Mentum Planet 7.

0
Core
Mentum Planet Public Training

MP501

Orchestrating network performance | www.infovista.com

Orchestrating network performance |
 Copyright © 2016
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Last updated April 2016 , MP500 LTE

Orchestrating network performance | 2

Introduction
About the Class

By the end of the course, you will learn how to use Mentum Planet
functionality to model your radio access network.

Mentum Planet 7 is a state-of the-art

RF planning software.

It allows you to create detailed

models of air interfaces with
support for advanced antenna
systems. Also all legacy systems
are supported. From HSPA+ to
FDMA, all systems can be modeled
in the same project

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Introduction
About the Class

• The class is focused around the following activities:

Lecture

 To describe technical information

 To explain concepts
 To introduce activities

Guided hands-on practice

 To give you the opportunity to use Mentum

Planet to complete common tasks
 To demonstrate the use of Mentum Planet
features and functionality
 To provide suggestions for using Mentum
Planet effectively

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Introduction
Participation Protocol

Set phones and pagers to vibrate mode

Check email only during scheduled breaks

Listen

Discuss ideas openly

Share at discussion time

Follow along with the instructor

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Introduction
Mentum Planet Feature Set

Ready for the Evolution of 4G

LTE Downlink Data Rate Layer

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Introduction
Mentum Planet Feature Set

Advanced
Antenna
Systems

Automatic Multi-
Propagation
Analysis Technology
Tool Support

Mentum
Planet

Automatic
Network Indoor
Planning Systems
Tool

Optimization
Solutions

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Introduction
Mentum Planet Feature Set
• Complete solution throughout
the whole network cycle Wi-Fi

LTE
WCDMA
LTE-A

WiMAX
Planet GSM
Core
LMR
iDEN Tetra
P25
Cdma2000

Mentum Planet – Technology Modules Orchestrating network performance | 8

Introduction
Mentum Planet 5 Feature Set

Antenna
Propagation
Editor Antenna
Algorithm
Model Editor
Editor

Tabular
Site Editor
Editor
Mentum
Planet
Link
Environment
Configuration
Editor
Editor

Subscriber Frame
Editor Editor
Understanding the Editors
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Introduction
Start page

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Introduction
Getting Help

From within Mentum Planet,

Choose ? or Planet  Help

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Introduction
Getting Help

From any dialog

box,
press F1

From Planet  Help

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Introduction
Workflow (MP501)

• Gather information about site locations, antennas as

well as ensure you have a DTM and up-to-date • Configure and place sites. Create site templates.
1 clutter. 7

• Ensure data is in a format supported by Mentum

• Define propagation models.
2 Planet and import grids and surveys as required. 8

• Define user preferences including default

• Optionally, compare and analyze survey data.
3 settings and Data Manager profiles. 9

• Create or open a project. • Generate predictions.

4 10

• Visualize in Bing Maps and export to Google

• Define network settings.
5 11 Earth.

• Heterogeneous Networks.
• Create groups and flags.
6 Extra • Datamanager Handling.

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Projects
Opening

Choose Planet  Open

Start
Page

Choose Recent Project

Create a shortcut to the project

.planet file and double-click
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User Preferences
Customizing Mentum Planet

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Project Settings
Configuring a Mentum Planet Project

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Project Settings
Configuring a Mentum Planet Project
Mentum Planet fully supports
User Mobility.

Mobile speed values are

used when you define
subscriber types in the
Subscriber Settings dialog
box. Each usage type is
associated with a mobile
speed. Channel models are
also used when you define
modulations in the Network
Settings dialog box. The
impact of the channel model
(i.e. of the mobile speed) is
greater at higher
modulations.
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Project Settings
Configuring a Mentum Planet Project

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Key Considerations
Project Settings
 On the General tab, if you want to save project display settings,
associate a workspace (.wor) file with the Mentum Planet project.
 On the Geodata tab, specify the geodata settings respecting the
required folder structure.
 On the Coordinate System tab, ensure that the units are defined
appropriately and that you use units consistently across the project.
 On the Folders tab, specify the Bin, Signal Strength, or Prediction
View folders on a central server if you want to save disk space locally.
 On the Channels Models tab, specify the mobile speeds to be used
throughout the project
 On the Prediction Heights tab, specify height parameters to be used
in prediction generation. Enable the Used check box to display the
defined height in the Active Height list

