Wireless Network Engineering Software

Aster Propagation Model

User Manual

Version 2.8.1

AS281_UM_E0
Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
Release: AS281_UM_E0 (November 2020)
© Copyright 1997-2020 Forsk. All Rights Reserved.
Published by:
Forsk
7 rue des Briquetiers
31700 Blagnac, France
Tel: +33 562 747 210
Fax: +33 562 747 211
The software described in this document is provided under a license agreement. The software may only be used or copied under the terms and
conditions of the license agreement. No part of the contents of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means
without written permission from the publisher.
The software shall be used by a human user in interactive mode, or in autonomous batch mode via scripts as described in the software
documentation. Licensee shall not drive or activate the software through a robot or through an external application that is not part of the
software.
The product or brand names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective registering parties.
Third party services that are not part of Aster are governed by the terms and conditions of their respective providers, which are subject to change
without notice.
The publisher has taken care in the preparation of this document, but makes no expressed or implied warranty of any kind and assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of the
use of the information contained herein.
 Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
AS281_UM_E0 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About Aster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About Atoll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About Forsk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Printing Help Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
About Aster Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Contacting Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1 Installation and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1.1 Installing the Aster Propagation Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.2 Configuring the Aster Propagation Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.3 Managing Aster Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.3.1 About Floating Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
1.3.2 Sentinel LDK Run-time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
1.4 Using the Sentinel Admin Control Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.4.1 Opening the Sentinel ACC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
1.4.2 Sentinel ACC User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
1.4.2.1 Sentinel Keys page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.4.2.2 Products page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.4.2.3 Features page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.4.2.4 Sessions page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.4.2.5 Update/Attach License page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.4.2.6 Access Log page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.4.2.7 Configuration page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.4.2.8 Diagnostics page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.4.3 Displaying Custom Names in the ACC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
1.4.4 Disabling Broadcasts during License Searches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
1.4.5 Updating Protection Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

2 Aster Model Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.1 Digital Terrain Model (DTM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.2 Above Surface Object Digital Model (ASODM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.3 ASODM Model Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.3.1 ASODM Model with both Clutter Heights and Clutter Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
2.3.1.1 Clutter Heights with Higher or Same Resolution as Clutter Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.3.1.2 Clutter Classes with Higher Resolution than Clutter Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.3.1.3 Multiple Clutter Class Layers with Different Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.3.1.4 Partial Clutter Heights Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.3.2 ASODM Model with Only Clutter Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
2.3.3 ASODM Model with Only Clutter Heights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
2.4 ASODM Model with Vector Layers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

3 Using the Aster Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

3.1 Assigning the Aster Model Transmitters and Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.2 Creating a New Instance of Aster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.3 Configuring Aster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.3.1 Specifying Aster Configuration Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
3.3.2 Selecting Configuration Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
3.3.3 Propagation Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
3.3.3.1 Deterministic Propagation Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

© 2020 Forsk. All Rights Reserved. 3

 Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
AS281_UM_E0 Table of Contents

3.3.3.2 Statistical Propagation Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

3.3.3.3 Mapping Clutter Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.3.3.4 Mapping Clutter Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.3.3.5 Mapping Vector Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.3.4 Enabling Indoor Calculation without Indoor Losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
3.3.4.1 Enabling Indoor calculation without Indoor Losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
3.3.4.2 Calculating a Service Level Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
3.3.4.3 Calculating Clutter-based Indoor Loss from Atoll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
3.3.4.4 Calculating User-defined Indoor Loss from Aster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
3.3.5 Ray Tracing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
3.3.5.1 Enabling Ray Tracing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
3.3.6 Geoclimatic Settings for the mmWave Propagation Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
3.3.7 Advanced Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
3.4 Antenna Outdoor Relocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
3.4.1 Configuring Antenna Relocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
3.4.2 Performing an Antenna Relocation Audit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

© 2020 Forsk. All Rights Reserved. 4

 Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
AS281_UM_E0 Introduction

Introduction

Aster is a ray-tracing propagation model based on a new concept of implementation for ray tracing and is
particularly designed for dense urban environments with high resolution geo raster data.
The purpose of this User Manual is to provide general information about using the Aster propagation model with
your Atoll documents. It contains the following chapters:
◼ "Installation and Configuration" on page 9
◼ "Aster Model Overview" on page 17
◼ "Using the Aster Model" on page 23
◼ "Calibrating the Aster Model" on page 39
In addition to this manual, the Aster documentation package also includes the following items:
◼ Aster Technical Reference Guide
◼ Aster Model Calibration Guide (technical note TN056)
You can also download manuals from the Forsk web site at:
http://www.forsk.com/MyForskAccount/

About Aster

Aster is a fast, accurate, and easy to use radio propagation model and is fully integrated with Atoll and Naos. It is
provided with pre-calibrated parameters, can auto-calibrate, and supports all wireless technologies.
Aster can be used with Atoll version 3.2.1 and later, as well as the Atoll distributed calculation server.

 Aster can also be partially used with Atoll 3.1.2. However, only matrices and profiles
can be calculated with the Aster propagation model. For information, contact Forsk
Support.

