter loss.
Under Vegetation, you can set the following parameters:
- Method: Select the method that will be used to calculate attenuation due to vegetation:
- No attenuation: No attenuation will be calculated.
- ITU-R P.833-4: Attenuation will be calculated according to ITU-R P.833-4 recommendations.
- A1: Enter the value of the A1 coefficient.
- Alpha: Enter the value of the Alpha coefficient. A1 and Alpha coefficients are used to calculate the maximum
attenuation experienced by a transmitter or a receiver site located within a vegetation area. The maximum
attenuation is taken into consideration to calculate the attenuation due to vegetation.

The attenuation due to vegetation is calculated and displayed in link budget and interference reports for informa-
tion only. It is not taken into account when calculating the total attenuation.
6. Click the Clutter tab (see Figure 5.13).
Figure 5.13: Microwave Propagation Model Properties - Clutter tab
Under Clutter Consideration, you can set the following parameters for each clutter class:
- Clearance per clutter class: Define a clearance (in metres) around each transmitter and each receiver site
for each clutter class. The clearance information is used when clutter is taken into account in diffraction. Both
ground altitude and clutter height are considered along the whole profile except over a specific distance
around the transmitter and the receiver sites (i.e., the clearance), where Atoll bases its calculations only on
the DTM.
- Clutter categories: Select a clutter category for each clutter class. Clutter categories are taken into consid-
eration when studying reflections and must be defined in order to analyse reflections along the profile. Clutter
categories are ITU-standardised clutter classes. The following are the available clutter categories:
- Rural open
- Pastures, grassland
- Low crop fields
- High crop fields
- Park land
- Tree covered
- Irregularly spaced sparse trees
- Orchards
- Deciduous trees (irregularly spaced)
- Deciduous trees (regularly spaced)
- Coniferous trees (irregularly spaced)
- Coniferous trees (regularly spaced)
- Mixed tree forest
- Tropical rain forest
7. Click OK.
For more information on the parameters of the Microwave Propagation Model, see the Technical Reference Guide.
5.5.2 Working with the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model

The Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model is used to calculate interference. It is an empirical model, but it takes more physical
characteristics into consideration than the Microwave Propagation Model, which is why it is recommended for calculating
interference.
Assigning the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model to a microwave link is explained in in "Link Parameters" on page 211.
The parameters of the propagation model, including some of its coefficients, can be modified using the Microwave ITU-R
P.452 Model Properties dialogue.
To define the parameters of the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model:
1. Click the Modules tab of the Explorer window.
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Propagation Models folder.
3. Right-click the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model. The context menu appears.
5. Click the Parameters tab (see Figure 5.16).

Atoll User Manual
Figure 5.14: Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model Properties - Parameters tab
Under Heights, you can set the following parameter:
- Clutter Taken into Account in Diffraction: Select "1 - Yes" to have Atoll take clutter height information into
account when calculating diffraction. Otherwise, select "0 - No". If you choose to take clutter height into
account, Atoll uses the clutter height information in the clutter heights file if available. Otherwise, it uses
average clutter height specified for each clutter class in the clutter classes.
Under Tropospheric Scattering, you can set the following parameters:
- N0: Enter the value for N0, which is the surface refractivity of the centre of the path.
- Time percentage: Enter the percentage of time during which the basic propagation loss is not exceeded.
6. Click the Clutter tab (see Figure 5.15).
Figure 5.15: Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model Properties - Clutter tab
Under Clutter Consideration, you can set the following parameters for each clutter class:
- Clearance per clutter class: Define a clearance (in metres) around each transmitter and each receiver site
for each clutter class. The clearance information is used when clutter is taken into account in diffraction. Both
ground altitude and clutter height are considered along the whole profile except over a specific distance
around the transmitter and the receiver sites (i.e., the clearance), where Atoll bases its calculations only on
the DTM.
7. Click OK.
For more information on the parameters of the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model, see the Technical Reference Guide.

5.6 Defining Microwave Link Classes and Performance

Objectives
In this section, the following are explained:
• "Microwave Link Classes" on page 207
• "Defining Performance Objectives" on page 207.
5.6.1 Microwave Link Classes

Microwave link classes are used to differentiate microwave link types. Different link classes can use different performance
objectives. By assigning microwave links to microwave link classes, you can assign the link classes targe parameters and
usage limitations to the selected microwave links.
To create or modify a microwave link class:
2. Right-click the Microwave Radio Links folder. The context menu appears.
3. Select Link Classes from the context menu. The Link Classes table appears.
4. Enter or modify the values in the table columns to create or modify a link class.
Each link class has the following parameters:
- Name: The name of the link class

- Type: The type of link class (International or National)
- Sub-Class: The sub-class (Long Haul, Short Haul, Access, Intermediate country, etc.)
- Min and Max. L (M): The minimum and maximum length (in metres) for this link class.
The Atoll microwave module includes some pre-defined microwave links classes that are compliant with ITU G.821 and
G.826 recommendations.
5.6.2 Defining Performance Objectives

The ITU G.821 recommendation defines microwave performance parameters as functions of microwave performance
events. As outlined in the ITU recommendations, error events can occur in link paths or in connections; some error
performance events are applicable to both while others are specific to the path or connection. These microwave error
performance parameters are fully modelled in Atoll and include:
• ESR
• SESR
• BBER
These error performance parameters are based on measurements of microwave error performance events. Error perform-
ance events and error performance parameters are briefly described in the following sections:
• "Microwave Error Performance Events" on page 207
• "Microwave Error Performance Parameters" on page 208
• "The Purpose of Microwave Error Performance Objectives" on page 208.
Microwave Error Performance Events
Microwave error performance parameters are based on the following events:

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

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

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

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

Using different parameters (BBER, ESR, and SESR), you can define one or more quality objectives for each link class in
Atoll. Each availability objective is characterised by a performance objective equation that defines the limitation of the rele-
vant availability objective parameter (BBER, ESR, SESR). The availability objective equations define the behaviour of the
availability parameter as a function of the length (L) of the microwave link. The length of a microwave link is, in turn, limited
by the minimum and maximum lengths defined in the microwave link class. Each availability objective is also characterised
by its minimum and maximum bit rates.
Note: The availability objectives are global objectives. They consist of three partial objectives as
microwave link unavailability can be either due to rain, due to equipment failure, or
random.
Atoll includes by default the availability objectives defined in the ITU G.821 and ITU G.826 recommendations. You can
also define customised availability objectives.
To modify pre-defined ITU G.821 and ITU G.826 availability objectives or to create a new availability objective:

3. Select Performance Targets > Availability from the context menu. The Availability Objectives dialogue
appears.
You can either edit a default ITU G.821 and ITU G.826 availability objective or create a new availability objective.
- To edit a ITU G.821 and ITU G.826 availability objective: Select the appropriate tab (ITU G.821 or ITU
G.826) and modify the properties of the availability objective.
- To create a new customised quality objective: Select the Customised tab and enter the parameters in the
row marked with the New Row icon ( ).
4. Click OK.
5.7 Defining Calculation Parameters

In a microwave project, parameters that affect calculations can be divided into:
• Global parameters: Global parameters are defined for all microwave links and affect all links. For information on
setting global parameters, see "Global Parameters" on page 209.
• Link parameters: Link parameters are defined per link and affect individual links. For information on setting link
parameters, see "Link Parameters" on page 211.
As well, any parameters set for the propagation model affect calculations:
• Microwave Propagation Model: For information on setting Microwave Propagation Model parameters, see
"Working with the Microwave Propagation Model" on page 203.
• Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model: For information on setting Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model parameters, see
"Working with the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model" on page 205.
5.7.1 Global Parameters

l'information doit être présenté de façon à faire ressortir les " Calculation methods for Quality and Availability Analysis,
Objective Selection ; Interference Calculation "
The global properties of a microwave links project are defined for all microwave links in the Properties of the Microwave
Radio Links folder. The global parameters are those used for:
• Quality and availability analysis
• Objective selection
• Interference calculation.
To define the global parameters for microwave links: for quality and availability analysis, objective selection, and interfer-
ence calculation:
3. Select Properties from the context menu. The Microwave Radio Links Properties dialogue appears.
4. Click the General tab. On the General tab, the parameters you define are valid for all types of analyses: quality
and availability analysis, objective selection, and interference calculation.
Under Calculation Parameters, you can define the following parameters:
- K factor: Select the K factor (the earth curvature factor) to be used in link analyses:
- Median value for each link: If you select this option, a median value for the K factor will be used for each
link in link analyses.
- Same value for all links: If you select this option, the value you enter will be used as the K factor for all
links in link analyses.
- Power control on the useful signal: Select the Power control on the useful signal check box if power control
on the transmitted signal is to be considered.
Under Results, you can define the following parameters:
- The link direction to be analysed: Select the link direction to be analysed: either A >> B, B >> A, or both.
- Calculated Port: Under Calculated Port, select which channel should be displayed the results of a link
analysis:
- All: If you select All, Atoll performs the link analysis and displays the results for all channels.
- Worst channel engineering: If you select Worst channel engineering, Atoll performs the link analysis
for each channel and displays the results for the worst channel in terms of margin (i.e., the channel with
the lowest margin).
- Specific port engineering: If you select Specific port engineering, Atoll performs the link analysis and
displays the result for the channel specified individually for Site A and Site B.
Under BER, you can define what value for BER will be used in link analyses:
- Values defined for each link: If you select Values defined for each link, Atoll performs the link analysis
using the values for BER1 and BER2 defined in the properties of each link.
- Same value for all links: If you select Same value for all links, you can define a value for BER 1 and BER 2
that Atoll will use for all links.

Atoll User Manual
5. Click the Interference tab. On the Interference tab, the parameters you define will be used for interference calcu-
lation.
Under Interferer Filtering, you can define the following parameters:
- Max. Distance: Enter the maximum distance in metres that Atoll will search around each site to find poten-
tially interfering sites.
- Interfered Bandwidth: Enter the percentage of the bandwidth that Atoll should consider when searching for
interferers. If you want Atoll to take into account all potential interferers, set the parameter to 3000%.
- Interference via repeaters: Select how interference caused by repeaters should be taken into consideration.
Under Calculation Parameters, you can define the following parameters:
- Power Control: Define whether automatic transmission power control is to be considered always on, always
off or is to be calculated according to geometric correlation.
- Correlation Area: Enter the surface in km2 of the correlation area.
- Ignore decoupling reduction when cross polarisation is not defined at the receiver: Select this option if
you want Atoll to ignore decoupling reduction when cross polarisation is not defined at the receiver.
Under Result filtering, you can define the following parameters:
- Min. Threshold Degradation: Enter the minimum degradation threshold. Results that do not meet the
threshold will not be displayed.
- Calculation Details: Select the interference to be displayed in the results: none, on the uplink or downlink, or
on both the uplink and downlink.
6. Click the Models tab. On the Models tab, the parameters you define will be used for quality and availability
analysis.
Under Availability, you can define the following parameters:
- Method: Select the method to be used to calculate availability. Six availability analysis methods (Crane and
those based on different implemented ITU recommendations, 530-5, 530-8, 530-10, 530-11 and 530-12) are
available.
- Rain Model: Select the model to be used to calculate rain attentuation. Two attenuation models for rain (ITU
recommendations, 838-1 and 838-3) are available.
Under Quality, you can define the following parameters:
- Method: Select the method to be used to calculate quality: Vigants-Barnett, K.Q factor, ITU-R P.530-5, ITU-R
P.530-8, ITU-R P.530-10, ITU-R P.530-11, or ITU-R P.530-12.
If you select a method based on one of the ITU-R P.530 recommendations, you can set further parameters
under ITU-R P.530.
- Multipath Occurence: If you select recommendation ITU-R P.530-10, ITU-R P.530-11, or ITU-R P.530-12,
you can use either a simplified method or a method taking roughness into account to calculate the geoclimatic
factor (K).
- ITU-R P.530: If you selected a method based on one of the ITU-R P.530 recommendations under Method,
you can set the following parameters:
Multi-Path Propagation: Under Multi-Path Propagation, select the Ignore Signal Enhancements check
box if you want to ignore signal enhancements and XPD reduction in multi-path propagation. Reduction of
XPD is taken into consideration when calculating unavailability due to multi-path and unavailability due to rain
whereas signal enhancements have an impact on unavailability due to multi-path only.
Selective Fadings: Under Selective Fadings you can define reference delay values for the secondary signal
t (tau) for minimum and non minimum phase conditions.
Erroneous Blocks: Under Erroneous Blocks you can define athe network level consideration values for the
Residual Bit Error Rate (RBER), number of errors per burst for Bit Error Rate between 10-3 and BERSES and
for Bit Error Rate between BERSES and RBER.
- K.Q. Method: If you selected K.Q. method based under Method, you can set the following parameters:
Frequency Exponent: Under K.Q. Method, define the exponent of the frequency.
Distance: Under K.Q. Method, define the distance.
7. Click the Objectives tab. On the Objectives tab, the parameters you define will select objectives.
Under Performance Objectives Selection, you can define how quality and availability objectives are selected.
The objectives can be selected according to the microwave link rate and the type of the objective (from ITU-T
G.821 or ITU-T G.826 recommendations or a customised objective). Clicking the Browse button ( ) beside
the Quality or Availability field opens a dialogue where you can define a priority for each selection criterion.
Under Availability Objectives Apportionment, you can define the ratio between the different objectives consid-
ered in the global availability objective. Microwave link unavailability can be due either to rain (with its impact on
propagation), to equipment failure, or it can be random. Therefore, the global availability objective consists of three
partial objectives for which you can define a weight. These weights are taken into consideration when calculating
the performance objectives to be considered when analysing the microwave link unavailability due to rain and the
unavailability due to equipment failures
8. Click OK.

