Calculator inputs
Example data table
| Scenario | Frequency | Tx power | Path exponent | Obstacle loss | Practical range | Coverage area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open warehouse aisle | 2400 MHz | 20 dBm | 2.6 | 4 dB | 96.40 m | 29,194.62 m² |
| Typical office floor | 2400 MHz | 20 dBm | 3.0 | 8 dB | 49.39 m | 7,662.35 m² |
| Dense retail interior | 5000 MHz | 17 dBm | 3.7 | 12 dB | 24.85 m | 1,939.97 m² |
Formula used
EIRP = Tx power + Tx antenna gain − Tx cable loss
MAPL = Tx power + Tx gain + Rx gain − Tx loss − Rx loss − Receiver sensitivity − Fade margin − Obstacle loss − Miscellaneous loss
FSPL(dB) = 32.44 + 20 log10(frequency MHz) + 20 log10(distance km)
PL(d) = PL(1 m) + 10n log10(d), where n is the path loss exponent and PL(1 m) = 32.44 + 20 log10(frequency MHz) − 60
Coverage area = π × range² × sector fraction. Fresnel midpoint radius ≈ 8.657 × √(distance km ÷ frequency GHz)
How to use this calculator
- Select the closest environment preset, or choose custom values.
- Enter operating frequency, radio power, antenna gains, and cable losses.
- Set receiver sensitivity, fade margin, and additional obstacle losses.
- Choose the sector angle to match omni or sector antennas.
- Enter a test distance to inspect received signal performance there.
- Provide the target service area to estimate node count.
- Submit the form and review range, margin, area, and horizon values.
- Export the current result set as CSV or PDF.
FAQs
1. What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates RF range, coverage area, path loss, received power, margin, Fresnel clearance needs, and an approximate node count from your planning assumptions.
2. Why are practical range and free-space range different?
Free-space range assumes an ideal path. Practical range applies the selected path loss exponent plus obstacle and miscellaneous losses, producing a more realistic deployment estimate.
3. What path loss exponent should I choose?
Use about 2.0 for open space, 2.2 to 3.0 for light or typical indoor areas, and 3.5 to 4.0 for dense obstruction or urban clutter.
4. Does the calculator include interference?
Not directly. Interference, channel reuse, and contention are not modeled. Add conservative fade or miscellaneous loss values to represent harsher real-world conditions.
5. What is MAPL?
MAPL means maximum allowable path loss. It is the total signal loss your link can tolerate while still meeting sensitivity and fade margin requirements.
6. How should I use the node count estimate?
Treat it as an early planning number. Final access point counts still depend on client density, throughput goals, roaming design, channel reuse, and building layout.
7. What does Fresnel midpoint radius tell me?
It shows the approximate clearance space needed around the link midpoint. Partial obstruction inside that zone can reduce signal quality and effective range.
8. Can I use this for outdoor backhaul planning?
Yes, for early feasibility checks. You should still validate terrain, legal EIRP limits, antenna alignment, rain fade, and full line-of-sight details separately.