CDMA OptiPlanner 2.1.10 User Guide

Copyright Notice Copyright 20022004, Schema Inc.

CDMA OptiPlanner Version 2.1.10

August 2004

CDMA OptiPlanner is a trademark of Schema Inc. Microsoft, Windows and Excel are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. MapInfo is a trademark of MapInfo Corp. The names of any other companies or products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Schema Inc. retains the sole proprietary rights to all information contained in this document. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, including but not limited to: electronic, mechanical, magnetic, photocopy, recording or otherwise in use now or in the future without prior written consent from Schema Inc.

Due to a policy of continuous product development and refinement, Schema Inc. reserves the right to alter the specifications and descriptions outlined in this publication without giving prior notice of any kind. This may lead to minor inconsistencies between actual product functionality and the descriptions presented in this guide. In addition, no part of this publication, taken as a whole or separately, shall be deemed to be part of any contract for equipment or services.

Table of Contents

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Table of Contents 1: Introduction ...................................................................................12 1.1: Intended Audience.............................................................................................................12 1.2: CDMA OptiPlanner Features ............................................................................................12 1.3: Product Highlights & Key Benefits..................................................................................13 1.4: CDMA OptiPlanner Software Modules ............................................................................14

1.4.1: User Interface .................................................................................................................... 15 1.4.2: Summary............................................................................................................................ 15

2: Getting Started ..............................................................................16 2.1: Launching OptiPlanner .....................................................................................................16

2.1.1: Starting OptiPlanner ......................................................................................................... 16 2.1.2: Automatic Saving of Changes ......................................................................................... 19

2.2: The OptiPlanner Windows ................................................................................................19 2.3: The Menu & Toolbars ........................................................................................................21

2.3.1: The Menu ........................................................................................................................... 21 2.3.2: The OptiPlanner Toolbars ................................................................................................ 29

2.4: The Explorer Window........................................................................................................39 2.4.1: The Documents Tab.......................................................................................................... 40 2.4.2: The Antenna Models Manager ......................................................................................... 48 2.4.3: The Map Tab ...................................................................................................................... 50 2.4.4: The Selections Tab ........................................................................................................... 60

2.5: The Properties Window.....................................................................................................62 2.6: The Map Viewing Area.......................................................................................................63

2.6.1: Context Menus .................................................................................................................. 64 2.7: Other General-Purpose Windows ....................................................................................64

2.7.1: The Process Monitor Window.......................................................................................... 65 2.7.2: The Preferences Window ................................................................................................. 66

2.8: Searching for Network Elements .....................................................................................68 2.9: Exiting OptiPlanner ...........................................................................................................69

3: The Map Viewing Area ..................................................................70 3.1: Basic Map Operations.......................................................................................................70

3.1.1: Zooming In and Out .......................................................................................................... 70 3.1.2: Modifying the Scale of Network Elements ..................................................................... 72 3.1.3: Navigating the Network Map............................................................................................ 72 3.1.4: Navigating Previous Displays.......................................................................................... 73 3.1.5: Printing the Map................................................................................................................ 73

3.2: Displaying Coordinates on the Map ................................................................................74

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3.3: The Terrain Cross Section Tool .......................................................................................74 3.3.1: Terrain Cross Section Fields ........................................................................................... 76 3.3.2: Using the Terrain Cross Section Tool............................................................................. 76

3.4: Viewing GIS Layers ...........................................................................................................77 3.5: Importing Maps ..................................................................................................................80 3.6: Exporting Map Files...........................................................................................................82 3.7: Restricting the Display of Network Elements.................................................................82

3.7.1: Modifying Network Elements Display Properties .......................................................... 83

4: Selections ......................................................................................86 4.1: Introduction........................................................................................................................86 4.1: The Selection Toolbar .......................................................................................................86 4.2: Creating a New Network Element Selection ...................................................................87

4.2.1: Adding Elements to a Selection ...................................................................................... 88 4.2.2: Viewing the Elements in a Selection............................................................................... 92 4.2.3: Exporting & Importing Selections ................................................................................... 93 4.2.4: The Global Editor .............................................................................................................. 94 4.2.5: Polygon Selections........................................................................................................... 95

5: Importing a Network......................................................................99 5.1: Folder Structure.................................................................................................................99

5.1.1: Importing Predictions..................................................................................................... 101 5.2: The New Document Log..................................................................................................103 5.3: Converting a deciBel Planner or ASSET/ NetAct Planner Network ...........................104

5.3.1: The deciBel Planner Converter...................................................................................... 105 5.3.2: The ASSET/NetAct Planner Converter.......................................................................... 106

6: Managing Document Revisions .................................................107 6.1: Network Documents and Revisions ..............................................................................107

6.1.1: Documents and RevisionsDefinitions....................................................................... 107 6.1.2: Creating a New Revision ................................................................................................ 107

7: Carriers ........................................................................................109 7.1: Carrier Display .................................................................................................................110

8: Site Configuration .......................................................................112 8.1: Site Configuration Databases ........................................................................................112 8.2: The Site Configuration Window .....................................................................................112

8.2.1: Site Properties................................................................................................................. 113 8.2.2: Sector Properties ............................................................................................................ 114 8.2.3: Antenna Properties ......................................................................................................... 121

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9: Neighbor Lists .............................................................................125 9.1: Viewing Neighbors in the Map Viewing Area ...............................................................125

9.1.1: Validating a Neighbor List.............................................................................................. 127 9.1.2: Resetting the Neighbor List ........................................................................................... 128 9.1.3: Importing & Exporting Neighbor Lists.......................................................................... 128

10: Drive Tests.................................................................................130 10.1: The Drive Test Wizard ...................................................................................................130 10.2: The Import Drive Test Window.....................................................................................132 10.3: Working with Drive Tests..............................................................................................133

10.3.1: Viewing Drive Tests ...................................................................................................... 133 10.3.2: Viewing a Samples Details.......................................................................................... 135 10.3.3: Creating Drive Test Views............................................................................................ 139 10.3.4: Deleting Drive Tests ..................................................................................................... 142 10.3.5: Exporting a Drive Test as a File................................................................................... 142

10.4: Comparing Drive Tests .................................................................................................143 10.4.1: The Excel Report........................................................................................................... 145

10.5: Exporting Drive Tests to the Calibration Utility .........................................................146

11: Traffic Modeling.........................................................................148 11.1: Traffic Modeling Window ..............................................................................................148

11.1.1: General........................................................................................................................... 149 11.1.2: User Equipment (UE) .................................................................................................... 154 11.1.3: Applications................................................................................................................... 155 11.1.4: Environment Parameters ............................................................................................. 158 11.1.5: CDMA2000 ..................................................................................................................... 161

11.2: Application Distribution Profiles (ADPs) ....................................................................162 11.3: Clutter Skews .................................................................................................................164

12: Optimization Scenarios.............................................................166 12.1: The Centrality of the Optimization Scenario ..............................................................166 12.2: The Contents of an Optimization Scenario.................................................................166 12.3: Defining Optimization Clusters....................................................................................168