Starting with 2.7.0, Aster can be used with Naos version 1.0.0 and later.
The Aster propagation model has the following features:
◼ Ray tracing: Aster is based on two major components:
◼ Vertical diffraction over rooftops based on Walfisch-Ikegami model and multiple knife-edge Deygout
method.
◼ Horizontal diffraction based on ray tracing.
Aster can use geographical data such as vectors for ray tracing, but it can also perform ray tracing with raster
data only.
◼ mmWave support: Aster supports extremely high frequencies also known as millimetre wave or mmWave,
which makes Aster compliant with all wireless technologies and frequencies from 150 MHz up to 60 GHz,
including 5G networks.
◼ Extremely fast: Aster uses a unique high-speed ray-tracing technique, based on the raster sampling of building
angles. For example, 5 seconds are enough to calculate a 1,500 m radius cell with a 5m grid on an ordinary
laptop.
◼ Highly accurate: Aster can take all the main radio propagation effects into account, leading to highly accurate
coverage prediction results. Its accuracy applies to antennas above rooftops (where signal levels are mainly
due to vertical diffractions) as well as antennas under rooftops (where signal levels are mainly due to
horizontal diffractions).

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Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
Introduction

◼ Ready & Easy-to-use: Aster is fully integrated in the Aster environment and there is no need for a special
database or for any type of data pre-processing.
◼ Compatible with high resolution (less than 25 m) raster data and with all types of clutter data. It is also
compatible with vector data (ESRI Shapefiles SHP and MapInfo TAB formats are currently supported).
◼ Supplied with pre-calibrated parameters using more than 1.5 million measurement points. The standard
deviation from measurements is typically less than 6.5 dB. Model configurations are intuitive and easy to
access.
◼ Auto-calibration: Aster supports measurement-based auto-calibration. The standard deviation can drop to
less than 6.5 dB in scenarios and environments with high-resolution geo data and good-quality
measurements.

About Atoll

Atoll is a multi-technology wireless network design and optimisation platform that supports wireless operators
throughout the network lifecycle, from initial design to densification and optimisation. Atoll offers unique
capabilities of using both predictions and live network data throughout the network planning and optimisation
process.
Atoll includes integrated single RAN–multiple RAT network design capabilities for both 3GPP and 3GPP2 radio
access technologies including 5G NR, LTE, NB-IoT, UMTS, GSM, and CDMA. It provides operators and vendors with
a powerful framework for designing and optimising current and future integrated multi-technology networks.
Atoll supports the latest technology advances such as massive MIMO, 3D beamforming, and mmWave propagation
for the design and roll-out of 5G networks.
Atoll’s integration and customisation features help operators smoothly streamline planning and optimisation
processes. Aster supports a wide range of implementation scenarios, from standalone to enterprise-wide server-
based configurations. Atoll has become the industry standard for radio network planning and optimisation.
If you are interested in learning more about Atoll, please contact your Forsk representative to inquire about our
training solutions.

About Forsk

Forsk is an independent software company providing operators and vendors with wireless network design and
optimisation products. Atoll, Forsk’s flagship product, is the market-leading wireless network planning and
optimisation software on the market; it allows operators to streamline planning and optimisation activities by
combining predictions and live network data.
With more than 9000 active licenses installed with 500+ customers in 140 countries, Atoll has become the industry
standard for wireless network design and optimisation.
Forsk distributes and supports Atoll directly from offices and technical support centres in France, USA, and China
as well as through a worldwide network of distributors and partners.

Getting Help
The online help system that is installed with Aster is designed to give you quick access to the information you need
to use the product effectively. It contains the same material as the Aster 2.8.1 User Manual.
You can browse the online help from the Contents view, the Index view, or you can use the built-in Search feature.
You can also download manuals from the Forsk web site at:
http://downloads.forsk.com

6 © 2020 Forsk. All Rights Reserved.

 Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
AS281_UM_E0 Introduction

Printing Help Topics

You can print individual topics or chapters from the online help.
To print help topics or chapters:
1. In Aster, click Help > Help Topics.
2. In the Contents tab, expand the table of contents.
3. Right-click the section or topic that you want to print and click Print. The Print Topics dialog box appears.
4. In the Print Topics dialog box, select what you want to print:
◼ If you want to print a single topic, select Print the selected topic.
◼ If you want to print an entire section, including all topics and sections in that section, select Print the
selected heading and all subtopics.
5. Click OK.

About Aster Documentation

The following PDF manuals are available to customers with a valid maintenance contract for Aster and Aster
Microwave and can be downloaded from the Forsk web site at:
http://downloads.forsk.com/
To read PDF manuals, download Adobe Reader from the Adobe web site at:
http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Hardcopy manuals are also available. For more information, contact to your Forsk representative.

