LINE OF SIGHT (LOS) SURVEYS FOR MICROWAVE RADIO LINKS IN CELLULAR NETWORKS

Working Instruction

This document is for INTERNAL USE ONLY. Please request written permission from the responsible person before distribution outside Nokia.

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03.99 Kauko Martikainen

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LINE OF SIGHT (LOS) SURVEYS FOR MICROWAVE RADIO LINKS

CONTENTS
1 PURPOSE...........................................................................................................4 2 SCOPE................................................................................................................4 3 RESPONSIBILITIES.......................................................................................4 4 PROCEDURE....................................................................................................4 5 DEFINITION.........................................................................................4 6 LOS and Fresnel Zone............................................................4 7 INTRODUCTION TO LOS SURVEYS...............................................6 8 Site Selection..........................................................................6 9 PREPARATION....................................................................................7 10 Required Information...........................................................7 11 Path Profile...........................................................................7 8 12 Site data and target area characteristics..............................8 13 Site access.............................................................................9 14 Management of teams.........................................................9 15 Transmission site types......................................................11 16 SURVEY REQUIREMENTS...........................................................12 17 Survey equipment...............................................................12 18 Description of equipment...................................................13 19 FIELD SURVEY...............................................................................16 20 Survey Method...................................................................16 21 Safety issues.......................................................................16 22 Field procedures..................................................................17 4.5.3.1. Rooftop LOS procedure 19 4.5.3.2. Mast/tower LOS procedure 4.5.3.3. Greenfield site LOS procedure 19 19

4.5.3.4. Summary..............................................20 4.6. OUTPUT..........................................................................................20 4.6.1. Confirmation of LOS.....................................................20 4.6.2. LOS report......................................................................20 4.6.3. Updating databases........................................................21 4.7. SUMMARY.....................................................................................21 4.7.1. Survey Operations..........................................................21

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23 DEFINITIONS...............................................................................................22 24 REFERENCES..............................................................................................22 25 RELATED DOCUMENTS..........................................................................22 26 RECORDS......................................................................................................22 DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY.............................................................22 DISTRIBUTION LIST......................................................................................23 APPENDICES.....................................................................................................23

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PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to describe the working instructions for Line of Sight (LOS) surveys for microwave radio links in cellular transmission networks.

SCOPE
This document applies to LOS surveys carried out in Customer Services (CS), Customer Service Centres (CSC), or customer projects in Cellular Networks.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Authorisation Review and amendments Author Implementation Transmission Planning Engineers Field Survey Engineers Cellular Network Planning Manager

4 5

PROCEDURE DEFINITION
Microwave radio links in cellular networks require a direct Line of Sight (LOS) between two radio antennas. Performing this survey ensures that the sites are suitable for microwave transmission use. In addition, the surveys provide technical information regarding microwave antenna height and location. 6 LOS and Fresnel Zone

Not only must there be a straight unobstructed line between two antennas, the first Fresnel zone must also be clear. The amount of clearance depends on the frequency but as a general rule of thumb, frequencies above 10 GHz must be 100% clear. See Fig. 1.

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line of sight path

first Fresnel zone at 10 GHz

first Fresnel zone at 2 GHz

Fig. 1. LOS path and Fresnel zone between two antennas. The radius of the Fresnel zone is frequency dependent. It is small at high frequencies and large at low frequencies. Antenna heights should be designed so that the first Fresnel zone is free from obstructions. Fig. 2 shows some examples of the first Fresnel zone radii at different frequencies and distances. It can be seen that Fresnel zone clearance greatly effects the antenna heights.

Radius of 1st Fresnel zone, r r Radius of 1st Fresnel zone, freq. distance freq. distance 2.5 km 55km 10 km 2.5 km km 10 km 22GHz 9.7 m 13.7 m 19.4 m GHz 9.7 m 13.7 m 19.4 m 77GHz 5.2 m 7.3 m 10.4 m GHz 5.2 m 7.3 m 10.4 m 18 GHz 3.2 m 4.6 m 6.5 m 18 GHz 3.2 m 4.6 m 6.5 m 38 GHz 2.2 m 3.1 m 4.4 m 38 GHz 2.2 m 3.1 m 4.4 m

20 km 20 km 27.4 m 27.4 m 14.6 m 14.6 m 9.1 m 9.1 m 6.3m 6.3m

Fig. 2.