12.3.1: The Simulation & Optimization Sets ........................................................................... 168 12.4: Creating Optimization Scenarios.................................................................................169

12.4.1: The Optimization Scenario Window............................................................................ 171 12.4.2: Creating an Optimization Scenario Manually............................................................. 171

13: Predictions.................................................................................174 13.1: Calibrating the Propagation Model..............................................................................175 13.2: When to Recreate Predictions......................................................................................175 13.3: Creating Predictions......................................................................................................176

13.3.1: Generating Predictions: The Prediction Wizard ........................................................ 176


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13.4: Importing Predictions....................................................................................................180 13.5: Propagation Model Types.............................................................................................181 13.6: The Calibration Manager...............................................................................................185

13.6.1: Selections and the Calibrator ...................................................................................... 186 13.6.2: Working With the Calibration Manager....................................................................... 187

14: Coverage Maps..........................................................................188

15: Traffic Distribution Maps ..........................................................190 15.1: The OptiPlanner Traffic Distribution Map Model........................................................190 15.2: Traffic Distribution Map Prerequisites ........................................................................191 15.3: Creating Traffic Distribution Maps ..............................................................................191 15.4: The Traffic Map Wizard .................................................................................................192

15.4.1: Traffic Scope ................................................................................................................. 192 15.4.2: Traffic Layers................................................................................................................. 192 15.4.3: Parameters..................................................................................................................... 193

15.5: Working with Traffic Distribution Maps ......................................................................196 15.5.1: Importing and Exporting Traffic Distribution Maps................................................... 197 15.5.2: Viewing Traffic Distribution Maps............................................................................... 199

15.6: Importing Traffic Statistics ...........................................................................................200

16: Simulation..................................................................................201 16.1: Monte Carlo Analysis ....................................................................................................203

16.1.1: Monte Carlo Input.......................................................................................................... 204 16.2: Generating Simulations ................................................................................................204

16.2.1: Simulation Prerequisites.............................................................................................. 204 16.2.2: Generating a New Simulation: The Simulation Wizard ............................................. 205 16.2.3: Working with Simulations ............................................................................................ 210

16.3: Simulation Results Summary.......................................................................................211 16.3.1: Working with the Simulation Results Summary ........................................................ 213 16.3.2: Mobile States ................................................................................................................. 214 16.3.3: The Data Tracker ........................................................................................................... 215

16.4: Working with Simulation Maps ....................................................................................217 16.5: Power Correlation..........................................................................................................218

16.5.1: Clutter Distribution Analysis ....................................................................................... 218 16.5.2: The Summary Worksheet............................................................................................. 219 16.5.3: The Calibrate Charts Worksheet ................................................................................. 222 16.5.4: Updating the Values ..................................................................................................... 223

17: Traffic Load Analysis ................................................................225 17.1: The Traffic Load Analysis Wizard................................................................................225

17.1.1: Settings .......................................................................................................................... 225 17.1.2: Scope ............................................................................................................................. 225

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17.2: Combined Graph............................................................................................................228

18: Optimization ..............................................................................231 18.1: Overview.........................................................................................................................231 18.2: OptiPlanner Advantages...............................................................................................232 18.3: The Optimization Process ............................................................................................233

18.3.3: Optimization Inputs....................................................................................................... 234 18.3.4: Multi-PC Processing ..................................................................................................... 235

18.4: Running an Optimization: The Optimization Wizard ..............................................236 18.4.1: Scope ............................................................................................................................. 236 18.4.2: Traffic ............................................................................................................................. 236 18.4.3: Goals .............................................................................................................................. 236 18.4.4: Parameters..................................................................................................................... 236 18.4.5: Optimization Execution ................................................................................................ 238 18.4.6: Starting the Optimization Wizard ................................................................................ 240

18.5: The Optimization Control Panel...................................................................................251 18.5.1: The Optimization Tab ................................................................................................... 253 18.5.2: The Bests Tab................................................................................................................ 254 18.5.3: The Evaluators Tab....................................................................................................... 258 18.5.4: The Budget Tab............................................................................................................. 259

18.6: Working with Optimizations .........................................................................................260 18.6.1: Running an Optimization Again .................................................................................. 260 18.6.2: Continuing an Optimization From a Best ................................................................... 261 18.6.3: Applying a Best ............................................................................................................. 263 18.6.4: Running a Simulation from an Optimization.............................................................. 264 18.6.5: Importing Network Changes ........................................................................................ 265

19: Optimization Goals....................................................................266 19.1: Assigning Weights ........................................................................................................267 19.2: Maintaining & Improving Optimization Criteria..........................................................268 19.3: Optimization Goal Criteria ............................................................................................268

19.3.1: Maintain Connected Mobiles ....................................................................................... 268 19.3.2: Penalty Change Cost .................................................................................................... 269 19.3.3: Reduce Sector UL Noise Rise...................................................................................... 270 19.3.4: Reduce Maximum Sector Power ................................................................................. 270 19.3.5: Increase Connected Mobiles ....................................................................................... 271 19.3.6: Attempt to Achieve Soft Handoff Factor .................................................................... 271 19.3.7: Improve Ec/Io Level ...................................................................................................... 271 19.3.8: Reduce Non Coverage.................................................................................................. 272 19.3.9: Limit Sphere of Influence ............................................................................................. 272 19.3.10: Reduce Pilot Pollution................................................................................................ 274 19.3.11: Increase Ec Level ........................................................................................................ 274


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19.3.12: Combined Coverage ................................................................................................... 275 19.4: Optimization Goal Parameters .....................................................................................275

19.4.1: Alternate Slope Threshold ........................................................................................... 275 19.5: Choosing the Optimization Goals................................................................................276 19.6: Optimization Priority Maps...........................................................................................277

20: Optimization Constraints..........................................................281 20.1: Cost Constraints............................................................................................................281 20.2: Technical Constraints ...................................................................................................282 20.3: Setting Global Constraints ...........................................................................................282

20.3.1: Antenna Model Groups ................................................................................................ 284 20.3.2: Validating an Antenna Model Group........................................................................... 287

21: Fine Tuning Networks (MVP)....................................................288 21.1: Comprehensive..............................................................................................................289 21.2: Cost Effective.................................................................................................................289 21.3: Smart...............................................................................................................................290 21.4: MVP & Optimization Bests............................................................................................290 21.5: Carrying Out MVP Optimization...................................................................................290

22: Map Calculator ..........................................................................292 22.1: The Map Calculator Wizard...........................................................................................292

22.1.1: Choose Maps................................................................................................................. 293 22.1.2: Building the Expression............................................................................................... 293 22.1.3: Map Details .................................................................................................................... 293 22.1.4: Working with Calculated Maps.................................................................................... 295 22.1.5: Advanced Mode Expression ........................................................................................ 296

23: Merging Maps ............................................................................297 23.1: The Map Merge Wizard..................................................................................................297

