user manual

v e r s i o n 2.8.0

AT280_UM_E0~~

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Atoll RF Planning & Optimisation Software

User Manual ~~

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Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 3

Contact Information

Atoll 2.8.0 User Manual Release AT280_UM_E0

Copyright 1997 - 2009 by Forsk

The software described in this document is provided under a license agreement and may only be used or copied underthe terms and conditions of the license agreement. No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any formwithout prior authorisation from Forsk.

The product or brand names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective regis-tering parties.

About the Atoll User DocumentationThe Atoll user documentation is a guide and reference for users working with Atoll. Atoll is easy to use and offers a clear,self-explanatory user interface. The user documentation helps the user make effective and efficient use of all the featuresthat Atoll offers. The user documentation aims to familiarise the user with the working environment of Atoll and enablehim to use all of Atolls features and functions.

The Atoll user documentation is technology-specific. For each Atoll radio technology, the Atoll user manual containsinstructions and information specific to that technology as well as chapters describing the Atoll working environment andthe tools available.

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Atoll User Manual


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1 The Working Environment .................................................................................................... 251.1 The Atoll Work Area .................................................................................................................... 25

1.1.1 Working with Document Windows .................................................................................................... 261.1.2 Docking or Floating an Atoll Window................................................................................................ 26

1.2 The Explorer Window ................................................................................................................. 271.2.1 Working with the Explorer Window Tabs.......................................................................................... 271.2.2 Navigating in the Explorer Window .................................................................................................. 281.2.3 Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer........................................................... 281.2.4 Working with Layers Using the Explorer .......................................................................................... 28

1.3 Working with Objects .................................................................................................................. 291.3.1 Using the Object Context Menu ....................................................................................................... 29

1.3.1.1 Renaming an Object ................................................................................................................... 291.3.1.2 Deleting an Object ...................................................................................................................... 291.3.1.3 Displaying the Properties of an Object ....................................................................................... 30

1.3.2 Modifying Sites and Transmitters Directly on the Map ..................................................................... 301.3.2.1 Selecting One of Several Transmitters or Microwave Links ....................................................... 301.3.2.2 Moving a Site Using the Mouse .................................................................................................. 311.3.2.3 Moving a Site to a Higher Location ............................................................................................. 311.3.2.4 Changing the Azimuth of the Antenna Using the Mouse ............................................................ 321.3.2.5 Changing the Position of the Transmitter Relative to the Site .................................................... 32

1.3.3 Display Properties of Objects ........................................................................................................... 331.3.3.1 Defining the Display Properties of Objects ................................................................................. 331.3.3.2 Examples of Using the Display Properties of Objects ................................................................ 37

1.4 Working with Maps....................................................................................................................... 381.4.1 Changing the Map Scale .................................................................................................................. 38

1.4.1.1 Zooming In and Out .................................................................................................................... 381.4.1.2 Zooming In on a Specific Area.................................................................................................... 391.4.1.3 Choosing a Scale........................................................................................................................ 391.4.1.4 Changing Between Previous Zoom Levels................................................................................. 39

1.4.2 Moving the Map in the Document Window ....................................................................................... 391.4.3 Using the Panoramic Window .......................................................................................................... 391.4.4 Centring the Map Window on an Object........................................................................................... 401.4.5 Measuring Distances on the Map ..................................................................................................... 401.4.6 Displaying Rulers Around the Map ................................................................................................... 401.4.7 Displaying the Map Legend .............................................................................................................. 411.4.8 Using Zones in the Map Window...................................................................................................... 41

1.4.8.1 Using a Filtering Zone................................................................................................................. 411.4.8.2 Using a Computation Zone ......................................................................................................... 421.4.8.3 Using a Focus Zone or Hot Spot Zones ..................................................................................... 431.4.8.4 Using Polygon Zone Editing Tools.............................................................................................. 441.4.8.5 Using a Printing Zone ................................................................................................................. 451.4.8.6 Using a Coverage Export Zone .................................................................................................. 46

1.4.9 Exporting Coverage Prediction Results............................................................................................ 461.4.9.1 Exporting a Coverage Prediction in Vector Format .................................................................... 471.4.9.2 Exporting a Coverage Prediction in Raster Format .................................................................... 47

1.4.10 Exporting a Map ............................................................................................................................... 481.4.11 Copying a Map to Another Application ............................................................................................. 481.4.12 Map Window Pointers ...................................................................................................................... 49

1.5 Working with Data Tables ........................................................................................................ 501.5.1 Opening a Data Table ...................................................................................................................... 501.5.2 Adding, Deleting, and Editing Data Table Fields .............................................................................. 50

1.5.2.1 Accessing an Object Types Table Fields................................................................................... 501.5.2.2 Adding a Field to an Object Types Data Table .......................................................................... 511.5.2.3 Deleting a Field from an Object Types Data Table .................................................................... 52

1.5.3 Editing the Contents of a Table ........................................................................................................ 521.5.4 Opening an Objects Record Properties Dialogue from a Table ...................................................... 531.5.5 Defining the Table Format ................................................................................................................ 531.5.6 Copying and Pasting in Tables......................................................................................................... 56


Atoll User Manual

1.5.6.1 Copying and Pasting a Table Element ........................................................................................561.5.6.2 Pasting the Same Data into Several Cells ..................................................................................56

1.5.7 Exporting Tables to Text Files...........................................................................................................581.5.8 Importing Tables from Text Files.......................................................................................................591.5.9 Exporting Tables to XML Files ..........................................................................................................601.5.10 Importing Tables from XML Files ......................................................................................................60

1.6 Printing in Atoll................................................................................................................................601.6.1 Printing Data Tables and Reports .....................................................................................................601.6.2 Printing a Map ...................................................................................................................................61

1.6.2.1 Printing Recommendations .........................................................................................................611.6.2.2 Defining the Printing Zone ...........................................................................................................611.6.2.3 Defining the Print Layout .............................................................................................................62