Contacting Technical Support

Forsk provides global technical support for its products and services. To contact the Forsk support team, visit the
Forsk web site at:
http://downloads.forsk.com
Alternatively, depending on your geographic location, contact one of the following support teams:

Forsk US
For North and Central America, contact the Forsk US support team:
◼ Tel.: 1-888-GO-ATOLL (1-888-462-8655)
◼ Fax: 1-312-674-4822
◼ Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm (Eastern Standard Time)

Forsk China
For Asia (except Japan), contact the Forsk China support team:
◼ Tel: +86 20 8557 0016
◼ Fax: +86 20 8553 8285
◼ Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi.

Forsk Head Office

For all other regions, contact the Forsk Head Office support team:
◼ Tel.: +33 562 747 225
◼ Fax: +33 562 747 211

© 2020 Forsk. All Rights Reserved. 7

Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
Introduction

◼ Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 6.00 pm (GMT +1:00)

8 © 2020 Forsk. All Rights Reserved.

 Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
AS281_UM_E0 Chapter 1: Installation and Configuration

1 Installation and Configuration

Before installing Aster, ensure that you have installed Atoll. For information about installing Atoll as well as software
and hardware requirements, see the Atoll Administrator Manual.

1.1 Installing the Aster Propagation Model

To install Aster:
1. Run the setup program.
2. Select an installation folder. By default, the installer proposes an Aster directory at the same level as Aster.
3. Click Next. The automatic installation procedure begins.
4. When installation is complete, click Finish to exit the setup. The Aster Propagation Model entry is added in the
Parameters explorer under Propagation Models.
To check that Aster is properly installed, when Aster is running, select Help > About Atoll. In the About Atoll dialog
box verify the following items:
◼ Under List of components, verify that "Aster Propagation Model" appears in the list.
◼ Under Version, verify the version and build numbers.
◼ Under File, you can see where Aster was installed.

1.2 Configuring the Aster Propagation Model

The main configuration settings for Aster are defined in the Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog. For more
information, see "Configuring the Aster Propagation Model" on page 9.
In addition, advanced settings can be configured in the Aster configuration file, which is located in the installation
folder:
◼ For the standard Aster propagation model: Aster.ini
◼ For the mmWave Aster propagation model: AsterMmWave.ini
If the configuration file is not found, the default configuration parameters of the model are used. For more
information, see the Technical Reference Guide.

1.3 Managing Aster Licenses

Aster can be used in the following configurations:
◼ Computers with fixed hardware license keys plugged in to USB slots on the computers themselves, or
◼ Computers connected to a license server with hardware or software floating license keys.
An Aster license allows to run the following tasks simultaneously:

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Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
Chapter 1: Installation and Configuration

◼ Any interactive task (e.g. profile calculation, measurement, calibration, etc.)

◼ 4 calculation threads (e.g. path loss calculation launched by the same user)
Each Aster license grants the following:
◼ Aster session: always one token per session.
◼ Aster calculation: 1 or 2 tokens per calculation.
◼ 1 token covering the rights for a 4-thread calculation (default)
◼ 2 tokens if the number of threads to be used per calculation is increased (up to 8) via one of the options
prefixed with "NumberOfThreads" in the [RemoteCalculation] section of Atoll.ini (see the Atoll
Administrator Manual).

 If only one token is available and the number of threads to be used per calculation
is defined to be larger than 4, then the token will be used by the first 4 threads and
the remaining threads will use that token afterwards.

1.3.1 About Floating Licenses

Aster can be used with fixed and floating licenses for Aster. However only floating licenses for Aster are currently
supported:

Aster License SafeNet Protection Key Protection FrameWork

Floating Net HASP for current Aster customers (1) Served by SafeNet Sentinel LDK Run-time (2)

Sentinel HL for new Aster customers

(1) For current Aster customers:

◼ Only owners of a floating license dongle for Aster can have it updated with Aster protection.
◼ A single owner of a fixed license dongle for Aster must acquire an additional dongle for Aster license(s) and
plug it locally or in another host computer accessible on the local network
◼ Several owners of fixed license dongles for Aster must acquire additional dongle(s) for Aster license(s). These
licenses can be shared on the local network.
(2) The Sentinel LDK Run-time must be installed on every host computer where an Aster protection key is plugged.
For more information, see "Sentinel LDK Run-time" on page 11.
A floating protection key can be used when users work with Aster on computers on a network. In a floating license
environment, protection keys are not plugged in to each individual user’s computer, but a shared protection key with
multiple tokens is available to users through a server.
A floating license server is a computer, accessible to other computers on a network, on which the floating license
management software has been installed and a floating protection key plugged in. However, a server-type operating
system is not required. The floating license server can be any user’s accessible local computer where the protection
key is plugged.
The floating license management software and the floating protection key control the number of potential Aster
users. A floating license system has a defined maximum number of tokens available. This is the maximum number
of computers on which Aster can be run simultaneously. Each computer that runs Aster takes one token from the
floating protection key, even if more than one Aster session is run on the same computer. The token is released and
made available for other users when all the Aster sessions on the computer are closed.
Depending on the number of Aster licenses you purchased, you may find it useful to be able to authorize specific
users to use an Aster license and block others from using one. To that end, the following lines must added in the
Atoll.ini file:

[License]
ASTER = 0

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1.3.2 Sentinel LDK Run-time

The way the Sentinel LDK Run-time is installed depends on how Aster, Aster, and the Aster protection key are
deployed:

Use Case Dependencies User Action

Aster protection key on computer, and - Sentinel LDK Run-time None (LDK Run-time is
Aster and Aster on same computer installed automatically by
Aster setup)

Aster protection key on license server con- With Windows update Sentinel LDK Run-time None (LDK Run-time is
nected to the internet, and installed automatically by
Aster and Aster on other computers Windows Update)

Without Windows update Sentinel LDK Run-time LDK Run-time must be

downloaded from Forsk
Support site

The Sentinel LDK Run-time software includes the following:

◼ Dedicated drivers
◼ A Windows service called Sentinel License Manager
◼ Sentinel Admin Control Center (ACC): web console accessible from any computer on the local network
(accessibility can be configured).

1.4 Using the Sentinel Admin Control Center

The Sentinel Admin Control Center (ACC) web console can be accessed from any computer connected to the local
network.

1.4.1 Opening the Sentinel ACC

To open the Sentinel ACC:

1. Open a web browser from any computer connected to the local network.
2. Go to the following URL:

http://<server>:1947

where <server> is the name or IP address of the individual computer or license server you want to monitor.

1.4.2 Sentinel ACC User Interface

To manage Aster licenses from the Sentinel ACC, open the Sentinel ACC as shown in "Opening the Sentinel ACC" on
page 11.

 Only some of the columns displayed in Sentinel ACC pages are described in this
section. Click Help in the left-hand pane of Sentinel ACC for information on the
other columns.

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1.4.2.1 Sentinel Keys page

The Sentinel Keys page enables you to identify which protection keys are currently present on the network, including
locally connected keys.
◼ Vendor: indicates the default ID or the customised name of the vendor associated with the protection key.
For information on how to customise the vendor name, see "Displaying Custom Names in the ACC" on
page 13.
◼ Key Type: indicates the type of protection key. If the key is an HL key (hardware-based), the specific model of
key is displayed, together with a picture of the key.
◼ Sessions: indicates the number of open sessions for the protection key (e.g. Aster point analysis or Aster
calibration).
◼ Actions: Enables you to access additional information for the specific protection key. The buttons that are
displayed depend on whether a key is locally or remotely connected.
◼ Features opens the Features page, which displays information related to the features of the specific key
only.
◼ Net Features enables you to display the features of the specific remote key that are accessible from this
machine.
◼ C2V opens the Create C2V file for Key page. This page enables you to generate a file containing information
about the key. Forsk will require this C2V file to generate the ALIC file it will send you for a remote update
of your key.

1.4.2.2 Products page

The Products page lists all the products available on all accessible Sentinel License Managers on the network.

1.4.2.3 Features page

The Features page enables you to view a list of the features that are licensed in each of the protection keys currently
present on the network, including locally connected keys. In addition you can see the conditions of the license, and
the current activity related to each feature.
◼ Vendor: indicates the default ID or the customised name of the vendor associated with the protection key.
For information on how to customise the vendor name, see "Displaying Custom Names in the ACC" on
page 13.
◼ Product: indicates the default ID or the customised name of the product associated with the protection key.
For information on how to customise the product name, see "Displaying Custom Names in the ACC" on
page 13.
◼ Feature: indicates the default ID or the customised name of the feature associated with the protection key.
For information on how to customise the product name, see "Displaying Custom Names in the ACC" on
page 13.
The icon ( ) means that the feature is locked to a protection key.
◼ Access: indicates the type of machines from which access to the feature is allowed:
◼ Loc denotes that access is permitted from local machines.
◼ Net denotes that access is permitted from remote clients, via the network.
◼ Display denotes that access is permitted from remote clients, via the display on a terminal server.
◼ Counting: indicates the basis on which logins to the feature are counted:
◼ Station denotes that all login requests for a single machine count as one login.
◼ Login denotes that each login request is counted.
◼ Logins: indicates the number of users currently logged in to the feature on the protection key.
◼ Limit: indicates the maximum number of users that may concurrently log into the feature on the protection
key.

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1.4.2.4 Sessions page

The Sessions page lists all sessions of clients on the local machine, and of clients remotely logged in to the local
machine. The Sessions page enables you to view session data and to delete sessions.

1.4.2.5 Update/Attach License page

This page is not used in Aster license management.
For information on updating existing licenses on a protection, see "Updating Protection Keys" on page 14.

1.4.2.6 Access Log page

The Access Log page enables you to view a history of log entries for this server. You can select to show 20, 100, or
1000 entries in the log file by clicking the appropriate button.
You can enable/disable the access log in the Configuration page by selecting the Write an Access Log File check
box.
The Access Log file is located in the same directory as the hasplm.ini file. The path to this file is displayed across
the bottom of the Configuration page.

1.4.2.7 Configuration page

The Configuration page allows you to configure Basic Settings and define access log parameters.
The Detachable Licenses and Network tabs of the Configuration page are not used in Aster license management.