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LINE OF SIGHT (LOS) SURVEYS FOR MICROWAVE RADIO LINKS

INTRODUCTION TO LOS SURVEYS

8 Site Selection

The selection of sites in a cellular network involves input from several sources:
Radio Network Planning (RNP)

- suitability as a cellular site - provides coverage information

Transmission Network Planning (TNP)

- suitability as a transmission site - connections include BTS-BTS, BTS-BSC, BSC-MSC - provides microwave antenna location and height
Installation Planning (IP)

- suitability for network element implementation - determines building roof status - location of antenna structures - suitability to house BTS equipment - suitability to support transmission tower (structural limitations of building) In order to avoid conflict between the above sources, it is preferable to carry out the site survey as one group. This has many advantages:
Decisions can be made on-site concerning conflicting requirements Site visits can be kept to a minimum Site access is easier to arrange BTS and BSC sites are selected during one visit On-site confirmation of all related criteria

However, the LOS survey is normally carried out as a separate exercise due to:

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difficult to coordinate planning elements on large projects

The LOS survey is normally carried out by transmission network planners or those familiar with microwave transmission principles and equipment. Manpower requirements per team vary from one to four persons depending on the survey method and equipment used. The team should include at least one person e.g. driver, who is familiar with local customs, roads and landmarks. He should also act as a translator/interpreter when required. The number of teams to be implemented on a project depends upon the number of intended transmission sites and degree of urgency of the project.

9 PREPARATION
10 Required Information

Before site visits are planned, path profile, site data and target area characteristics must be acquired. Once the information has been compiled, site access is arranged. 11 Path Profile

Computer tools are available to assist in the selection and design of transmission sites. They calculate the minimum antenna heights which will meet specified outage performance objectives. These results are based on digitised data (terrain models) but are not 100% reliable due to inaccuracies in the digital map. The tools usefulness primarily is to reject the more obvious situations where a LOS does not exist e.g. a large hill between two sites. Furthermore, it cannot predict future obstructions such as buildings and chimneys which may lie directly on the path. As the profile only provides a rough LOS indication, the link should be confirmed by field survey. In urban environments where sites are generally located on rooftops, reliable path profiles are usually unobtainable. Common profile tools include NPS/X (See Fig. 3), IQ Link and the Profile Excel sheet by Dr. J. Henriksson.

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The Profile tool is particularly useful for designing microwave links using terrain data derived from topological maps and field surveys e.g. heights of trees, new buildings along path.

250

225

200

175

150

125 Site-A 25740.0 E 12700.0 N h = 49.0 m az. = 76510 f = 23.000 GHz d = 6.8 km Keff = 1.333 Fz = 1.0 clearance = 100.0% Site-B 19132.0 E 11063.0 N h = 38.0 m az. = 256510

Fig. 3. Example of an NPS/X terrain profile 12 Site data and target area characteristics

The following list outlines the necessary administrative information needed in order to perform a LOS survey. The amount of information obtained will depend upon whether any site surveys have been carried out beforehand.
Address (in English and local language) GPS and map co-ordinates (where appropriate) elevation of site site name and number of both ends of the hop contact person, owner name

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type of building No. of floors and height sketch showing location and height of cellular mast/radio positions site location sketch copy of site photo (to help identification) access letter in local language

Team leaders are responsible for compiling this data from the relevant sources e.g. Radio network planners, Site Acqusition. 13 Site access

Access to sites can often create more delays to LOS surveys than poor weather. The site negotiator or person responsible for site access must contact the owner before proceeding to the sites to arrange meeting times, supply of keys and contact persons. They must also explain that the survey is weather dependent and may be cancelled at the last minute due to insufficient visibility, requiring further access negotiation at a later date. Discretion and patience should be exercised at all times. 14 Management of teams

Some training may be needed initially to familiarise people with LOS techniques and equipment particular to the project they are working on. It must encourage good co-ordination and communication between survey teams, supervisors and other planning personnel. A LOS supervisor should be appointed to oversee operations and to organise personnel and equipment. Daily schedules based on work orders should be planned well in advance of any field activity. These will involve which sites to visit and which links to check by the designated people within realistic time frames.