1.6.3 Previewing Your Printing...................................................................................................................641.6.4 Printing a Docking Window ...............................................................................................................641.6.5 Printing Antenna Patterns .................................................................................................................64

1.7 Grouping, Sorting, and Filtering Data..................................................................................641.7.1 Grouping Data Objects......................................................................................................................65

1.7.1.1 Grouping Data Objects by a Selected Property ..........................................................................651.7.1.2 Configuring the Group By Submenu ...........................................................................................651.7.1.3 Grouping Microwave Links by Site ..............................................................................................661.7.1.4 Advanced Grouping.....................................................................................................................661.7.1.5 Examples of Grouping .................................................................................................................67

1.7.2 Sorting Data ......................................................................................................................................681.7.2.1 Sorting Data in Tables .................................................................................................................681.7.2.2 Advanced Sorting ........................................................................................................................69

1.7.3 Filtering Data.....................................................................................................................................701.7.3.1 Filtering in Data Tables by Selection ...........................................................................................701.7.3.2 Advanced Data Filtering ..............................................................................................................711.7.3.3 Restoring All Records..................................................................................................................721.7.3.4 Advanced Filtering: Examples .....................................................................................................72

1.7.4 User Configurations ..........................................................................................................................741.7.4.1 Exporting a User Configuration ...................................................................................................751.7.4.2 Importing a User Configuration ...................................................................................................75

1.7.5 Site and Transmitter Lists .................................................................................................................751.7.5.1 Creating a Site or Transmitter List...............................................................................................761.7.5.2 Adding a Site or Transmitter to a List from the Explorer Window................................................761.7.5.3 Adding a Site or Transmitter to a List from the Map Window ......................................................761.7.5.4 Adding Sites or Transmitters to a List Using a Zone ...................................................................771.7.5.5 Editing a Site or Transmitter List .................................................................................................771.7.5.6 Filtering on a Site or Transmitter List ..........................................................................................77

1.7.6 Folder Configurations........................................................................................................................781.7.6.1 Creating a Folder Configuration ..................................................................................................781.7.6.2 Applying a Saved Folder Configuration .......................................................................................781.7.6.3 Reapplying the Current Folder Configuration ..............................................................................781.7.6.4 Exporting a Folder Configuration.................................................................................................791.7.6.5 Importing a Folder Configuration .................................................................................................791.7.6.6 Deleting a Folder Configuration...................................................................................................79

1.7.7 Creating and Comparing Subfolders.................................................................................................791.7.8 Filtering Data Using a Filtering Zone.................................................................................................80

1.8 Tips and Tricks ...............................................................................................................................801.8.1 Undoing and Redoing .......................................................................................................................801.8.2 Refreshing Maps and Folders ...........................................................................................................811.8.3 Searching for Objects on the Map.....................................................................................................81

1.8.3.1 Searching for a Map Object by Its Name ....................................................................................811.8.3.2 Searching for a Map Object using Any Text Property .................................................................811.8.3.3 Searching for a Point on the Map ................................................................................................82

1.8.4 Using the Status Bar to Get Information ...........................................................................................821.8.5 Saving Information Displayed in the Event Viewer ...........................................................................821.8.6 Using Icons from the Toolbar ............................................................................................................821.8.7 Using Shortcuts in Atoll .....................................................................................................................84

2 Starting an Atoll Project ...........................................................................................................892.1 Before Starting a Microwave or Radio-Planning Project ...........................................892.2 Creating an Atoll Document .....................................................................................................89

2.2.1 Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template.............................................................................892.2.1.1 Templates Available ....................................................................................................................90


Table of Contents

2.2.1.2 Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template ...................................................................... 902.2.1.3 Defining a New Atoll Document .................................................................................................. 91

2.2.2 Working in a Multi-User Environment ............................................................................................... 932.2.2.1 The Atoll Multi-User Environment ............................................................................................... 942.2.2.2 Creating a New Atoll Document from a Database ...................................................................... 952.2.2.3 Working With a Document on a Database.................................................................................. 962.2.2.4 Refreshing an Atoll Document from the Database ..................................................................... 972.2.2.5 Archiving the Modifications of an Atoll Document in the Database ............................................ 98

2.3 Making a Backup of Your Document ................................................................................ 1012.3.1 Configuring Automatic Backup ....................................................................................................... 1012.3.2 Recovering a Backup ..................................................................................................................... 102

2.4 Making and Sharing Portable Atoll Projects .................................................................. 102

3 Managing Geographic Data .............................................................................................. 1053.1 Geographic Data Types .......................................................................................................... 1053.2 Supported Geographic Data Formats .............................................................................. 1063.3 Importing Geo Data Files........................................................................................................ 107

3.3.1 Importing a Raster-format Geo Data File ....................................................................................... 1073.3.2 Importing a Vector-format Geo Data File ....................................................................................... 1083.3.3 Importing MSI Planet Geo Data................................................................................................... 110

3.3.3.1 Importing One MSI Planet Geo Data Type ............................................................................ 1103.3.3.2 Importing a MSI Planet Geo Database .................................................................................. 110

3.3.4 Importing a WMS Raster-format Geo Data File ............................................................................. 1113.3.5 Grouping Geo Data Files in Folders ............................................................................................... 1123.3.6 Embedding Geographic Data ......................................................................................................... 1133.3.7 Repairing a Broken Link to a Geo Data File ................................................................................... 113

3.4 Digital Terrain Models .............................................................................................................. 1143.5 Clutter Classes............................................................................................................................. 114

3.5.1 Assigning Names to Clutter Classes .............................................................................................. 1143.5.2 Defining Clutter Class Properties ................................................................................................... 1153.5.3 Adding a Clutter Class.................................................................................................................... 1163.5.4 Refreshing the List of Clutter Classes ............................................................................................ 1163.5.5 Displaying Total Surface Area per Clutter Class ............................................................................ 117

3.6 Clutter Heights ............................................................................................................................. 1173.7 Contours, Lines, and Points .................................................................................................. 117

