ProVision Communications

Base Station Optimiser set to Generate Substantial Savings for Wireless Network Operators

01 September 2006

Wireless specialist ProVision Communications today announced the release of ProPhecy ProSite, its new tool for optimising the siting of wireless base stations. ProSite takes into account financial as well as wireless propagation constraints, so as to deliver the most cost effective siting solutions. Using this tool, wireless network operators can now locate their base stations confident that they are maximising profitability at the same time as meeting their requirements for coverage, capacity and quality of service. ProSite is suitable for planning all types of wireless network, in particular WiMax and WiFi, but also for DVB-T/H television, and other non-line-of-sight networks.

Planning urban wireless networks such as WiMax is extremely difficult because of the complexity of city environments. In a highly competitive market, being able to deliver the required levels of service with fewer base stations, or from less expensive rooftops, can be critical for long term profitability. The problem is multi-dimensional, involving both wireless propagation (viz. coverage, capacity, link quality etc.) and economic constraints (capital costs, site rental, etc.). The ProSite optimiser takes all these constraints into account, and, coupled with a powerful wireless propagation modelling tool, such as ProVision’s ProPhecy software, calculates the optimal solutions. These are then presented using a graphical visualisation tool (see right-hand figure), to help the network operator to compare all the alternative options, before making an objective decision on the preferred solution.

ProSite can be used to generate solutions for single or multiple base stations; it optimises over seven dimensions, using flexible user-definable QoL (Quality of Link) metrics. A range of optimisation objectives can be set, such as uplink or downlink optimisation, or both. The tool is capable of building entire city-wide networks, either for roof-top or street level operation. ProSite has been designed for ease of use by an occasional user, while including advanced functionality for the more sophisticated operator. Data input is achieved using a range of familiar templates and menus, while solutions are displayed in three-dimensional space using the visualisation tool. The ProSite optimiser is a stand-alone software package (built in Matlab) and can be used with ProVision’s ProPhecy tools, or with other industry standard propagation planning tools.

“This new optimiser is a major step forward in delivering cost-effective wireless networks in urban areas,” said Professor Andrew Nix, Director of Wireless Technology at ProVision Communications, “It’s a highly competitive market out there, so getting your base stations in exactly the right places can be the difference between profitability and failure. ProSite considers millions of network topologies, and by combining the financial and technical constraints of each solution, the tool identifies the most appropriate solution for the project”

ProSite is available now from ProVision Communications; it is part of ProVision’s ProPhecy range of wireless planning tools.

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