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Microwave Transmission Networks

Planning, Design, and Deployment

Harvey Lehpamer
HL Telecom Consulting, San Diego, California

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McGraw-Hill

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New York

Chicago San Francisco Lisbon London Madrid Mexico City Milan New Delhi San Juan Seoul Singapore Sydney Toronto

Contents

Introduction xi

Chapter 1 Transmission Network Fundamentals 1.1 Transmission Network Media 1.1.1 Wireline Systems 1.1.2 Wireless Systems 1.1.3 Altemath^es 1.2 Basic Terminology 1.2.1 El and T1 1.2.2 PDH, SDH, and SONET 1.2-3 ATM 1.3 Transmission Network Topology 1.4 Transmission Network Performance 1.5 Network Synchronization 1.6 Network Delays 1.7 References Chapter 2 Basics of Microwave Communications 2.1 Radio Frequency Spectrum 2.2 structure and Characteristics of the Earth's Atmosphere 2.3 Radio Propagation 2.3.1 Microwave and Millimeter Waves 2.3.2 Une-of-Sight Considerations 2.3.3 Earth Radius and /c-Factor 2.3.4 Standard Propagation Mechanisms 2.3.5 Anomalous Propagation Mechanisms 2.3.6 About Propagation Conditions 2.4 Digital Microwave Point-to-Point Systems 2.4.1 Microwave Radio Basics 2.4.2 Fresnel Zones and Clearance Rules 2.4.3 Near and Far Fields 2^-4 Link Budget 2.4.5 Microwave Systems for Rapid Deployment 2.4.6 Over-the-Horizon Microwave Systems 2.5 Other Microwave Systems 2.5.1 Point-to-MuKipoint Systems

1 l 2 3 4 6 6 8 12 13 .15 17 19 20 21 21 22 23 23 24 26 29 30 32 33 33 36 38 39 41 46 47 47

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Contents 2.5.2 Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) 2.5.3 Bluetooth 2.6 References ^ 51 52

Chapter 3 Microwave Link Design

3.1 Design Process Flowchart 3.2 The Loss/Attenuation Calculations 3.2.1 Propagation Losses 3.2.2 Ground Reflection 3.3 Fading and Fade Margins 3.3.1 Multipath Fading 3.3.2 Rain Fading 3.3.3 Refraction-Diffraction Fading 3.3.4 Interference Fade Margins 3.3.5 Composite Fade Margin 3.4 Microwave Link Multipath Outage Models 3.4.1 Vigants North American Multipath Outage Model 3.4.2 ITU-R Multipath Outage Model 3.5 Quality and Availability Calculations, 3.5.1 G,821 and G.826 3.5.2 Quality and Unavailability Objectives 3.6 Rain Attenuation Calculations 3.6.1 Crane model 3.6.2 ITU-R Model 3.6.3 Comparison of ITU and Crane Models 3-6.4 Reducing the Effects of Rain 3.7 Improving the Microwave System 3.7.1 Hardware Redundancy 3.7.2 Diversity Improvement 3.7.3 Antireflective Systems 3.7.4 Repeaters 3.8 References

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53 53 54 57 59 59 66 67 67 69 69 70 71 73 74 76 77 79 80 81 83 84 84 85 91 92 95

Chapter 4 Planning the Microwave Network

4.1 The Microwave Network Planning Process 4.2 Microwave Systems in Wireless Networks 4.2.1 Backhaul in Wireless Networks 4.2.2 Wireless Network Design for Coverage and Capacity 4.2.3 New Generation of Wireless Networks 4.2.4 Replacing Leased Lines with the Microwave System 4.3 Microwave Systems in Utility Telecom Networks 4.3.1 SCADA 4.3.2 Electric Transmission Towers in Telecom Networks 4.4 Topology and Capacity Planning 4.4.1 Transmission Network Capacity Reciuirements , , , . . , , . . . 4.4.2 Chain and Tandem Topology 4.4.3 Simple Star Network 4.4.4 Network with Hubs !!!!!!!!!!!!! 4.4.5 Ring Topology 4.4.6 Mesh Topology 4.4.7 Transmission Network Optimization 4.5 References

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7 ^ * ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ 108 ^^ ^^ ^^ I^*' 1 1 < ^ ^^^ 112 113 ^^* .114