3.7.1 Managing the Display of a Vector Layer ........................................................................................ 1173.7.2 Managing the Properties of the Vector Layer ................................................................................. 1183.7.3 Moving a Vector Layer to the Data Tab.......................................................................................... 118

3.8 Scanned Images ......................................................................................................................... 1193.8.1 Importing Several Scanned Images ............................................................................................... 1193.8.2 Defining the Display Properties of Scanned Images ...................................................................... 119

3.9 Population Maps ......................................................................................................................... 1203.9.1 Managing the Display of Population Data ...................................................................................... 1203.9.2 Displaying Population Statistics ..................................................................................................... 120

3.10 Geoclimatic Maps ....................................................................................................................... 1213.10.1 Managing Geoclimatic Map Properties .......................................................................................... 1213.10.2 Displaying Geoclimatic Statistics.................................................................................................... 121

3.11 Custom Geo Data Maps.......................................................................................................... 1213.11.1 Creating a Custom Geo Data Map ................................................................................................. 1223.11.2 Adding a File to a Custom Geo Data Map...................................................................................... 1233.11.3 Managing the Properties of a Custom Geo Data Map ................................................................... 1233.11.4 Displaying Statistics on Custom Geo Data..................................................................................... 1243.11.5 Integrable Versus Non Integrable Data .......................................................................................... 124

3.12 Setting the Priority of Geo Data........................................................................................... 1243.12.1 Setting the Display Priority of Geo Data ......................................................................................... 1243.12.2 Setting the Priority of Geo Data in Calculations ............................................................................. 125

3.12.2.1 Example 1: Two DTM Maps Representing Different Areas ...................................................... 1263.12.2.2 Example 2: Clutter Classes and DTM Maps Representing the Same Area ............................. 1263.12.2.3 Example 3: Two Clutter Class Maps Representing a Common Area ....................................... 126

3.13 Displaying Information About Geo Data .......................................................................... 1273.14 Geographic Data Sets .............................................................................................................. 127

3.14.1 Exporting a Geo Data Set .............................................................................................................. 1273.14.2 Importing a Geo Data Set............................................................................................................... 128


Atoll User Manual

3.15 Editing Geographic Data .........................................................................................................1283.15.1 Editing Clutter Class Maps..............................................................................................................129

3.15.1.1 Creating a Clutter Polygon ........................................................................................................1293.15.1.2 Editing Clutter Polygons ............................................................................................................1293.15.1.3 Displaying the Coordinates of Clutter Polygons ........................................................................1303.15.1.4 Deleting Clutter Polygons ..........................................................................................................130

3.15.2 Editing Contours, Lines, and Points ................................................................................................1303.15.2.1 Creating a Vector Layer for Contours, Lines, and Points ..........................................................1303.15.2.2 Creating Contours, Lines, and Points........................................................................................1303.15.2.3 Editing Contours, Lines, and Points ..........................................................................................131

3.15.3 Editing Population, Geoclimatic or Custom Data Maps ..................................................................1333.15.3.1 Creating a Vector Layer and Vector Objects .............................................................................1333.15.3.2 Editing Contours on the Vector Layer .......................................................................................134

3.16 Saving Geographic Data .........................................................................................................1353.16.1 Saving Modifications to an External File .........................................................................................135

3.16.1.1 Exporting an Edited Clutter Class Map in a Raster-Format File................................................1363.16.1.2 Exporting an Edited Vector Layer in Vector-Format File ...........................................................136

3.16.2 Updating the Source File.................................................................................................................1373.16.3 Combining Several Files into One File............................................................................................1373.16.4 Exporting an Embedded File...........................................................................................................1373.16.5 Creating a New File from a Larger File ...........................................................................................138

4 Antennas and Equipment.....................................................................................................1434.1 Working With Antennas............................................................................................................143

4.1.1 Creating an Antenna .......................................................................................................................1434.1.2 Importing Planet-Format Antennas .................................................................................................1444.1.3 Importing 3-D Antenna Patterns......................................................................................................1454.1.4 Smoothing an Antenna Pattern .......................................................................................................1464.1.5 Printing an Antenna Pattern ............................................................................................................147

4.2 Working With Equipment .........................................................................................................1474.2.1 Defining TMA Equipment ................................................................................................................1474.2.2 Defining Feeder Cables ..................................................................................................................1474.2.3 Defining BTS Equipment.................................................................................................................1484.2.4 Updating the Values for Total Losses and the BTS Noise Figure for Transmitters.........................148

4.3 Defining the List of Manufacturers ......................................................................................1494.4 Defining Antennas.......................................................................................................................149

4.4.1 Creating an Antenna .......................................................................................................................1494.4.2 Importing Microwave Antennas.......................................................................................................1514.4.3 Editing Microwave Antenna Patterns ..............................................................................................1514.4.4 Printing Microwave Antenna Patterns .............................................................................................152

4.5 Microwave Equipment...............................................................................................................1524.5.1 Modelling the IDU and ODU in Atoll................................................................................................1544.5.2 Importing Microwave Equipment in Pathloss Format......................................................................1574.5.3 Advanced Configuration..................................................................................................................158

4.5.3.1 Digital Hierarchies .....................................................................................................................1584.5.3.2 Interference Reduction Factor ...................................................................................................1594.5.3.3 Theoretical Graphs ....................................................................................................................162

4.6 Microwave Waveguides and Cables .................................................................................1634.7 Microwave Antenna/Equipment/Waveguide Compatibility .....................................164

4.7.1 Defining Compatibility Manually ......................................................................................................1644.7.1.1 Using the Microwave Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility Table ................................................1644.7.1.2 Using the Microwave Antenna/Equipment Compatibility Table .................................................165

4.7.2 Using Assistants to Define Compatibility.........................................................................................1654.7.2.1 Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Waveguide Compatibility .............................................1654.7.2.2 Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Equipment Compatibility ..............................................166

5 Managing Calculations in Atoll ........................................................................................1705.1 Working with Propagation Models ......................................................................................170