5.7.2 Link Parameters

The link parameters which affect calculations are the following:
• Geoclimatic parameters: The geoclimatic parameters define the environment and the climatic zone in which the
link is operating, including climatic factor, rain intensity (exceeding 0.01% of time), PL percentage, temperature,
water vapour density, earth curvature factor (k), effective earth curvature factor (ke) and the geoclimatic factor K.
• Reliability parameters: The reliability parameters define the quality and availability of the microwave link. Under
ideal circumstances a microwave link should be completely reliable 100% of the time. In practice, this performance
level is never achieved due to continuously changing propagation conditions and possible problems with the
equipment.
• Propagation parameters: A propagation can optionally be defined to calculate the useful signal and the inter-
fering signal. The margin calculated by the propagation model defined for the useful signal is also used to calculate
the quality and availability of the microwave link. If no propagation model is defined for the useful link, the target
values for quality and availability as defined in the link class are used.
• Link class: Each link class can have different performance objectives. By assigning the link class with the appro-
priate performance objectives, you assign the performance objectives to the link. For information on creating a link
class, see "Microwave Link Classes" on page 207.
The link parameters which affect calculations can be defined for a single microwave link and then applied to all microwave
links or to a group of microwave links that share the same characteristics. Defining calculation parameters is explained in
the following sections:
• "Defining Calculation Parameters for a Single Microwave Link" on page 211
• "Defining Calculation Parameters for All Microwave Links" on page 215
• "Defining Calculation Parameters for a Group of Microwave Links" on page 217.
5.7.2.1 Defining Calculation Parameters for a Single Microwave Link

You set the calculation parameters for a microwave link on three tabs of the link’s Properties dialogue: the Geoclimatic
tab, the Reliability tab, and the Propagation tab.
To define the calculation parameters for a single microwave link:
1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window.
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Microwave Radio Links folder.
3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Links folder.
4. Right-click the link for which you want to set the calculation parameters. The context menu appears.
Note: You can also access a link’s Properties dialogue by right-clicking the transmitter on the
map and selecting Properties from the context menu.
The microwave link Properties dialogue has several tabs: General, Radio, Connections, Geoclimatic, Reliability,
Propagation, and Display. The link settings that affect calculations are on the Geoclimatic, Reliability, and Propa-
gation tabs and are described here. For an explanation of the options available on the General, Radio, Connec-
tions, and Display tabs, see "Chapter 15: Microwave Link Project Management".
6. Click the Geoclimatic tab (see Figure 5.16).

Atoll User Manual
Figure 5.16: Microwave link Properties dialogue - Geoclimatic tab
7. On the Geoclimatic tab, you can define climate-related settings affecting the microwave link:
- Current Methods: Under Current Methods, you can see the calculation methods used to analyse the micro-
wave link quality and availability. The methods displayed are those set on the Models tab of the Microwave
Radio Links Properties dialogue.
- Atmospheric and Climatic Conditions: Under Atmospheric and Climatic Conditions, you can define the
conditions under which the microwave operates:
- Climatic Zone: Select the climatic zone that best describes the climate in which the microwave link oper-
ates. For dry areas, you can select from Polar (Dry), Polar (Moderate), Cold (Dry), Temperate Continental
(Dry), and Subtropical Arid (Dry). For continental areas, you can select from Cold (Moderate), Temperate
Continental (Moderate). For humid areas, you can select from Temperate Continental (Wet) correspond
to continental areas and Temperate Maritime, Subtropical Wet, Tropical Moderate, and Tropical.
The climate zone is taken into consideration by all calculation methods.
- Temperature: Set the average temperature of the zone in which the microwave link operates. Clicking the
button ( ) beside the Temperature text box opens a dialogue where you can select the temperature
based on Rec. ITU-R P.1510-0, ITU-R P.835-3 (and select a season), or the temperature set in the geocli-
matic file.
- Rec. ITU-R P.530: The parameters found under Rec. ITU-R P.530 are those recommended by ITU-R
P.530 to calculate the availability of the microwave link:
Water Vapour Density: Set the water vapour density in grams per cubic metre. Clicking the button ( )
beside the Water Vapour Density text box opens a dialogue where you can select the water vapour den-
sity based on Rec. ITU-R P.836-3 (and select the percentage of the average year where the defined water
vapour density is exceeded), or based on Rec. ITU-R P.835-3 (and select a season), or the water vapour
density set in the geoclimatic file. The dialogue also displays the water vapour pressure in hectopascals
(hPa) calculated using your data and based on Rec. ITU-R P.836-3.
Rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year: Set the rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year (or,
in other words, the rainfall observed 99.99% of the average year). Clicking the button ( ) beside the
Rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the average year text box opens a dialogue where you can select the rainfall
exceeded 0.01% of the average year based on Rec. ITU-R P.837-4 or the rainfall exceeded 0.01% of the
average year set in the geoclimatic file.
Atmospheric Pressure: Set the atmospheric pressure in grams per cubic metre. Clicking the button
( ) beside the Atmospheric Pressure text box opens a dialogue where you can select the atmospher-

ic pressure based on Rec. ITU-R P.835-3 (and select a season), or the atmospheric pressure set in the
geoclimatic file.
Relative Humidity: The Relative Humidity displayed is calculated using the defined water vapour den-
sity.
Rec. ITU-R P.530-12: Under ITU-R P.530-12, you can enter the Rain Height (0°C Isotherm) in metres.
The rain height is the height of the top of the rain column above mean sea level from the 0°C isotherm.
Clicking the button ( ) beside the Rain Height text box opens a dialogue where you can select the rain
height based on Rec. ITU-R P.839-3 (and select a season), or the rain height set in the geoclimatic file.
- Refractivity: Under Refractivity, you can define the Refractivity gradient near the earth’s surface in
N-units per km. Clicking the button ( ) beside the Refractivity gradient near the earth’s surface text box
opens a dialogue where you can select the refractivity gradient based on Rec. ITU-R P.453-9, using a user-
defined reference altitude, or the refractivity gradient for less than 65 m., as well as the percentage of the year
that N is not exceeded, or the refractivity gradient set in the geoclimatic file.
Under Refractivity, the k factor median value, calculated using the set parameters, is displayed.
- Geoclimatic Factor: The parameters under Geoclimatic Factor are used to calculate the quality of the
microwave link and are broken down by calculation method. Under Geoclimatic Factor, you can set the fol-
lowing parameters:
- ITU-R P.530-5, -8 and Vigants-Barnett: Under ITU-R P.530-5, -8 and Vigants-Barnett, you can select
the Terrain Type: "Plain Zone" for terrestrial microwave links where the height of the lowest antenna in
the link is lower than 700 m; "Mountain Zone" for terrestrial microwave links where the height of the lowest
antenna in the link is higher than 700 m; "Lake Zone" for microwave links over an expanse of water and
"Link over the water" for microwave links over an extended expanse of water.
This information is taken into account when using ITU-R P.530-5, ITU-R P.530-8 and Vigants-Barnett cal-
culation methods.
- ITU-R P.530-5, -8: Under ITU-R P.530-5, -8, you can define the PL factor. PL is the percent of time the
relative refractivity gradient is less than -100 N⁄Km. The PL factor can be found on the ITU-R maps.
This parameter is taken into account when using ITU-R P.530-5 and ITU-R P.530-8 calculation methods.
- K.Q. Method: Under K.Q. Method, you can define K.Q. for the K.Q method. K models geo-climatic and
terrain effects on climate while Q is the factor for variables other than those dependent on distance and
frequency.
- ITU-R P.530: Under ITU-R P.530, you can define the K factor. K models geo-climatic and terrain effects
on climate. Clicking the button ( ) beside the K text box opens a dialogue where you can select the K
factor based on Rec. ITU-R P. 530-5 or Rec. ITU-R P. 530-8 (and select a terrain type and enter a value
for C0 and for the percentage of time the refractivity gradient (< 100 m.) is less than -100 N-units⁄km for
the worst average month) or based on Rec. ITU-R P. 530-10 and above (and select the simplified method
where you also define the refractivity gradient (< 65 m.) not exceeded during 1% of the average year or
select the method with terrain roughness taken into account where you define the refractivity gradient and
the terrain roughness).
- Vigants-Barnett: Factor C: Under Vigants-Barnett: Factor C, you can define C, the propagation condi-
tion factor for Vigants-Barnett method. You can either select Real and enter a value, or select Terrain
Type and the C factor will be calculated from the terrain.
8. Click the Reliability tab (see Figure 5.17).

Atoll User Manual
Figure 5.17: Microwave link Properties dialogue - Reliability tab
9. On the Reliability tab, you can define reliability-related parameters:

- Link Class: Under Link Class, you can select the link class. Each link class can have different performance
objectives. By assigning the link class with the appropriate performance objectives, you assign the perform-
ance objectives to the link. For information on creating a link class, see "Microwave Link Classes" on
page 207.
Clicking the Browse button ( ) opens the Properties dialogue of the selected link class.
Clicking the Objectives button opens a dialogue where you can view and modify the performance objectives
of the selected link class.
- Bit Error Rate: Under Bit Error Rate, you can set the values for BER 1 and BER 2. Atoll displays the
resulting sensitivity for each BER.
If the value for BER that you enter is not defined in the properties of the equipment, Atoll will interpolate to
determine the corresponding sensitivity.
- Availability: Under Availability, you can set the MTTR (mean time to repair). The MTTR is taken into account
when calculating unavailability due to failures if the microwave link is not equipped with a hot standby channel
system.
10. Click the Propagation tab (see Figure 5.18).

