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During link planning such factors as distance, obstacles and the link margin should be taken into account. We strongly recommend to use the InfiPLANNER tool for link planning.

InfiPLANNER

InfiPLANNER is a link planning tool, which allows to design networks using Infinet Wireless devices for optimal deployment and cost effectiveness. It accounts for different scenarios based on geography, distance, antenna height, transmit power, device models and other factors. InfiPLANNER allows also to set artificial obstacles in the propagation path and evaluate influence of a current interference level on the throughput. It outputs an installation report that defines the parameters to be used for configuration, alignment and operation. Use the installation report to compare the predicted performance with the actual link performance. InfiPLANNER is available at https://infiplanner.infinetwireless.com.

Range and obstacles

Make sure line of sight is provided during planning the wireless devices placement for a point-to-point link, to achieve maximum range and performance between two devices. Perform a survey to identify all the obstructions (such as trees or buildings) in the path and to assess the risk of interference.

The radio beam is an invisible form of electromagnetic wave propagation and is not as thin as a laser beam, for example. The main energy in a radio beam is concentrated along the straight line between the two antennas, inside an area the shape of an ellipsoid (or a rugby ball). This area is called a 1^st Fresnel zone and its exact form and size depends upon the frequency and the signal propagation path length.

If most of the 1^st Fresnel zone is obstructed, a major part of the radio wave’s electromagnetic energy is lost, which leads to a severe signal quality degradation and as a result to decreased coverage range or performance.

Below is an incomplete list of possible obstructions on the signal propagation path:

• Neighboring buildings.
• Trees.
• Bridges.
• Power lines.

To obtain the best results, it is necessary to perform a precise analysis of the signal propagation path and possible obstructions that may cover the 1^st Fresnel zone.

Wireless device placement

General recommendations for wireless device placement:

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