1.4.2.8 Diagnostics page

This Diagnostics page enables you to:
◼ View and extract operating information for the Sentinel License Manager to which you are currently logged in.
◼ Assist in diagnosing problems.
◼ Generate reports (in HTML) for technical support, by clicking the Generate Report button at the bottom of the
page.

1.4.3 Displaying Custom Names in the ACC

To display custom vendor, product, and features’ names in the Sentinel ACC:
1. Log in with administrator privileges to the machine running the Sentinel ACC.
2. Stop the Sentinel LDK Licenses Manager service.
3. Create the 62733.xml file with the following content:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>

<vendordescription>
<vendorid>62733</vendorid>
<vendorname>Forsk</vendorname>
<feature><id>21</id><name>Aster Session</name></feature>
<feature><id>210</id><name>Aster Batch Computation</name></feature>
<product><id>1</id><name>Atoll</name></product>
</vendordescription>

4. Copy the 62733.xml file in the relevant directory:

%SystemDrive%\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Aladdin Shared\HASP\vendors\
%SystemDrive%\Program Files\Common Files\Aladdin Shared\HASP\vendors\

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5. Restart the Sentinel LDK Licenses Manager service.

1.4.4 Disabling Broadcasts during License Searches

To disable broadcasts when Aster performs a license search:

1. Log in with administrator privileges to the machine running the Sentinel ACC.
2. Close all Aster sessions.
3. Create a hasp_62733.ini file with the following content:

errorlog = 1
requestlog = 1
broadcastsearch = 0
serveraddr = IPADDR_OR_HOSTNAME

Where IPADDR_OR_HOSTNAME should be replaced by the IP address or the hostname of a computer running
an instance of Sentinel LDK License Manager service.
4. Copy the hasp_62733.ini file into the Atoll installation directory.

 Alternatively, if you want the hasp_62733.ini to be specific to the current user, you
can copy the file into %LocalAppData%\SafeNet Sentinel\Sentinel LDK. This
location takes precedence over the Atoll installation directory.

1.4.5 Updating Protection Keys

The process to update a protection key is the following:

◼ Customer generates a Customer-to-Vendor file (C2V) containing information about the key and sends it to
Forsk.
◼ Forsk generates an ALIC file containing Vendor-to-Customer (V2C) information and sends it to customer.
◼ Customer uses the received ALIC file with a recent version of lic.exe and remotely updates his protection key.
To generate a C2V file:
1. Open the Sentinel ACC from a web browser. The Sentinel ACC opens on the Sentinel Keys page.
2. On the Sentinel Keys page, click C2V under Actions for the relevant key. The Create C2V file for Key page
appears.
3. On the Create C2V file for Key page, click Download C2V File. The Open <VendorID_KeyID>.c2v dialog box
appears.
4. In the Open <VendorID_KeyID>.c2v dialog box, select Save file and click OK. The <VendorID_KeyID>.c2v.xml
file is generated in the following directory:
%LocalAppData%\Temp
5. Send the generated <VendorID_KeyID>.c2v.xml file to Forsk without modification.
<VendorID_KeyID>.c2v.xml has the following content:

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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<hasp_info>
<haspscope>
<hasp id="1762214078">
<vendor id="62733"/>
</hasp>
</haspscope>
<c2v>
...
</c2v>
</hasp_info>

Where:
◼ <vendor id> corresponds to <VendorID>
◼ <hasp id> corresponds to <KeyID>

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 Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
AS281_UM_E0 Chapter 2: Aster Model Overview

2 Aster Model Overview

The Aster propagation model is optimised for urban areas but it can also be used for suburban and rural areas. For
accurate propagation modeling, above-surface objects (e.g. buildings, trees, etc.), streets, and open areas must be
properly described in the geographical database. Aster requires at least the following geographical data:
◼ Digital Terrain Model (DTM)
◼ Above Surface Object Digital Model (ASODM):
◼ based on raster layers: clutter heights and/or clutter classes
◼ eventually completed with vector data
By default, Aster provides two calculation modes:
◼ The standard Aster propagation model for frequencies from 150 MHz up to 5 GHz.
◼ The mmWave Aster propagation model for frequencies from 5 GHz up to 60 GHz.
Aster supports various geo data configurations. This section details the requirements and the process used by
Aster to build its internal geographical representation.

2.1 Digital Terrain Model (DTM)

DTM represents the terrain altitude. It is normally retrieved from the Digital Terrain Model layer of Aster and does
not require a specific resolution. The recommended maximum pixel size is 100m.
For information about using DTM data in Atoll, see the Atoll User Manual.