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The supervisor must be aware of the logistical issues involved in field surveys. Cranes, for example, require coordination with the survey teams and need constant servicing - a factor often overlooked in many projects. Equipment shortages, breakages, and new requests must be notified immediately to the supervisor for prompt action. Good communication and team work is vital to the success of LOS surveys and more importantly to the project as a whole. Surveyors must be able to describe locations, features and other geographical indicators to their respective ends to enable efficient surveys to take place. It is often useful if a certain code is developed for these particular surveys, avoiding unnecessary explanations and confusion between teams when on-site. Although overlooked, the concept of bearings and angles must be fully understood to aid in faster sightings. It is often advisable to swap ends if the LOS cannot be confirmed due to confusion about the location, description of site or obstacles along the path. This provides a clearer picture of the link, making identification easier. Note: A bearing is a direction related to magnetic north. An angle is the arc between two bearings. 360 deg. = 1 circle 60 min. = 1 deg. 60 sec. = 1 min. Latitude (N) and Longitude (E) co-ordinates are expressed as: N 45 35 20 E 140 20 10 or N 45,5889 E 140,3361 These are correspondingly DMS (degrees,minutes['],seconds["]) expression and decimal expression. Notice that above expressions mean the same point.

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All countries use also their own rectangular coordinate grids on topographical maps and express positions for example in metres as: E 500 250 N 125 000 One rectangular grid is known worldwide. It is called UTM(Universal Transverse Mercator). Sometimes UTM can also be called WGS84. National rectangular coordinate grids differ significantly between countries depending on parameters that are used for conversion between natural spherical(angular) and manmade planar(rectangular) expressions. The parameters discussed above can be divided to two groups, projection and datum parameters. Projection is defining the line(s) of true scale. This means tangential line(s) where plane and original sphere touch each others, so that no conversion is needed. For example UTM uses Transverse Mercator projection. Datum defines ellipsoidal parameters of original sphere. These include at least eccentricity and mean radius of Earth. For example UTM uses WGS84 in Europe and Clarke 1866 in America. 15 Transmission site types

Transmission sites are usually divided into three types. This aids the costing of LOS surveys by grouping sites which have similar attributes. Type 1. Flat-roofed building - factory, residential, water tower - easy access of personnel and equipment Type 2. Climbing structure - tower or mast - climbing certificate normally required Type 3. Greenfield - no infrastructure; future tower/mast site - cranes, telescopic masts, balloons required - helicopters sometimes used in difficult terrain
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16SURVEY REQUIREMENTS
17 Survey equipment

In order to efficiently perform a LOS survey, a standardised set of equipment is recommended for each survey team. It should comprise the following items: ESSENTIAL
Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and accessories Binoculars Compass Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera and 70-300mm zoom lens Mirror Searchlight or flashing beacon (min. 1million candle power) Large rubber balloons and gas Cellular phone (or VHF radios) 50m Measuring tape Maps (road and topographical) Inclinometer for measuring heights of objects Telescopic mast (preferable 15m)

GREENFIELD SITES (TYPE 3) Together with the above listed items the following may be required for greenfield sites:
Crane (cherry-pickers) Helicopter (optional) Balloon and gas

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

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Altimeter Inclinometer Telescope Theodolite Telescopic poles

More sophisticated equipment by be used if agreed with the purchaser e.g. Infra-red Closed Circuit Television (IR CCTV) cameras, lenses and monitors. 18 Description of equipment