5.1.1 Propagation Model Characteristics: Overview ................................................................................1705.1.2 The Standard Propagation Model ...................................................................................................171

5.1.2.1 Recommendations for Working with the Standard Propagation Model .....................................1725.1.2.2 Calculating Diffraction With the SPM ........................................................................................1725.1.2.3 Sample Values for SPM Formulas ............................................................................................1735.1.2.4 Calculating f(clutter) with the Standard Propagation Model ......................................................173


Table of Contents

5.1.2.5 Modelling Fixed Receivers........................................................................................................ 1745.1.2.6 Defining the Parameters of the Standard Propagation Model .................................................. 174

5.1.3 The Okumura-Hata Propagation Model ......................................................................................... 1775.1.3.1 Defining General Settings (Okumura-Hata) .............................................................................. 1775.1.3.2 Selecting an Environment Formula (Okumura-Hata)................................................................ 1775.1.3.3 Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Okumura-Hata) ............................................... 178

5.1.4 The Cost-Hata Propagation Model ................................................................................................. 1785.1.4.1 Defining General Settings (Cost-Hata) ..................................................................................... 1785.1.4.2 Selecting an Environment Formula (Cost-Hata) ....................................................................... 1795.1.4.3 Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Cost-Hata) ....................................................... 179

5.1.5 The ITU 529-3 Propagation Model ................................................................................................. 1795.1.5.1 Defining General Settings (ITU 529-3) ..................................................................................... 1805.1.5.2 Selecting an Environment Formula (ITU 529-3) ....................................................................... 1805.1.5.3 Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (ITU 529-3) ....................................................... 180

5.1.6 The ITU 370-7 Propagation Model ................................................................................................. 1815.1.7 The Erceg-Greenstein Propagation Model ..................................................................................... 181

5.1.7.1 Defining General Settings (Erceg-Greenstein (SUI)) ................................................................ 1815.1.7.2 Selecting an Environment Formula (Erceg-Greenstein (SUI)).................................................. 1825.1.7.3 Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas (Erceg-Greenstein (SUI)) ................................. 182

5.1.8 The ITU 526-5 Propagation Model ................................................................................................. 1825.1.9 The WLL Propagation Model.......................................................................................................... 1825.1.10 The Longley-Rice Propagation Model ............................................................................................ 1835.1.11 The ITU 1546 Propagation Model .................................................................................................. 1835.1.12 The Sakagami Extended Propagation Model ................................................................................. 1845.1.13 Managing Propagation Models....................................................................................................... 184

5.2 Defining Calculation Parameters ........................................................................................ 1855.2.1 Defining Calculation Parameters for One Transmitter.................................................................... 1855.2.2 Defining the Same Calculation Parameters for a Group of Transmitters ....................................... 1865.2.3 Defining the Same Calculation Parameters for All Transmitters .................................................... 1865.2.4 Defining a Default Propagation Model............................................................................................ 1875.2.5 Defining a Default Resolution ......................................................................................................... 187

5.3 Managing Path Loss Matrices .............................................................................................. 1875.3.1 Calculating Path Loss Matrices ...................................................................................................... 1875.3.2 Stopping Path Loss Matrix Calculation........................................................................................... 1885.3.3 Setting the Storage Location of Path Loss Matrices ...................................................................... 1885.3.4 Using Centralised Path Loss Matrices ........................................................................................... 1885.3.5 Checking the Validity of Path Loss Matrices .................................................................................. 1895.3.6 Tuning Path Loss Matrices Using Measurement Data ................................................................... 190

5.3.6.1 Defining the Area to be Tuned.................................................................................................. 1905.3.6.2 Tuning Path Loss Matrices Using CW Measurements ............................................................. 1915.3.6.3 Tuning Path Loss Matrices Using Test Mobile Data................................................................. 1925.3.6.4 Managing the Tuning Path Loss Matrices Catalogue ............................................................... 193

5.3.7 Exporting Path Loss Matrices......................................................................................................... 1945.4 Predictions Available in Atoll................................................................................................. 195

5.4.1 Making Point Predictions ................................................................................................................ 1955.4.1.1 Starting a Point Analysis ........................................................................................................... 1955.4.1.2 The Tabs of the Point Analysis Tool Window ........................................................................... 1965.4.1.3 Moving the Receiver on the Map .............................................................................................. 1975.4.1.4 Taking Indoor Losses into Account........................................................................................... 1975.4.1.5 Taking Shadowing into Account in Point Analyses................................................................... 197

5.4.2 Making Coverage Predictions ........................................................................................................ 1985.4.2.1 Creating Coverage Predictions ................................................................................................. 1985.4.2.2 Defining the Storage Location of Coverage Prediction Results ................................................ 2005.4.2.3 Calculating Coverage Predictions............................................................................................. 2005.4.2.4 Saving Defined Coverage Predictions ...................................................................................... 2025.4.2.5 Calculating Indoor Coverage .................................................................................................... 2035.4.2.6 Taking Shadowing into Account ............................................................................................... 203

5.5 Using Propagation Models in Microwave Projects..................................................... 2035.5.1 Working with the Microwave Propagation Model ........................................................................... 2035.5.2 Working with the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model ........................................................................... 205

5.6 Defining Microwave Link Classes and Performance Objectives......................... 2075.6.1 Microwave Link Classes ................................................................................................................. 2075.6.2 Defining Performance Objectives ................................................................................................... 207

5.6.2.1 Defining Quality Objectives....................................................................................................... 2085.6.2.2 Defining Availability Objectives................................................................................................. 208


Atoll User Manual

5.7 Defining Calculation Parameters .........................................................................................2095.7.1 Global Parameters ..........................................................................................................................2095.7.2 Link Parameters ..............................................................................................................................211

5.7.2.1 Defining Calculation Parameters for a Single Microwave Link ..................................................2115.7.2.2 Defining Calculation Parameters for All Microwave Links .........................................................2155.7.2.3 Defining Calculation Parameters for a Group of Microwave Links ............................................217