2.2 Above Surface Object Digital Model (ASODM)

In the Aster propagation model, the Above Surface Object Digital Model (ASODM) represents the distribution and
composition of objects found above the ground.
ASODM is similar to Clutter Classes and Clutter Heights in Aster and it can also be defined with vector data.
The ASODM model has two components:
◼ ASODM types describe the objects or the terrain. These are derived from the Clutter Classes layers in Aster,
but they can also be defined from high-resolution clutter heights or vector files.
◼ ASODM heights describes objects’ height above the ground. These are typically retrieved from the Clutter
Heights layers in Aster, but they can also be defined from the clutter classes default heights in Aster or from
vector files.
Since the Aster propagation model is specially tailored for urban environments, it is important that the ASODM type
and height are accurate enough to represent buildings and vegetation that create obstructions, as well as streets
and open areas where radio signals can propagate freely.
Aster applies either of the following ASODM propagation classes depending on the precision in the clutter class
description:
◼ Deterministic propagation classes: Aster uses deterministic propagation when the ASODM description is
precise enough to accurately model a terrain. They are typically determined by correspondence with the clutter
class layer in Aster or from a vector file.

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◼ Statistical propagation classes : Aster uses statistical propagation when the ASODM description is rough and
not well geo-referenced. They are determined by correspondence with the clutter class layer or from a vector
file.
For a list of deterministic and statistical propagation classes in Aster, see "Propagation Classes" on page 28.
For example, if the clutter file has a 25m resolution and defines "Residential" or "DenseUrban" clutter classes , you
should use the Sparse Buildup or Dense Buildup statistical propagation class. For parks and mixtures of trees and
open areas, you should use the Mixed Vegetation statistical propagation class. For areas that are mainly open, you
can still use the Open and Water deterministic propagation classes.
These classes should be used when the clutter class description is rough, for example with low resolution clutter
that cannot accurately describe the terrain.

2.3 ASODM Model Overview

Aster builds the ASODM model from geo raster layers by default to initialise the model in areas where vector data
is missing. If a vector layer is available, then the model replaces the raster data with the vector data in the polygon.
In order to build the ASODM model from geo raster layers, at least one Clutter Heights or Clutter Classes layer must
be available in the Aster project. There are three different situations:
◼ "ASODM Model with both Clutter Heights and Clutter Classes" on page 18
◼ "ASODM Model with Only Clutter Classes" on page 19
◼ "ASODM Model with Only Clutter Heights" on page 20

2.3.1 ASODM Model with both Clutter Heights and Clutter Classes

In this case, the Clutter Heights folder in the Geo explorer contains a clutter heights layer and the Clutter Classes
folder contains a clutter class layer. This is the recommended setup and the best accuracy in propagation modeling
is reached when the maximum pixel size in either layer is 5m or less. When both layer types are available, the
following scenarios are be considered:
◼ "Clutter Heights with Higher or Same Resolution as Clutter Classes" on page 18
◼ "Clutter Classes with Higher Resolution than Clutter Heights" on page 19
◼ "Multiple Clutter Class Layers with Different Resolutions" on page 19
◼ "Partial Clutter Heights Information" on page 19

2.3.1.1 Clutter Heights with Higher or Same Resolution as Clutter Classes

This is the most common scenario. The ASODM objects are created only when clutter heights are strictly positive
and the following applies for each pixel:
◼ When the clutter height is 0, the ASODM type is set "Open", unless the following conditions are encountered:
◼ When both geodata types are of 5m resolution of higher, clutter class heights are taken into account for
buildings. In this case, the clutter class is considered "good quality" and takes precedence over clutter
heights in Atoll..
◼ When the "3-Tree" propagation class is assigned to these pixels. In this case, to support clutter heights files
which usually have no vegetation heights, the "3-Tree" propagation class is kept as defined in the clutter
class file and its height is reset to the default vegetation height of the clutter class file. The vegetation
height is pulled from the clutter class height file and replaces the 0 value of the clutter height file.
◼ When the clutter height is not 0, the ASODM height is set directly from that value and the ASODM type is set
to the propagation class to which the corresponding clutter class is mapped. For these pixels, clutter heights
always take precedence over clutter class heights in Atoll.

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However, in order to prevent mismatches when the clutter class layer and the clutter heights layer have
different resolutions:
◼ If that propagation class is "Open" or "Water", the ASODM type is set to the corresponding deterministic
propagation class defined under Clutter heights on the Geo tab of Aster properties.m
◼ If that propagation class is one of the statistical propagation classes and the clutter heights file has a high
resolution (less than or equal to 10m), the ASODM type is reset to the corresponding deterministic
propagation class defined under Clutter heights on the Geo tab of Aster properties.

2.3.1.2 Clutter Classes with Higher Resolution than Clutter Heights

This is not a common scenario where the ASODM type is defined by the correspondence between the layer's clutter
classes and Aster's propagation classes. In this scenario, the following applies for each pixel:
◼ When the ASODM type of the clutter class is "Open" or "Water":
◼ the ASODM height is set to 0.
◼ When the ASODM type of the clutter class is neither "Open" nor "Water", the ASODM height is filled directly
from the clutter heights layer. In this case, clutter heights take precedence over clutter class heights in Atoll.

2.3.1.3 Multiple Clutter Class Layers with Different Resolutions

In some cases, several clutter class layers are available in Aster with different resolutions according to the area. For
example, an umbrella layer can be provided with a 25m pixel size and another layer with a 5m pixel size for dense
urban areas. The 25m layer defines the areas of type urban, suburban, etc., while the 5m layer defines accurately
the buildings footprints.
The Aster model handles this case in a transparent way. As required by the Aster platform, the clutter class codes
must be defined differently when multiple layers are used. Typically, the high resolution layer is mapped to Aster’s
deterministic propagation classes and the low resolution layer is mapped to Aster’s statistical propagation classes.

