RF Design for WiMAX Networks ^TM

Course Description:
This course is targeted at students who are planning a WiMAX network, and who need the skills to design a network, balancing the requirements of service quality (including coverage and performance) with minimum capital and operations cost. The course teaches all Radio-Frequency (RF) design steps that an RF engineer would consider for a WiMAX deployment. Each RF design task is illustrated with practical examples, hands-on exercises and application of a software RF-design tool. This is one of three courses in a series which prepare students to take the WiMAX Network Designer™ certification exam.

The course “RF Design for WiMAX Networks” is structured as 50% tutorial content and 50% hands-on exercises. The tutorial modules are followed by a network-design case study. Through a special arrangement with EDX Wireless, a demonstration copy of the EDX SignalPro® software tool, including the Network Design Module, is provided to each student, and used for in-class exercises. You’ll have the experience of designing the RF network for a sample WiMAX-served community. Bring your laptop, or arrange in advance for DoceoTech to provide one for you.

Course Length:
2 Days
 

Course Outline:

v       Module 1: The Many Faces of WiMAX
At the end of this module you should be able to:
  Ø       Compare the different architectures of WiMAX
                 networks point-to-point and point-to-multipoint and
                 mobile, as well as the 10-60 GHz vs. 2-10 GHz
                 standards
  Ø       Describe why the WiMAX standard has so many
            alternate options for vendors and operators
  Ø       List ten variables that distinguish one WiMAX operator
            network from another
  Ø       Describe the likely future evolution of WiMAX services
  Ø       Compare and contrast product options for base
            stations, subscriber stations, and antennas
v       Module 2: Overview of Network Architecture and
          Modeling
At the end of this module you should be able to:
  Ø       Explain and follow each step of DoceoTech’s WiMAX
            Planning checklist
  Ø       Describe the types of modulation used in WiMAX
            standards, and the characteristics and limitations of
            each
  Ø       Compare and contrast the design implications of
             point-to-point and point-to-multipoint service
  Ø       Compare and contrast Line of Sight (LOS) Non LOS
            (NLOS) systems
  Ø       Diagram the selected frequency-reuse and
            sectorization plans
  Ø       Plan for network backhaul requirements

v       Module 3: WiMAX Performance and Coverage
           Considerations
At the end of this module you should be able to:
  Ø       Relate channel options, modulation options, and noise levels to throughput
  Ø       Describe the impact of regulations on network design
  Ø       Determine site selection criteria
  Ø       Determine cell density required for a desired level of service, performance, and coverage.
  Ø       Consider the impact of noise and interference on performance
  Ø       Compare and contrast uplink and downlink performance
  Ø       Choose backhaul options to support throughput requirements
  Ø       Understand the design impacts of a planned migration to mobile WiMAX service

v       Module 4: Coverage and Performance Planning with modeling tools
At the end of this module you should be able to:
  Ø       Describe the impact of regulations on network design
  Ø       Employ a modeling tool to prepare an RF plan for your network
  Ø       Understand the effect of frequency, power, terrain, clutter and CPE location on coverage
  Ø       Configure a modeling tool for a specific environment
  Ø       Import terrain and clutter databases
  Ø       Determine service level for business subscribers
  Ø       Anticipate throughput for residential subscribers
  Ø       Identify the type, grade and quality of service expected by the
             target customers
  Ø       Use a capacity planning tool to estimate equipment requirements
  Ø       Perform a drive test
  Ø       Optimize the network based on test data
  Ø       Estimate the number of base stations required to meet service,
                 performance and regulatory
             requirements
  Ø       List options for accommodating system and subscriber growth

v       Module 5: Network Design Case Study

v       Course Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to:
  Ø       List ten design variables that characterize WiMAX networks
  Ø       Demonstrate the impacts of frequency, and various design objectives (fixed with indoor or
            outdoor CPE, mobile, etc.) on network design
  Ø       Employ propagation modeling tools and various databases
  Ø       Recommend the number of base station locations and spectrum required to serve cities of
            varying size, subscriber density, clutter and topography
  Ø       Recommend equipment types based on manufacturer specifications
  Ø       Select optimum cell sites based on coverage, demographics, local issues, and cost issues
  Ø       Determine priorities for optimum design: throughput, coverage, operating cost, etc.
  Ø       Identify possible interference types and sources based on deployment spectrum
  Ø       Design RF links for subscribers based on throughput and coverage priorities
  Ø       Anticipate evolution to a mobile WiMAX network