24: Analysis .....................................................................................300 24.1: Analysis Graphs ............................................................................................................300 24.2: 4-Pilot Delta ....................................................................................................................301 24.3: Mobile Tx Power ............................................................................................................301 24.4: Ec/Io ................................................................................................................................301 24.5: Ec/Io CDF........................................................................................................................301 24.6: Ec.....................................................................................................................................302 24.7: Ec CDF ............................................................................................................................302 24.8: Handoff Analysis ...........................................................................................................302

25: Enhanced Analysis ...................................................................303 25.1: The Enhanced Analysis Graphs & Reports ................................................................303

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26: The Optimization Goal Criteria .................................................306 26.1: Simulation.......................................................................................................................306 26.2: Creating an Optimization Scenario..............................................................................308 26.3: Optimization Goals and Criteria...................................................................................308 26.4: Traffic Based Criteria ....................................................................................................309

26.4.1: Connected Mobiles ....................................................................................................... 309 26.4.2: Non Coverage................................................................................................................ 310 26.4.3: Attempt to Achieve Soft Handoff................................................................................. 310 26.4.4: Improve Ec/Io Level ...................................................................................................... 311 26.4.5: Reduce Pilot Pollution.................................................................................................. 311 26.4.6: Increase Ec Level .......................................................................................................... 312

26.5: Criteria Calculated Based on the Sector Data............................................................312 26.5.1: Reduce Maximum Sector Power ................................................................................. 313 26.5.2: BTS Noise Rise.............................................................................................................. 313

26.6: Cost .................................................................................................................................313 26.7: Assigning Weights to the Criteria................................................................................314

26.7.1: Example: The Pre-defined Coverage Goal ................................................................. 315 26.8: Optimization Fitness and Criteria Weights.................................................................315

26.8.1: The Method.................................................................................................................... 315 26.8.2: Improve Criteria ......................................................................................................... 316 26.8.3: Maintain Criteria ........................................................................................................ 316 26.8.4: Alternate Slope Threshold ........................................................................................... 317 26.8.5: Weighting....................................................................................................................... 318

Appendix A: CDMA Handoff States................................................319


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1: Introduction The CDMA OptiPlanner User Guide explains how to use the CDMA OptiPlanner application, at both the basic and advanced levels.

Chapter Contents This chapter covers the following topics:

The intended audience for this manual. The key features and advantages of CDMA OptiPlanner. An overview of this manual.

1.1: Intended Audience The intended readers of this User Guide are RF engineers and network planners who wish to use OptiPlanner for network optimization tasks.

It is assumed that the reader has basic RF and CDMA knowledge, as well as familiarity with Windows applications.

1.2: CDMA OptiPlanner Features CDMA OptiPlanner is Schemas optimization software for CDMA-based cellular networks. It enables extremely precise modeling of the RF layer of the network, and critically, provides optimization capabilities. OptiPlanner is part of Schemas OCP (Optimal Cell Planning) product family.

The optimization solution is based on genetic algorithms developed by Schema and it allows operators to significantly increase overall network capacity and improve quality and coverage. This is accomplished by using innovative optimization techniques that influence the sites antenna configurations and sector power levels on a system-wide basis in order to achieve the desired optimization goals.

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1.3: Product Highlights & Key Benefits Schema's CDMA OptiPlanner allows operators to use their existing network infrastructure more efficiently by adopting the following principles:

A system-wide approach. Multi-goal optimization. Adjustment of all the RF constraints.

Schema's products for wireless networks are powered by advanced genetic algorithms, which imitate natures trial-and-error problem solving methods. Genetic algorithms are very suited to complex problems such as optimizing cellular networks and they have wide ranging applications. Schemas algorithms have been developed and customized specifically for cellular network optimization.

Schema differentiates itself from legacy products by taking a unique, system-wide approach to optimization in order to provide a global view of the network's performance. By working with multiple RF network parameters, such as antenna tilt, azimuth, model, height and sector power, OptiPlanner locates the optimal solution that results in the maximum capacity, quality and coverage for a given network, while taking budgetary constraints into account.

OptiPlanner can optimize for more than one goal simultaneously. Based on the targets you set, OptiPlanner creates a network that concurrently meets your mix of capacity, quality and coverage needs. Traditionally there has been a trade-off between optimization goals but OptiPlanner can, for example, improve coverage while maintaining the current capacity levels.

OptiPlanners algorithms incorporate a fundamental engineering principle technical and financial constraints. The motivation is obvious, as an optimization solution that is too costly to implement is of academic value only. The Optimizer accepts inputs that relate to the relative cost of each change to an antennas physical attributes, as well as the sector power. Power is relatively easy to change, so it will have a low value compared to changing the height or model which will have higher values, etc.

Technical constraints relate to issues such as limitations on the height of an antenna, which antenna models can be switched with other models, the tilt, and so on. Again, an optimized network that cannot be implemented for technical reasons remains in the realm of theory.

Global default values are set for both the cost and technical constraints, though they can be customized for each individual antennas specific constraints.


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1.4: CDMA OptiPlanner Software Modules OptiPlanner provides the following functionality, all of which is described in this User Guide:

RF planning OptiPlanner is designed for RF engineers where activities such as moving sites, adding sectors and antennas, etc. allow for infrastructure positioning to be carefully examined before physically executed. OptiPlanner provides a complete set of network performance and analysis tools for use when changes are being considered.

Built-in prediction with auto-calibration capabilities The integrated prediction capabilities utilize the CDMA drive test results in order to calibrate the networks propagation model and produce highly accurate results.

Coverage The Coverage tool allows creation of RF propagation maps for each sector or group of sites. The maps show the pilot signal strength (received power) in each bin.

Traffic distribution The traffic distribution module uses advanced modeling techniques to calculate the distribution of traffic over the network, taking into account the clutter, user equipment and mix of cellular applications.

Simulation The Simulator uses Monte Carlo analysis to produce a series of maps that closely represent the operators CDMA network. The maps display data such as Ec/Io, handoff areas, sector coverage and mobile Tx power. Users can then manipulate the sites and build what-if scenarios, comparing the existing network to potential alternative networks.

Simulation results summary The summary displays the main simulation statistics, and gives access to maps and data connected to the Monte Carlo analysis and the simulation.

Optimization OptiPlanner generates optimal RF antenna settings for each sector in the network and relates to the parameters mentioned above: antenna tilt, azimuth, model, height and sector power. The new network plan is generated by powerful genetic algorithms, and is designed to take maximum advantage of the existing network infrastructure.

Multiple goal scenarios The user is provided with the functionality to meet predefined and customized target improvement goals that relate to the following optimization scenarios: capacity, quality and coverage, or any weighted combination of them.

Optimization control panel While an optimization is in progress, a control panel displays the number of best network solutions that have been located by the genetic algorithms. It also shows the ranking of each solution and the criteria that make up the selected optimization goal.

1: Introduction

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Post-optimization After an optimization has been carried out, it is possible to fine tune the optimized network (MVP) in order to further improve the results, or reduce the cost of the implementation.

Reporting and analysis OptiPlanner features reports for tracking and analyzing the networks Key Performance Indicators (KPI) before and after the changes that the Optimizer recommends are implemented.