GPS The GPS receiver is a vital piece of equipment. Its main purpose is to obtain/verify site co-ordinates and calculate bearings and distances to adjacent sites. GPS accessories such as a magnetic external antenna for car roof mounting prove invaluable in helping to locate sites if co-ordinates are known. One of the best models on the market today is the Garmin II plus. It has 12 channels i.e. receives signals from up to 12 satellites, and is Differential GPS (DGPS) ready. The appropriate datum e.g. WGS-84 should be input to every receiver in the project. GPS System accuracy and Selective Availability (SA) GPS provides civilian users a position fix accurate to about 20 meters using the Standard Positioning Service (SPS). However, the U.S. Department of Defence degrades the transmitted satellite signals (because of concern for national security) by a practice called Selective Availability (SA). This means that the GPS positional accuracy is reduced to about 100 metres in the horizontal plane and about 160 metres in the vertical plane. These figures are 95% accuracies and represent the value of two standard deviations of radial error from the actual antenna position, or 2drms (two distance root mean squared). BINOCUALRS These should be at least 7x magnification, with 50mm lenses, and of good quality optics. This level of magnification is acceptable for short to medium links, maximum 15 kms. Built-in compass models are easy to use and recommended.
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COMPASS A good quality compass e.g. Suunto, correctly weighted for the particular zone (or world compass) is mandatory. Using the compass on rooftops or around metallic structures affects the accuracy of the instrument, so allow a suitable margin of error when sighting bearings. It is recommended to obtain readings from different corners of the roof and then take the mean. CAMERAS If photographic proof of LOS is required, a good quality SLR camera with at least a 300mm telephoto lens should be used (800mm for long links > 10 kms). A 35mm automatic camera may be useful for identifying obstacles and adjacent sites which have caused doubt during the survey. VIDEO Video allows a running commentary of the link and site to be made. A camera with 30x magnification can zoom in on distant sites and capture beacons, flashing lights etc. PC grabber software can copy individual frames during post processing for inclusion in the LOS report. BALLOONS Helium balloons are useful when obstacles prevent direct LOS observation e.g. rooftop-rooftop and on some greenfield sites. They should be made of durable rubber and inflated to at least one metre diameter. During windy conditions balloons are often blown off position and fail to reach suitable heights, therefore alternative methods need to be used in these situations. CELLULAR PHONES Mobile cellular phones provide the important communication link between survey teams. Without these or portable VHF radios, surveys are not possible. Ensure that each team has at least one phone and batteries are kept charged at all times. LAMPS

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Searchlights allow sites to be quickly identified and provide excellent proof of LOS. Some models on the market are capable of six million Candelas - perfect for medium links 10-15 kms - however at least one million Candelas is recommended for most LOS checking. 12 V batteries are normally used and these must be kept charged at all times. High intensity strobes provide another alternative, although it is difficult to capture the individual flashes on film. (Use video instead if needed). CRANES Telescopic mobile cranes, or cherry-pickers, are commonly used for greenfield sites in the absence of existing infrastructure. Boom lengths that extend up to 50 metres are sometimes used to simulate antenna heights. Cranes need to be regularly stressed tested and must only be operated by authorised, experienced personnel. LOS surveys are only possible in light wind conditions. TELESCOPIC MASTS Man-portable and trailer mounted masts provide an alternative to cranes. The construction is usually steel lattice or protruded aluminium tubing providing access to slightly over 30 metres. Smaller versions can easily reach up to 15 metres and are extremely lightweight; ideal for rooftop surveys where that extra few metres is often needed. During normal weather conditions, the structure is guyed giving added stability. IR CCTV systems can be attached to the top providing LOS surveys during conditions of poor visibility e.g. mist and haze. HELICOPTERS Although an expensive way or performing LOS surveys, their main advantage is speed, being able to carry out more surveys than any other means. They are particularly useful for long links over difficult terrain where access is restricted using conventional means. It could be feasible to employ this method for a short time to reduce backlogs in LOS surveys that have fallen behind schedule. Flights are restricted by the weather, particularly strong wind when operating close to existing infrastructure. Helicopters may also cause signal disruptions if flown too close to antennae.