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Key Considerations
Project Settings
 On the Advanced Options tab, if you are using Data Manager,
enable sharing permissions. When a file type is shared (i.e., the
check box is enabled), the absolute path to the data is stored in Data
Manager.
 On the Environments(new) tab, select user-defined environments
when working with multi resolution geodata
 On the Custom List tab, create pre-defined lists that you can use
when adding custom attributes to project elements (such as a site,
sector, or antenna) on the Custom Data tab.
 On the Custom Data tab, select the item for which you want to define
a custom data definition. The parameters you define for custom data
determines the requirements that dictate whether data entered is
valid.
 On the Network Perfomance Management tab, define network
performance platforms to retrieve sector load values. Then further
visualize Key Performance Indicators(KPI) for a specific day or time.
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Color Profiles
Creating and Applying

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Network Settings
Modulations

Define
Carrier ,
Band and
Sub-Bands

Secure Modulation Tables/Curves from OEM

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22
Network Settings
Defining Frame Editor Parameters
• 3GPP LTE frame definition
for downlink (OFDMA) and
uplink (SC-FDMA)

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23
Network Settings
Slow Fading

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24
Network Settings
Hard Handover & Cellular Layer

Define Heirarchical Layers in the

network

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25
Network Settings
MBSFN Areas

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26
Antenna Editor
Antenna System Settings

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Antenna Editor
Antenna System Settings
• 3D Visualization of antenna radiation pattern

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Antennas
Adding to the Project

Copy the Planet Antenna File

(.paf/.pafx) to the Antennas folder
within your project

In the Propagation window,

right-click the Antenna Files and
choose Add.

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Online Antenna Library
Downloading antenna files
• Online antenna library hosted
by Mentum
• Antenna query & download
tool included with Mentum
Planet
• Mentum working with
antenna vendors to create
publicly available catalogue
of antenna formats
Querying the Antenna Online Library

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Site Editor
Defining Antenna System Settings Repeaters and DAS
• Repeater support for all
technologies
• Off the air and fiber-connected
repeaters
• Support for Split Sectors
• Quasi Omni-directional
antennas (special case of split
sectors)
• Support for Distributed
Antenna Systems (DAS)
Site with added Repeater

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Site Editor
Defining Sector Link Parameters

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Site Editor
Defining Link Configurations

Cable (Feeder)
length is set at the
sector level

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Link Configurations
Creating

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Site Editor
Defining Site and Sector Parameters

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Site Editor
Defining General Sector Parameters

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Site Editor
Defining Groups and Flags
Downtown group (flags)

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Site Editor
Defining Groups and Flags (con’t)
Downtown group

Phase 1
(group)

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Sector Query
Defining sector queries

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Site Editor
Defining Sector Settings

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Site Editor
Neighbor List

Neighbor List tab specifies the criteria for the active sector neighbor list. Each
sector has an active neighbor list. This list is updated when you apply a neighbor
plan to the network. In the graphical neighbor plan editor, you can now select which
neighbors are to be displayed on the map.
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Sector Display Schemes
Creating and Applying

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Site Templates
Creating
Site template contains all the
parameters defined in the Site
Editor upon which it is based

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Site creation
Sites can easily be created by importing site parameters

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Tabular Editor
Modifying Data Globally

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Tabular Editor
Modifying Data Globally
• Versatile tabular-based
editing capabilities
• Filtering through Excel-like
auto-filter or queries
• Ability to perform bulk editing
of values
• Copy and paste to/from Excel
• Validate constraints on-the-fly
and provides tips when values
out of range

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Advanced Project Editing
Using the Import Export Wizard

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Advanced Project Editing
Using the Import Export Wizard – Checklist and Notes

1. Create/Use a template by exporting a dummy site to an excel file

2. Use the minimum number of worksheets for the initial import, i.e.
Sites, Antennas, Sectors, Sector_Antennas, Sector_Antennas_Ports
3. Use the correct format for the data in the columns/cells, i.e. numeric
vs text characters. The template will give you a hint. Be aware of
limitations in number of characters
4. Use default values from the template for to fill in for data that you do
not currently have.
5. If you wish to import flag data, create the flags and conditions in
your project first or import the flags in excel format.
6. Test with a few sites if it works before importing the whole data.
7. See the log file for warnings or error messages.
8. When importing data with antenna data, make sure the antenna files
exist in the project. If they are not in the project, Planet may
substitute them with a generic antenna.