Contents Chapter 5 Microwave Network Design 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Spectrum Management 5.2.1 Availability of Spectrum 5.2.2 Intersystem and Intrasystem Frequency Coordination 5.2.3 Spectrum Sweep 5.3 Interference Effects and Frequency Sharing 5,3-1 Interference Paths 5.3.2 Collocation of Radio Stations 5-3-3 Minimizing Near and Far Interference 5.3.4 Frequency Planning 5.4 Microwave Design Tools 5.5 Microwave Systems Engineering 5.5.1 System Documentation 5.5.2 Equipment Availability Calculations 5.6 Tips, Hints, and Suggestions 5.6.1 Basic Recommendations 5.6-2 Difficult Areas for Microwave Links 5.7 References

vil 117 117 117 117 119 119 120 120 122 123 125 131 132 132 133 134 134 136 137

Chapter 6 Microwave Deployment

6.1 Introduction 6.2 Digital Microwave Radio 6.2.1 Microwave Radio Configurations 6-2.2 Basic Microwave Radio Parameters 6u2.3 Radio Performance Improvement 6.2.4 T/l Curves 6.2.5 Service Telephone Network 6.2.6 Duplexers 6.2.7 Environmental Requirements 6.2.8 Network Management System 6.2.9 Microwave Compatibility and Safety 6.2.10 Microwave Radio Installation 6.3 Digital Multiplexers 6.4 Cabling and Signal Termination 6.4.1 Metallic Cables and Ground Potential Rise 6.4.2 Fiber-Optic Cables 6.4.3 Digital Signal Cross-Connects 6.5 Microwave Antennas, Radomes, and Transmission Lines 6.5.1 Basic Antenna Parameters 6.5.2 Microwave Antenna Selection 6.5.3 Microwave Antenna Installation 6.5.4 Transmission Line Installation 6.5.5 Installation Safety and Security Issues 6.5.6 Return Loss Measurements 6.6 QIS Data 6.6.1 Datums and Geometric Earth Models 6.6.2 Coordinate Systems 6.6.3 The Global Positioning Systems 6.6.4 DEM Data 6.6.5 Magnetic and True North 6.7 Field Surveys 6.7.1 Site Surveys

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139 140 140 140 143 150 150 151 153 153 155 156 157 159 160 160 161 162 163 166 168 171 172 173 174 174 176 177 177 178 181 181

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Contents ^82 ^^ 163 I84 135 ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ 199 200 201 201 202 202 204 205 205 206 208 209 210 211 211 211 213 214 215 216 217 218 221 222 223 223 224 225 225 ^ ^ 229 ^ ^1 ^ 2 zL 238 ^ '%

6,7.2 Path Surveys 6.8 Housing the Equipment 6.8.1 Shelters 6.8.2 Cabinets ' 6.8.3 Equipment Room 6 9 Microwave Antenna Mounting Structures 6 9 1 Monopoles, Self-Support Towers, and Guyed Towers 6 9 2 Minimum Visual Impact and Other Antenna Mounting Structures 6.9.3 Maximum Allowed Antenna Deflection 6.9.4 Communication Tower Requirements 6.10 Power Supply and Battery Backup 6.10.1 DC Power 6.10.2 Batteries 6.10.3 AC Power 6.10.4 Solar Energy 6.11 Grounding, Lightning, and Surge Protection 6.11.1 Grounding 6.11.2 Surge Suppressors 6.12 Microwave Testing and Troubleshooting 6.12.1 Factory Acceptance Testing 6.12.2 Field Acceptance Testing 6.12.3 Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT) 6.12.4 Troubleshooting Microwave Systems 6.13 References Chapter 7 Project Management 7-1 Tracking Microwave Rollout 7.1.1 Project Management Activities 7.1.2 Project Kick-Off Meeting 7.1.3 Network Planning 7.1.4 Project Approval 7.1.5 Site Acquisition 7-1.6 Detailed Network Design 7.1.7 Equipment and Services Procurement 7.1.8 Site Ready for Installation 7.1.9 Equipment Installation 7.1.10 Acceptance Testing 7.1.11 As-Built Documentation 7.1.12 Commissioning 7.1.13 Maintenance Program 7.2 Regulatory Issues 7.2.1 FAA and FCC ^!!!!!!!!!!!"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1" 7.2.2 FCC Frequency Coordination Process 7.2.3 Homologation 7.2.4 Other Regulatory Issues ! ! ! ! ! ! .,..! 7.3 Logistical and Organizational Challenges ! 7.3.1 Project Controls and Reporting 7.3.2 Outsourcing Services !!!!!!!""!""!!!!!]!! 7.3.3 Time and Resource Management ..* 7.3.4 Project Management Tools 7.4 Ethical Issues 7.4,1 Code of Ethics ......][[ ,! 7.5^Rtfere'^^^^^^^ Examples of Ethical Dilemmas!!.'.'