MICROWAVE LINK -

FUNDAMENTALS

DIVERSITY IN MW LINKS

Diversity in MW Links is a sort of redundancy in network. They also

help overcome various factors which affect MW links.
Two types of Diversity in MW links
1. Frequency Diversity
2. Space Diversity
Fig MW.10.1 and MW.10.2 shows these diversities respectively.
 Fig MW. 10.1 Frequency Diversity Fig
MW.10.2 Space Diversity
Frequency Diversity calls for use of two different frequencies for same
MW link. This is normally avoided because two frequency allocation
means double the annual fee payable for frequency. Frequency
diversity is generally meant to overcome frequency interferences and
various other factors.
Space Diversity uses two MW antennas at each side and is best suited to
overcome Reflection of MW waves. Signal is received by both antennas
called Main Antenna and Diversity Antenna and it is IDU to decide
which signal to receive. Generally IDU receives best possible signal.
This diversity also helps a lot in areas of high wind because if one
antenna gets misaligned network can function without fail from
another. Thus this provides a sort of redundancy to our network.
 FREE SPACE LOSS

Free Space Loss is defined as minimum loss an electromagnetic wave

experiences if it travels in atmosphere. It depends from place to place.
Its value for Kerela and Rajasthan will be different due to various
factors one of which can be humidity. However, we may roughly
define free space loss for MW link as
Lfs = 92.45 + 20 log (dist * freq)
where
dist. = MW hop length in Kms.
freq = Frequency of MW link in GHz.
EXAMPLE
For MW link of 15 GHz and hop length 10 Kms free space loss can
roughly be calculated as
= 92.45 + 20 log ( 10 * 15)
= 135.97 dB

ANTENNA GAIN

Antenna Gain is the gain antenna provides to the signal before

transmitting it into air. For parabolic antennas used for MW link, this
gain is roughly
Antenna Gain = 17.8 + 20 log (f * dia)
Where
f = Frequency in GHz
dia = Diameter of MW antenna.
EXAMPLE
For 18 GHz MW link and 0.3 m size MW antenna, Antenna Gain will be
approx.
= 17.8 + 20 log (18*0.3)
= 32.44 dBi
(Don't worry about unit dBi, refer tutorial "Introduction to dB"
elsewhere on this website. To learn more about antennas refer tutorial
on it.)

FRESNEL ZONE

To understand Fresnel zone we need to first refer Fig MW.12.1

Fig MW.12.1 MW Communication

From the figure above we can see that apart from direct line of sight
(LOS) we need to leave some space above and below it to allow
deviation of MW wave from its original path. This deviation, as already
studied, is due to refraction. Fresnel zone is nothing but distance below
and above a point which should be clear for LOS communication.
where
rn = radius of fresnel zone. Generally we consider n=1 i.e. first fresnel
zone clearance.
d1 = distance of point from Point A
d2 = distance of point from Point B
Lambda = Wavelength

LINK BUDGET

Now we will see link budget of MW link i.e. we will analyze gains and
losses and calculate received power at other end.
Refer Fig MW.13.1 before moving further.

Fig MW.13.1 Link Budget for MW Link

From Fig MW.13.1 it can be seen clearly that received power at Point B
can be calculated as
RxA = TxA + GA - Lfs - Arain + GB
Where
TxA = Transmit Power
GA = Gain of Antenna A
Lfs = Free Space Loss
Arain = Attenuation due to rain
GB = Gain of Antenna B
EXAMPLE
Suppose we have 6.2 GHz MW link. Diameter of antenna at both sides
is 1.8 m. Distance is 20 Kms. Calculate approx received power at point
B, if transmitted power at point A is 25 dBm.
SOLUTION
First we will calculate Gain of two antennas. Since diameter is same,
both antennas will roughly have gain of
= 17.8 + 20 log (freq * dia)
= 17.8 + 20 log (6.2 * 1.8)
= 38.753 dBi
Then, we will calculate rough free space loss as
= 98.45 + 20 log (dist * freq)
= 98.45 + 20 log (20 * 6.2)
= 140.318 dBm
Finally we will calculate received power at Point B from above given
formula. We are assuming rain attenuation as zero.
RxB = 25 + 38.753 - 140.318 - 0 + 38.753
= - 37.812 dBm Answer
NOTE
Receiver sensitivity is generally around -65 dBm and hence the receive power
we are getting is good and also take care of rain attenuation margin during
rainy season. It is good practice to leave around 30 dB as rain margin.