Radio propagation programs
Radio propagation programs
(OP)
I have read several posts on what some people use for their propagation testing and I'll ask this. What programs are you using and have you tried others? I use Softwright and I've tested Radiosoft....is there a good reason to look at others? With the boom of Ethernet radios and 802.11 every vendor has a home grown Excell version for prop and survey, is there a compelling reason to drop five to seven thousand dollars anymore? Let me know what you think.
RE: Radio propagation programs
It is a powerful program, and comes with 3 second data of the entire US. This is a very powerful program, at a very reasonable cost, (approx $2,000).
An Excell spreadsheet could never model accurate coverage and propogation, like a full blown dedicated application can.
Als0, programs such as PathLoss allow you to conduct calculations several different ways (different algorithyms) as well as build complicated predictive models.
I would not rely upon a simple spreadsheet to accurately predict a wireless network.
RE: Radio propagation programs
There would obviously be a point where it would be much easier to ty it than to model it. Just my opinion...
RE: Radio propagation programs
Also visit:
http://www.rfcafe.com/vendors/components/software_home.htm
and
http://www.rfglobalnet.com/content/homepage/default.asp
(need to signup for rfglobalnet and click on the download library).
RE: Radio propagation programs
I have always been a proponent of planning any communications deployment, no matter how small.
RE: Radio propagation programs
RE: Radio propagation programs
EDX Signal Pro www.edx.com- very powerful, detailed analysis, will model propagation in metropolitan areas with building detail. This package appears to be geared towards commercial/service providers, and is more than the small guy would need. Have to purchase terrain data for your specific area, could get very expensive if your communications span several states.
Softwright Terrain Analysis Package (TAP) www.softwright.com- again very powerful, great models. Must purchase the base software and each module to conduct specific functions (i.e. coverage, database, project mapping, etc.), which drives the price up. Also must purchase terrain data. This package also seems to be geared towards larger operations.
I tried several smaller packages, priced between $500-$1000, most were barely more than a supped up Excel spreadsheet. The programs would only allow modeling of one path at a time, and would only give one terrain view. They also would not delve into the deeper reflection/refraction calculations. I found these too light for my requirements.
PathLoss 4.0 www.pathloss.com- this is the package I chose. The software is very powerful, but will not require a doctorate to use. Allows modeling of complete systems, can store site info in an internal database, and can display and print many different reports. The package comes with 3 second topo data for the entire US, (big plus), which has been accurate enough for the systems I have deployed. If I were to design a 12 hop microwave system, I would purchase more detailed topo data, but what is supplied works for me. One drawback, the documentation for the product stinks. It gives good examples, but doesn’t explain how to initiate specific functions. Luckily, the tech support for the product is great. The cost was also good, about $2000 (US) for the whole package.
I have deployed large WLAN systems, utilizing 900 Mhz and 2400 Mhz spread spectrum systems, (proprietary protocols not 802.11), in several states for our company. Conducting terrain/propagation analysis has ensured successful implementations, even several states away. We are currently deploying wireless video surveillance throughout the Midwest and Eastern US utilizing 5.2/5.7 Ghz WLAN systems. Again, terrain/propagation analysis is a must for us.
If you would like more specifics, just ask.
RE: Radio propagation programs
it connecte to the government usgs sites to download terrain data
http://www.cplus.org/rmw/english1.html
RE: Radio propagation programs