6 Co-planning Features..............................................................................................................2256.1 Starting a Co-planning Project..............................................................................................225

6.1.1 Switching to Co-planning Mode ......................................................................................................2256.1.2 Displaying Both Networks in the Same Atoll Document..................................................................226

6.2 GSM-UMTS Co-planning Process......................................................................................2266.2.1 Creating a UMTS Sector From a GSM Sector ................................................................................226

6.2.1.1 Synchronising Shared Common Physical Parameters..............................................................2276.2.2 Updating GSM And UMTS Coverage Predictions...........................................................................2286.2.3 Comparing GSM-UMTS Coverage Predictions...............................................................................2286.2.4 Performing Inter-Technology Neighbour Allocation ........................................................................230

6.2.4.1 Setting Inter-Technology Exceptional Pairs ..............................................................................2306.2.4.2 Displaying Inter-Technology Exceptional Pairs on the Map ......................................................2316.2.4.3 Allocating Inter-Technology Neighbours Manually ....................................................................2326.2.4.4 Allocating Inter-Technology Neighbours Automatically .............................................................2346.2.4.5 Displaying Inter-Technology Neighbours on the Map ...............................................................235

6.2.5 Modelling Inter-Network Interferences ............................................................................................2366.2.5.1 Interferences from external transmitters on the mobiles ...........................................................2376.2.5.2 Interferences from external transmitters/mobiles on the transmitters .......................................2386.2.5.3 Interferences from external mobiles on the mobiles..................................................................2386.2.5.4 Effects of inter-technology interferences on predictions............................................................239

6.3 Tips and Tricks .............................................................................................................................2406.3.1 Minimising Memory Consumption ...................................................................................................241

7 GSM/GPRS/EDGE Networks ...........................................................................................2457.1 Designing a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Network .......................................................................2457.2 Planning and Optimising GSM/GPRS/EDGE Base Stations.................................246

7.2.1 Creating a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Base Station...................................................................................2467.2.1.1 Definition of a Base Station .......................................................................................................2477.2.1.2 Creating or Modifying a Base Station Element..........................................................................2547.2.1.3 Placing a New Station Using a Station Template ......................................................................2567.2.1.4 Managing Station Templates.....................................................................................................2587.2.1.5 Duplicating an Existing Base Station.........................................................................................261

7.2.2 Creating a Group of Base Stations .................................................................................................2617.2.3 Modifying Sites and Transmitters Directly on the Map....................................................................2627.2.4 Display Tips for Base Stations ........................................................................................................2627.2.5 Modelling Packet-switched Transmitters.........................................................................................2637.2.6 Creating a Repeater........................................................................................................................263

7.2.6.1 Creating and Modifying Repeater Equipment ...........................................................................2637.2.6.2 Placing a Repeater on the Map Using the Mouse .....................................................................2647.2.6.3 Creating Several Repeaters ......................................................................................................2647.2.6.4 Defining the Properties of a Repeater .......................................................................................2647.2.6.5 Tips for Updating Repeater Parameters....................................................................................265

7.2.7 Creating a Remote Antenna............................................................................................................2667.2.7.1 Placing a Remote Antenna on the Map Using the Mouse.........................................................2667.2.7.2 Creating Several Remote Antennas ..........................................................................................2667.2.7.3 Defining the Properties of a Remote Antenna ...........................................................................2667.2.7.4 Tips for Updating Remote Antenna Parameters .......................................................................267

7.2.8 Setting the Working Area of an Atoll Document..............................................................................2677.2.9 Studying a Single Base Station.......................................................................................................268

7.2.9.1 Making a Point Analysis to Study the Profile .............................................................................2687.2.9.2 Studying Signal Level Coverage ...............................................................................................269

7.2.10 Studying Base Stations ...................................................................................................................2717.2.10.1 Path Loss Matrices ....................................................................................................................2727.2.10.2 Assigning a Propagation Model.................................................................................................2747.2.10.3 The Calculation Process ...........................................................................................................2767.2.10.4 Creating a Computation Zone ...................................................................................................2767.2.10.5 Setting Transmitters as Active...................................................................................................2777.2.10.6 Signal Level Coverage Predictions ...........................................................................................278


Table of Contents

7.2.10.7 Analysing a Coverage Prediction.............................................................................................. 2867.2.10.8 Printing and Exporting Coverage Prediction Results ................................................................ 294

7.2.11 Planning Neighbours ...................................................................................................................... 2947.2.11.1 Importing Neighbours ............................................................................................................... 2957.2.11.2 Defining Exceptional Pairs........................................................................................................ 2957.2.11.3 Allocating Neighbours Automatically ........................................................................................ 2957.2.11.4 Checking Automatic Allocation Results .................................................................................... 2987.2.11.5 Allocating and Deleting Neighbours per Transmitter ................................................................ 3007.2.11.6 Calculating the Importance of Existing Neighbours .................................................................. 3027.2.11.7 Checking the Consistency of the Neighbour Allocation Plan .................................................... 3047.2.11.8 Exporting Neighbours ............................................................................................................... 304

7.3 Studying Network Capacity ................................................................................................... 3057.3.1 Defining Multi-service Traffic Data ................................................................................................. 3057.3.2 Creating a Traffic Map .................................................................................................................... 305

7.3.2.1 Creating a Traffic Map per Sector............................................................................................. 3067.3.2.2 Creating a Traffic Map per User Profile .................................................................................... 3077.3.2.3 Creating Traffic Maps per User Density (No. Users/km2) ........................................................ 3117.3.2.4 Converting 2G Network Traffic ................................................................................................. 3127.3.2.5 Exporting Cumulated Traffic ..................................................................................................... 312

7.3.3 Exporting a Traffic Map .................................................................................................................. 3137.3.4 Calculating and Displaying a Traffic Capture ................................................................................. 313