1.4.1: User Interface The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is straightforward and intuitive, built on a mature and flexible GIS product. It has all the following features:

Graphical view of the network. Supports multiple map formats and standards. Easy to modify. Information can be retrieved in many different ways. The Terrain Cross Section tool integrates the clutter and terrain

maps so that the user can graphically see the line of sight from an antenna in relation to the physical surroundings.

The Data Tracker summarizes many details of the simulation maps. It represents a mobile in the network and it shows the serving sector, received signal and Ec/Io for the four strongest pilots. It also displays the noise level, downlink TCH power, handoff state and other parameters.

1.4.2: Summary CDMA OptiPlanner is a powerful solution that places the network resources at your fingertips, allowing you to efficiently optimize the network. OptiPlanner optimization achieves better results than have been possible up until now, in a much quicker time frame than traditional methods have enabled.

Note: For installation and initial configuration refer to separate documentation.


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2: Getting Started Chapter Contents This chapter describes:

Launching OptiPlanner. Using the functionality offered by the OptiPlanner windows. All the menus and toolbars. The Documents, Map and Selections tabs of the Explorer

window. Searching for network elements. The Map Viewing area. Exiting OptiPlanner.

2.1: Launching OptiPlanner This section describes the procedure for launching OptiPlanner and provides a guide to the user interface.

2.1.1: Starting OptiPlanner When OptiPlanner starts, you need to select a network document, as explained below.

A network document is a representation of a network that contains the following network elements: switches, sites, sectors and antennas. This information is usually imported from the network's planning tool and switch dumps, and processed using the tools provided by OptiPlanner.

To start OptiPlanner

1. Double-click the CDMA OptiPlanner icon on your Windows desktop.

-OR-

From the Start Menu choose Start > Programs > CDMA OptiPlanner > CDMA OptiPlanner. The OptiPlanner program starts loading, and the opening screen is displayed.

2: Getting Started

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Figure 1: The OptiPlanner opening screen

If you are starting the standalone version of CDMA OptiPlanner, continue after Step 5 below.

After a brief delay, the User Login dialog box opens.

Figure 2: Logging in

Note: if you selected Save Login in an earlier session, the User Login dialog box does not appear, and you are taken directly to the application.

2. Enter your assigned user name in the User Name field. 3. Type your assigned password in the Password field. 4. Select the applicable group from the Group list.

Tip: If you check the Save Login checkbox in the User Login dialog box, your user name and password are saved. The next time you launch OptiPlanner, you will be logged in automatically with the same user name and password.


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5. Click OK. The main OptiPlanner screen is displayed, and the Document Selection dialog box opens.

Figure 3: The Document Selection dialog box

6. In the Document Selection dialog box, click the network document name.

Notes:

1. The red icon denotes that a document is read-only.

2. This icon denotes that a document has become corrupted and cannot be opened.

7. Click OK. The Loading window opens. This window displays the progress of the document loading process.

Figure 4: The Loading window

When the network has loaded, the selected document is opened and the Loading window closes. OptiPlanner is now ready for a new work session.

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2.1.2: Automatic Saving of Changes All the network information is stored in the OptiPlanner database.

Your work is carried out directly on that database and all changes are automatically saved. This means that there is no need to save your changes during your work sessions or before exiting the application.

Take care when making changes as there is no automatic undo feature.

The Create New Revision feature can be used to save the current state of the network (an action sometimes called taking a snapshot) and continue work on a new revision of the network document. The original document is kept in the database for read-only access.

You can create as many revisions as required. For more information on the Create New Revision feature, see page 107.

2.2: The OptiPlanner Windows This section explains the main windows of the graphical user interface.

It is important that you become familiar with the work environment and the capabilities of each component. This will help you use OptiPlanner in a more efficient manner.

The application environment is made up of three main areas:

1. The Menu & Toolbars.

2. The Explorer window.

3. The Map Viewing area.


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Figure 5: The OptiPlanner main screen

The following table describes the purpose of the main windows:

Window Description

Menu & Toolbars

Open documents, set general preferences, launch calculation and analysis tasks. See from page 21 for details.

Explorer Window

Display and update the network element hierarchy, store traffic distribution maps, simulations and optimizations, view the legends and manage selections. See from page 39 for details.

Map Viewing Area

Display network elements and maps. See from page 63 for details.

The following sections explain the functionality available in each window.

Several actions can be started in more than one way. This User Guide usually describes how to access a function from the menu. See the following pages for tables that describe the toolbar buttons and the shortcut keys.

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2.3: The Menu & Toolbars The menu and main toolbars are located in the upper part of the screen. Figure 6 shows the menu and main toolbars. The Map Viewing and Selection toolbars (not displayed below) are described on pages 33 and 38 respectively.

Figure 6: The Menu & Toolbars

2.3.1: The Menu Most of the toolbar buttons can be accessed from the menu as well, as shown in the tables below which explain the menu options.

Note: If a menu appears empty when clicked, click outside the menu area and select the menu again.

File Menu

Figure 7: The File menu

Icon Menu Item Action

Open Document Open an existing document. When you open a document, the current document is closed.

Close Document Close the current document.

New Document

(Ctrl+N) Import a pre-configured network in to OptiPlanner. See page 99 for details.

Create New Revision Create a copy of the current document. The copy can be modified, and the original document is made read-only. See page 107 for details.

Delete Revision Delete a revision from the database. This feature requires administrator access rights.


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Export Database Export the database to Schema support. See below for details.

deciBel Planner

Converter

ASSET/NetAct Planner

Converter

When a deciBel Planner or ASSET/NetAct Planner network has been exported, it can be converted into an OptiPlanner format. After that it can be imported into OptiPlanner. These options are not available in all OptiPlanner installations. See page 104 for details.

Edit Users Add, update, or delete users. This feature requires administrator access rights.

Login Log in to OptiPlanner (as the same user or as a different user).

Print Print the map that is currently displayed in the Map Viewing area.

Exit Exit OptiPlanner.

Exporting the Database

You can zip the database in order to send it to Schemas support personnel. This feature is for system administrators.

You can prepare one large zip file or you can prepare a number of zip files.

To export the database 1. From the menu, select File > Export Database.

The following window opens:

2: Getting Started

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Figure 8: Exporting a database

2. Select All Revisions to export all the revisions in the database.

-OR-

Select Revision and click the ellipsis () to choose a revision.

Note: When there is only one revision you can choose either option.

In the window that opens, choose the revision and click OK. 3. Select the components you wish to export. The Network &

environment option is always checked.

4. In the Export to field, enter the path and the name of the zip file.

-OR-

Click the ellipsis () and in the window that opens, choose the folder for saving the zip file.

In the File name field enter the name of the file. Click OK.

5. Choose Create a single zip file or Create multiple zip files. When you choose Create multiple zip files, enter the maximum size (MB) of each file.

6. Click OK. A progress bar displays the progress of the export process.


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7. When the database has been exported, click Close. The file or files will be in the designated folder. If you chose Create multiple zip files, the file names are *.zip.part1, *.zip.part2, etc. The dumpdb.log file is also created.