Figure 5.18: Microwave link Properties dialogue- Propagation tab
11. On the Propagation tab, you can define propagation-related parameters:

- Model used for the useful signal: Under Model used for the useful signal, you can select the propagation
model that will be used to calculate the path loss as well as the margin required for quality and availability for
the microwave link. If no propagation model is selected, the quality and availability of the link will be defined
by the respective target values defined in the link class.
- Model used for the interfering signal: Under Model used for the interfering signal, you can select the
propagation model that will be used to calculate interference.
12. Click OK.
5.7.2.2 Defining Calculation Parameters for All Microwave Links

Under certain circumstances, for example, in a highly homogeneous network, you will want to set the same calculation
parameters for all microwave links. You can set the same calculation parameters for all microwave links at the same time
by first defining the calculation parameters for a single microwave link and then copying the calculation parameters to all
microwave links.
To define the calculation parameters for all microwave links:
1. Define the calculation parameters for a single microwave link, as described in "Defining Calculation Parameters
for a Single Microwave Link" on page 211.
2. Copy the defined calculation parameters to all microwave links.
To copy the defined calculation parameters to all microwave links:
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears.
4. Select Open Table from the context menu. The Links Table appears.
5. Locate the row in the Links Table with the microwave link whose calculation parameters you just updated.
In the Links Table, the column names corresponding to the calculation parameters on the tabs of the microwave
link’s Properties dialogue are:
- Geoclimatic tab:
- Environment Type
- R001 (mm/h)
- Geoclimatic Factor (K)

Atoll User Manual
- PL (%)
- Water Vapour (g/m3)
- Temperature (°C)
- Factor K.Q
- Rain Height (m)
- Atmospheric Pressure (hPa)
- Refractivity
- Factor C
- Climatic Zone
- Reliability tab:
- Class (EPO)
- Hot Standby
- BER
- 2nd BER
- MTTR (h)
- Propagation tab:
- Propagation Model
- Interference Model
6. For each cell with a calculation parameter that you have already modified, copy the values into all cells above the
modified cell:
a. Click the modified cell.
b. Drag upwards to select the cells into which you want to copy the data.
c. Select Edit > Fill > Up.
The contents of the modified cell are copied into all cells selected.
7. Repeat the procedure to copy the modified values into the remaining cells above the modified microwave link.
8. For each cell with a calculation parameter that you have already modified, copy the values into the cells below the
modified cell:

b. Drag downwards to select the cells into which you want to copy the
data.
c. Select Edit > Fill > Down.
9. Repeat the procedure to copy the modified values into the remaining cells below the modified microwave link.
5.7.2.3 Defining Calculation Parameters for a Group of Microwave Links

Under certain circumstances, for example, in a network that spans a great distance, you will want to set the same calcu-
lation parameters for defined groups of microwave links but not for all links. You can set the same calculation parameters
for defined groups of microwave links by first defining the calculation parameters for a single microwave link, sorting the
microwave links according to their common attributes, and then copying the calculation parameters to all microwave links
in that group.
To define the calculation parameters for a group of microwave links:
1. Define the calculation parameters for a single microwave link, as described in "Defining Calculation Parameters
for a Single Microwave Link" on page 211.
2. Select the microwave links to which you want to copy the calculation parameters by:
- Grouping the microwave links (see "Grouping Microwave Links" on page 217)
- Sorting the microwave links (see "Sorting Microwave Links" on page 218)
- Filtering the microwave links (see "Filtering Microwave Links" on page 220)
3. Copy the defined calculation parameters to the selected group of microwave links.
Grouping Microwave Links
To select the microwave links to which you want to copy the calculation parameters by grouping:
4. From the Group By submenu, select the property by which you want to group the microwave links. Ensure that
you chose a property that all the microwave links you want to modify and the link with the modified calculation
parameters have in common.
The microwave links in the folder are grouped in separate folders by that property.

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Note: If the range of properties available in the Group By submenu has been configured as
explained in "Configuring the Group By Submenu" on page 65, you can select additional
properties by selecting More Fields from the Group By submenu. For information on
using the dialogue that appears, see "Configuring the Group By Submenu" on page 65.
5. Right-click the folder with the grouped microwave links. The context menu appears.
7. Copy the calculation parameters from the modified microwave link to the other microwave links in the group as
explained in "Defining Calculation Parameters for All Microwave Links" on page 215.
Once you have finished copying the calculation parameters, you can ungroup the links by right-clicking the Links folder
and selecting Group By > None from the context menu.
Sorting Microwave Links
To sort the microwave links to which you want to copy the calculation parameters:
5. Right-click the table column with the parameter you want to sort on. The context menu appears.
6. Select either Sort Ascending or Sort Descending from the context menu.
7. Locate the row in the Links Table with the microwave link whose calculation parameters you just updated.
In the Links Table, the column names corresponding to the calculation parameters on the tabs of the microwave
link’s Properties dialogue are:
- Geoclimatic tab:
- Environment Type
- R001 (mm/h)
- Geoclimatic Factor (K)
- PL (%)
- Water Vapour (g/m3)
- Temperature (°C)
- Factor K.Q
- Rain Height (m)
- Atmospheric Pressure (hPa)
- Refractivity
- Factor C
- Climatic Zone
- Reliability tab:
- Class (EPO)
- Hot Standby
- BER
- 2nd BER
- MTTR (h)
- Propagation tab:
- Propagation Model
- Interference Model
8. For each cell with a calculation parameter that you have already modified, copy the values into all cells in the group
above the modified cell:
b. Drag upwards to select the cells into which you want to copy the data.
Important: Ensure that you only select the cells of the microwave links you want to modify.

c. Select Edit > Fill > Up.
9. Repeat the procedure to copy the modified values into the remaining cells in the group above the modified micro-
wave link.
10. For each cell with a calculation parameter that you have already modified, copy the values into the cells in the
group below the modified cell:
b. Drag downwards to select the cells into which you want to copy the data.
Important: Ensure that you only select the cells of the microwave links you want to modify.
c. Drag downwards to select the cells into which you want to copy the
data.
d. Select Edit > Fill > Down.

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Filtering Microwave Links
To filter the microwave links to which you want to copy the calculation parameters:
You can now filter on a value in the table. You can either use a value that all microwave links to which you want
to copy calculation parameters have in common with the microwave link you previously modified, or you can use
a value these microwave links do not have.
5. Select the value to filter on. To select more than one value, press CTRL as you click the other values.
6. Right-click the cell and select one of the following from the context menu:
- Filter by Selection: All microwave links with the selected value or values are displayed. You can now modify
these microwave links as you would normally do with the entire Links table (see Figure 5.19 on page 220).
- Filter Excluding Selection: All microwave links without the selected value or values are displayed. You can
now modify these records or make calculations on them as you would normally do with the entire Links table
(see Figure 5.20 on page 221).
Figure 5.19: Filtering by selection (Sub-Band A>> B: 18 GHz, 220 MHz)

Figure 5.20: Filtering excluding selection (Sub-Band A>> B: 18 GHz, 220 MHz)
Note: You can use advanced data filtering to combine several criteria in different fields to create
complex filters. For more information on advanced filtering, see "Advanced Data Filtering"
on page 71.
7. Copy the calculation parameters from the modified microwave link to the other microwave links in the group as
explained in "Defining Calculation Parameters for All Microwave Links" on page 215.

Atoll User Manual

Chapter 6
Co-planning Features
Atoll
RF Planning and Optimisation Software
Chapter 6: Co-planning Features
6 Co-planning Features
Atoll is a multi-technology radio network planning tool. You can work on several technologies at the same time, and
several network scenarios can be designed for any given area; a country, a region, a city, etc. For example, you can design
a GSM and a UMTS network for the same area in Atoll, and then work with Atoll’s co-planning features to study the mutual
impacts of the two networks. Atoll allows you to co-plan any two technologies, be it GSM-UMTS, GSM-CDMA2000, GSM-
WiMAX, UMTS-LTE, GSM-LTE, etc.
This chapter contains detailed procedures and instructions for the RF planner on co-planning using Atoll. This chapter
takes the most common co-planning scenario as reference, i.e., GSM-UMTS co-planning. However, the procedures
described in this chapter are valid for any possible co-planning scenario.
Important: Before starting a co-planning project in Atoll, the Atoll administrator must perform the
pre-requisite tasks that are relevant for your project as described in the “Setting Up Atoll
for Co-planning” chapter in the Administrator Manual.
The sectors of both networks can share the same sites database. You can display base stations (sites and transmitters),
geographic data, and coverage predictions, etc., of one network in the other network’s Atoll document. You can also study
inter-technology handovers by performing inter-technology neighbour allocations, manually or automatically. Inter-tech-
nology neighbours are allocated on criteria such as the distance between sectors or coverage overlaps. In addition, you
can model the intereferences of a network over another one.
Atoll supports MS Access, MS SQL Server, Oracle, and Sybase databases. Therefore, you can work with Atoll docu-
ments connected to databases.
This chapter explains the following topics:
• "Starting a Co-planning Project" on page 225.
• "GSM-UMTS Co-planning Process" on page 226.
6.1 Starting a Co-planning Project

• "Switching to Co-planning Mode" on page 225.
• "Displaying Both Networks in the Same Atoll Document" on page 226.
6.1.1 Switching to Co-planning Mode

Before starting a GSM-UMTS co-planning project, you must have a GSM and a UMTS network designed for a given area;
for example for a country, a region, or a city. One of the two Atoll documents will be referred to as the main document and
the other as the linked document. In our example, the UMTS document is considered as the main document, and the GSM
document as the linked document. There is no rule in Atoll for deciding which is the main document and which is the linked.
Note: Before starting a co-planning project, make sure that your main and linked documents
have the same geographic coordinate systems.
To switch to co-planning mode:

1. Open the GSM and the UMTS documents in the same Atoll session.
a. Select File > Open or File > New > From an Existing Database.
2. Link the two Atoll documents:
a. Click the UMTS document’s Map window. The UMTS document’s Map window becomes active and the Ex-
plorer window shows the contents of the UMTS document.
b. Select File > Link With. The Link With dialogue appears.
c. Select the GSM document to be linked.
d. Click Open.
The Explorer window of the UMTS document now contains a folder named Transmitters in [linked document], where
[linked document] is the name of the GSM document and another one named Predictions in [linked document]. GSM
and UMTS documents are now linked through the Transmitters and the Predictions folders of the GSM document.
As soon as a link is created between the two documents, Atoll switches to co-planning mode. This means that Atoll’s co-
planning features are now available.

Atoll User Manual
6.1.2 Displaying Both Networks in the Same Atoll Document

After you have switched to the co-planning mode, transmitters and predictions available in the linked document are
displayed in the main document. If you want, you can display other items or folders from the Explorer window of the linked
document to the Explorer window of the main document (e.g. GSM sites and measurement paths in a UMTS document).
To display sites from the GSM document in the UMTS document:
1. Click the GSM document’s Map window. The GSM document’s Map window becomes active and the Explorer
window shows the contents of the GSM document.
3. Right-click the Sites folder. The context menu appears.
4. Select Make accessible in > [main document] from the context menu, where [main document] is the name of
the UMTS document.
The Sites folder of the GSM document is now available in the UMTS document. The Explorer window of the UMTS docu-
ment now contains a folder named Sites in [linked document], where [linked document] is the name of the GSM docu-
ment.
The above process can be used to link other folders such as CW Measurements, Test Mobile Data, Clutter classes,
Traffic, and DTM, etc. from one document to another.
Once the folders are linked, you can access their properties and the properties of the items in the folders from either of the
two documents. Any changes made in the linked document will be taken into account in the linked and the main docu-
ments.
If you close the linked document, Atoll displays a warning icon ( ) in the main document’s Explorer window, and the
linked folders and items are no longer accessible from the main document. You can load the linked document in Atoll
again by right-clicking the linked folder or item in the Explorer window of the main document, and selecting Load Target.
The administrator can create and set a configuration file for the display parameters of GSM and UMTS transmitters in order
to allow you to distinguish them on the map and to be able to select them on the map using the mouse. If such a configu-
ration file has not been set up, you can choose different symbols, sizes and colours for the GSM and the UMTS transmit-
ters. For more information on folder configurations, see "Folder Configurations" on page 78. You can also set the contents
of the tool tips to easily interpret the objects and data displayed on the map. For more information on tool tips, see "Defining
the Object Type Tip Text" on page 36.
In order to easily view differences between networks, you can also change the order of the folders or items in the Explorer
window.
Figure 6.1 shows UMTS transmitters with labels and GSM transmitters data summed up in tool tips.
Figure 6.1: GSM and UMTS Transmitters displayed on the map
6.2 GSM-UMTS Co-planning Process