7.3.4.1 Prerequisites for a Traffic Capture ............................................................................................ 3137.3.4.2 Creating a Traffic Capture ........................................................................................................ 3147.3.4.3 GSM/GPRS/EDGE Traffic Capture Results ............................................................................. 3157.3.4.4 Estimating a Traffic Increase .................................................................................................... 3157.3.4.5 Modifying a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Traffic Capture ....................................................................... 315

7.3.5 Dimensioning a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Network ................................................................................. 3167.3.5.1 Defining a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Dimensioning Model ................................................................ 3167.3.5.2 Dimensioning a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Network ........................................................................... 317

7.4 Allocating Frequencies and BSICs .................................................................................... 3207.4.1 Allocating Frequencies and BSICs Manually ................................................................................. 320

7.4.1.1 Assigning BSIC Domains to Transmitters................................................................................. 3207.4.1.2 Assigning BSICs to Transmitters Manually............................................................................... 3217.4.1.3 Defining Frequency Domains for Transmitters ......................................................................... 3217.4.1.4 Assigning Frequencies to Subcells ........................................................................................... 322

7.4.2 Allocating Frequencies and BSICs Using an AFP Module ............................................................. 3237.4.2.1 Prerequisites for an Automatic Frequency Allocation ............................................................... 3247.4.2.2 Interference Matrices ................................................................................................................ 3247.4.2.3 Defining Required Channel Separations .................................................................................. 3317.4.2.4 Automatic Frequency Allocation ............................................................................................... 3347.4.2.5 Interactive Frequency Allocation............................................................................................... 345

7.5 Analysing Network Quality ..................................................................................................... 3477.5.1 Interference Coverage Predictions ................................................................................................. 347

7.5.1.1 Making Quality Studies Based on CI or C(I+N) ....................................................................... 3487.5.1.2 Studying Interference Areas ..................................................................................................... 3507.5.1.3 Analysing Interference Areas Using a Point Analysis............................................................... 3527.5.1.4 Example of Analysing Interference Using a Point Analysis ...................................................... 354

7.5.2 Packet-Specific Coverage Predictions ........................................................................................... 3557.5.2.1 Making a Coverage Prediction by GPRS/EDGE Coding Schemes .......................................... 3557.5.2.2 Making a Coverage Prediction by Packet Throughput per Timeslot......................................... 3577.5.2.3 Making a BLER Coverage Prediction ....................................................................................... 359

7.5.3 Making a Circuit Quality Indicator (BER, FER, or MOS) Coverage Prediction............................... 3627.5.4 Studying Interference Between Transmitters ................................................................................. 3647.5.5 Auditing a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Frequency Plan.............................................................................. 3657.5.6 Checking Consistency Between Transmitters and Subcells .......................................................... 3677.5.7 Displaying the Frequency Allocation .............................................................................................. 368

7.5.7.1 Using the Search Tool to Display Channel Reuse.................................................................... 3687.5.7.2 Displaying the Frequency Allocation Using Transmitter Display Settings ................................ 3697.5.7.3 Grouping Transmitters by Frequencies .................................................................................... 3697.5.7.4 Displaying the Channel Allocation Histogram........................................................................... 370

7.5.8 Calculating Key Performance Indicators of a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Network ................................... 3707.6 Optimising and Verifying Network Capacity .................................................................. 373

7.6.1 Importing a Test Mobile Data Path ................................................................................................. 3737.6.2 Displaying Test Mobile Data........................................................................................................... 3757.6.3 Defining the Display of a Test Mobile Data Path ............................................................................ 3757.6.4 Network Verification ....................................................................................................................... 376

7.6.4.1 Filtering Incompatible Points Along Test Mobile Data Paths .................................................... 376


Atoll User Manual

7.6.4.2 Creating Coverage Predictions from Test Mobile Data Paths ...................................................3777.6.4.3 Extracting a Field From a Test Mobile Path for a Transmitter ...................................................3797.6.4.4 Analysing Data Variations Along the Path.................................................................................380

7.6.5 Printing and Exporting the Test Mobile Data Window.....................................................................3817.7 Advanced Configuration...........................................................................................................382

7.7.1 Defining Resource Ranges .............................................................................................................3827.7.1.1 Frequencies...............................................................................................................................3827.7.1.2 BSICs ........................................................................................................................................3837.7.1.3 Defining HSN Domains and Groups..........................................................................................385

7.7.2 Setting HCS Layers.........................................................................................................................3857.7.3 Comparing Service Areas in Calculations.......................................................................................3867.7.4 Cell Types .......................................................................................................................................390

7.7.4.1 TRX Types ................................................................................................................................3907.7.4.2 Creating a Cell Type..................................................................................................................3907.7.4.3 Examples of Cell Types.............................................................................................................392

7.7.5 TRX Configuration...........................................................................................................................3937.7.5.1 Creating or Importing TRX Configuration ..................................................................................394

7.7.6 Codec Configuration .......................................................................................................................3947.7.6.1 Accessing the Codec Mode table ..............................................................................................3947.7.6.2 Creating or Modifying Codec Configuration ..............................................................................3957.7.6.3 Setting Codec Mode Adaptation Thresholds .............................................................................3957.7.6.4 Setting Codec Mode Quality Thresholds ...................................................................................3967.7.6.5 Using Codec Configurations in Transmitters and Terminals .....................................................396

7.7.7 Coding Scheme Configuration ........................................................................................................3977.7.7.1 Accessing the Coding Scheme table.........................................................................................3977.7.7.2 Creating or Modifying Coding Scheme Configuration ...............................................................3977.7.7.3 Using Coding Scheme Configuration in Transmitters and Terminals........................................3987.7.7.4 Adapting Coding Scheme Thresholds for a Maximum BLER....................................................3997.7.7.5 Displaying Coding Scheme Throughput Graphs .......................................................................399

7.7.8 Timeslot Configurations ..................................................................................................................4007.7.8.1 Creating or Modifying a Timeslot Configuration ........................................................................400