Edit Menu

Figure 9: The Edit menu

Icon Menu Item Shortcut Key

Action

Search Search for a network element see page 68.

Global Editor Edit the values of the parameters in a selection.

See page 94 for details.

Show Process Monitor

Open the Process Monitor window (see page 65).

Show

Explorer Window

Ctrl+D Open the Explorer window, if it has been closed.

Preferences Set global preferences in the Preferences window

see page 66.

Map Menu

Figure 10: The Map menu

Icon Menu Item Shortcut Key Action

Zoom In

Click a point on the map to zoom in by a factor of 2. -OR- Draw a marquee to zoom in to the area you define. The new scale appears in the Scale box. See page 70 for more details.

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Zoom Out

Click a point on the map to zoom out by a factor of 2. The new scale appears in the Scale box. See page 70 for more details.

Next Map Position

Ctrl+Right arrow

Previous Map

Position Ctrl+Left arrow

View previous displays of the Map Viewing area. See page 73 for details.

Network Menu

Figure 11: The Network menu


Antenna Model

Manager Ctrl+Shift+G See page 48 for details.

Carrier

Configuration Ctrl+F See page 109 for details.

Carrier Display See page 110 for details.

Neighbor List Ctrl+7 Open the Neighbor List window. See

page 125 for details.

Validate Neighbor List

Reset Neighbor List

Import Neighbor List

Export Neighbor List

See page 125 for full details on neighbor lists.

Power Proportion

Sets Ctrl+K See page 119 for details.


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Map Calculator F7 Calculate and display the difference

between two or more maps. See page 292 for details.

Map Merge Ctrl+R Merge two maps together. See page

297 for details.

Import Map F8 Import a shape, *.mif or *.tif file. See

page 80 for details.

Predictions Menu

Figure 12: The Predictions menu


Import

Predictions Import predictions that have been created with a third party tool. See page 180 for details.

Run Predictor F3 Create predictions for the antennas in the network. See page 176 for details.

Propagation Model Types

Manager Ctrl+Shift+P Create and edit propagation model types. See page 181 for details.

Calibrate

Predictions Ctrl+Shift+C Open the Calibration Manager see page 185 for details.

Drive Test Menu

Figure 13: The Drive test menu


Import Drive Tests Import drive test maps into OptiPlanner. See page 129 for details.

Compare Drive Tests

Compare Drive

Test And Simulation

Compare two drive tests or a drive test and a simulation. See page 143 for details.

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Modeling Menu

Figure 14: The Modeling menu


Traffic Modeling Ctrl+T

Define and edit Eb/No tables, user equipment devices, applications and environment parameters. See page 148 for details.

Run Traffic Map

Wizard F4 See page 192 for details.

Import Traffic Map Ctrl+I See page 197 for details. Exporting traffic maps is also explained.

Import Traffic Statistics Import a statistics file that describes the networks traffic data. See page 199 for details.

Run Simulator F5 See page 205 for details.

Traffic Load Analysis Ctrl+Shift+A View a graph to see how the simulated network behaves as the amount of traffic varies. See page 225 for details.

Combined Graph Ctrl+Q Compare the results of two or more traffic load analyses on the same graph. See page 228 for details.

Analysis

View a number of graphs that show the network performance based on a simulation. You can also compare two simulated networks, e.g., the pre-optimized and the optimized network. See page 300 for details.


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Enhanced Analysis

Analyze two simulations and create a number of graphs and reports which show both sector-specific and overall network performance. See page 303 for details.

Power Correlation Analyze the correlation between the sectors measured power and simulated power. See page 217 for details.

Application Distribution Profiles

Define Application Distribution Profiles (ADPs) which consist of applications, UEs and clutter weights. See page 162 for details.

Clutter Skews Define sets of clutter skews which can be associated with ADPs. See page 164 for details.

Create Coverage

Map Ctrl+Shift+Y

The Coverage Map feature enables you to create maps of the RF propagation for groups of sectors. The map shows the pilot signal strength (received power) in each bin. See page 188 for details.

Show Coverage Map Ctrl+Y Display the last coverage map that was created. See page 189 for details.

Optimization Menu

Figure 15: The Optimization menu


Run Optimizer F6 Start the Optimization wizard. See page 236 for details.

Goals Ctrl+G Define and edit optimization goals. See page 275 for details.

Global

Constraints Define and edit global constraints for the Optimizer. See page 282 for details.

Antenna Model

Groups Ctrl+M Define and edit groups of antennas that are interchangeable. See page 284 for details.

Priority Settings Set priorities for the geographical areas to be optimized. See page 277 for details.

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Optimization Scenarios F2

Define groups of sites for creating traffic distribution maps, simulations and optimizations. See page 166 for details.

2.3.2: The OptiPlanner Toolbars There are four main toolbars in OptiPlanner:

1. Tools

2. Workflow

3. Map Viewing

4. Selection

The Tools Toolbar

Icon Toolbar Item Shortcut Key Action

Process Monitor Open the Process Monitor window see page 65.

Print Print the map that is currently displayed in the Map Viewing area.

Open Document Open an existing network document.

Create New

Revision

Create a copy of the current document. The copy can be modified, and the original document is made read-only. See page 107 for details.

Search Search for a network element see page 68 for details.

Select Ctrl+1 Select sites, sectors and antennas.

Site Info Ctrl+2 View detailed information about the site, its sectors and antennas. See page 112 for details.

New Site Ctrl+3 Add a new site to the network. See below.

Move Site Ctrl+4 Move a site. See below.

Antenna Model

Groups Ctrl+M Define and edit groups of antennas that are interchangeable. See page 284 for details.


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Icon Toolbar Item Shortcut Key Action

Global

Constraints Ctrl+R Define and edit global constraints for the Optimizer. See page 281 for details.

Goals Ctrl+G Define and edit optimization goals. See page 275 for details.

Traffic Modeling Ctrl+T

Define and edit Eb/No tables, user equipment devices, applications and environment parameters. See page 148 for details.

Carrier

Configuration Ctrl+F See page 109 for details.

Carrier Display See page 110 for details.

Traffic Load

Analysis Ctrl+Shift+A View a graph to see how the simulated network behaves as the amount of traffic varies. See page 225 for details.

Combined Graph Ctrl+Q Compare the results of two or more traffic load analyses on the same graph. See page 228 for details.

Analysis

View a number of graphs that show the network performance based on a simulation. You can also compare two simulated networks, e.g., the pre-optimized and the optimized network. See page 300 for details.

Enhanced Analysis

Analyze two simulations and create a number of graphs and reports which show both sector-specific and overall network performance. See page 303 for details.

Coverage Map Ctrl+Shift+Y

The Coverage Map feature enables you to create maps of the RF propagation for groups of sectors. The map shows the pilot signal strength (received power) in each bin. See page 188 for details.

Propagation Model Types

Manager Ctrl+Shift+P Create and edit propagation model types. See page 181 for details.

PN Reuses Ctrl+6 View sectors that have the same PN code. See below for details.