Usually, in a number of countries, where GSM networks have been operating for years, UMTS sites are a subset of the
already deployed GSM sites when they are first deployed. Using existing base station sites is important in speeding up
UMTS deployment and in sharing sites and transmission costs with the existing GSM network. Section "Creating a UMTS
Sector From a GSM Sector" on page 226 shows how you can create UMTS sectors based on existing GSM site and sector
parameters.
The feasibility of sharing sites depends on the relative coverage of the existing network compared to UMTS. You can
update coverage predictions available in the main and linked Atoll documents. Section "Updating GSM And UMTS Cover-
age Predictions" on page 228 shows how to calculate coverage predictions simultaneously. In addition, it may be useful
to compare the coverage of existing GSM services with UMTS speech and data services. Section "Updating GSM And
UMTS Coverage Predictions" on page 228 shows how to compare coverage predictions.
Any comparison of UMTS and GSM coverage depends on system parameters such as handover. Inter-technology hando-
vers and neighbours can also be determined using Atoll. Section "Performing Inter-Technology Neighbour Allocation" on
page 230 explains how to work with inter-technology neighbours.
6.2.1 Creating a UMTS Sector From a GSM Sector

You can create a new UMTS sector from an existing GSM sector. The new UMTS sector which will be located at the same
site as the GSM sector. The new UMTS sector will have the same common physical parameters as the GSM sector it was
based on. The common physical parameters, also called mast parameters, include:
• Site
• Dx and Dy (the offset of the antenna from the site)
• Antenna Height
• Azimuth
• Mechanical Tilt

Note: This feature is useful for deploying UMTS on existing GSM sites, especially when the new
UMTS sector is supposed to share the main antenna with the GSM sector.
To create a UMTS sector from a GSM sector:

1. Click the main document’s Map window.
3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the linked Transmitters folder.
4. Right-click the GSM transmitter where you want to create a UMTS transmitter. The context menu appears.
5. Select Copy in Network: UMTS from the context menu.
Atoll makes a UMTS transmitter by copying the GSM transmitter from the linked document to the main document and
initialising the new UMTS transmitter with the common physical parameters from the GSM transmitter and the radio param-
eters from the default UMTS station template.
You can also create a group of UMTS transmitters from a group of GSM transmitters by selecting the Copy in Network
command available in the context menu of the Transmitters folder, or a subfolder.
Before creating the new UMTS transmitter, Atoll verifies that the GSM transmitter’s site has the same geographical coor-
dinates (location) as the site in the UMTS document. This will always be true if the Atoll administrator has set up site shar-
ing in the database. If the sites database is not shared by the two documents, this step detects any possible inconsistency
in the two sites databases.
The Copy in Network command is also available for a group of linked transmitters. To update the display settings of the
new UMTS transmitter:
2. Right-click the Transmitters folder of the main document. The context menu appears.
3. Select Apply Configuration from the context menu.
Figure 6.2: New UMTS Transmitter – Before and After Applying the Configuration
Note: The azimuths and mechanical tilts of secondary antennas or remote antennas are not
included in the copy and have to be set up manually.
6.2.1.1 Synchronising Shared Common Physical Parameters

If a Propagate Changes macro icon is available in Atoll, you can synchronise the common physical parameters shared
between transmitters of the two linked documents. You can run this macro by clicking the macro icon in either the main or
the linked document. The macro reads the common physical parameters from the active document, linked or main, and
updates them in the other document. A log of the modifications is available in the Event Viewer.
Important: Before running the macro, make sure that the main and the linked documents are both open
in Atoll, and, that the user-defined field SharedMast has been added to the Transmitters table of both
the documents. Ask the Atoll administrator to add this field to the databases if you are working with
documents connected to databases. Verify as well that the SharedMast field in the main and the linked
documents contains the same information for the transmitters that share common physical parameters.
The field should be left blank for transmitters that do not share common physical parameters.
Note: If the Propagate Changes macro icon is not available in Atoll, ask the Atoll administrator
to check whether this macro has been installed in silent mode or has not been installed. If
the macro has been installed in silent mode, the changes you make to the common
shared parameters are updated and saved when you save your Atoll documents.

Atoll User Manual
Figure 6.3: Synchronisation Macro Icon
6.2.2 Updating GSM And UMTS Coverage Predictions

When you have several coverage predictions defined in the main and linked Predictions folders, you can start calculation
when you want and Atoll will calculate them one after the other.
When you calculate coverage predictions, only unlocked coverage predictions are calculated. For information on locking
and unlocking coverage predictions, see "Locking Coverage Predictions" on page 201.
To calculate created coverage predictions:
• Click the Calculate button ( ) in the toolbar. When you click the Calculate button, Atollfirst calculates non-
existent and invalid path loss matrices and then, unlocked coverage predictions in the main and linked Predic-
tions folders.
The progress of the calculations is displayed in the Event Viewer window.
If you want, you can make Atoll recalculate all path loss matrices, including valid ones, before calculating unlocked cover-
age predictions defined in the main and linked Predictions folders.
To force Atoll to recalculate all path loss matrices before calculating coverage predictions:
• Click the Force Calculate button ( ) in the toolbar. When you click the Force Calculate button, Atoll first
removes existing path loss matrices, recalculates them and then calculates unlocked coverages predictions
defined in the main and linked Predictions folders.
Note: To prevent Atoll from calculating coverage predictions defined in the main and linked
Predictions folders, you can set an option in the atoll.ini file. For information on setting
options in the atoll.ini file, see the Administrator Manual.
6.2.3 Comparing GSM-UMTS Coverage Predictions

Atoll provides you with co-planning features which enable you to not only analyse the impact of changing common phys-
ical antenna parameters in one technology network, but also to analyse the impact on the other network. If you have GSM
and UMTS transmitters that share some common physical parameters, you can visualise the effect of changing the shared
parameters in both documents.
If you modify any common physical parameter of a UMTS transmitter which shares these parameters with a GSM trans-
mitter, it is necessary to study the impact of this change on the GSM network’s coverage. If you have modified any param-
eter of a UMTS transmitter sharing parameters with a GSM transmitter, you can study the impact of this change on the
GSM network by creating a Coverage Prediction by Transmitter (Best Server) and a Coverage Prediction by Signal
Level. If you have modified any parameter of a GSM transmitter sharing parameters with a UMTS transmitter, you can
study the impact of this change on the UMTS network by creating a Coverage Prediction by Pilot Best Server and a
Coverage Prediction by Ec/Io Level.
Note: The common physical parameters include Dx and Dy, antenna height, azimuth, and
mechanical tilt.
Following is the recommended process for comparing GSM and UMTS coverage predictions.
1. Create and calculate a coverage prediction by transmitter (Best Server) and a coverage prediction by signal level
in the GSM document.
2. Create and calculate a coverage by transmitter (Pilot Best server) and a coverage prediction by Ec/Io level in the
UMTS document.
3. Carefully choose display settings for the coverage predictions and tool tip contents in order to easily interpret the
predictions displayed in the Map window. This can be very helpful in quickly assessing information graphically and
using the mouse.
4. Make the two GSM coverage predictions accessible in the UMTS document.

Figure 6.4: UMTS Coverage Prediction (Pilot Best Server) – Pink Contours With no Interior
Figure 6.5: GSM Coverage Prediction (Best Server) – High Transparency With Full Interior Coloured According to BCCH
– With BCCH/BSIC Information Available in Tooltips
5. Change parameters to optimise the UMTS network, if needed.

6. Run the UMTS coverage predictions again to compare the effects of the changes you made with the GSM cov-
erage predictions.
7. Run the synchronisation macro if you want to update the GSM document with the common physical parameters,
if any.
8. Run the GSM coverage predictions in the GSM document to visualise the effect on the GSM coverage predictions.
For more information on synchronising common physical parameters, see "Synchronising Shared Common Physical
Parameters" on page 227.
You can also use the Coverage Prediction Comparison feature available in Atoll to compare the GSM and the UMTS
coverage predictions.
To compare a GSM coverage prediction with a UMTS coverage prediction:
3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the main document’s Predictions folder.
4. Right-click the UMTS coverage prediction you want to compare. The context menu appears.

Atoll User Manual
5. Select Compare With > [linked coverage prediction] from the context menu, where [linked coverage predic-
tion] is the GSM coverage prediction you want to compare with the UMTS coverage prediction. The Comparison
Properties dialogue opens.
6. Select the display parameters of the comparison and add a comment if you wish.
7. Click OK.
The two coverage predictions are compared and a comparison coverage prediction is added to the main document’s
Predictions folder.
6.2.4 Performing Inter-Technology Neighbour Allocation

A deployed or new UMTS network is considered correctly deployed only if inter-system handover with the existing GSM
network works. Although the deployment of UMTS starts in areas with high traffic volume, but mobile customers expect
roaming-access everywhere - without losing their connection. Therefore, it is essential to verify the inter-system hando-
vers.
Roaming between a UMTS and a GSM network can be studied in Atoll by allocating neighbour GSM sectors to UMTS
cells. The following sections describe the features available in Atoll that help the RF planner to carry out inter-technology
neighbour planning.
• "Setting Inter-Technology Exceptional Pairs" on page 230.
• "Displaying Inter-Technology Exceptional Pairs on the Map" on page 231.
• "Allocating Inter-Technology Neighbours Manually" on page 232.
• "Allocating Inter-Technology Neighbours Automatically" on page 234.
• "Displaying Inter-Technology Neighbours on the Map" on page 235.
In the sections listed above, it is assumed that Atoll is already in co-planning mode, and the UMTS and the GSM docu-
ments have already been linked. For more information on starting a co-planning project, see "Starting a Co-planning
Project" on page 225.
6.2.4.1 Setting Inter-Technology Exceptional Pairs

You can set inter-technology neighbour constraints by defining exceptional pairs in Atoll. These constraints can be taken
into account in the automatic allocation of inter-technology neighbours and when you manually allocate neighbours.
To define inter-technology exceptional pairs between GSM transmitters in the linked document and the UMTS cells in the
main document:
3. Right-click the Transmitters folder. The context menu appears.
4. Select Cells > Neighbours > Inter-technology Exceptional Pairs from the context menu. The Exceptional
Pairs of Inter-technology Neighbours table appears.
5. Enter one exceptional pair per row of the table. Each cell can have more than one exceptional pairs.
6. For each exceptional pair, select:
a. Cell: The name of the cell in the UMTS document; first part of the exceptional pair. The names of all the cells
in the UMTS document are available in the list.
b. Neighbour: The name of the transmitter in the GSM document; second part of the exceptional pair. The
names of all the transmitters in the GSM document are available in the list.
c. Status: The status indicates whether the GSM transmitter should always (forced) or never (forbidden) be con-
sidered as a neighbour of the UMTS cell.
d. Atoll fills the Number and Distance (m) fields automatically.
You can also define exceptional pairs of UMTS cells for GSM transmitters. However, in GSM, neighbours and exceptional
pairs are allocated by transmitter (i.e., by sector) whereas in UMTS, neighbours and exceptional pairs are allocated by cell.
You can access the lists of inter-technology neighbours and exceptional pairs using a cell’s Properties dialogue.
To open a cell’s Properties dialogue:
3. Select Cells > Open Table from the context menu. The Cells table appears.
4. Double-click the row corresponding to the cell whose properties you want to access. The cell’s Properties dia-
logue appears.
5. Click the Inter-Technology Neighbours tab.
In GSM, the inter-technology neighbours tab is available in each transmitter’s Properties dialogue.

