An antenna site survey is a detailed operation, as Figure
indicates. Once
the antenna site survey is done and the proposed path has adequate line of
sight, the next step is path profiling. Figure
lists
the important goals of path profiling. After the path profiling is done, a path
analysis should be done. A path analysis plans for the worst potential
obstructions in order to make an installation reliable, as Figure
shows. Accurate
information about the wireless equipment and antennas is required to calculate
the realistic signal strength. Once the signal strength is calculated, the
harmful effects of path distance, terrain, climate, and rainfall conditions are
factored in. When the detrimental effects cause the signal to attenuate or fade
too much, the microwave receiver will become unreliable.
Using a
higher-gain antenna and a lower-loss cable can increase the signal level and
improve the overall system performance. However, local regulations about the
maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) should be followed in
selecting a type of antenna and coaxial cable. EIRP is the sum of transmit
power and antenna gain minus the cable losses.