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Site Planning
Using Site Sets

Local site set

Shared site
set. (copy)
Local subset
(copy)
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Propagation Models
What is Model Tuning?

• Adapting the parameters of a

propagation algorithm to improve
0 dB
propagation modeling accuracy
Theoretically Ideal

• Measurements are used to perform Model

such task

Percentage of Drive Test Points

Tuned Model

• Entirely automated using Planet

model tuning capabilities
Un-tuned
• Operators can use different Model

strategies on how to tune models

• Each model has its own unique
parameters and hence, unique tuner - Drive Test minus Prediction
+

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Propagation Models
Classes of Models
• Empirical models

• Result from experimental measurements of path loss

• Very fast, non tunable and of poor accuracy

• Slope-based models with diffraction algorithms

• Result from experimental measurements and mathematical modeling expressions

• Very fast, very tunable and of good accuracy

• Require tuning and little re-use possible

• Deterministic models

• Result from development of propagation science

• Slow, reasonably tunable and good accuracy

• Highly re-usable

• Hybrid models

• They use several algorithms & techniques to achieve optimum accuracy

• Highly accurate and tunable with reasonable performance

• Highly re-usable

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Propagation Models
Planet Models
• Planet General Model (PGM)
• A de-facto standard in the industry today
• Multi-variable slope based model with local adjustment and hence, highly tunable
• Good macro-cellular accuracy, very fast and easy to use
• Requires tuning and hence, offers limited re-usability potential
• Ability to define whether clutter heights should be used for inclination angles and/or for
diffraction calculations

PRX= PTX + K1 + K2·log(d) + K3·log(Heff) + K4·Diffraction

+ K5·log(Heff)·log(d) + K6·Hmeff + KCLUTTER

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Propagation Models
Planet Models (CRC Predict)
• CRC-Predict
• Deterministic model based on physical optics (Fresnel-Kirchhoff theory), which is
expressed in terms of the Huygens’ principle of optics
• Used when both detailed and accurate terrain and clutter data are available (10 – 30m
resolution)
• Good accuracy in macro-cellular environment
• Highly re-usable and particularly good in green field environments

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Propagation Models
Planet Models (CRC Predict continued)

CRC-Predict uses a marching algorithm

where the field values are calculated by
the vector sum of all the free space and
reflected pairs from each field point of the
preceding series

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Propagation Models
Planet Models (PUM)
• Planet Universal Model (PUM)
• Versatile hybrid model with support for all environments (macro, mini, micro), all frequencies and any geodata
resolution
• Unmatched accuracy in the industry
• Highly tunable and highly re-usable
• Support for
• horizontal propagation modeling option for Geodata files defined in raster format
• vegegation 3D models
• Advanced feature set
• Variable resolution support (input & output)
• Works with raster and vector data
• Offers standard and specialized masking for ACP support
• Adaptive selection of appropriate algorithms based on the environment.

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Propagation Models
Planet Universal model (continued)

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Propagation Models
Planet Models
Planet General CRC-Predict Planet Universal
Model Model

Macro-cellular Excellent Excellent Excellent

Mini-cellular (Urban) Fair Fair Excellent

Micro-cellular (Urban) Fair Poor Excellent

No tuning Poor Good Good

Cluster tuning Good Good Excellent

Hyper-tuning (per sector model) Excellent Good Excellent

Mountainous areas Fair Good Excellent

Computation times Excellent Fair Good

Qualitative statements on accuracy & applicability of model under various different conditions

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 Propagation Models
Planet 3D Model (P3M)

• P3M designed for urban environment

• But can be used everywhere, including mountainous areas
where the receiver is higher than the transmitter
• It supports all Geodata solutions (height, clutter, clutter height,
polygons)

• Multi-resolution support (e.g. height/clutter at 30m resolution,

and building polygon data), with optional dual-resolution
calculation

P3M Model Editor – Settings Tab

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Propagation Models
Planet 3D Model (P3M)

Small Cell Prediction in Downtown Toronto, Canada

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Propagation Models
Planet 3D Model (P3M)

P3M 3D Prediction with Isotropic Antenna: Increasing Signal as the Receiver Height
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Increases
Propagation Models
Creating

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Propagation Models
Tuning
• “Everybody believes in drive testing, except the guy who drive tests.