6.2.4.2 Displaying Inter-Technology Exceptional Pairs on the Map

You can display inter-technology exceptional pairs on the map in order to study the forced and forbidden neighbour rela-
tions defined in the Inter-technology Exceptional Pairs table.
To display exceptional pairs of UMTS cells and GSM transmitters:
2. Click the menu button ( ) of the Visual Management button ( ) in the Radio toolbar. The menu appears.
3. Select Display Options from the context menu. The Visual Management dialogue appears.
4. Under Inter-technology Neighbours, select the Display Links check box.
5. Under Advanced, select which exceptional pair links to display:
- Outwards Non-Symmetric: Shows an exceptional pair link for each UMTS cell that has an exceptional pair
with a GSM transmitter. These links are represented with straight dashed lines of the same colour as the
UMTS transmitters.
- Inwards Non-Symmetric: Shows an exceptional pair link for each GSM transmitter that has an exceptional
pair with a UMTS cell. These links are represented with straight dashed lines of the same colour as the GSM
transmitters.
- Symmetric: Shows an exceptional pair link for each UMTS cell that has an exceptional pair with a GSM trans-
mitter only if the GSM transmitter also has this UMTS cell in its exceptional pair list. These links are repre-
sented with straight black lines.
6. Click the context menu button ( ) of the Visual Management button ( ) in the Radio toolbar. The context
menu appears.
7. Select Forced Neighbours or Forbidden Neighbours from the menu. The exceptional pair of a cell will be dis-
played when you select a transmitter.
8. Click the Visual Management button ( ) in the Radio toolbar. The exceptional pair display on the map is acti-
vated. The exceptional pair display remains activated until you click the Visual Management button again.
9. Click a transmitter on the map to show its exceptional pair links. When there is more than one cell on the trans-
mitter, clicking the transmitter in the map window opens a context menu allowing you to select the cell you want
(see "Selecting One of Several Transmitters or Microwave Links" on page 30).
You can also define exceptional pairs of UMTS cells for GSM transmitters. However, in GSM, neighbours and exceptional
pairs are allocated by transmitter (i.e., by sector) whereas in UMTS, neighbours and exceptional pairs are allocated by cell.
The exceptional pair links can be displayed even if you do not have neighbours allocated. If you select the Display Links
check box under Intra-technology Neighbours, Atoll displays both inter-technology and intra-technology exceptional
pairs on the map.
6.2.4.2.1 Adding and Removing Inter-Technology Exceptional Pairs Using the Mouse
You can set inter-technology exceptional pairs using the mouse. Atoll adds or removes forced or forbidden exceptional
pairs depending on the display option set, i.e., Forced Neighbours or Forbidden Neighbours.
Before you can add or remove exceptional pairs using the mouse, you must activate the display of exceptional pairs on
the map as explained in "Displaying Inter-Technology Exceptional Pairs on the Map" on page 231.
To add a symmetric forced or forbidden exceptional pair:
1. Click the reference transmitter on the map. Atoll displays its neighbour relations.
2. Press SHIFT and click the transmitter with which you want to set an exceptional pair. Atoll adds both transmitters
to the inter-technology exceptional pairs list of the other transmitter.
To remove a symmetric forced or forbidden exceptional pair:
2. Press SHIFT and click the transmitter that you want to remove from the list of exceptional pairs. Atoll removes
both transmitter from the inter-technology exceptional pairs list of the other transmitter.
To add an outwards forced or forbidden exceptional pair:
2. Press CTRL and click the transmitter with which you want to set an exceptional pair. Atoll adds the reference
transmitter to the inter-technology exceptional pairs list of the other transmitter.

Atoll User Manual
To remove an outwards forced or forbidden exceptional pair:

2. Press CTRL and click the transmitter that you want to remove from the list of exceptional pairs. Atoll removes the
reference transmitter from the inter-technology exceptional pairs list of the other transmitter.
To add an inwards forced or forbidden exceptional pair:
2. There can be two cases:
- If the two transmitters already have a symmetric exceptional pair relation, press CTRL and click the other
transmitter. Atoll converts the symmetric relation to an inwards non-symmetric exceptional pair relation.
- If there is no existing exceptional pair relation between the two transmitters, first create a symmetric excep-
tional pair relation between the two transmitters, and then press CTRL and click the other transmitter. Atoll
converts the symmetric relation to an inwards non-symmetric exceptional pair relation.
To remove an inwards forced or forbidden exceptional pair:
2. Press SHIFT and click the transmitter that you want to remove from the list of exceptional pairs. Atoll removes the
transmitter from the inter-technology exceptional pairs list of the other transmitter.
Note: When there is more than one cell on the transmitter, clicking the transmitter in the map
window opens a context menu allowing you to select the cell you want (see "Selecting
One of Several Transmitters or Microwave Links" on page 30).
6.2.4.3 Allocating Inter-Technology Neighbours Manually

You can allocate inter-technology neighbours in Atoll manually. Exceptional pairs may be taken into consideration when
you manually allocate neighbours.
To allocate or delete inter-technology neighbours between GSM transmitters in the linked document and the UMTS cells
in the main document:
4. Select Cells > Neighbours > Inter-technology Neighbours from the context menu. The Inter-technology
Neighbours table appears.
5. Enter one inter-technology neighbour per row of the table. Each cell can have more than one inter-technology
neighbours.
6. To allocate an inter-technology neighbour:
a. In the row marked with the New Row icon ( ), select a reference cell in the Cell column.
b. Select the neighbour in the Neighbour column.
c. Click elsewhere in the table to create the new neighbour and add a new blank row to the table.
When the new neighbour is created, Atoll automatically calculates the distance between the reference cell
and the neighbour and displays it in the Distance column and sets the Type to "manual".
7. To create a symmetric neighbour relation:

a. Right-click the neighbour in the Neighbour column. The context menu appears.
b. Select Symmetrise from the context menu. A symmetric neighbour relation is created between the cell in the
Neighbour column and the cell in the Cell column.
8. To make several neighbour relations symmetric:
a. Click in the left margins of the table rows containing the neighbours to select the entire rows. You can select
contiguous rows by clicking the first row, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last row. You can select non-contig-
uous rows by pressing CTRL and clicking each rows separately.
b. Right-click the Neighbours table. The context menu appears.
c. Select Symmetrise from the context menu.
9. To take into consideration all exceptionnal pairs:
a. Right-click the Neighbours table. The context menu appears.
b. Select Force Exceptional Pairs from the context menu.

Note: You can add or delete either some forced neighbours or some forbidden neighbours using
the Exceptional Pairs of Inter-Technology Neighbours table. You can open this table,
select the exceptional pairs to be considered, right-click the table and select Force
Exceptional Pairs in the context menu.
10. To delete a symmetric neighbour relation:

a. Click in the left margin of the table row containing the neighbour to select the entire row.
b. Right-click the Neighbours table. The context menu appears.
c. Select Delete Link and Symmetric Relation from the context menu. The symmetric neighbour relation be-
tween the cell in the Neighbour column and the cell in the Cell column is deleted.
11. To delete several symmetric neighbour relations:
a. Click in the left margins of the table rows containing the neighbours to select the entire rows. You can select
contiguous rows by clicking the first row, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last row. You can select non-contig-
uous rows by pressing CTRL and clicking each rows separately.
a. Right-click the Neighbours table. The context menu appears.
b. Select Delete Link and Symmetric Relation from the context menu.
12. To delete a neighbour:
b. Press DEL to delete the neighbour.
You can also define UMTS neighbours for GSM transmitters. However, in GSM, neighbours are allocated by transmitter
(i.e., by sector) whereas in UMTS, neighbours are allocated by cell.
You can access the lists of inter-technology neighbours and exceptional pairs through a cell’s Properties dialogue. To
open a cell’s Properties dialogue:
4. Select Cells > Open Table from the context menu. The Cells table appears.
5. Double-click the row corresponding to the cell whose properties you want to access. The cell’s Properties dia-
logue appears.
6. Click the Inter-Technology Neighbours tab.
7. If desired, you can enter the Maximum Number of Neighbours.
8. To allocate a new neighbour:
a. Under List, select the cell from the list in the Neighbour column in the row marked with the New Row icon
( ).
b. Click elsewhere in the table to complete creating the new neighbour.
When the new neighbour is created, Atoll automatically calculates the distance between the reference cell
and the neighbour and displays it in the Distance column, and sets the Type to "manual".
9. To create a symmetric neighbour relation:

b. Right-click the neighbour in the Neighbour column. The context menu appears.
c. Select Symmetrise from the context menu. A symmetric neighbour relation is created between the cell in the
Neighbour column and the cell in the Cell column.
10. To delete a symmetric neighbour relation:
b. Right-click the neighbour in the Neighbour column. The context menu appears.
c. Select Delete Link and Symmetric Relation from the context menu. The symmetric neighbour relation be-
tween the cell in the Neighbour column and the cell in the Cell column is deleted.
11. To delete a neighbour:
b. Press DEL to delete the neighbour.
12. Click OK.
In GSM, the inter-technology neighbours tab is available in each transmitter’s Properties dialogue.

Atoll User Manual
6.2.4.4 Allocating Inter-Technology Neighbours Automatically

Atoll can automatically determine handover relations between networks of different technologies, for example, GSM and
UMTS. Atoll can automatically determine neighbour GSM transmitters for UMTS cells and vice versa. Inter-technology
neighbours are stored in the database.
Inter-technology handovers occur when the UMTS coverage is not continuous. The network’s overall coverage is
extended by a UMTS-to-GSM handover.
To automatically allocate neighbour GSM transmitters to UMTS cells:
4. Select Cells > Neighbours > Automatic Allocation from the context menu. The Automatic Neighbour Alloca-
tion dialogue appears.
5. Click the Inter-technology Neighbours tab. On the Inter-technology Neighbours tab:
- Max Inter-site Distance: Set the maximum distance between the reference cell and a possible neighbour.
- Max Number of Neighbours: Set the maximum number of inter-technology neighbours that can be allocated
to a cell. This value can be either set here for all the cells, or specified for each cell in the Cells table.
- Coverage Conditions: The coverage conditions must be respected by each possible neighbour. Click the
Define buttons to change the coverage conditions for the UMTS cells and the GSM transmitters.
In the UMTS Coverage Conditions dialogue, you can change the following parameters:
- Min. Pilot Signal Level: Enter the minimum pilot signal level which must be provided by the reference cell.
- Min. Ec/Io: Enter the minimum Ec/Io which must be provided by reference cell in the area of coverage
overlapping. The reference cell must also be the best server in terms of pilot quality. You can also define
a Max Ec/Io.
- Ec/Io Margin: Enter the Ec/Io margin to define the area of coverage overlapping between UMTS cells.
- Power Contributing to Io: You can let Atoll base the interference ratio on the Total Power Used (as
defined in the cell properties) or on a percentage of the maximum power (% Max Power).
- Shadowing Taken into Account: If desired, select the Shadowing taken into account check box and
enter a Cell Edge Coverage Probability.
In the GSM Coverage Conditions dialogue, you can change the following parameters:
- Min. BCCH Signal Level: Enter the minimum BCCH signal level which must be provided by the GSM
transmitter.
- Margin: Enter the margin to define the area of coverage overlapping between GSM transmitters.
- Shadowing Taken into Account: If desired, select the Shadowing taken into account check box and
enter a Cell Edge Coverage Probability.
- Resolution: You can enter the resolution used to calculate the coverage areas of transmitters (GSM) and cells
(UMTS) for the automatic neighbour allocation.
- % Min. Covered Area: Enter the minimum percentage of the cell’s coverage area that the GSM transmitter’s
coverage area should also cover to be considered as a neighbour.
- Calculation Options:
- Carriers: Select the carriers on which you want to run the allocation. You can choose one or more carriers;
Atoll will allocate neighbours to cells using the selected carriers.
- Force co-site as neighbours: Selecting this check box will include the co-site GSM transmitters in the
neighbour list of the UMTS cell.
- Force exceptional pairs: Selecting this check box will apply the inter-technology exceptional pair criteria
on the neighbours list of the UMTS cell.
- Reset neighbours: Selecting this option will delete all the existing neighbours in the neighbours list and
perform a clean neighbour allocation. If the box is left unchecked, Atoll keeps the existing neighbours in
the list.
6. Click the Run button to start calculations
7. Once the calculations finish, Atoll displays the list of neighbours in the Results section. The results include the
names of the neighbours, the number of neighbours of each cell, and the reason they are included in the neigh-
bours list. The reasons include:
Reason Description When

Force exceptional pairs is
Exceptional Pair Neighbour relation is defined as an exceptional pair.
selected
Force co-site as
Co-site The neighbour is located at the UMTS cell’s site.
neighbours is selected
Use Coverage
The neighbour is within the maximum distance from the reference
Distance Overlapping is not
transmitter.
selected

