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Field measurements help determine whether a planned microwave path is viable before the radios are installed. Line-of-sight (LoS) verification is an important step to account for varying terrain/vegetation, buildings, antenna height, path geometry, and obstructions within the Fresnel zone, which can all affect RF propagation.
Watch: Line-of-Sight Verification with SAF Tehnika
Overview
This demonstration shows how SAF Tehnika's SG Compact signal generator and Spectrum Compact spectrum analyzer can be used together to evaluate a proposed microwave path. The basics are pretty straightforward:
- Position an SG Compact signal generator at one end of the proposed link.
- Generate a signal at the intended test frequency.
- Position Spectrum Compact at the opposite site.
- Use appropriate antennas at both locations.
- Measure the received signal across the proposed path.
- Use the measurement to help evaluate the viability of the planned link.
Why Verify Line of Sight Before Installation?
In short: A microwave link can look viable on a map and still encounter problems in the field.
Discovering those problems after radios, antennas, towers, or mounting infrastructure have been installed creates unnecessary cost and frustration.
Field verification gives engineers another source of information before committing to a complete installation. RF verification complements mapping, terrain analysis, path profiles, and other link-planning methods.
Using Spectrum Compact and SG Compact
SG Compact is a portable RF signal generator designed for field applications like antenna alignment, testing, and line-of-sight verification.
At one end of the proposed path, SG Compact generates a continuous-wave signal at the selected frequency.
At the opposite location, Spectrum Compact measures the received signal.
Together, this allows technicians to test the RF path before the microwave radios themselves are installed.
What Equipment Do You Need?
A field LoS verification configuration could include:
- SAF SG Compact signal generator
- SAF Spectrum Compact spectrum analyzer
- Appropriate antennas
- RF cables and adapters
- Mounting hardware, tripods or other temporary supports
- Power/charging equipment
When Is LoS Verification Useful?
Potential scenarios include:
- Planning a new microwave link
- Evaluating a difficult or unusually long RF path
- Evaluating antenna height
- Investigating why a newly installed link is underperforming
- WISP and telecommunications deployments
- Government and critical-infrastructure networks
From Verification to Deployment
LoS verification is only one stage in designing a reliable microwave connection. Once the path has been evaluated, engineers still need to consider factors including:
- Operating frequency
- Available spectrum
- Link distance
- Required throughput
- Antenna gain
- Transmit power
- Receiver characteristics
- Link budget
- Rain attenuation
- Interference
Cyntony's SAF Tehnika portfolio includes both RF test equipment and microwave radio solutions, so you can move from evaluating the path to deploying the link.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is line-of-sight verification?
Line-of-sight verification is the process of evaluating whether a proposed RF path between two locations can support the intended wireless connection. Field verification can complement software-based path planning by testing the proposed path directly.
What is the Fresnel zone?
The Fresnel zone is an elliptical region surrounding the direct RF path between transmitting and receiving antennas. Objects within this region can affect signal propagation even when the antennas have direct visual line of sight.
What equipment does SAF Tehnika offer for LoS verification?
SAF Tehnika's approach combines SG Compact, Spectrum Compact, and suitable antennas. SAF also offers supporting equipment and a dedicated LoS verification solution.
Planning a Microwave Link?
Cyntony can help evaluate SAF Tehnika equipment for link verification, microwave communications, antennas, and supporting RF infrastructure.
Tell us about your proposed link.