2.3.1.4 Partial Clutter Heights Information

In some cases, the clutter heights layer is available only in specific areas, for example only in dense urban areas.
Aster handles this case in a transparent way as well. According to the availability of layer information in the area of
interest, it will build the ASODM model as shown in "ASODM Model with both Clutter Heights and Clutter Classes"
on page 18 and "ASODM Model with Only Clutter Heights" on page 20.

 A proprietary algorithm insures that the transition zones are handled properly from
areas where clutter height and clutter class information is available to areas where
only clutter class information is available.

2.3.2 ASODM Model with Only Clutter Classes

When the Clutter Classes folder in the Geo explorer contains a clutter class layer and the Clutter Heights folder is
empty, Aster will uses the clutter class layer to model the ASODM types as well as the ASODM heights.
For best ASODM modeling accuracy in urban areas, the lowest clutter class resolution (defined by Pixel Size on the
Geocoding tab of the clutter class file properties) should be:
◼ 5m when no vector layer is available
◼ 25m when vector layers are available
The classes in the clutter class layer must be mapped to deterministic or statistical propagation classes. The choice
depends on the resolution of the clutter class layer:
◼ High resolution clutter class layer: the classes should be mapped to deterministic propagation classes
◼ Low resolution clutter class layer: the clutter classes should be mapped to statistical propagation classes

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The ASODM heights appear under Default Clutter Height (m) on the Clutter tab of Aster properties:
◼ By default, ASODM heights are inherited from the Description tab of the clutter class file properties and are
read-only.
◼ You can remove the read-only attribute by setting isHeightReadOnly to 0 in the [Clutter] section of the Aster.ini
or AsterMmWave.ini file.

+ Another advantage of using the isHeightReadOnly option is that you can define
several Aster instances where a given clutter class will have a different default
height from one instance to another.

In the following example, 5 clutter classes are defined in Aster with a high resolution clutter class layer. Since the
clutter class layer has a high resolution, Aster maps each clutter class to one of the 8 deterministic propagation
classes described in "Propagation Classes" on page 28:

Figure 2.1: Mapping of High-resolution Clutter Classes to Deterministic Propagation Classes

2.3.3 ASODM Model with Only Clutter Heights

When the Clutter Heights folder in the Geo explorer contains a clutter heights layer and the Clutter Classes folder
is empty, the ASODM heights are retrieved from the clutter heights layer only. This usage of Aster is not
recommended because clutter classes provide a much better model of the various ASODM types found in the field.
For best ASODM modeling accuracy in urban areas, the lowest resolution of the clutter heights layer should be 5m
(defined by Pixel Size on the Geocoding tab of the clutter heights file properties).
When no clutter classes are available for the definition of propagation classes, the following applies:
◼ For the pixels where the clutter height is 0, Aster will use a deterministic propagation class on these pixels:
◼ The deterministic propagation class defined next to "No Data", or
◼ Open if the class defined next to "No Data" is a statistical class ("Mixed Vegetation", "Sparse Buildup", or
"Dense Buildup").
◼ For the pixels where the clutter height is strictly positive:
◼ When the clutter heights resolution is low (i.e. pixel size greater than 10m), Aster uses a statistical
propagation class on these pixels:

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◼ the statistical propagation class defined next to "No Data", or

◼ "Dense Buildup" if the class defined next to "No Data" is a deterministic class ("Open" or "Water").
◼ When the clutter heights resolution is high (i.e. maximum pixel size is 10m), Aster uses the deterministic
propagation class defined on these pixels.

2.4 ASODM Model with Vector Layers

A vector layer defines a number of polygons with some properties. When a vector layer is defined, Aster builds the
ASODM model from geo raster layers (clutter class layers and clutter heights layers) and from one or several vector
files. It can also be built from vector files only.

 Both ESRI Shapefiles (SHP) and MapInfo (TAB) vector formats are supported.
The corresponding data files are the dBF file and the DAT file, respectively.
The TAB format provides better performance with Aster.

