• All variables are analyzed in concert
• Reliability is quantified
• Outages can be predicted

RF Analysis

Route design is the development of an overall strategy for laying out a microwave route. The key objective of a good plan is to select sites that are acceptable from a technical standpoint as well as from cost and other non-technical considerations. Many factors affect site selection. The wise designer attempts to eliminate all risk of a site being rejected subsequent to the initial survey. The following preliminary steps assume that all the circuit requirements have been fully analyzed.

Select radio locations, and if possible designate tall buildings for tower placement where feasible.

Examine the topology between terminal sites on large-scale maps for potential routings to avoid obstructions.

Select tentative routing, taking advantage of existing mountainous terrain for height advantages if a repeater point is required.

Determine whether the radio locations are near existing stations in the same microwave bands and plan to use alternate frequencies or other bands.

Obtain aeronautical maps of the area for identifying the location of airports. Topographical and aeronautical maps may be obtained at various map centers throughout the country.

Examine the maps and then obtain the following information if practical:

Site accessibility - requirements for easement, road , etc.

1. Local obstructions - buildings, future building, terrain, trees.
2. Nearby tower or structures that may be used for mounting antennas.
3. Property owners and their receptivity to use of their property.
4. Other radio users in the area.
5. Errors in the map - contour errors, missing features.
6. Local soil conditions - rock content, bearing strength, flooding.
7. Proximity of local power and telephone lines.

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