Neighbor List Ctrl+7 Select a sector and view the sectors in the incoming or outgoing neighbor lists. See page 125 for details.

Antenna Tools

Opens a toolbar with two buttons above the Map Viewing area. You can view a cross section of the terrain (p. 74) and the antenna profile.

To view the antenna profile, click and then click an antenna in the Map Viewing area. The window which opens is explained on p. 123.

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To add a new site to the network 1. In the Map viewing area, use the zoom tools and/or scroll bars

to locate the area where the new site should be added.

2. Click , the New Site icon.

The yellow information display area opens. When the mouse moves over the Map Viewing area the map coordinates are displayed.

3. When you have located the place where the site should be added, click in the Map Viewing area.


Figure 16: Adding a new site

4. Enter the name of the site in the Site Name field. 5. Adjust the coordinates in the Lat and Long fields, if

necessary.

6. Click OK. The Site Configuration window opens. See page 112 for full details on entering information in this window.

To move a site 1. In the Map Viewing area, use the zoom tools and/or scroll

bars to locate the site which is to be moved.

2. Click , the Move Site icon.

The cursor becomes when it moves over the Map Viewing. As the cursor moves over the circle that represents a site, the site becomes turquoise. The color of the sectors and antennas does not change.

3. Click the site that you wish to move.


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Tip: Alternately, you can click the site you wish to move, and without releasing the mouse button drag the cursor to the new location of the site.

The yellow information display area opens and the following window opens:

Figure 17: Moving a site

4. Adjust the coordinates in the Lat and Long fields as necessary.

5. Click OK. The site moves to the new location.

PN Reuses

Each sector has a fixed PN code to identify it in the network. When sectors are far apart they can use the same PN code without causing interference in the network. Using the PN Reuses tool you can choose a sector and view all the other sectors that share the same PN code. You can then determine if they are far enough apart using the Distance tool (page 37) to measure precisely how far apart the sectors are.

To view sectors with the same PN 1. Set the map scale or zoom so that you can select a sector

(optional).

2. Click , the PN Reuses icon.

The yellow information display area opens. When the mouse moves over a sector in the Map Viewing area, the Sector ID and its PN code are displayed.

3. Click the relevant sector.

A red flag with the PN code appears in the sector you clicked. The sectors that share the same PN code are marked with blue flags.

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Figure 18: PN Reuses. The Measure tool can show the distance between two sectors

Notes:

1. You may have to adjust the zoom in order to see all sectors that share the same PN code.

2. When maps that are displayed in the Map Viewing area contain a lot of red or blue, you may have to remove them in order to clearly view all the sectors that share the same PN code.

The Workflow Toolbar

Icon Toolbar Item Shortcut Key

Action

Optimization Scenarios F2 See page 166 for details.

Predictor F3 See page 176 for details.

Traffic Map F4 See page 192 for details.

Simulator F5 See page 205 for details.

Optimizer F6 See page 236 for details.

Map Viewing Toolbar

Icon Toolbar Item Action

Information

View information about network elements, maps and other information that is displayed in the Map Viewing area. The information is displayed in a yellow box and it is updated as the cursor glides over the network. When maps are displayed, the Information area includes data from the maps, when the mouse is on a bin that is included in at least one of the maps.

Pan Click on the map and while holding down the mouse button, move the cursor to view different parts of the map.


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Icon Toolbar Item Action

Zoom In

Click a point on the map to zoom in by a factor of 2. -OR- Draw a marquee to zoom in to the area you define. The new scale appears in the Scale box. See page 70 for more details.

Zoom Out Click a point on the map to zoom out by a factor of 2. The new scale appears in the Scale box. See page 70 for more details.

Zoom to Network Click to view the whole network in the Map Viewing area.

Order Layers Change the order in which the map layers are displayed. See below.

Distance View the distance between two points on the map. See below.

Clear Results Clear all maps and selections from the Map Viewing area. The network elements will remain.

Scale Up

Scale Down Increase and decrease the size of the network elements in the Map Viewing area.

Previous Map Position

(Ctrl+Right arrow)

Next Map Position

(Ctrl+Left arrow)

View previous displays of the Map Viewing area. See page 73 for details.

Selection Toolbar

Display or hide the Selection toolbar. See page 38 for details on the Selection toolbar.

Show Legend Display the legend for the map which is the top layer in the Map Viewing area.

Scale The current zoom is displayed. To change the zoom, click the scale and choose a value from the drop-down list, or use the zoom tools.

Changing the Order of Map Layers

Sites, sectors and antennas, as well as the clutter and terrain maps are also referred to as map layers, or layers in terms of the Map Viewing area.

As you work with OptiPlanner, other map layers are generated and displayed. For example, when you create a simulation, a number of maps are listed in the Documents tab. Each map is a layer.

The top layer is always displayed in the Map Viewing area, though layers that are lower down may not be displayed. For example, if

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you have chosen to display three or four simulation maps, they will not all be visible.

In order to see in which order the layers are displayed, and hence which maps are displayed, you can use the Layer Order tool. You can also change the order in which the layers are displayed.

It is possible to show more than one map by adjusting the transparency of the maps. See page 52 for details.

The legend of the map which is currently the top layer is displayed in the Map Viewing area.

To use the Layer Order tool

1. Click , the Layer Order icon.

The following window opens underneath the Explorer with a list of the maps that are currently available for display:

Figure 19: Viewing and changing the order of map layers

The layers that are lower down in the list form the background to the maps that are displayed in the Map Viewing area. The higher layers are displayed on top of the lower layers. When two map layers are displayed one on top of the other, and they both cover the same area, then the layer that appears lower down will not be visible. In order to display a map that is lower down, you can remove the higher map, or you can change the order of the layers, as described below.

2. To move a layer up and place it on top of the layers that are lower down, select the layer and click the Up arrow, until the map is in the desired position.


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3. To move a layer down and place it underneath the layers that are higher up, select the layer and click the Down arrow, until the map is in the desired position.

The Map Viewing area is updated as you click the Up and Down arrows.

Note: Sites, sectors and antennas are usually displayed in that order at the top of the list.

4. Repeat the procedure for other layers as required.

5. Click OK.

To remove a layer from the Map Viewing area 1. Select a layer in the Layer Order tool.

2. Click to remove the layer.

Note: Sites, sectors and antennas cannot be removed.

The Map Viewing area is updated.

Note: You can also remove a map by locating it in the Documents tab. Right click the map and choose Hide from the menu.

To close the layer order tool

Click , the Layer Order icon.

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The Distance Tool

The Distance tool enables you to measure the distance between two points on the map. For example, you can measure the distance between two cellular sites; a site and a topographical feature when the clutter map is displayed, and so on.

This section also explains how to set the distance units used in OptiPlanner.

To set the map distance unit 1. From the menu, select Edit > Preferences.

The Preferences window opens.

2. Navigate to Song > Map. 3. In the Distance Units field, select the units (meters or feet)

from the drop-down list.

4. To close the Preferences window, click Close.

Note: The selected units will be used throughout OptiPlanner.

To measure distance on the map

1. Click the Distance icon.

The cursor changes shape to a ruler .

2. In the Map Viewing area, click the point from where you wish to start measuring.

3. Without releasing the mouse button, drag the mouse to another point on the map.

A line is drawn from the starting point to the current cursor location, and a small window opens, displaying the distance. The distance is dynamically updated as the cursor is moved, as shown below.

Figure 20: Measuring distances

4. To exit measure mode, choose a different button from a toolbar.


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The Selection Toolbar Icon Toolbar Item Action

Selection Select sites, sectors and antennas

Selection Drop-down

Display an existing selection from the drop-down list. The list of selections also appears in the Selections tab. See page 60 for details.

New Selection Enter the name of a new selection of sites, sectors and antennas. See page 87 for details.

New Polygon Selection Enter the name of a new polygon selection. See page 95 for details.

Save Selection

Save the current selection of sites, sectors and antennas. The selection is saved to the selection name that appears in the Selection Drop-down list.

Clear Selection

Clear a selection from the Map Viewing area, if any sites, sectors, antennas or polygons are currently selected.

Invert Selection Invert the current selection of sites, sectors and antennas.

Free Selection

Use the cursor to trace an area in the Map Viewing area and select all the sites, sectors and antennas that are within the traced area.

Zoom to Selection Zoom to the area where the current selection is located.

Moving Toolbars

To move a toolbar 1. Click the dotted area to the left of a toolbar, as shown below.

Without releasing the mouse button, drag the toolbar to its desired location.

2. Release the mouse button.

The toolbar is relocated.

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2.4: The Explorer Window The Explorer window is located on the left side of the screen, by default.

Figure 21: The Explorer window


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The Explorer window uses tabs to display network elements and application settings. To select a tab, click the tab name.

The entries in each tab are organized in branches. Use the Expand and Collapse buttons to reach the desired entry.

The following table lists the tabs and their contents:

Icon Tab Name Tab Contents

Documents

Network elements (switches, sites, sectors, antennas), traffic distribution maps, simulations, optimizations, equipment (antenna models), data (clutter and terrain maps, user-created maps). Application and process logs.

Map Legends and display options.

Selections Selections of network elements and polygons.

2.4.1: The Documents Tab The Documents tab displays a hierarchical representation of all network components and other components of the network model, as shown in Figure 21 above.

Application Logs

OptiPlanner has the following application log files:

Log Description

General The log file is called song.log and it contains a log of many different types of OptiPlanner actions. Simulation

Optimization Predictor

Traffic

These log files contain details of the processes carried out while the relevant wizard is being run.

To open a log file 1. Click to expand the Application Logs branch in the

Documents tab.

2. Right click the log and choose View Log. -OR-

Double click the log.

The log file opens in Notepad or another viewer.

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Process Logs

The Processes branch contains details of processes that are currently running or that have finished running. It is deleted each time OptiPlanner is closed.

Click to expand the Processes branch in the Documents tab. The following icons are used:

Icon Description

A process is currently running. Details should be available in the Process Monitor see page 65.

The process was completed successfully.

The process was stopped by the user.

The process ran but failed. The reason for the failure may appear in the log files, or in the Process Termination window that opens when the process finishes.

To stop a process 1. Expand the Processes branch.

2. Right click a process which is running, represented by the icon.

3. Select Kill Process from the context menu. The process will end, though a few minutes may elapse before it stops.

The Document Name Branch

The name of the Document Name Branch is usually the name of the network. It displays the number and name of the revision that is currently loaded and it has the following sub-branches:

Icon Branch Description

Network

The Network branch contains a hierarchical representation of the switches, sites, sectors and antennas. You can view information on the selected network element and can carry out actions. See below.

Drive Tests Import and view drive tests.

Traffic Maps View traffic distribution maps that have been created. You can also carry out actions on the maps. See page 196 for details.

Simulations View simulation maps that have been created. You can also carry out actions on the maps. See page 210 for details.

Optimizations Carry out actions on optimizations that have been run. See page 260 for details.


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Icon Branch Description

Equipment View a list of antenna models defined in the system. You can also view details about the models. See below for details.

Data

View the clutter and terrain maps, and carry out actions. See below for details. View user maps or GIS layers and carry out actions. After using the Map Calculator, the results map appears in the User Maps branch. Imported maps, such as shape files, appear in the GIS Layers branch.

The Network Branch

When fully expanded, the Network branch appears as follows:

Figure 22: The Network branch

When right clicking on a switch, site, sector or antenna, a context menu opens and enables you to carry out the actions described in the table below. Using the Shift and Ctrl keys you can choose a number of sites, sectors or antennas in order to carry out an action such as adding all of the chosen elements to a selection. Additional actions are available for antennas and they are described below.

These options are also available in context menus that open when you right click an element in the Map Viewing area. See page 64 for details.

Action Description

Add to current selection

When there is an active selection of sites, sectors and antennas in the Map Viewing area, the selected switch, site, sector and antennas will be added to the selection. When you choose this action for a switch, all the switch's sites are added to the selection. Note: This is the only action that is available for a switch.

Show Site Info Open the Site Configuration window. See page 112 for details.

Show Constraints Edit the optimization constraints for this site. See page 243 for details.

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Action Description

Delete Site Delete a site. Click Yes in the confirmation window in order to delete the site. Note: This action is for sites only.

To quickly locate a network element in the Map Viewing area 1. Expand the Network branch in the Documents tab of the

Explorer window.

2. Expand the switch in order to display the sites.

3. Continue to expand the branch until you locate the relevant site, sector or antenna.

4. Double click the element that you wish to display in the Map Viewing area.

The zoom alters in the Map Viewing area in order to display the selected element in the center of the screen. After the zoom has changed, a green circle or ellipse flashes once around the element, as shown in the figure below.

Figure 23: Locating a network element

Note: For details on searching for a network element, see page 68.

Additional Options for Antennas

When you select an antenna you can also choose to view a map of the signal strength, and based on the isotropic prediction you can view the path loss and exit angle.

Note: These options are only available when predictions have been created for the antenna.


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To view the signal strength of an antenna 1. Click to expand the Network branch in the Documents tab

and locate the relevant antenna.

2. Right click the antenna and choose Signal Strength in the context menu.

3. When the antenna is associated with more than one carrier, a second level menu opens. Choose the carrier for which you wish to see the signal strength.

The map appears in the Map Viewing area and the yellow information area also displays information as the cursor moves over the map.

To view the path loss for an antenna 1. Click to expand the Network branch in the Documents tab


2. Right click the antenna and choose Isotropic Prediction in the context menu.

3. In the second level menu that opens, choose Show Path Loss. The map appears in the Map Viewing area and the yellow information area also displays information, as the cursor moves over the map.

To view the exit angle of an antennas signal 1. Click to expand the Network branch in the Documents tab


2. Right click the antenna and choose Isotropic Prediction in the context menu.

3. In the second level menu that opens, choose Show Exit Angle. The map appears in the Map Viewing area and the yellow information area also displays information, as the cursor moves over the map.