7.7.9 Advanced Transmitter Configuration Options .................................................................................4007.7.9.1 Defining Extended Cells ............................................................................................................4017.7.9.2 Advanced Modelling of Multi-Band Transmitters .......................................................................401

7.7.10 GSM/GPRS/EDGE Multi-Service Traffic Data ................................................................................4037.7.10.1 Modelling GSM/GPRS/EDGE Services.....................................................................................4047.7.10.2 Modelling GSM/GPRS/EDGE Mobility Types ...........................................................................4047.7.10.3 Modelling GSM/GPRS/EDGE Terminals...................................................................................405

7.7.11 Defining the Interferer Reception Threshold ...................................................................................4067.7.12 Taking Intermodulation Interference into Consideration in Calculations .........................................4077.7.13 Modelling Shadowing ......................................................................................................................407

7.7.13.1 Displaying the Shadowing Margins per Clutter Class ...............................................................4077.7.14 Modelling the Co-existence of Networks.........................................................................................408

8 The Atoll AFP Module .............................................................................................................4118.1 Managing the Atoll AFP Module ..........................................................................................411

8.1.1 The Atoll AFP Cost Function...........................................................................................................4118.1.2 Opening the Atoll AFP Module Properties Dialogue .......................................................................4118.1.3 Defining AFP Parameters ...............................................................................................................412

8.1.3.1 Defining Interference Cost.........................................................................................................4128.1.3.2 Defining Separation Constraint Violation Cost ..........................................................................4138.1.3.3 Other Costs Involved in the AFP Cost Function ........................................................................4138.1.3.4 Weighting the Cost Components...............................................................................................4158.1.3.5 Setting the Interferer Diversity Gain ..........................................................................................4158.1.3.6 Setting Frequency Diversity Gain ..............................................................................................4168.1.3.7 Setting Gain Due to Low Timeslot Use Ratio ............................................................................416

8.1.4 Defining AFP Allocation Strategies .................................................................................................4178.1.4.1 Setting Channel Spectrum Usage .............................................................................................4178.1.4.2 Setting HSN Strategy in FH.......................................................................................................4188.1.4.3 Defining MAL Targets in SFH....................................................................................................4188.1.4.4 Managing MAIO Preferences in SFH ........................................................................................4198.1.4.5 Setting BSIC Usage Diversity....................................................................................................419

8.1.5 Interference Matrix Combination in Atoll AFP Module ....................................................................4208.2 The Atoll AFP Module Properties Dialogue....................................................................421

8.2.1 The Atoll AFP Cost Tab ..................................................................................................................4218.2.2 The Atoll AFP Separation Weights Tab ..........................................................................................4228.2.3 The Atoll AFP Interference Matrices Tab ........................................................................................423


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8.2.4 The Atoll AFP HSN Tab ................................................................................................................. 4238.2.5 The Atoll AFP MAL Tab.................................................................................................................. 4248.2.6 The Atoll AFP Execution Tab ......................................................................................................... 4248.2.7 The Atoll AFP Spacing Tab ............................................................................................................ 4258.2.8 The Atoll AFP Protections Tab ....................................................................................................... 4268.2.9 The Atoll AFP Advanced Tab ......................................................................................................... 427

9 UMTS HSPA Networks ......................................................................................................... 4319.1 Designing a UMTS Network .................................................................................................. 4319.2 Planning and Optimising UMTS Base Stations ........................................................... 432

9.2.1 Creating a UMTS Base Station ...................................................................................................... 4339.2.1.1 Definition of a Base Station ...................................................................................................... 4339.2.1.2 Creating or Modifying a Base Station Element ......................................................................... 4399.2.1.3 Placing a New Station Using a Station Template ..................................................................... 4409.2.1.4 Managing Station Templates .................................................................................................... 4429.2.1.5 Duplicating an Existing Base Station ........................................................................................ 446

9.2.2 Creating a Group of Base Stations................................................................................................. 4479.2.3 Modifying Sites and Transmitters Directly on the Map ................................................................... 4479.2.4 Display Tips for Base Stations ....................................................................................................... 4479.2.5 Creating a Dual-Band UMTS Network ........................................................................................... 4489.2.6 Creating a Repeater ....................................................................................................................... 448

9.2.6.1 Creating and Modifying Repeater Equipment........................................................................... 4489.2.6.2 Placing a Repeater on the Map Using the Mouse .................................................................... 4499.2.6.3 Creating Several Repeaters ..................................................................................................... 4499.2.6.4 Defining the Properties of a Repeater ...................................................................................... 4499.2.6.5 Tips for Updating Repeater Parameters ................................................................................... 451

9.2.7 Creating a Remote Antenna ........................................................................................................... 4519.2.7.1 Placing a Remote Antenna on the Map Using the Mouse ........................................................ 4519.2.7.2 Creating Several Remote Antennas ......................................................................................... 4529.2.7.3 Defining the Properties of a Remote Antenna .......................................................................... 4529.2.7.4 Tips for Updating Remote Antenna Parameters....................................................................... 453

9.2.8 Setting the Working Area of an Atoll Document ............................................................................. 4539.2.9 Studying a Single Base Station ...................................................................................................... 453

9.2.9.1 Making a Point Analysis to Study the Profile ............................................................................ 4549.2.9.2 Studying Signal Level Coverage............................................................................................... 455

9.2.10 Studying Base Stations .................................................................................................................. 4579.2.10.1 Path Loss Matrices ................................................................................................................... 4589.2.10.2 Assigning a Propagation Model ................................................................................................ 4599.2.10.3 The Calculation Process........................................................................................................... 4619.2.10.4 Creating a Computation Zone................................................................................................... 4619.2.10.5 Setting Transmitters or Cells as Active..................................................................................... 4629.2.10.6 Signal Level Coverage Predictions ........................................................................................... 4639.2.10.7 Analysing a Coverage Prediction.............................................................................................. 4679.2.10.8 UMTS-Specific Studies............................................................................................................. 4749.2.10.9 HSDPA Coverage Prediction.................................................................................................... 4899.2.10.10 HSUPA Coverage Prediction .................................................................................................... 4919.2.10.11 Printing and Exporting Coverage Prediction Results ................................................................ 492