• Nobody believes in predictions, expect the guy who generates them.”

• Combine both properly, and you’ll get the best of both worlds

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Propagation Models
Tuning (methodologies)

Tuning Planet Models using drive test data

• Same methodology for tuning all

models
• Unified interface for survey
loading/filtering
• Advanced Filtering to best suit the
needs of the data and area
• Powerful grid analysis tools to validate
produced models

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Survey Data
Importing and Filtering
You can modify survey data to remove
anomalous points by:
 Averaging the data
 Filtering the data
 Removing data from the Map
window

Identifies valid surveys that have not been assigned to a sector.

Identifies valid surveys that have been assigned to a sector.

Identifies surveys that have invalid parameters or no antenna information. By

adding antenna information to surveys based on the sector properties, you
can change an invalid survey to a valid one.
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Survey Data Mentum Planet offers a
comprehensive set of features to
Management handle survey measurements

• Survey display and thematic

mapping
• Survey statistical analysis
• Comparison between surveys
and predictions

Survey statistical analysis

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Survey Data
Filtering and Averaging
• Survey filtering
Mentum Planet allows for survey
manipulation for modification
and removal of unwanted points

Survey averaging

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Propagation Models
Tuning (engines)

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Propagation Models
Tuning Report

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Predictions
Validating

 Compare to Modeled
Prediction functions
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Predictions
Validating Propagation Model Analysis Tool

 Propagation Model Analysis Orchestrating network performance | 70

Predictions
Validating Propagation Model Analysis Tool (Reports)

 Propagation Model Analysis Clutter

Report Mean-RMS-Dev tab shown.

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Predictions
Generating

 Modeled−are calculated
using the propagation
model assigned to the
site or sector.

 Merged−are calculated
using unmasked survey
data and path loss values
converted from signal
strength readings.

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Predictions
Generating (Drive Test/Prediction Merging)
• Different names have been given to this concept: survey prediction tool, measurement-based
predictions, path-loss tuning, etc.
• All techniques relate to the same solution
• Use measurement data where it’s available
• Use predictions where measurement data is not available
• Use interpolation of both in-between
• What you obtain in the end is a propagation prediction that is better than both a regular
prediction and measurement data
• Typical accuracy levels you can reach are
• 0 dB if you use the same data to generate and evaluate!
• Typically 3 to 5 dB RMS depending on the proportion of available drive test data in the area

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Predictions
Viewing

LTE Reference Signal

coverage

Total coverage

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Predictions at multiple heights

Generate predictions at
multiple heights:

The result is also

visualized in Metro
Designer:

LTE Data Rate at Different Heights

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Mentum Metro Designer
• Data visualization in 3D
• Buildings
• Predictions
• Network analyses
• Traffic maps
• 2D and 3D Views
• Grid Query
• Ability to interpolate Downlink Data Rate at Different
Heights
grids
Metro Designer – Buildings &
Clutter
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Integrated Bing Maps™ Visualization

• Visualize a high-resolution
satellite photograph from
Bing Maps™ just as another
MapInfo layer
• Aerial and hybrid views are
available, as well as Bing
Roads and Open Street Map
Roads

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Integrated Bing Maps™ Visualization

• Analysis layers can be

displayed in translucent form
on top of the Bing Maps™
picture

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Integrated Bing Maps™ Visualization

• Open Street Map Roads view

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Google Earth Export

• No white background around

exported grids
• Ability to export larger grids
• Ability to export sector,
repeater, and antenna
information

Google Earth Export

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 Automatic Site Placement
• Automatic and fast
creation of a cluster of
sites
• Enables quick creation
of large networks for
dimensioning and/or
early planning
• Can be used for
greenfield deployments
and network
expansions

