Why is path analysis necessary?

In regions of diverse terrain, this study is essential. Many times the outcome has a direct bearing on final system architecture, equipment, and speed.

 

An example-

Diverse terrain can require additional Repeater equipment, in order to overcome path blockage due to terrain, trees, or buildings. Frequency band of operation dictates Line-of-Sight and Fresnel clearance requirements, which can have a bearing on how much terrain clearance is required.

 

Generally, licensed equipment operates upon more restrictive bandwidth, but is less susceptible to foliage loss and “knife edge” losses, while unlicensed equipment tends to occupy higher frequencies where path requirements are more restrictive but bandwidth is greater.  Path studies provide the information with which to choose the proper frequency, bandwidth, antennas, and infrastructure for accomplishing the overall system goals.

 

ACCU-COMM, INC. designs point-to-multi-point systems to provide path availability in excess of 90%, meaning that bit error rates are less than 10. This is important to assure that maximum throughput is achieved. Point-to-point systems can achieve availability in excess of 99.996% or BER of less than 10-6.

 

Path Analysis

System design, planning and architecture

ACCU-COMM, INC. offers our expertise in the system design and planning of Wireless systems.
Utilizing state-of-the-art computer modeling programs, we can create 2D and 3D representations of the terrain along a given path to aid in determining the viability of the path. Viability based on terrain alone can be known prior to on-site visits.

 

Path Propagation

After determining that terrain factors are favorable, on-site visits are performed to visually verify path viability. Trees, buildings, and other potential path blockage factors are identified as to location and height. This will impact the actual mounting height above ground level (AGL) at which antennas are to be installed.

 

Along with the terrain, path propagation losses need to be determined. The path length and the path characteristics can be analyzed to determine path losses, cable or waveguide losses, and several other regional factors affecting path loss. Upon identifying and quantifying these characteristics, required antenna gain can be determined.

 

Licensing Assistance

We will advise you of any FCC or FAA requirements which must be met in the implementation of your system and will assist you in acquiring the licenses.  All required documentation is prepared for signature by you and submitted on your behalf. ACCU-COMM, INC. can get your licensed systems up and running in as little as 20 days (with the proper paperwork). 

 

Installation

Upon purchase of a system, ACCU-COMM, INC. can provide turnkey installation of all phases of the wireless link. Any rooftop or tower infrastructure required, cable runs, racking equipment and interface equipment will be installed by our staff, along with the recommended lightning protection and grounding.

 

Our experienced installers are licensed and insured for your protection and have been specifically trained on your equipment.  We work closely with your staff to provide an installation which is both functionally and esthetically pleasing to maintain and operate.

 

Communication Site Planning

ACCU-COMM, INC. can aid communications companies in site planning.

 

Shadow Maps of computed field strengths, Site Comparisons, Field Strength Contour Plots, Field Strength and Threshold Plots can be provided for any area in the contiguous U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, and U.S. Territories.