9.2.11 Planning Neighbours ...................................................................................................................... 4929.2.11.1 Importing Neighbours ............................................................................................................... 4939.2.11.2 Defining Exceptional Pairs........................................................................................................ 4939.2.11.3 Allocating Neighbours Automatically ........................................................................................ 4939.2.11.4 Checking Automatic Allocation Results .................................................................................... 4979.2.11.5 Allocating and Deleting Neighbours per Cell ............................................................................ 4999.2.11.6 Checking the Consistency of the Neighbour Allocation Plan .................................................... 5019.2.11.7 Exporting Neighbours ............................................................................................................... 502

9.2.12 Planning Scrambling Codes ........................................................................................................... 5039.2.12.1 Defining the Scrambling Code Format...................................................................................... 5039.2.12.2 Creating Scrambling Code Domains and Groups..................................................................... 5049.2.12.3 Defining Exceptional Pairs for Scrambling Code Allocation ..................................................... 5049.2.12.4 Allocating Scrambling Codes.................................................................................................... 5049.2.12.5 Checking the Consistency of the Scrambling Code Plan ......................................................... 5079.2.12.6 Displaying the Allocation of Scrambling Codes ........................................................................ 507

9.3 Studying Network Capacity ................................................................................................... 5119.3.1 Defining Multi-service Traffic Data ................................................................................................. 5119.3.2 Creating a Traffic Map .................................................................................................................... 511

9.3.2.1 Creating a Traffic Map per Sector............................................................................................. 5129.3.2.2 Creating a Traffic Map per User Profile .................................................................................... 513


Atoll User Manual

9.3.2.3 Creating Traffic Maps per User Density (No. Users/km2) .........................................................5179.3.2.4 Converting 2G Network Traffic ..................................................................................................5189.3.2.5 Exporting Cumulated Traffic ......................................................................................................519

9.3.3 Exporting a Traffic Map ...................................................................................................................5199.3.4 Calculating and Displaying Traffic Simulations ...............................................................................520

9.3.4.1 The Power Control Simulation Algorithm ..................................................................................5209.3.4.2 Creating Simulations .................................................................................................................5239.3.4.3 Displaying the Traffic Distribution on the Map ...........................................................................5249.3.4.4 Displaying the User Active Set on the Map ...............................................................................5269.3.4.5 Displaying the Results of a Single Simulation ...........................................................................5279.3.4.6 Displaying the Average Results of a Group of Simulations .......................................................5329.3.4.7 Updating Cell Values With Simulation Results ..........................................................................5359.3.4.8 Adding New Simulations to an Atoll Document .........................................................................5359.3.4.9 Estimating a Traffic Increase .....................................................................................................537

9.3.5 Analysing the Results of a Simulation.............................................................................................5379.3.5.1 Making an AS Analysis of Simulation Results ...........................................................................5389.3.5.2 Making Coverage Predictions Using Simulation Results ..........................................................538

9.4 Optimising and Verifying Network Capacity ...................................................................5399.4.1 Importing a Test Mobile Data Path..................................................................................................5399.4.2 Displaying Test Mobile Data ...........................................................................................................5429.4.3 Defining the Display of a Test Mobile Data Path.............................................................................5429.4.4 Network Verification ........................................................................................................................543

9.4.4.1 Filtering Incompatible Points Along Test Mobile Data Paths.....................................................5439.4.4.2 Creating Coverage Predictions from Test Mobile Data Paths ...................................................5449.4.4.3 Extracting a Field From a Test Mobile Path for a Transmitter ...................................................5459.4.4.4 Analysing Data Variations Along the Path.................................................................................546

9.4.5 Printing and Exporting the Test Mobile Data Window.....................................................................5489.5 Advanced Configuration...........................................................................................................548

9.5.1 Defining Inter-Carrier Interference ..................................................................................................5489.5.2 Defining Frequency Bands..............................................................................................................5499.5.3 The Global Transmitter Parameters................................................................................................549

9.5.3.1 The Options on the Global Parameters Tab..............................................................................5499.5.3.2 Modifying Global Transmitter Parameters .................................................................................550

9.5.4 Radio Bearers .................................................................................................................................5509.5.4.1 Defining R99 Radio Bearers......................................................................................................5509.5.4.2 Defining HSDPA Radio Bearers ................................................................................................5519.5.4.3 Defining HSUPA Radio Bearers ................................................................................................552

9.5.5 Site Equipment................................................................................................................................5529.5.5.1 Creating Site Equipment ...........................................................................................................5529.5.5.2 Defining Resource Consumption per UMTS Site Equipment and R99 Radio Bearer ...............5539.5.5.3 Defining Resource Consumption per UMTS Site Equipment and HSUPA Radio Bearer .........553

9.5.6 Receiver Equipment........................................................................................................................5549.5.6.1 Setting Receiver Height.............................................................................................................5549.5.6.2 Creating or Modifying Reception Equipment .............................................................................5549.5.6.3 HSDPA UE Categories..............................................................................................................5559.5.6.4 HSUPA UE Categories..............................................................................................................556

9.5.7 Multiple Input Multiple Output Systems...........................................................................................5569.5.8 Conditions for Entering the Active Set ............................................................................................5579.5.9 Modelling Shadowing ......................................................................................................................557

9.5.9.1 Displaying the Shadowing Margins and Macro-diversity Gain per Clutter Class ......................558

10 Atoll ACP Module........................................................................................................................56110.1 The ACP Module and Atoll .....................................................................................................561

10.1.1 Using Zones with ACP ....................................................................................................................56110.1.1.1 Using the Computation Zone and the Focus Zone....................................................................56110.1.1.2 Using Hot Spots ........................................................................................................................56110.1.1.3 Using the Filtering Zone .....................

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