Reason Description When

% of covered area Use Coverage
Neighbour relation that fulfils coverage conditions.
and overlapping area Overlapping is selected
The neighbour relation existed before running the automatic

Existing Reset is not selected
allocation.
8. Select the check box in the Commit column of the Results section to choose the inter-technology neighbours you
want to assign to cells.
9. Click the Commit button. The allocated neighbours are saved in the Intra-technology Neighbours tab of each cell.
10. Click Close.
6.2.4.5 Displaying Inter-Technology Neighbours on the Map

You can display inter-technology neighbours on the map in order to study the inter-technology handover scenarios.
To display GSM neighbour transmitters of UMTS cells:
2. Click the menu button ( ) of the Visual Management button ( ) in the Radio toolbar. The menu appears.
3. Select Display Options from the context menu. The Visual Management dialogue appears.
4. Under Inter-technology Neighbours, select the Display Links check box.
5. Under Advanced, select the neighbour links to display:
- Outwards Non-Symmetric: Shows a neighbour link for each UMTS cell that has a GSM neighbour trans-
mitter. These links are represented with straight dashed lines of the same colour as the UMTS transmitters.
- Inwards Non-Symmetric: Shows a neighbour link for each GSM transmitter that has a UMTS neighbour cell.
These links are represented with straight dashed lines of the same colour as the GSM transmitters.
- Symmetric: Shows a neighbour link for each UMTS cell that has a GSM neighbour transmitter only if the GSM
transmitter also has this UMTS cell as neighbour. These links are represented with straight black lines.
6. Click the context menu button ( ) of the Visual Management button ( ) in the Radio toolbar. The context
menu appears.
7. Select Neighbours as the type of neighbour links to display.
8. Click the Visual Management button ( ) in the Radio toolbar. The neighbour display on the map is activated.
The Neighbour display remains active until you lick the Visual Management button again.
9. Click a transmitter on the map to show its neighbour links. When there is more than one cell on the transmitter,
clicking the transmitter in the map window opens a context menu allowing you to select the cell you want (see
"Selecting One of Several Transmitters or Microwave Links" on page 30)
You can also define UMTS neighbours for GSM transmitters. However, in GSM, neighbours are allocated by transmitter
(i.e., by sector) whereas in UMTS, neighbours are allocated by cell.
If you select the Display Links check box under Intra-technology Neighbours, Atoll displays both inter-technology and
intra-technology neighbours on the map. The figure below shows the intra- and inter-technology neighbours of the trans-
mitter Site22_2.

Atoll User Manual
6.2.4.5.1 Allocating and Removing Inter-Technology Neighbours Using the Mouse

You can allocate inter-technology neighbours using the mouse. Atoll adds or removes neighbours to transmitters if the
display option is set to Neighbours.
Before you can add or remove inter-technology neighbours using the mouse, you must activate the display of inter-tech-
nology neighbours on the map as explained in "Displaying Inter-Technology Neighbours on the Map" on page 235.
To add a symmetric neighbour relation:
2. Press SHIFT and click the transmitter with which you want to set a neighbour relation. Atoll adds both transmitter
to the inter-technology neighbours list of the other transmitter.
To remove a symmetric neighbour relation:
2. Press SHIFT and click the transmitter you want to remove from the list of neighbours. Atoll removes both trans-
mitter from the inter-technology neighbours list of the other transmitter.
To add an outwards neighbour relation:
2. Press CTRL and click the transmitter with which you want to set a neighbour relation. Atoll adds the reference
transmitter to the inter-technology neighbour list of the other transmitter.
T remove an outwards neighbour relation:
2. Press CTRL and click the transmitter you want to remove from the list of neighbours. Atoll removes the reference
transmitter from the inter-technology neighbours list of the other transmitter.
To add an inwards neighbour relation:
2. There can be two cases:
- If the two transmitters already have a symmetric neighbour relation, press CTRL and click the other trans-
mitter. Atoll converts the symmetric relation to an inwards non-symmetric inter-technology neighbour relation.
- If there is no existing neighbour relation between the two transmitters, first create a symmetric neighbour rela-
tion by pressing SHIFT and clicking the transmitter with which you want to create a symmetric relation. Then
press CTRL and click the other transmitter. Atoll converts the symmetric relation to an inwards non-symmetric
inter-technology neighbour relation.
To remove an inwards neighbour relation:
2. Press SHIFT and click the transmitter you want to remove from the list of neighbours. Atoll removes the trans-
mitter from the inter-technology neighbours list of the other transmitter.
Note: When there is more than one cell on the transmitter, clicking the transmitter in the map
window opens a context menu allowing you to select the cell you want (see "Selecting
One of Several Transmitters or Microwave Links" on page 30).
6.2.5 Modelling Inter-Network Interferences

The use of the same or adjacent frequency bands for deploying different networks based on the same or different tech-
nologies creates sources of inter-network interferences. This may cause a capacity reduction in interfered networks. By

taking it into account in interference modelling, the radio planner can limit the capacity reduction by ooptimising the
settingss of the network.
4 types of inter-network interferences can be modelled in Atoll:
• Interferences from external transmitters on the mobiles of the current project: this interferences can be caused the
effect of adjacent channels, wideband noise (thermal noise, phase noise, modulation products and spurious trans-
missions) and intermodulation. In Atoll, these interferences can be modelled on mobiles in GSM/GPRS/EGPRS,
CDMA and WiMAX technologies.
• Interferences from external transmitters on the transmitters of the current project: In the case of a limited separa-
tion between the external downlink frequency bands and the uplink frequency band or in the case of an interfering
TDD network, some transmitter to transmitter interferences may occur. In Atoll, because uplink transmission is
not modelled in GSM/GPRS/EGPRS projects, these interferences can be modelled on transmitters in CDMA and
WiMAX technologies.
• Interferences from external mobiles on the transmitters of the current project: In the case of a limited separation
between the external uplink frequency bands and the uplink frequency band or in the case of an interfering TDD
network, some mobile to transmitter interferences may occur. In Atoll, because uplink transmission is not mod-
elled in GSM/GPRS/EGPRS projects, these interferences can be modelled on transmitters in CDMA and WiMAX
technologies. Assuming the position of external mobiles is not known, the source of uplink interferences is not dis-
tinguished if they are due to external transmitters of mobiles. Modelling is treated in the same way.
• Interferences from external mobiles on the mobiles of the current project: In the case of a limited separation
between the external uplink frequency bands and the downlink frequency band, some mobile to mobile interfer-
ences may occur. In Atoll, these interferences can be modelled on mobiles in GSM/GPRS/EGPRS, CDMA and
WiMAX technologies.
For more information concerning the interference calculation methods, please refer to the technical reference guide.
6.2.5.1 Interferences from external transmitters on the mobiles

As explained above, downlink external sources of interferences are various and due to complex phenomena. In order to
model them in a unique parameter, you have to define Inter-technology Interference Reduction Factors (IRF) in dB which
is function of:
• The interfering technology (GSM, CDMA, WiMAX)
• The interfering Carrier Bandwidth (kHz)
• The Interfered Carrier Bandwidth (kHz)
• The frequency offset between both carriers (MHz)
When several networks are managed together by using the linking functions of the co-planning, transmitters of all the
external networks will be considered as interference sources.
By the knowledge of the transmitting powers, frequency bands definition and the IRF definition, Atoll can calculates these
interferences.
To define the Inter-technology IRFs in the victim network:
3. Select Network Settings > Frequencies > Inter-technology IRF from the context menu. The Inter-Technology
Interference Reduction Factor table appears.
4. For each technology pair for which you want define inter-technology interference reduction factor::
a. Enter an interfering technology (CDMA, OFDM or TDMA) in the Technology column.
b. Enter the bandwidth (kHz) of the interfering technology in the Interferer Bandwidth column. This value must
be consistent with a channel bandwidth defined in an external linked project.
c. Enter the bandwidth (kHz) of the current victim technology in the Interferer Bandwidth column. This value
must be consistent with a channel bandwidth defined in the current project.
d. Populate the Protection table in the IRF column by clicking in it. This table must contain the values of the func-
tion Protection (dB) = f (delta Freq.(MHz)).
Important: protection values have to be positive.
For every pair that is not defined, Atoll assumes that there is no inter-technology interferences.
e. Press ENTER to create the carrier pair and to create a new row in the table.
When the projects are linked and when the technology types and channel bandwidth are consistent with the ones defined
in the inter-technology IRFs, Atoll add these inter-technology interferences to the DL interferences at the receiver.
The effect of these DL interferences (used commonly with interferences from external mobiles on the mobiles) can be
seen:
• In the interference studies in GSM/GPRS/EGPRS projects both in coverage predictions and in the point analysis
(Interference and Results tab) as explained in "GSM/GPRS/EGPRS Interfered networks" on page 239
• in a new coverage prediction called "Inter-technology DL interferences" in UMTS and CDMA projects as explained
in "Downlink studies" on page 239
• In any prediction for which DL interferences may have an effect.

Atoll User Manual
6.2.5.2 Interferences from external transmitters/mobiles on the transmitters

These types of uplink interferences occuring on transmitters in modelled identically whatever the source of interferences
is (external transmitters or mobiles). As explained above, it concerns only UMTS/HSPA, CDMA and WiMAX networks. The
modelling is done via a cell parameter which translates the actual external UL interferences in a an inter-technology uplink
noise rise. This noise rise is added to any calculation of uplink interferences.
This external Noise is not considered in the extra-cell interferences and does not impact the cell reuse factor calculation.
To define the inter-technology uplink noise rise of a cell:
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Transmitters folder.
3. Right-click the transmitter on which you want to want to define the inter-technology uplink noise rise The context
menu appears.
4. Select Properties from the context menu. The transmitter’s Properties dialogue appears.
5. Select the Cells tab and define the value in the appropriate field.
6. Click OK.
This value can be globally set in the Cell table
The effect of these UL interferences can be seen in any prediction for which UL interferences may have an effect (See
"Uplink studies" on page 240)
6.2.5.3 Interferences from external mobiles on the mobiles

The modelling of these downlink interferences is done via a cell parameter which translates the actual external DL inter-
ferences in a an inter-technology downlink noise rise. This noise rise is added to any calculation of the mobile downlink
interferences.
This external Noise is not considered in the extra-cell interferences and does not impact the mobile reuse factor calcula-
tion.
6.2.5.3.1 UMTS/HSPA, CDMA and WiMAX networks

You can define the inter-technology downlink noise rise in UMTS/HSPA, CDMA and WiMAX networks at the cell level. To
define the inter-technology downlink noise rise of a cell:
3. Right-click the transmitter on which you want to want to define the inter-technology downlink noise rise The context
menu appears.
5. Select the Cells tab and define the value in the appropriate field.
6. Click OK.
This value can be globally set in the Cell table
The effect of these DL interferences (used commonly with interferences from external transmitters on the mobiles) can be
seen:
• in a new coverage prediction called "Inter-technology DL interferences" in UMTS and CDMA projects as explained
in "Downlink studies" on page 239
6.2.5.3.2 GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks

You can define the inter-technology downlink noise rise in GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks at the TRX level. To define the
inter-technology downlink noise rise of a TRX:
3. Right-click the transmitter on which you want to want to define the inter-technology downlink noise rise The context
menu appears.
5. Select the TRXs tab and define the value in the appropriate field in the TRXs part.
6. Click OK.
This value can be globally set in the TRX table
The effect of these DL interferences (used commonly with interferences from external transmitters on the mobiles) can be
seen:
• In the interference studies in GSM/GPRS/EGPRS projects both in coverage predictions and in the point analysis
(Interference and Results tab) as explained in "GSM/GPRS/EGPRS Interfered networks" on page 239

6.2.5.4 Effects of inter-technology interferences on predictions

6.2.5.4.1 GSM/GPRS/EGPRS Interfered networks
In any prediction study where interferences are evaluated, Atoll can integrate in their calculation DL interferences coming
from either external transmitters and mobiles.
Interferences come from the powers of transmitting base stations (See "Interferences from external transmitters on the
mobiles" on page 237) and powers of interfering mobiles defined by inter-technology uplink noises at the cell level in
UMTS/HSPA, CDMA and WiMAX technologies (See "Interferences from external mobiles on the mobiles" on page 238).
To consider external DL interferences in coverage predictions:
1. Create an interference prediction study as described in "Interference Coverage Predictions" on page 347
2. In the Condition tab of its properties dialogue, for the Interference Sources scrolling box:
a. Select "All" to estimate the interferences coming from the current project (co-channel and adjacent channel
interferences) and from the external project(s)
b. Select "Inter-technology" to estimate the interferences coming from the external project(s) only
3. Click OK and run the prediction
To consider external DL interferences in the point analysis:
1. Open the point analysis in the Interference tab as described in "Analysing Interference Areas Using a Point Anal-
ysis" on page 352
2. In the "I" scrolling list, you can:
a. Select "All" to estimate the interferences coming from the current project (co-channel and adjacent channel
interferences) and from the external project(s)
b. Select "Inter-technology" to estimate the interferences coming from the external project(s) only
For each intra-technology interferer, a transmitter-coloured bar is displayed. For each inter-technology interferer, a pink-
coloured bars are shown. For each transmitter, the power contributing to the interferences (total I) is given. The tip tool
provides the same useful information on the map as shown above.
6.2.5.4.2 UMTS/HSPA, CDMA and WiMAX Interfered networks

Downlink studies
In any prediction study where DL interferences are evaluated, Atoll automatically integrate in their calculation external DL
interferences. In addition, a specific study "Inter-technology DL interferences" is available.