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19 FIELD SURVEY
20 Survey Method

The line of sight between two antenna locations must be 100% confirmed by either of the following two methods: 1. Witnessed and signed 2. Photographed A photograph of the link showing the light source, balloon or other identifying feature taken with a telephoto lens is a common way of proving the LOS. The photo becomes a permanent record of the link for future reference. However, it is not mandatory and may be substituted for a visual confirmation, signed by the engineer performing the survey. No two microwave links are identical. Each one is carried over varying terrain and through various forms of atmospheric conditions. The actual field method will depend upon several factors:
atmospheric conditions e.g. fog, mist haze terrain length of link site type e.g. rooftop, mast or greenfield available equipment experience of engineer

In general, the LOS survey is optical in nature for all links, whether 500 metres or 50 kms. Bad visibility causes delay so the surveys must be optimised during good weather. Rooftops provide a good platform on which to setup optical equipment; towers and masts require climbing which takes more time. 21 Safety issues

The importance of safety cannot be overlooked when performing LOS surveys. It can be more dangerous working on rooftops, walking around with binoculars and cameras, than in full safety harness 60m up a mast. The following list gives an idea of what safety issues need attention before commencing any field activities.
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Safety issues:
Pay attention when working on rooftops there is a false sense of security. Don't walk and operate equipment at the same time When working close to the rooftop edge, a safety harness should be worn When climbing masts or towers use a safety harness, helmet, gloves and boots Obtain valid health and climbing certificates before commencing work Beware of overhead electrical cables when using telescopic masts and cranes Cranes should be operated by experienced personnel only and regularly serviced and stress tested

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Field procedures

Each site area has one preferred site and several alternative sites. They are known collectively as candidate sites. Once the short list of candidate sites has been determined, the field survey may commence. In turn-key projects, this information will come from the site selection team. Alternatively, the customer may provide instructions of which links to check from preferred sites. The LOS survey involves placing a team on each extremity of the link. In practice this may involve four or more teams on adjacent candidate sites as illustrated in fig. 4.

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MSC02/BSC04 United Tower S04.2 S04.1

S34.4

S34.3 PL Mansion S34.2 S34.1

S87.1

S87.3 S87.2 Sunai Condo

S87.5 S287.2 S287.3 Hilton Htl S287.1 S206.2

S87.4

S206.3 S206.4 Medi

Fig. 4. LOS checking from S87.2 to adjacent sites. In the above example, all possible links are checked for LOS from S87.2, Sunai Condo. It also highlights the importance of good planning when selecting teams and sites to visit. Once teams are in place at their respective sites, identification begins. In the absence of a path profile, obtain GPS co-ordinates and calculate the bearing to the other end of the link. The extremity can then be sighted using binoculars, telescope or other optical device (see 4.4.1 Survey Equipment). In order to determine the minimum antenna height, it must be simulated using mirrors, lamps or balloons. If there is no existing infrastructure, cranes, helicopters or telescopic masts must be used to position the targets. Consideration should be made of possible future obstructions along the path such as building activity and warning given in the report.

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4.5.3.1. Rooftop LOS procedure 1. Establish bearing of link (GPS coords, profile) 2. Make preliminary observation using compass and binoculars to check rough viability of LOS 3. If path seems obstructed, prepare balloons or telescopic mast. 4. If path seems unobstructed, make contact with adjacent team 5. Describe own site and use lamp etc. to make identification easier. 6. Once identification is made, raise or lower balloon/mast until the minimum LOS height is achieved at both ends. (taking into account Fresnel zone clearance). 7. Record height and position of antenna on sketch. 8. If no LOS is possible, record as such and proceed with next link. 4.5.3.2. Mast/tower LOS procedure 1. As for rooftop procedure 2. As for rooftop procedure 3. Climb to minimum antenna height specified in profile or where LOS is achieved taking into account Fresnel zone clearance. 4. Photograph/witness lamp or balloon 5. If still NO LOS record as such and photograph obstruction 6. Proceed with next check 4.5.3.3. Greenfield site LOS procedure 1. The type of equipment is usually decided in advance e.g. cranes, helicopters, large helium balloons 2. Establish bearing and distance of link 3. Set up crane or instrument over proposed site and extend boom to specified antenna height 4. If no height is given, extend to suitable height for viewing (max. height) 5. Identify adjacent site 6. Determine minimum antenna height by slowly descending to where LOS is visible and gives sufficient Fresnel zone clearance. 7. Record height and photograph/witness the link 8. Record antenna location on site sketch 9. If NOLOS, record as such and photograph/note obstruction 10. Proceed with next check
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4.5.3.4.

