GE MDS Orbit ECR User Manual

1.1.Feasibility Study: Path Profiles

1.1.1. Description

Path Profiles show a “side-view” of a single radio link. A Path Profile provides a means to
visually evaluate path conditions including centerline clearance and Fresnel Zone obstruction
with respect to terrain and clutter.

GE MDS will perform path profiles using Propagation Simulation Software, SignalPro 8.2,
and provide documentation in PDF format.

1.1.2. Key Assumptions

 Hardware is fully specified: radio model / throughput required / feed line / antenna

model(s) / antenna heights. Where specifications are not defined, GE MDS will provide

default specifications.

 Ground clutter models are not sufficiently accurate to guarantee minimum antenna

heights for a successful link.

 External interference will not be predicted.
 GE MDS strongly recommends physical link testing to determine signal levels based on

actual ground clutter conditions before installing any equipment. Customer assumes all

risks if radio links are installed based only on feasibility studies

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1.1.3. Key Requirements of Deliverables

 Radio link(s) will be visually represented with respect to terrain elevation and ground

clutter (where ground clutter is available).

 Signal strength prediction in dBm for each site or link.
 Availability prediction in percent per calendar for each link.
 Mitigation or possible solutions for paths that do not meet minimum requirements.

1.1.4. Deliverables

 Documentation in PDF format will include model assumptions, location info, site maps

referencing site locations to terrain elevation data and ground clutter, and individual path

profiles with link budgets.

 Predicted signal strength and annual 2-way availability percentage will be given for each

site, provided the link meets the minimum availability requirement.

 For more than 12 paths, a summary table will be given instead of individual link budgets.

1.1.5. Sample Path Profile