Atoll User Manual
mobiles" on page 237) and powers of interfering mobiles defined by inter-technology donwlink noises at the cell level in
UMTS/HSPA, CDMA and WiMAX technologies (See "UMTS/HSPA, CDMA and WiMAX networks" on page 238) or at the
TRX level in GSM/GPRS/EDGE technology (See "GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks" on page 238)
To make an Inter-technology DL interferences coverage prediction:
2. Right-click the Predictions folder. The context menu appears.
3. Select New from the context menu. The Study Types dialogue appears.
4. Select Inter-technology DL interferences and click OK. The coverage prediction Properties dialogue appears.
5. Click the General tab.
On the General tab, you can change the default Name, Resolution, and the storage Folder for the coverage
prediction, and add some Comments. For more information on the storage of coverage predictions, see "Defining
the Storage Location of Coverage Prediction Results" on page 200. Under Configuration, you can create a Filter
to select which sites to display in the results. For information on filtering, see "Filtering Data" on page 70.
6. Click the Condition tab.
Select "(Cells Table)" from Load Conditions. In this case, the coverage prediction is not going to be based on
load conditions taken from a simulation.
Note: When you base a coverage prediction on simulations, you would select the simulations on
which you would be basing the coverage prediction from the Load Conditions list.
You must select a Terminal and a Service. You must also select which Carrier(s) is to be considered. If you want
the prediction to consider shadowing, you can select the Shadowing taken into account check box and enter a
percentage in the Cell Edge Coverage Probability text box.
7. You can also select the Indoor Coverage check box to add indoor losses. Indoor losses are defined per clutter
Click the Display tab.
For a downlink total noise or downlink noise rise prediction, the Display Type "Value Intervals" is selected by
default. The Field you choose determines which information the downlink total noise or downlink noise rise predic-
tion makes available.
- Downlink total noise prediction: When making a downlink total noise prediction, select one of the following
in the Field list:
- Min. Noise Level
- Average Noise Level
- Max Noise Level
- Downlink noise rise prediction: When making a downlink noise rise prediction, select one of the following
in the Field list:
- Min. Noise Rise
- Average Noise Rise
- Max Noise Rise
For information on defining display properties, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 33.
8. Click OK to save your settings.
9. Click the Calculate button ( ) in the Radio toolbar to calculate the downlink total noise or downlink noise rise
prediction. The progress of the calculation, as well as any error messages, is displayed in the Event Viewer.
Once Atoll has finished calculating the coverage prediction, the results are displayed in the map window.
Uplink studies
In any prediction study where UL interferences are evaluated, Atoll automatically integrate in their calculation external UL
interferences.
mobiles" on page 237) and powers of interfering mobiles defined by inter-technology uplink noises at the cell level in
UMTS/HSPA, CDMA and WiMAX technologies (See "Interferences from external mobiles on the mobiles" on page 238
6.3 Tips and Tricks

In this section, the following is explained:
• "Minimising Memory Consumption" on page 241

6.3.1 Minimising Memory Consumption

Co-planning with Atoll requires that both technology documents be open in Atoll at the same time. Loading both GSM
and UMTS documents in memory can cause memory saturation, specially if the documents contain large, for example,
country-wide, networks. To decrease the amount of memory consumed by Atoll in such cases, you can:
• Load vector layers in main document only. Loading vectors in the linked document is not necessary and only con-
sumes more memory.
• Avoid loading neighbours and custom fields which are not required. This can be performed by creating views in
the database. For more information, see the Administrator Manual.

Atoll User Manual

Chapter 7
GSM/GPRS/EDGE Networks
Atoll
RF Planning and Optimisation Software
Chapter 7: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Networks
7 GSM/GPRS/EDGE Networks
Atoll enables you to create and modify all aspects of a GSM/GPRS/EDGE network. Once you have created the network,
Atoll offers many tools to let you verify the network. Based on the results of your tests, you can modify any of the param-
eters defining the network.
The process of planning and creating a GSM/GPRS/EDGE network is outlined in "Designing a GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Network" on page 245. Creating the network of base stations is explained in "Planning and Optimising GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Base Stations" on page 246. Allocating neighbours is also explained. In this section, you will also find information on how
you can display information on base stations on the map and how you can use the tools in Atoll study base stations.
In "Studying Network Capacity" on page 305, using traffic maps to study network capacity is explained. Creating traffic
captures using the traffic map information and dimensioning the network using these results is also explained.
Using test mobile data paths to verify the network is explained in "Optimising and Verifying Network Capacity" on
page 373. How to filter imported test mobile data paths, and how to use the data in coverage predictions is also explained.
7.1 Designing a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Network

Figure 7.1 depicts the process of planning and creating a GSM/GPRS/EDGE network.
1
Open an Existing Project
or Create a New One
2
Network Configuration
- Add Network Elements
- Change Parameters
3
Basic Predictions
(Best Server, Signal Level)
4
Neighbour Allocation
5a 5b 5c
Traffic Maps Dimensioning User-defined values
Required number 5
of TRXs
6a 6b
Automatic Frequency Allocation (AFP) Manual Frequency Allocation
List of 6
Frequencies
7 7a
GSM/GPRS/EDGE Predictions Prediction Study Reports
8
Frequency Plan Analysis
Figure 7.1: Planning a GSM/GPRS/EDGE network - workflow
The steps involved in planning a GSM/GPRS/EDGE network are described below. The numbers refer to Figure 7.1.
1. Open an existing radio-planning document or create a new one ( 1 ).

- You can open an existing Atoll document by selecting File > Open.
- Creating a new a new Atoll document is explained in Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project.
2. Configure the network by adding network elements and changing parameters ( 2 ).

You can add and modify the following elements of base stations:
- "Creating or Modifying a Site" on page 254

- "Creating or Modifying a Transmitter" on page 255
- "Applying a New Cell Type" on page 255.
You can also add base stations using a base station template (see "Placing a New Station Using a Station
Template" on page 256).
3. Carry out basic coverage predictions ( 3 )

- "Making a Point Analysis to Study the Profile" on page 268

Atoll User Manual
- "Studying Signal Level Coverage" on page 269 and "Signal Level Coverage Predictions" on page 278
4. Allocate neighbours, automatically or manually ( 4 ).

- "Planning Neighbours" on page 294.
5. Estimate the required number of TRXs ( 5 ) in one of the following ways:
- You can import or create traffic maps ( 5a ) and use them as a basis for dimensioning 5b ) (see "Studying
Network Capacity" on page 305).
- You can define them manually either on the TRXs tab of each transmitter’s Properties dialogue or in the Sub-
cells table (see "Modifying a Subcell" on page 256) ( 5c ).
6. Once you have the required number of TRXs, manually or automatically create a frequency plan ( 6 ).
- "Allocating Frequencies and BSICs Manually" on page 320
- "Allocating Frequencies and BSICs Using an AFP Module" on page 323.
7. With the frequency plan, make GSM/GPRS/EDGE-specific coverage predictions ( 7 ).

- "Analysing Network Quality" on page 347.
8. Analyse the frequency plan ( 8 ).

- "Auditing a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Frequency Plan" on page 365
- "Checking Consistency Between Transmitters and Subcells" on page 367
- "Displaying the Frequency Allocation" on page 368.
7.2 Planning and Optimising GSM/GPRS/EDGE Base

Stations
As described in Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project, you can start an Atoll document from a template, with no sites, or
from a database with a set of sites. As you work on your Atoll document, you will still need to create sites and modify
existing ones.
In Atoll, a site is defined as a geographical point where one or more transmitters are located. Once you have created a
site, you can add transmitters. In Atoll, a transmitter is defined as the antenna and any other additional equipment, such
as the TMA, feeder cables, etc. In a GSM/GPRS/EDGE project, you must also add subcells to each transmitter. A subcell
refers to the characteristics of a group of TRXs on a transmitter.
Atoll lets you create one site or transmitter at a time, or create several at once by using a station template. Using a station
template, you can create one or more base stations at the same time. In Atoll, a base station refers to a site with its trans-
mitters, antennas, equipment, subcells, and TRXs.
Atoll allows you to make a variety of coverage predictions, such as signal level or transmitter coverage predictions. The
results of calculated coverage predictions can be displayed on the map, compared, or studied.
Atoll enables you to model network traffic by allowing you to create services, users, user profiles, environments, and termi-
nals. This data can be then used to make quality studies, such as interference studies, or circuit or packet-dedicated stud-
ies.
• "Creating a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Base Station" on page 246
• "Creating a Group of Base Stations" on page 261
• "Modifying Sites and Transmitters Directly on the Map" on page 262
• "Display Tips for Base Stations" on page 262
• "Creating a Repeater" on page 263
• "Creating a Remote Antenna" on page 266
• "Setting the Working Area of an Atoll Document" on page 267
• "Studying a Single Base Station" on page 268
• "Studying Base Stations" on page 271
• "Planning Neighbours" on page 294.
7.2.1 Creating a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Base Station

When you create a GSM/GPRS/EDGE site, you create only the geographical point; you must add the transmitters after-
wards. The site, with the transmitters, antennas, equipment, and cell type, is called a base station.
In this section, each element of a base station is described. If you want to add a new base station, see "Placing a New
Station Using a Station Template" on page 256. If you want to create or modify one of the elements of a base station, see
"Creating or Modifying a Base Station Element" on page 254. If you need to create a large number of base stations, Atoll
allows you to import them from another Atoll document or from an external source. For information, see "Creating a Group
of Base Stations" on page 261.
This section explains the various parts of the base station process:
• "Definition of a Base Station" on page 247
• "Creating or Modifying a Base Station Element" on page 254

• "Placing a New Station Using a Station Template" on page 256

• "Managing Station Templates" on page 258
• "Duplicating an Existing Base Station" on page 261.
7.2.1.1 Definition of a Base Station

A base station consists of the site, one or more transmitters, various pieces of equipment, and radio settings such as, for
example, subcells. You will usually create a new base station using a station template, as described in "Placing a New
Station Using a Station Template" on page 256. This section describes the following elements of a base station and their
parameters:
• "Site Description" on page 247
• "Transmitter Description" on page 247
• "Subcell Definition" on page 250
• "TRX Definition" on page 253.
7.2.1.1.1 Site Description

