Wave propagation models for modeling 5G macro base station coverage in Urban Area

SmartWasari

I am currently working on a project to evaluate the suitability of wave propagation models for modeling 5G macro base station coverage in the 3.4 GHz–3.8 GHz frequency band in urban areas.

Having watched some online tutorials and explored the Altair Feko interface, I was able to complete the following initial steps:

1. Exporting the map data from OpenStreetMap.
2. Importing and converting the map in WallMan

However, I am encountering challenges progressing further, particularly in setting up and simulating the wave propagation models and analyzing the coverage. I am hoping someone could provide guidance on the following:

• Setting up the 5G macro base station parameters (e.g., antenna pattern file, Air interface model, power levels, frequency range, etc.)
• Configuring suitable propagation models for dense urban environments.
• Performing and interpreting the coverage analysis.
• Any best practices or tips for accurately modeling 5G networks using Altair Feko?

Your insights would be immensely valuable in helping me move forward with this project. Please let me know if you would be open to discussing this further or if you could recommend any resources that might assist me.

my email: talk2sylvester@gmail.com

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Zeina

Hi @SmartWasari ,

I am glad you are starting to discover and use WinProp for your radio coverage simulations.

Here are some tips regarding the points you have mentioned:

• In order to define your BS antennas, you can create a site for each base station in which you define your antennas. You can chose then the carrier for each antenna, power etc. You can also add an antenna pattern if you have one. WinProp supports *.apb files, generated using AMan, or *.ffe files, Feko generated far field files. If you choose to run for an omnidirectional antenna than you need not define a pattern. AMan allows the conversion and creation of antenna patterns, this is a topic by itself and depends on what you have available as input files (.msi format, datasheet info, etc.)
• As for the Air Interface, you have access to a large library of Air Interfaces, including multiple 5G varieties, in your Feko installation directory under example A07:
  …\2024.1\help\winprop\examples\ExampleGuide_models\Example-A07-Air_Interfaces_aka_Wireless_Standards\Air_Interfaces_aka_Wireless_Standards
  To use one of those, you can create your project in ProMan by selecting "Network Planning based on description file of air interface", then choosing the corresponding air interface file from the given directory.
• Regarding the choice of your propagation model the Urban Dominant Path model is a good option for high accuracy and lower run-time when compared to full tracing models. The Intelligent Ray-tracing model could also be used, but it will require more memory and run-time.
• Finally, you can chose different output entities that you which to assess and compare performances.

Good luck with your project.

Best Regards,

Zeina

Zeina

Hi @SmartWasari ,

I am glad you are starting to discover and use WinProp for your radio coverage simulations.

Here are some tips regarding the points you have mentioned:

• In order to define your BS antennas, you can create a site for each base station in which you define your antennas. You can chose then the carrier for each antenna, power etc. You can also add an antenna pattern if you have one. WinProp supports *.apb files, generated using AMan, or *.ffe files, Feko generated far field files. If you choose to run for an omnidirectional antenna than you need not define a pattern. AMan allows the conversion and creation of antenna patterns, this is a topic by itself and depends on what you have available as input files (.msi format, datasheet info, etc.)
• As for the Air Interface, you have access to a large library of Air Interfaces, including multiple 5G varieties, in your Feko installation directory under example A07: …\2024.1\help\winprop\examples\ExampleGuide_models\Example-A07-Air_Interfaces_aka_Wireless_Standards\Air_Interfaces_aka_Wireless_StandardsTo use one of those, you can create your project in ProMan by selecting "Network Planning based on description file of air interface", then choosing the corresponding air interface file from the given directory.
• Regarding the choice of your propagation model the Urban Dominant Path model is a good option for high accuracy and lower run-time when compared to full tracing models. The Intelligent Ray-tracing model could also be used, but it will require more memory and run-time.
• Finally, you can chose different output entities that you wish to assess and compare performances.

Good luck with your project.

Best Regards,

Zeina

SmartWasari

Hello Zaina,

Thank you so much for your reply.
I also want to ask if there is a video, a video link that iterates the steps listed above, and a video for a similar project that has been executed before.

Once again, thank you so much.
Best regard