Calculator Inputs
Use realistic field values. Adjust optimization ranges for stronger recommendations.
Example Data Table
Example inputs for quick testing and benchmarking.
| Scenario | Freq | Distance | Tx Power | Gains | BW | Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crane corridor backhaul | 5.8 GHz | 1.2 km | 28 dBm | 23/23 dBi | 40 MHz | Industrial |
| Site-wide coverage sector | 1.8 GHz | 2.0 km | 33 dBm | 16/9 dBi | 20 MHz | Suburban |
| Remote quarry telemetry link | 900 MHz | 6.5 km | 30 dBm | 12/12 dBi | 5 MHz | Rural |
Formulas Used
- FSPL (dB): 32.44 + 20·log10(fMHz) + 20·log10(dkm)
- Log-distance path loss (dB): PL(d)=PL(1m)+10·n·log10(d/1m)
- EIRP (dBm): TxPower + TxGain − TxCableLoss
- Received power (dBm): EIRP + RxGain − RxCableLoss − PathLoss − (Clutter+Misc+Rain+Penetration) + DiversityGain
- Noise floor (dBm): −174 + 10·log10(BWHz) + NoiseFigure
- SNR (dB): ReceivedPower − NoiseFloor
- Shannon capacity: C = B·log2(1 + 10^(SNR/10))
- Link margin (dB): ReceivedPower − Sensitivity − FadeMargin
- Fresnel r1 at midpoint (m): r1 ≈ 8.657·sqrt(dkm/fGHz), clearance target ≈ 0.6·r1
- AI score (heuristic): Weighted blend of normalized margin, capacity, interference penalty, and cost proxy.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter frequency and distance for the RF path you are evaluating.
- Choose a propagation model and set environment or clutter loss.
- Fill transmitter, antenna gains, feeder losses, and extra losses.
- Set bandwidth, noise figure, receiver sensitivity, and fade margin.
- Enter heights and an estimated midpoint obstacle for clearance checks.
- Adjust AI weights and optimization ranges to explore alternatives.
- Press “Submit & Calculate” to view results above the form.
- Use CSV or PDF export buttons to generate shareable reports.
Coverage planning for dynamic sites
Construction projects change weekly, so RF designs must tolerate shifting obstacles and new reflective surfaces. Use this calculator to quantify path loss, extra losses, and margin at each phase. Typical planning targets are 8–20 dB fade margin, receiver noise figure 3–7 dB, and bandwidth 5–40 MHz depending on service class.
Link budget inputs that drive reliability
Start with transmit power, antenna gains, and feeder losses to compute EIRP and received power. Then layer practical losses: connectors and aiming (1–3 dB), clutter (6–24 dB by environment), and penetration (5–20 dB for containers and concrete edges). A positive link margin after fade margin generally indicates stable coverage for the specified modulation target.
Capacity checks for video, telemetry, and voice
Noise floor is estimated using −174 dBm/Hz, bandwidth, and noise figure. SNR then feeds Shannon capacity to provide a theoretical upper bound in Mbps. For field planning, treat this as a ceiling and expect lower realized throughput after protocol overhead, scheduling, and interference. Raise SNR by improving antenna gain, reducing losses, or shortening distance.
Clearance and Fresnel risk on tall equipment routes
Mid‑path clearance is assessed using the first Fresnel radius. A common rule is to keep at least 60% of the Fresnel zone clear. If cranes, berms, or stockpiles intrude, increase mast height, reposition endpoints, or move to a lower frequency to reduce Fresnel radius. The clearance indicator helps prioritize field fixes before deployment.
AI ranking for practical optimization
The optimization engine tests combinations of power, height, and tilt within your ranges, then scores candidates using your weights for coverage (margin), capacity, interference penalty (EIRP above limit), and a configurable cost proxy. This produces fast, explainable recommendations for site crews. Use the top rows as a starting plan, then validate with surveys and logs.
| Example dataset | Frequency | Distance | Tx Power | Tx/Rx Gain | Bandwidth | Target Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container yard Wi‑Fi backhaul | 5.8 GHz | 0.9 km | 27 dBm | 23/23 dBi | 40 MHz | ≥ 12 dB |
| Site LTE/CBRS coverage link | 3.5 GHz | 2.2 km | 30 dBm | 15/9 dBi | 20 MHz | ≥ 10 dB |
| Long‑range telemetry hop | 900 MHz | 7.0 km | 30 dBm | 12/12 dBi | 5 MHz | ≥ 15 dB |
FAQs
1) What does the confidence score represent?
It is a logistic transform of link margin, scaled to 0–100%. Higher margin increases confidence because it improves tolerance to fading, misalignment, and temporary obstructions during active construction.
2) Should I use FSPL or log-distance for construction sites?
FSPL fits clear line‑of‑sight links. Log‑distance is better for cluttered corridors, steel framing, and partial obstruction. If you have site measurements, tune the path loss exponent for closer calibration.
3) Why is Shannon capacity higher than my real throughput?
Shannon capacity is a theoretical maximum. Real networks lose capacity to coding gaps, retransmissions, scheduling, duplexing, and protocol overhead. Use it to compare options, not to guarantee application throughput.
4) How do I set clutter and penetration losses?
Start with the environment default and override if needed. Light clutter can be 6–12 dB, dense urban 18–24 dB, and container penetration often 5–20 dB. Validate by spot measurements where possible.
5) What is a good fade margin for site communications?
For general data and telemetry, 8–12 dB is common. For safety‑critical voice or video, 12–20 dB is safer. Higher margins reduce dropouts caused by moving equipment and multipath.
6) How is interference handled in the optimization score?
Interference is represented as a penalty when EIRP exceeds your chosen limit. This nudges the ranking toward lower‑impact designs while still allowing higher power if coverage and capacity benefits justify it.
7) How can I improve a failing clearance result?
Raise mast heights, move endpoints, shorten the hop, or select a lower frequency to reduce Fresnel radius. Avoid placing the main obstruction near the midpoint, where Fresnel clearance requirements are most demanding.