The parameters of a site can be found in the site’s Properties dialogue. The Properties dialogue has one tab:
• The General tab (see Figure 7.2):
Figure 7.2: New Site dialogue
- Name: Atoll automatically enters a default name for each new site. You can modify the default name here. If
you want to change the default name that Atoll gives to new sites, see the Administrator Manual.
- Position: By default, Atoll places the new site at the centre of the map window. You can modify the location
of the site here.
Tip: While this method allows you to place a site with precision, you can also place sites using
the mouse and then position them precisely with this dialogue afterwards. For information
on placing sites using the mouse, see "Moving a Site Using the Mouse" on page 31.
- Altitude: The altitude, as defined by the DTM for the location specified under Position, is given here. You can
specify the actual altitude under Real, if you wish. If an altitude is specified here, Atoll will use this value for
calculations.
- Comments: You can enter comments in this field if you wish.
7.2.1.1.2 Transmitter Description

The parameters of a transmitter can be found in the transmitter’s Properties dialogue. When you create a transmitter, the
Properties dialogue has four tabs: the General tab, the Transmitter tab, the TRXs tab, the AFP tab (see "Allocating
Frequencies and BSICs Using an AFP Module" on page 323), and the Configurations tab. Once you have created a trans-
mitter, its Properties dialogue has four additional tabs: the Intra-Technology Neighbours tab (see "Allocating or Deleting
Neighbours Using the Intra-Technology Neighbours Tab of the Transmitter Properties Dialogue" on page 300), the Inter-
Technology Neighbours tab), the Propagation tab (see Chapter 5: Managing Calculations in Atoll), and the Display tab
(see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 33).
• The General tab:
- Name: By default, Atoll names the transmitter after the site it is on, adding an underscore and a number. You
can enter a name for the transmitter, but for the sake of consistency, it is better to let Atoll assign a name. If
you want to change the way Atoll names transmitters, see the Administrators Manual.
- ID: You can enter an ID for the transmitter. This is a user-definable network-level parameter for cell identifica-
tion.
- Site: You can select the Site on which the transmitter will be located. Once you have selected the site, you
can click the Browse button ( ) to access the properties of the site on which the transmitter will be located.

Atoll User Manual
For information on the site Properties dialogue, see "Site Description" on page 247. You can click the New
button to create a new site on which the transmitter will be located.
- Under HCS Layer
- You can select the HCS Layer (Hierarchical Cell Structure layer) for the transmitter.
- Once you have selected the HCS layer, you can click the Browse button ( ) to open the properties of
the HCS layer.
- You can enter a specific HCS Layer Threshold for this transmitter. The threshold defined in the HCS Layer
properties is considered only if no value is entered in this field.
For information on the HCS layer Properties dialogue, see "Setting HCS Layers" on page 385.
- Position relative to the site: You can modify the Position relative to the site, if you wish.
• The Transmitter tab (see Figure 7.3):
Figure 7.3: Transmitter dialogue - Transmitter tab
- Active: If this transmitter is to be active, you must select the Active check box. Active transmitters are dis-
played in red in the Transmitters folder of the Data tab.
Note: Only active transmitters are taken into consideration during calculations.
- Transmitter Type: If you want Atoll to consider the transmitter as a potential server as well as an interferer,
set the transmitter type to Intra-Network (Server and Interferer). If you want Atoll to consider the transmitter
only as an interferer, set the type to Extra-Network (Interferer Only). No coverage for an Interferer Only
transmitter will be calculated for coverage predictions.
This feature enables you to model the co-existence of different networks in the same geographic area. For
more information on how to study interference between co-existing networks, see "Modelling the Co-existence
of Networks" on page 408.
- Transmission: Under Transmission, you can select to enter either Power and Total Losses or EIRP (Effec-
tive Isotropically Radiated Power). If you select EIRP, you can enter the value yourself, without defining power
and losses for the transmitter.
If you select Power and Total Losses, Atoll calculates losses and noise according to the characteristics of
the equipment assigned to the transmitter. Equipment can be assigned using the Equipment Specifications
dialogue which appears when you click the Equipment button. Atoll will calculate the EIRP with the following
formula:
EIRP = Power + Gain - Losses
- On the Equipment Specifications dialogue (see Figure 7.4), the equipment you select and the gains and
losses you define are used to initialise total transmitter DL losses. UL losses are not modelled in GSM/GPRS/
EDGE projects.

- TMA: You can select a tower-mounted amplifier (TMA) from the list. You can click the Browse button
( ) to access the properties of the TMA. For information on creating a TMA, see "Defining TMA Equip-
ment" on page 147.
- Feeder: You can select a feeder cable from the list. You can click the Browse button ( ) to access the
properties of the feeder. For information on creating a feeder cable, see "Defining Feeder Cables" on
page 147.
- BTS: You can select a base transceiver station (BTS) equipment from the BTS list. In GSM, only the
downlink losses are modelled. You can click the Browse button ( ) to access the properties of the BTS.
For information on creating a BTS, see "Defining BTS Equipment" on page 148.
- Feeder Length: You can enter the feeder length at transmission.
- Miscellaneous Losses: You can enter miscellaneous losses at transmission.
- Receiver Antenna Diversity Gain: This field is not used for GSM/GPRS/EDGE projects.
- Loss Related to Repeater Noise Rise: This field is not used for GSM/GPRS/EDGE projects.
Figure 7.4: The Equipment Specifications dialogue
Note: You can modify the Total Losses at transmission if you wish. Any value you enter must
be positive.
- Antennas:
- Height/Ground: The Height/Ground box gives the height of the antenna above the ground. This is added
to the altitude of the site as given by the DTM. If the transmitter is situated on a building, the height entered
must include the height of building.
- Main Antenna: Under Main Antenna, the type of antenna is visible in the Model list. You can click the
Browse button ( ) to access the properties of the antenna. The other fields, Azimuth, Mechanical
Downtilt, and Additional Electrical Downtilt, display additional antenna parameters.
- Under Secondary Antennas, you can select one or more secondary antennas in the Antenna column
and enter their Azimuth, Mechanical Downtilt, Additional Electrical Downtilt, and % Power, which is
the percentage of power reserved for this particular antenna. For example, for a transmitter with one
secondary antenna, if you reserve 40% of the total power for the secondary antenna, 60% is available for
the main antenna.
For information on working with data tables, see "Working with Data Tables" on page 50.

Atoll User Manual
• The Configurations tab (see Figure 7.5):
Figure 7.5: Transmitter dialogue - Configurations tab
- Under GPRS/EDGE Properties, you must select the GPRS/EDGE Transmitter check box if the transmitter
is going to be a packet-switched capable transmitter. You can select Coding Scheme Configuration from
the list. You can click the Browse button ( ) to access the properties of the configuration. For information
on creating Coding Scheme Configuration, see "Coding Scheme Configuration" on page 397.
Note: The modelling of EDGE Evolution on the transmitter side has to consider:
- The support of high order modulations and the use of turbo codes in specific coding
schemes which can be found in the appropriately selected GPRS/EDGE Configuration
In addition, EDGE Evolution can be modelled on the terminal side through (See "Creating
or Modifying a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Terminal" on page 405):
- The support of dual antenna terminals (Mobile Station Receive Diversity) and en-
hanced single antenna terminals (Single Antenna Interference Cancellation). Atoll a
statistical modelling of these through the use of an EDGE evolution configuration, with
the effect of SAIC or diversity already included both in the coding scheme admission
thresholds and on the Throughput vs C (resp. C/I) graphs.
- The support of multi-carriers which can be setup on the terminal side
- Under GSM Properties, you can select Codec Configuration from the list. You can click the Browse button
( ) to access the properties of the Codec Configuration assigned to the GSM transmitter. For information
on creating Coding Scheme Configuration, see "Codec Configuration" on page 394.
7.2.1.1.3 Subcell Definition

In Atoll, a subcell refers to the characteristics of a group of TRXs on a transmitter sharing the same radio characteristics,
the same quality (C/I) requirements, and other settings.
The initial settings of a subcell of a transmitter depend on the cell type selected for the transmitter. Assigning a different
cell type to a transmitter changes the characteristics of the subcells (for information on the cell type, see "Cell Types" on
page 390). Once the cell type has been selected, the initial values of the subcell, taken from the cell type, can be modified,
with the exception of the TRX type. If you modify the cell type afterwards, for all transmitters based on that cell type, Atoll
offers you the choice of keeping current parameters or resetting them to the new cell type parameters.
The properties related to subcells are found on the TRXs tab of the Properties dialogue of the transmitter to which it is
assigned.
The TRXs tab has the following subcell-related options:
• Under Cell Type:
- Name: You can select the name of the Cell Type on which the transmitters subcells will be based from the
list. You can click the Browse button ( ) to access the properties of the cell type.
- Relevant Frequency Band: The Relevant Frequency Band displays the frequency band that will be used to
calculate the path loss matrix for the transmitter. The frequency band is the band used by the BCCH TRX type
under Subcell (TRX groups) Settings on the same tab.
- Cell Reselect Offset: The offset which is applied to the reception threshold to determine the Reselect Crite-
rion (C2) in idle mode. The C2 value is used to select a server and as a display parameter in coverage pre-
dictions.
- Max. No. of TRXs: The maximum number of TRXs that the transmitter can have. The value entered here will
be taken instead of the global value defined during dimensioning.
• Under Extended Cells, you can enter the minimum and maximum range of an extended subcell. Normally, cov-
erage of a GSM cell is limited to a 35 km radius. Extended GSM cells enable the operator to overcome this limit
by taking this delay into consideration when defining the timing advance for users in the extended cells. Extended
cells can cover distances from 70 to 140 km from the base station. For more information on extended cells, see
"Defining Extended Cells" on page 401.
- Min. Range: You can enter the distance from the transmitter at which coverage begins.

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Chapter 5: Managing Calculations in Atoll

5.4.2.3.2 Calculating a Single Coverage Prediction

5.4.2.3.3 Forcing Calculations

5.4.2.3.4 Stopping Calculations

5.4.2.3.5 Locking Coverage Predictions

To lock a coverage prediction:

4. Select Study Locked from the context menu.

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 201

5.4.2.3.6 Unlocking Coverage Predictions

4. Select Study Locked from the context menu.

5.4.2.4 Saving Defined Coverage Predictions

5.4.2.4.1 Saving a Coverage Prediction as a Template

Figure 5.11: Study Types dialogue

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

5.4.2.4.2 Exporting a Defined List of Predictions in a User Configuration File

5.4.2.5 Calculating Indoor Coverage

5.4.2.6 Taking Shadowing into Account

5.5 Using Propagation Models in Microwave Projects

5.5.1 Working with the Microwave Propagation Model

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 203

To define the parameters of the Microwave Propagation Model:

Figure 5.12: Microwave Propagation Model Properties - Parameters tab

Under Heights, you can set the following parameter:

- Method: Select the method that will be used to calculate diffraction.

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6. Click the Clutter tab (see Figure 5.13).

Figure 5.13: Microwave Propagation Model Properties - Clutter tab

5.5.2 Working with the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model

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Figure 5.14: Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model Properties - Parameters tab

Under Heights, you can set the following parameter:

Figure 5.15: Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model Properties - Clutter tab

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5.6 Defining Microwave Link Classes and Performance

5.6.1 Microwave Link Classes

- Name: The name of the link class

5.6.2 Defining Performance Objectives

Microwave Error Performance Events

Microwave error performance parameters are based on the following events:

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Microwave Error Performance Parameters

The Purpose of Microwave Error Performance Objectives

The performance objectives serve two main goals:

5.6.2.1 Defining Quality Objectives

5.6.2.2 Defining Availability Objectives

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5.7 Defining Calculation Parameters

5.7.1 Global Parameters

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Distance: Under K.Q. Method, define the distance.

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5.7.2 Link Parameters

5.7.2.1 Defining Calculation Parameters for a Single Microwave Link

6. Click the Geoclimatic tab (see Figure 5.16).

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Figure 5.16: Microwave link Properties dialogue - Geoclimatic tab

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Figure 5.17: Microwave link Properties dialogue - Reliability tab

9. On the Reliability tab, you can define reliability-related parameters:

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Figure 5.18: Microwave link Properties dialogue- Propagation tab

11. On the Propagation tab, you can define propagation-related parameters: