Microwave Radio Masterclass

EVENT FULL

About this seminar

  • Authoritative — dispels industry myths
  • Practical — tutorial examples done using excel-based Microwave calculator
  • Real-world — real-world insights and experiences shared based on legacy and current network experiences
  • In-depth theory — theoretical concepts and insights explained in detail linked to propagation research and field experiences

Why a seminar on a mature technology?

  • Microwave technology is growing, with exciting new developments in mmWave and TeraHertz bands
  • Design standards are outdated, so it is essential to understand the limitations of the formulas and design rules coded into planning software
  • Many myths abound on the internet, and even in mainstream white papers, that are blatantly wrong
  • To apply the new and exciting concepts introduced in modern microwave equipment, a solid foundation in both analogue and digital microwave theory is essential

If you want an up-to-date, authoritative overview of microwave radio that dispels the many myths that have become mainstream in the industry, then this virtual seminar is for you.

Share This Event
Event Details

 

Fundamentals of Microwave 

  • Introduction to MW
    • History of microwave
    • What’s new?
    • Fundamentals of the microwave radio signal
    • Latency benefits and calculations
    • The electromagnetic and RF spectrum
    • Safety of microwave signals
    • Relative benefits of microwave compared to other transmission solutions
    • A comprehensive guide to current spectrum terminology in the industry 
  • Planning considerations
    • Link design considerations from UHF to mmWave
    • Site and path planning
    • High level spectrum planning
    • Digital terrain models including SRTM
    • Network topologies
    • Site acquisition and build
    • Repeater types repeaters including civil engineering considerations (road, tower etc.)
    • Passive repeater engineering design and planning (back-to-back and billboard)
    • GIS (graphical information systems) basics and coordinate system considerations
    • Establishing line-of-sight in practise
    • Practical discussion on site and path surveys including for non-LOS equipment 
  • Homework group exercise to develop a site survey template

 

 

In-depth overview of propagation aspects

  • Review homework

  • Microwave propagation
    • Understanding analogue propagation and dispelling the pencil beam myth
    • The effect of the atmosphere on radio transmission
    • Really understanding k-factor and Fresnel zones
    • Thermal and dispersive fading and their countermeasures
    • Expert assessment of blackout fading and atmospheric ducting
    • Handling reflections especially over water
    • Rain fading and the dangers of statistics
    • Practical discussion on the types of fading and how to overcome them

  • Practical examples

Hardware Considerations

  • Hardware
    • Understanding the history of transmission standards (PDH, SDH, ATM)
    • The benefits of Carrier Ethernet
    • Overview of the system components and building blocks of a MW radio system
    • Comparison of current digital modulation schemes and how they affect bandwidth efficiency
    • Band, carrier (BCA) and link aggregation and use of co and cross channel dual polarisation methods
    • Key radio features (adaptive equalisation, FEC, XPIC, ATPC)

Antennas and interference 

  • Antenna considerations for MW planning
    • Understanding antennas and reversing 50 years of conventional wisdom
    • Antenna characteristics and what gain really means
    • Practical application of Radiation Pattern Envelope (RPE) diagrams
    • Importance of Return Loss
    • Understanding near and far field operation
    • Antenna types and the real benefit of a high-performance antenna
    • Comparing antenna types and why a microwave dish is usually parabolic
    • Practical considerations for comparing antennas including dual-band feeds
    • Practical advice for planning, installing and maintaining antennas
    • Field based discussion of choosing the right cabling, waveguides, radomes and accessories 
  • Interference (the hidden gremlin)
    • Understanding the realities of interference in digital systems
    • Standards bodies and frequency regulation
    • Types of licensing
    • Frequency bands and frequency planning
    • Bucking (high-low) site planning and interference and why it matters
    • Understanding and calculating nodal and overshoot interference
    • Overview of techniques to optimise frequency re-use 
  • Includes class exercises and tutorial group homework

 

 

Detailed link design and final tutorial 

  • Link design and the elusive five-nines
    • How to interpret and use the main radio planning standard ITU-R P.530
    • Understanding the difference between availability and performance as defined by the ITU and how to apply this to packet-based networks
    • Path, equipment and network reliability issues
    • How to handle obstacles in real-world designs
    • Setting antenna heights in context ITU rules
    • Redundancy schemes to make the transmission system truly carrier grade

      Complete tutorial and review answers

 

 

 

Ticket
$1450 +GST
REGISTER HERE

    Event Details
    10 hours - 5x2 hour sessions

    13 August: 10.00am-12.00pm (AEST)
    17 August: 10.00am-12.00pm (AEST)
    20 August: 10.00am-12.00pm (AEST)
    24 August: 10.00am-12.00pm (AEST)
    27 August: 10.00am-12.00pm (AEST)

    Limited spaces available

    Hear what previous attendees said

    "Enjoyed the delivery and the content. I'd seen the move away from microwave to fibre several years ago and now have a much better understanding of why microwave has its place and should be embraced. "
    "Great structure.. the 2 hour format supports knowledge retention as opposed to day long courses."

    This site uses cookies. Find out more about cookies and how you can refuse them.

    I Accept