User's Manual

APCD-LM043-4.0 59
5 Radio Network Planning
An important task in the implementation of LMS4000 900MHz Radio Networks is RF system
planning and design. Whether you are deploying a single CCU or a complex multi-CAP, multi-
CCU network, proper system design is necessary to provide and maintain high-quality service
to end users in your target serving area.
5.1 Design Methodology
The following sections are not intended to provide detailed system design instructions;
instead, they provide system design guidelines. WaveRider used this approach for the
following reasons:
• Factors affecting system design and implementation vary widely and differ from
system to system.
• System design and implementation cannot be encapsulated in a simple formula or set
of formulas.
Each system design is unique and must take into account all of the design factors that can
influence system operation and performance:
• Topography: Hills and valleys that create coverage holes or conversely, areas that
may be very exposed from an RF standpoint, exposing subscribers in these areas to
high levels of interference generated from outside the system or by other CAP sites.
• Clutter: Obstructions such as trees and buildings, which tend to reduce the desired
signal level and coverage.
• Network Topology: The configuration of the network, implemented to provide optimum
service. Network topology is driven by factors such as the location of the Internet point
of presence, the availability of towers and roof-top locations that can be used to
establish antenna and equipment sites, and the target coverage area.
• Interference: The presence of interference, either in-band (in the ISM band) or out-of-
band in your target serving area constrains the freedom that you have for determining
the location of CAP sites and for choosing operating frequencies.