Nation-wide network created using automatic site placement tool

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Heterogeneous Networks

• Heterogeneous Networks are

going to become very
common, with or without WiFi,
in order to address Traffic
demand
• HetNet can be within a single
Radio Access Technology, with
different Cellular Layers (e.g.
macro, micro, femto cells)
• HetNet can be with multiple
Radio Access Technologies
(e.g. Wi-Fi and LTE) Heterogeneous Networks

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 Heterogeneous Networks

• Different transmission
powers for macro and
pico cells.
• Option in Mentum Planet
to define Cell Selection
Offsets for LTE and
WCDMA
• Impact on cell selection
• The cell that serves a
given UE is not always the
cell that offers the
strongest RSRP

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 HetNet modeling
Cellular Layer

• Ability to define
Cellular Layers e.g.
Macro, Micro, Pico
cells

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HetNet Analyses

• HetNet analyses
• Multi-Radio Access
Technology coverage maps
• Best DL and UL Achievable
Data Rate
• User-defined priorities for
Multi-Radio Access
Technologies

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Local Area Networks

• Ability to define Local Area Networks

(LANs)

• Mentum LANs
• iBwave LANs

• Local Area Networks can be accounted for

• In LTE Monte Carlo simulations – Traffic

Offloading
• In the Traffic Map generator
• In HetNet analyses
Example of Local Area Networks in Toronto

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HetNet Analyses Layers

• Downlink & Uplink Best Serving

Network analysis layers
• Multi-technology coverage maps
• Downlink & Uplink Maximum
Achievable Data Rate analysis layers

Downlink Best Serving Network

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Introduction
Defining a Data Manager Workflow

• From the Data Manager Administrator, obtain the necessary User ID and password.
1

• Connect to Data Manager and perform a Get to copy the project stored on the server to your local
2 workstation.

• In Data Manager, lock the sites and settings you will be modifying. This avoids others submitting changes
while you work on your area. To make this easier, create a filter by choosing View  Filter.
3

• Modify your local project as required. Ideally, you have been assigned a defined group or your area has
4 been identified using specific flags or a specific site set.

• On a regular and fairly frequent basis, connect to Data Manager and choose Synchronize to copy any
modifications to the master Data Manager project to your local workstation and, simultaneously, to submit
5 any changes your have made locally to the Data Manager so they are available to other users.

• Once you are satisfied with your project, you can upload modifications you have made locally to the Data
6 Manager by choosing Submit to Data Manager.

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Data Management
Understanding the Data Manager

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Functionalities

• Used to store a copy of a Planet project

• Users can get a copy of a Planet project from the DM and run it separately

• Multiple users can synchronize data from their local project with the associated
project in the DM

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Understanding Administrative Tasks

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Administrator Tasks

• Sets the path for File Server

• Selects which data can be stored/synchronized
• Creates Log in IDs and passwords
• Creates Groups and members of the groups
• Creates Project placeholders
• Sets access permissions to Projects on an individual and Group level
• Create Custom Fields
• Manage Connections

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Setting File Server Location

Users must have access

to this shared folder

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Configuring Stored File Categories

Uncheck
Categories
that are
not to be
stored

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Setting Up User IDs and Password

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Creating Groups & Adding Members

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Creating Projects in DM

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Setting Project Permissions

Individual User Permission set to Group permission set to “Read

“Full Access” to allow uploading and Write” to allow other users to
for the first time. download project
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Creating Custom Fields

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Managing Connection

Administrator may
disconnect a user
connected to the DM

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Understanding Client Tasks

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Connecting to the DM

Input Information and save

Launch DM

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Submitting a Project to the DM

Select Project Placeholder

Check if you have Full

Access Permission

Check in/Submit project

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Retrieving a Project from the DM

Check for Read Access “Yes”

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Synchronizing Data

Synchronize – data flows both ways

Update Planet – data flows from DM to local project
Submit – data flows from local project to DM

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Locking/Unlocking Sites

Information who locked site

User may lock sites

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Creating and Using Filters

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Recommended Workflows

Please read document “Recommended Workflows for Data Manager”

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