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SignalMX® is a carrier-class add-on module for
EDX SignalPro® that specifically addresses the needs of designing,
deploying and optimizing wireless mesh networks. With automatic node
layout and automatic traffic loading features specific to today’s
Wi-Fi network designs, SignalMX provides detailed performance
predictions that save operators time and money in their network
planning processes.
Studies
Detailed Consideration of the 3D Environment
EDX SignalPro, the basic network design tool to which SignalMX
attaches, offers the most comprehensive selection of propagation
models. The included models use deterministic calculations that
predict path loss in clutter-rich environments by considering the
attenuation of the local clutter and the specific locations of
building walls. These considerations are essential for accurate
predictions of coverage and interference in mesh networks where the
equipment is located amongst the clutter with dense spacing.
Use Clutter for Fast 3D Modeling
SignalMX provides an innovative way to effectively model the 3D
environment. A Clutter Carving™ technique is used that provides
network designers with the ability to assign height values to clutter
categories, then overlay the resulting 3D clutter model with GIS data,
such as streets/major roads/highways/ interstates. The GIS data can
“carve” into the 3D model in order to provide a realistic description
of the propagation environment in which the network operates. The
width of the “carve” can be set by the network designer, specific to
each GIS category. This integration of clutter and GIS data gives
network designers a quick and location-specific model of the coverage
area when time and/or budgets do not provide for high-resolution
clutter and building databases.
Mesh Analysis
SignalMX gives you powerful analyses for mesh networks, providing
specific studies and displays that are meaningful for mesh
architecture. The mesh studies:
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Determine path loss between all Access Points (APs) using
point-to-point link calculations and taking into account terrain,
buildings, and clutter
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Calculate received signal at each AP from all other APs above your
threshold
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Calculate interference at each AP from all other APs based on
frequency or channel above your threshold
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Take into account directional antennas
Features
Automatic AP Layout
SignalMX provides automatic layout of cells/Access Points (APs).
Whether you’re in the bidding process, initial deployment, or planning
for growth, the ability to automatically distribute APs in your market
area will give you the ability to plan your network to meet capacity
demands
The automatic distribution of APs is based on market-specific
databases such as census/population information or land use/clutter
specifications, and can make use of databases that provide potential
locations, such as geographically referenced street lamp databases. An
intelligent “snap to intersections” feature places APs at street
intersections to make the most of street canyon environments.
Multiple groups of APs can be automatically generated, with each group
having specific RF parameters and distribution techniques, providing
for easy modeling of multiple service level agreements.
Also, with the advanced mapping features in EDX SignalPro, the ability
to display aerial photos and satellite images as map backgrounds also
adds to the ease of laying out mesh networks.
Automatic Traffic Loading
Model the traffic in your service area with more accuracy.
Automatically calculate traffic loading on individual nodes based on
real service areas and a selection of multiple service types. You can
consider multiple service mixes such as voice, e-mail, web browsing,
audio streaming, and video streaming.
Planning with Routing Information
In order to do meaningful traffic analysis on mesh networks, it is
important to consider the routing techniques used by equipment. A
generalized “fewest hops to the gateway” routing technique is
included.
SignalMX also includes Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that
provide for proprietary routing algorithms to be used in your traffic
analysis and what-if scenarios. Check with your equipment manufacturer
to see if an EDX API is available for use with SignalMX.
Path Profile & Quick Reports for Complete Details
With quick right-click commands, you can access path profile details
that provide you with information about obstacles and clutter types
along the link paths. You can also quickly generate a report that
tells the power and path loss to the next AP, as well as the data rate
in both directions and how many hops to the gateway.
Complete Municipal Network Planning Tools
If you have EDX SignalPro with the Network Design Module, the
carrier-class tool, you can also easily add APs at each Customer
Premise Equipment (CPE) location or vice-versa when you are using
fixed broadband networks for your internet gateway backhaul networks.
This gives you a single tool that integrates the design work for your
mesh client service, mesh interconnect (AP-to-AP), point-to-multipoint
backhaul, consecutive point backhaul and also wide-area systems.
Modules
Studies and map views can be simultaneously displayed so that you can
see the performance of multiple networks in a single study.
- SignalProof™
Toolkit for customer pre-qualification and call center support.
- Building Editor:
For importing and editing floor plans and outdoor building
databases.
- Microcell/Indoor Module:
For use with EDX SignalPro or SIGNAL; optional module for
microcell indoor and outdoor communication system design; features
2D and 3D ray-tracing models.
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