Propagation-prediction and site-planning software for wireless communication systems

Abstract

Propagation-prediction and site-planning software for wireless communication networks has been developed. The software has a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI), and provides calculations for large-scale and small-scale propagation parameters, including path loss (or received power) and delay profiles. Angles of arrival/departure, which are useful for the design of wireless systems employing multiple antennas, are also provided in the simulation. Some of the main features of the software include the use of a computationally efficient ray-tracing approach for simulating propagation in wireless environments, and the fact that users can upload AutoCAD .dxf files for indoor or outdoor environments. Both a single-building floor plan or an entire city layout can be simulated, and the user is provided with the ability to assign wall geometries and electrical parameters. User-defined realistic antenna radiation patterns for both the transmitting and receiving antennas are incorporated in the simulation. Broadband as well as polarization-dependent simulations are also included in the software.