ACTIVITY 3 : PRELIMINARY DESIGN CONSIDERATION

I. OBJECTIVES
○ To locate an interconnection between points A and B with a minimum distance of
57km
○ To determine the longitude and latitude of a location, its elevation, traffic
capacity, and its frequency band.
○ To obtain a product specification sheet for a microwave radio.

II. DISCUSSION

Microwave frequencies are used in microwave communication systems to transmit data

over large distances. It is made up of a transmitter that creates and modulates microwave signals,
highly directed antennas for concentrated signal delivery, and a receiver that captures and
demodulates the signals. For reliable communication, a clear line of sight between the transmitter
and receiver is required. Repeaters can be employed to extend the range of the system and
compensate for signal loss. Microwave systems operate in specific frequency bands, have a high
data capacity, and are well-known for their dependability, making them ideal for
telecommunications backhaul, point-to-point connectivity, and data transfer between network
nodes.

One significant aspect of microwave communication systems is the need for an

unobstructed line of sight path between the transmitting and receiving antennas. This means that
microwave communication systems are most functional when deployed in locations with less
physical barriers, such as hills, buildings, or other obstacles. This characteristic makes this
system suitable for point-to-point connections over relatively long distances. Back then,
microwave communication systems were mainly utilized by regular communication service
providers. They initially employed it for long-distance communication and sending data. But in
todays time, it has undergone significant changes. Nowadays, microwave communication
systems provide service to a wide range of users, including unconventional institutions and
groups of people looking for efficient and fast ways to transmit data, video, and audios to
different locations.

III. MATERIALS
○ Laptop/PC
○ Specification Sheet
○ Planning Guide
○ Google Earth Pro Application
○ Topographical Map (1:50,000 scale)
IV. PROCEDURE
1. Examine the activity’s instruction manual.

STEP 1
2. Locate two sites (Site A and B) with a 65 km distance using Google Earth Pro.
3. Determine the following design parameters:
i. Path Length :
ii. Reliability :
iii. Configuration
iv. Traffic Capacity
v. Application
vi. Longitude & Latitude

STEP 2
4. Look for Microwave Radio Data Specification Sheets that meets the specified
criteria

STEP 3
5. Obtain a Google Earth Pro map with different scales for Site A & B
6. Obtain a topographical map with 1:50,000 scale for both locations.

STEP 4
7. Decide on the frequency needed once the path length is determined.
8. Choose a preliminary brand from which to choose a microwave frequency.
9. Determine channel plans based on traffic’s frequency band and bandwidth.

V. DESIGN CONTENT
1. STEP 1 - MICROWAVE LINK CONDITIONS

While overviewing the satellite image in NCR, the group knowingly locating the site A
and B within 45-60 km of distance to each other. The group also considered conditions that may
affect the reliability of the line of sight microwave communication. For a successful line-of-sight
microwave antenna communication link, several conditions must be met to ensure reliable signal
propagation:

a. Unobstructed Path
b. Terrain and Earth's Curvature
c. Interference
d. Bodies of Water
 ● Locations
○ Site A - Palangue 1, Naic, Cavite

Figure 1.1 Google Earth satellite image of Site A located at Palangue 1, Naic, Cavite.
 ○ Site B - Cupang, Antipolo, Rizal

Figure 1.2 Google Earth satellite image of Site B located at Cupang, Antipolo, Rizal
 ● Path Length - 57km

Figure 1.3 Google Earth satellite image of the overview Path length of Site A to B
 Figure 1.4 Google Earth satellite image of the elevation of Path length for Site A to B

● Reliability - 99.9999%
● Configuration - Protected (1+1)
● Traffic Capacity - 4 x E1 main plus 4 x E1 spare (8 x E1)

● Application -

After identifying an interconnection spanning a minimum distance of 57 kilometers

between points A and B, the group discovered a frequency range of 8275-8500 MHz. This
finding was corroborated by the group as they reviewed the National Telecommunications
Commission channel plan. Furthermore, they cross-verified this information with the planning
guide provided to the class, as it contained the corresponding frequency for the obtained
distance. Upon double-checking with the planning guide provided, the frequency obtained aligns
with the band suitable for point-to-point radio communication system aand television
broadcasting.
Figure 2.1 NTC NRFAT of 8.4GHz frequency is used for Point-to-Point Radio Communication
System

● Longitude & Latitude

○ Site A: Palangue 1, Naic, Cavite
1.) Longitude: 120°49'54.54"E
2.) Latitude: 14°15'20.86"N

○ Site B: Cupang, Antipolo, Rizal

1.) Longitude: 121°10'3.41"E
2.) Latitude: 14°39'15.79"N

2. STEP 2 - SPECIFICATION

Figure 2.2. Available Radio Specifications from Transmitter Specification Sheet

Figure 2.3 Channel Capacity from Transmitter Specification Sheet
 3. STEP 3 - TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP

Site A: Palangue 1, Naic, Cavite

Figure 3.1 Topographical Map 1:50000 Scale from NAMRIA Sheet No. 3129-I with the Prospect
Site A Location marked by the red box.
Figure 3.2 Close-up View for Site B from Topographical Map NAMRIA Sheet No. 3129-I
Site B: Cupang, Antipolo, Rizal

Figure 3.3 Topographical Map 1:50000 Scale from NAMRIA Sheet No. 3230-III with the
Prospect Site B Location marked by the red box.
Figure 3.4 Close-up View for Site B from Topographical Map NAMRIA Sheet No. 3230-III

4. FREQUENCY BAND

(𝑦2−𝑦1)
𝑦 = 𝑦1 + (𝑥 − 𝑥1) (𝑥2−𝑥1)

𝑦 = 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 ; 𝑦1 = 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑡 60𝑘𝑚 ;

𝑦2 = 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑡 45 𝑘𝑚 ; 𝑥 = 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛 (8. 4 𝐺𝐻𝑧) ;

𝑥1 = 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑜𝑓 8 𝐺𝐻𝑧 ; 𝑥2 = 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑜𝑓 10 𝐺𝐻𝑧

(45 𝑘𝑚− 60 𝑘𝑚)
𝑦 = 60 𝑘𝑚 + (8. 4 𝐺𝐻𝑧 − 8 𝐺𝐻𝑧) (10 𝐺𝐻𝑧−8 𝐺𝐻𝑧)
= 57 km
VI. REFERENCES

1. NAMRIA (n.d.). Sheet No. 3230-III Quezon City. Retrieved September 23, 2023
from https://www.namria.gov.ph/3230-IIIQuezonCity.html

2. NAMRIA (n.d.). Sheet No. 3229-IV Muntinlupa City. Retrieved September 23,
2022 from https://www.namria.gov.ph/3229-IVMuntinlupaCity.html

3. NAMRIA (n.d.). Sheet No. 3129-I Cavite City. Retrieved September 24, 2023
from https://www.namria.gov.ph/3129-ICaviteCity.html

4. [1] “Microwave Radio Systems: Vector Infotech,” Microwave Radio Systems |

Vector InfoTech,
https://www.vectorinfotech.com/solutions/microwave-radio-systems/ (accessed
Sep. 25, 2023).