A SOFTWARE TOOL FOR RADIO COMMUNICATION

NETWORK OPTIMIZATION
Marek Horváth1, Jozef Petrek
KRE FEI STU, Ilkovi ova 3, 812 19 Bratislava
marecheck@pobox.sk, petrek@kre.elf.stuba.sk

Abstract: This paper presents a new software tool for radiocommunication network topology
optimisation. The tool uses the digital network database of the Slovak republic and is a base
for the network topology optimisation algorithms application.

1. Introduction
The task of an economical service of communication networks is a crucial issue in present-
day competing environment. The authors dispose of some powerful network topology
optimisation algorithms [1], which work very well assuming that the cost functions of all
network links are known, this means that the length-cost function for all links is exactly
known.
Unfortunately this is not the case for not-rented microwave radio links. The cost of a link
depends not on the link length, frequency band and bandwidth exclusively but also on the
terrain profile, power line availability, node locality rent cost and other variable factors. The
goal of our effort was to create a software environment for the radio network optimisation
which could be skilful for network providers.

2.Radio link cost function

In our consideration we used following link cost function cl or node cost function cn
respectively:

il in
cl = + ol c n = rn + + on (1)
el en

where index l is for a link and index n for a node,

r is the rent cost [$/month]2
i is installation cost [$]
e is the life expectancy of the considered network component [month]
o is the operation cost [$/month]
rn is the rent cost for a place where the provider may place its technology. When the provider
owns the parcel or building yet, rn = 0.
on is the cost of maintenance of the node, assumed electricity consumption etc.
in is the cost for building modifications for rented space or erection of provider owned
building respectively, cost of antenna mast, cost of power line installation, cost of all node
technology except of those which is included in the link installation cost il .
We isolated the cost, which are typical for a node from the cost of link not to duplicate the
same cost because one rented site, building, antenna mast may guest more links.
The most complicated entry is the cost of power line installation because it crucially depends
on the low voltage accessibility. In the process of new network planning the optimised
locations of all network nodes are not known. To be able to optimise the network also in this

1
Marek Horváth has written his graduation thesis at KRE FEI STU under supervision of Jozef Petrek
2
$ is the symbol for the local currency

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phase we plan entering positions of distinguished power supply nodes and introduce the
power lines with simplified cost function similar to the communication line cost function. In
our tool for the simplicity rn+ on is only one parameter (Cost of operation, see Fig.1).
When the link keeps the network operator (the link is not rented from another operator), the il
is cost for all needed technology (transceivers, receivers, antennas and cables etc.) on both
ends of the link.

Fig.1 Network nodes and links editing tool

3. Basic features of the tool

For the easy editing of network nodes and links an editing tool was made (see Fig. 1.)
To realise a microwave link between two points A and B sometimes a relay station is
necessary because of the rugged topography or long distance between A and B.
The maximal length of one hop microwave link dmax we calculate from equation (2)

P +G − Pp −k +γ − A−20⋅log f
T
d
max
= 10 20 [km, dBm, dBi, dBm, dB, dB, GHz ] (2)

Where PT is the transmitter power

G is the sum of transmitter and receiver antennas gains
PP is the receiver sensitivity
k is the sum of cable and connector attenuation in both transceiver and receiver sides

1
γ = 20 ⋅ log c − log109 + log − 60 ≅ −92,4 dB is a constant coming from the radar
4π
equation and unit transcending; c is the light velocity in m/s

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 A is a gain reserve, which is necessary because of additional atmospheric wave
absorption, which depends on frequency band and local weather condition. In 23 GHz
band we use A=20 dB
f is the used frequency

Fig.2. Plane map of the terrain with Fig.3. 3D view of the terrain profile
a designed network

The exact locality of a node side can be edited entering the exact geographical coordinates of
a node. Unfortunately there are more geographical coordinate systems. This tool works
default in the Slovak S-JTSK system but supports also the transcoding from the military S-42
WGS-84 respectively. So the coordinates measured using the GPS satellite system can easily
be used.
After editing the node (and link if any) coordinates in the editing tool (Fig. 1) the user can see
the plain map with network nodes (and links). The scaling factor is set automatically (Fig.2)
according to network dimension. A 3D model of the terrain profile is also available (Fig. 3).
Clicking on a link, choosing two network nodes or writing geographical co-ordinates of two
points a terrain profile between two points can be displayed (Fig.4). The antenna altitudes are
taken from the network station file. The first Fresnel zone is also depicted. The radius of the
n-th Fresnel zone is calculated using (3) [3]

d1d 2
rn = nλ (3)
d1 + d 2

where λ is wave length, d1 and d2 are distances of the transmitter and receiver antennas
respectively.
A skilful radio network design tool is the visibility tool (Fig.5) which finds quickly a visibility
to nodes from a chosen network node or visibility to terrain from a chosen terrain point to all
directions.
The used digital terrain database has 100 meter grid therefore between two database points in
the real terrain some local extremes may occur. To predict the extremes a interpolation
method can be used. Three possibilities can be chosen:
• without interpolation,
• linear interpolation
• two-dimensional sampling theorem [3].

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For longer links also the earth curvature should be taken into account. The tool provides three
possibilities, one of them has to be chosen by the user:
• without earth curving
4
• radio earth curving ( Rr = Re = 8493 km, where Re is the earth radius, Rr is an equivalent
3
earth radius
• optical earth curving

Fig.4. Terrain profile Fig.5 Visibility tool

4. Conclusion
This tool is a base for radio network topology optimisation. Similar to all other comparable
tools is not able to grand safe results because of insufficient detail or inaccuracy of digital
terrain database. In the cities the building are not included in the database, in rural areas
usually forest vegetation might change the real visibility result. Therefore the visibility of
antennas should be proven on-site before starting final project of installing all radio
equipment.
After finishing the continuing work on network topology optimisation could the tool can save
much resources for network operators.

5. References
[1] Petrek J.: Hierarchical communication network topology optimisation. KRE FEI STU
Bratislava 1998, PhD. theses, p. 107
[2] Ericson: Ericson Mini-Link System Planning, Sweden, Mondal: Ericson Microwave
System AB, 2002
[3] Klima J., Klimeš J.: Výpo et intenzity elektromagnetického po a v pásmach VKV a UKV,
Nadas Praha, 1988, p.144
[4] Horváth M.: Radiocommunication network topology optimisation. KRE FEI STU
Bratislava 2003, Graduation theses, p. 81
[5] Federální ministerstvo spoj : Metodika výpo tu a plánování rádioreléových spoj , Praha
1984, MDT 621.396.43.001.1:001.8

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