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.
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:
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.
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.
A field LoS verification configuration could include:
Potential scenarios include:
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:
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.
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.
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.
SAF Tehnika's approach combines SG Compact, Spectrum Compact, and suitable antennas. SAF also offers supporting equipment and a dedicated LoS verification solution.
Cyntony can help evaluate SAF Tehnika equipment for link verification, microwave communications, antennas, and supporting RF infrastructure.
Tell us about your proposed link.