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Antenna Models

The Antenna Models branch is located under the Equipment branch. You can carry out the following actions:

Import an antenna model. Display an antenna pattern. Delete an antenna model. View a list of the sectors with which the antenna model is

associated. Open the Antenna Models Manager.

To import an antenna model 1. Click to expand the Equipment branch in the Documents

tab.

2. Right click Antenna Models and choose Import Antenna Profile in the context menu.

3. In the window that opens, locate the folder where the file is.

4. Select the file and click OK. The import process starts. If a profile being imported has the same name as an existing profile, then the existing profile is replaced by the imported profile.

5. When the process finishes, click OK in the confirmation window.

To display an antenna pattern 1. Click to expand the Equipment branch in the Documents

tab.

2. Expand the Antenna Models branch.

3. Double click an antenna model.

-OR-

Right click the relevant antenna model and select Show Antenna Pattern. The antenna pattern opens in a separate window. For details see page 123.

To delete an antenna model 1. Click to expand the Equipment branch in the Documents

tab.



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3. Right click the relevant antenna model and select Delete. 4. Click OK in the confirmation window.

Note: You cannot delete an antenna model if it is associated with an antenna. Even if the model is associated with an antenna in a different revision or document, it cannot be deleted.

To display the list of sectors where the antenna model is in use 1. Click to expand the Equipment branch in the Documents

tab.


3. Right click the relevant antenna model and select Show sectors. A Properties window opens with a list of sectors.

4. Click the cross in the top right corner to close the Properties window.

To open the Antenna Models Manager for a model 1. Click to expand the Equipment branch in the Documents

tab.


3. Right click the relevant antenna model and select Antenna Models Manager. The Antenna Models Manager opens for that model. See page 48 for details.

The Clutter & Terrain Maps

The clutter and terrain maps have the standard map options available in the context menu. You can also view extra details about the clutter types and edit the penetration loss. If the clutter heights map has been imported it will also appear in the Data branch.

To view clutter type details 1. Click to expand the Data branch in the Documents tab.

2. Right click the clutter map and select Clutter Type Attributes in the context menu.


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Figure 24: Clutter type attributes

For each clutter type you can view the height, building spacing and penetration loss which are explained in the table below.

3. To edit the penetration loss, click a sector in the Penetration Loss column and enter the new value.

4. Click OK.

Field Description

Height (m/ft) The average height of buildings or other structures in each clutter type. This does not refer to natural elements such as trees.

Building Spacing (m/ft)

The spacing between buildings for each clutter type. The distance cannot be greater than the size of the bin. When there are no buildings in the clutter type, such as areas where there is water or forestry, enter 0.

Penetration Loss

Penetration loss is part of the link budget and it is added to the loss predicted by the Propagation Model Type, which usually relates to street level path loss. The penetration loss varies per clutter type and it is usually defined for urban and in-building clutter types.


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2.4.2: The Antenna Models Manager The Antenna Models Manager enables you to manage the antenna models and their patterns, or profiles. See also Antenna Model Groups on page 284 where you can create groups of models that can be swapped during optimization.

Usually each antenna model has just one pattern but when an antenna model supports electrical tilt, a different pattern can be associated with each tilt value.

Different patterns can also be associated when an antenna supports more than one frequency.

When a network has been imported, all the antenna models and their patterns are listed in the Antenna Models Manager. If there has been an error, you can correct it and associate a different pattern with the antenna.

Note: In the current version it is possible to open the Antenna Model Manager and view the antenna models. The other functions are currently disabled.

To work with the antenna models manager 1. From the menu, select Network > Antenna Models

Manager. The following window opens:

Figure 25: The Antenna Models Manager

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2. Select an antenna model from the Antenna Models drop-down list.

The patterns, or profiles, currently associated with it appear in the Grouped by Model area.

3. To associate an additional profile, locate the profile in the Profiles area and select it.

4. Click .

To search for an antenna profile 1. In the Profiles area, select Filter by gain and beamwidth to

display profiles that have the same frequency and tilt as the antenna selected in the Antenna Models area.

If there are additional profiles they will appear. If there are none, then the list of profiles will be empty.

2. To restore the list of profiles, select Show all from the drop-down list.

3. To locate a profile, enter the first letters or numbers of the profile name in the Find field. The list scrolls to profiles beginning with those letters or numbers.

To view an antenna profiles properties 1. Select an antenna profile in the models or profiles lists.

2. Right click the antenna.

3. From the context menu that opens, select Show Profile Properties. A Properties window opens with details of the antenna profile.

To change the name of an antenna model 1. Select the antenna model from the Antenna Models drop-

down list.

2. Type the new name of the model in the Antenna Models drop-down list.

To close the antenna models manager Click Close.


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2.4.3: The Map Tab The Map tab displays the legends of the OptiPlanner maps and enables you to edit the legend colors. Use the Expand and Collapse buttons to work in the Map tab.

Figure 26: The Map tab

To edit the color of a legend entry 1. Select a specific legend entry in one of the maps.

2. Right click the legend entry and in the context menu choose Select Color. The following window opens:

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Figure 27: Choosing the color of a legend entry

3. Select an existing swatch, or click the HSB or RGB tabs and choose the exact color code.

4. View the selected color in the Preview area.

5. Click OK.

Editing a Legend in the Documents Tab

When choosing to view map properties in the Documents tab of the Explorer, there are legend editing options. You can edit many of the legend properties in the Legend tab and you can view statistical details of the map in the General tab.

The Legend Tab

The Legend tab has two displays condensed and expanded depending on the map.


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The Legend Tab (Condensed)

The condensed version of the Legend tab enables you to view the following map properties:

Field Description

Gradient Checked: The colors in the legend are graduated along a color spectrum. Unchecked: Discrete colors are displayed in the legend.

Descending The higher values appear at the top of the legend.

Transparency Level

A low transparency level means that the layer is opaque; the maps layers underneath an opaque layer cannot be viewed. A high transparency level means that the layer is more transparent; it is seen more dimly, but the map layers underneath can be viewed. The default transparency level is 20.

The Legend Tab (Expanded)

The expanded version of the Legend tab enables you to view additional information and change the legend type. There are three legend types:

Map Display Description

Discrete Each entry on the legend represents a unique value, such as on the clutter map. Classified The values are grouped by classes. Gradient The legend is graduated.

To set properties in the legend tab (extended)

Note: Changes are only saved when you click OK or Apply.

1. Right click a map and select Properties in the context menu that opens.

-OR-

When a map is displayed in the Map Viewing area, double click anywhere in the maps legend.


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Figure 28: Setting map properties (extended)

2. In the Map Name field, edit the name if necessary. 3. From the Map Display drop-down list, adjust the legend as

explained in the table above.

The only changes that can be made are between Gradient and Classified.

4. To edit the display name of an entry in a Discrete legend, double click the entry and edit the name.

5. To set the Transparency Level, drag the slider to the desired position between Opaque and Transparent.


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To add a legend entry (classified or graduated) 1. Click Add. 2. In the window that opens, click the color