Summary

The use of cranes and/or helicopters introduces serious logistical issues into the LOS procedures. It is vital that the LOS supervisor or manager in charge of this activity is well aware of the LOS field procedures and maintains constant control over the work. Co-ordination of teams, cranes and other equipment is vital to the overall success of the LOS surveys. Therefore managers should ensure that all LOS and support personnel are trained as quickly as possible by experienced trainers.

4.6.

OUTPUT
4.6.1. Confirmation of LOS

Confirmation is vital to the overall network plan and rollout plans for the network. Surveyed links must only have LOS or NOLOS status. 4.6.2. LOS report The LOS report is made to provide physical evidence that the link has been surveyed in the field. It also shows the evidence (or lack of) LOS. The report should include the following details:
LOS or NOLOS confirmation photograph of hop (optional) exact location and minimum height of microwave antenna(e) feeder lengths (optional) type of tower, mast or pole to be used hop bearing and distance future possible obstructions (photographed or listed) other relevant site information e.g. site name, ID, address, coordinates

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Reports should be kept simple and concise. Only include relevant information that may easily be taken from the report. A short description of the survey method may be given if needed e.g. crane and balloon used. Generally, two pages are sufficient to provide the information, which includes a sketch that indicates the microwave antenna locations. This is critical if antennae are for example located on different corners of a building. If photographs are used, they should be clearly marked and of good quality clearly showing the other end of the link. Standard templates should be used to form the reports. This provides a convenient way of recording and filing LOS reports. (See appendix 1.) 4.6.3. Updating databases A certain amount of office time is necessary for team leaders to prepare LOS survey reports, update databases and perform other office related duties. Depending upon workload, this can be a daily activity or postponed until the end of the week when one day should be set aside for these duties. The LOS supervisor is also responsible for preparing and updating the overall microwave network diagram, which shows both LOS and NOLOS links, nominal (confirmed), candidate and rejected sites. Surveyors must be familiar with the equipment and responsible for its maintenance and security. Thefts and breakages should be reported immediately.

4.7.

SUMMARY
4.7.1. Survey Operations
Create daily/weekly schedules based on work orders outlining sites to visit, teams to organize and rendezvous times Confirm site visits and access if necessary Perform LOS survey Prepare LOS report Update databases and perform other office related duties
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LOS supervisor or similar to update overall microwave connection diagram Notify immediately equipment shortages and breakages Keep equipment in working condition

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DEFINITIONS
LOS BTS BSC MSC GPS IR CCTV Line of Sight Base Station Transceiver Base Station Controller Mobile Switching Centre Global Positioning System Infra-red Closed Circuit Television

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REFERENCES

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RELATED DOCUMENTS
NTCD NTCD NTCD NTCD BAN 0793/1.0 Line of Sight Survey for Microwave Radio Links ASMF 0011/0.5 Line-of Sight Checking ASXX 0346/1.0 Cellular Transmission Network Planning ASMF 0018/0.2 Guidelines for Turnkey Network Planning

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RECORDS

DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY

DATE 08 Sep 1997 ISSUE 1.0 AUTHOR David Milne SUMMARY OF CHANGES 1st release

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DISTRIBUTION LIST
DISTRIBUTION LIST FOR DOCUMENT: CS Global Document Distribution List NTCD ASXX 0003 en

APPENDICES

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