The ASODM model is first initialised from the geo raster layers as shown in the previous sections. Vector layers are
not mandatory to build the ASODM model but they improve its accuracy.
If vector data is available, then it is used to refine the accuracy of the model. Vector data takes priority over raster
data when defining the propagation class of a pixel in the polygon. A proprietary algorithm insures that the transition
zones are handled correctly from areas where vector layers are available to areas where only raster layers are
available.
Vector usage is enabled when the Use vectors check box is selected on the Vectors tab of Aster properties. You can
define one or more vector files and configure the properties of each vector file.
For each polygon defined by a vector layer, an "above-surface object" is built with height and type attributes, which
are found in the corresponding data file:
◼ Height is directly recovered from the data file. The height is considered as above ground level by default and,
if needed, it can also be defined as above sea level by selecting the Height defined above mean sea level
(AMSL) check box in the corresponding Polygon Definition dialog box.
◼ Type is obtained from a mapping between the data file attributes and the propagation classes.
A specific propagation class is assigned to each pixel falling within a polygon of the vector layer and the pixel is
given the height defined by the polygon.
Propagation classes that are applied to pixels that are not in a polygon of the vector layer are either:
◼ The propagation classes set by the raster layers when these pixels are located outside the vector support area.
In this case, the vector support area is automatically detected.
◼ Reset to the "Open" deterministic propagation class when the pixels are located inside the vector support area,
because vectors are assumed to have a properly defined support area without any holes. This propagation
class takes priority over the clutter-level propagation class.
When a vector layer is available, only the pixels located inside the zone defined by the vector layer can be reset to
Open. All other pixels keep the propagation class set by the clutter classes raster layer.

 If a statistical propagation class is assigned to a vector, and if the Clutter Classes

folder in the Geo explorer contains a high resolution clutter class layer, then the
propagation class type for the pixels that are inside the polygon is mapped by
associating the clutter class layer with the Aster propagation classes. In this case,
vector data does not take priority over raster data when defining the propagation
class of a pixel in the polygon.
This is not a common scenario because vector data is typically used to refine the
accuracy of the model and therfore is usually assigned to a deterministic
propagation class.

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 Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
AS281_UM_E0 Chapter 3: Using the Aster Model

3 Using the Aster Model

Before using Aster, you should perform a general configuration of the propagation model by defining the
calculations that will be required. This can be done by answering the following basic questions:
◼ What type of geo data should be used? Raster layers only? Raster layers with vector layers?
◼ Should clutter classes be mapped to deterministic or statistical propagation classes?
◼ Should ray tracing be enabled?
◼ Should indoor calculation be considered? Should indoor losses be taken into account?
As seen previously, accurate geo data is required for proper urban propagation modeling. Although the Aster model
can be used with a variety of geo data at different resolutions, the following setup is recommended:
◼ Digital terrain model (DTM) raster layer: at a minimum 50m resolution.
◼ Low resolution clutter class raster layer: at a 25m or 50m resolution, covering the entire area of interest and
defining statistical land use: Dense Urban, Urban, Suburban, Forest, Open, and so on.
◼ High resolution buildings layer: covering all urban areas, in one of the following formats by order of
preference:
◼ Best: a vector layer defining building footprints and heights.
◼ Good: a clutter heights raster layer, at a minimum 5m resolution, defining the building footprints and
heights. Optionally a companion clutter class layer can also be provided at the same resolution to define
the type of land use for the clutter heights raster layer (type of buildings).
◼ Fair: a clutter class raster layer, at a minimum 5m resolution, defining the building footprints and a
deterministic propagation class for each range of building heights (0-5m, 5-10m, 10-15m, and so on).
◼ High resolution vegetation layer: covering all urban areas, in one of the following formats:
◼ Best: a vector layer defining the vegetation and tree footprints and heights.
◼ Good: a clutter class raster layer, at a minimum 5m resolution, with an average vegetation height or the
height defined by a companion clutter heights layer.
In traditional propagation models based on ray tracing, ray tracing and vector layers are inter-related since existing
ray-tracing techniques usually require vector files. This is no longer an issue with the Aster propagation model since:
◼ Aster can use vector layers for ordinary model propagation with vertical diffraction only.
◼ Aster can use ray tracing without vector layers when high resolution raster data is available.
Geo data configuration in Aster is mostly automatic. All raster layers are automatically retrieved from Aster as
needed. Only vector layers, if any, need to be defined on the Geo tab of Aster properties as shown in "ASODM Model
with Only Clutter Classes" on page 19.
The Aster propagation model is fully integrated in Aster. All inputs are directly retrieved from the Aster project:
◼ The Aster parameters and configuration are stored in the model properties.
◼ All transmitter and antenna parameters are obtained directly from the Aster tables.
◼ All the geo raster data is retrieved from Aster and the geo vector data is retrieved from external files.

3.1 Assigning the Aster Model Transmitters and Cells

Assigning the Aster model to a transmitter or cell in Aster is similar to assigning other propagation models.

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Chapter 3: Using the Aster Model

You can specify main matrix and extended matrix calculation parameters for each individual transmitter. These
parameters include the propagation model, resolution, and calculation radius. The propagation model assigned to
an individual transmitter always has precedence over any other assigned propagation model.
Aster enables you to calculate two levels of path loss matrices:
◼ A main matrix, which covers a smaller radius with a higher resolution
◼ An extended matrix, which covers a wider radius with a lower resolution
The extended matrix allows you to reduce calculation time and storage size by calculating lower resolution matrices
in areas that are far from the transmitter. Aster supports extended matrix configurations and can perform smooth
dual-grid calculations. However, a slight level of discontinuity can appear between two matrices when the difference
between radius settings and/or the difference between the resolution settings is too big
To specify the main and extended propagation parameters for a transmitter:
1. In the Network explorer, expand the Transmitters folder, right-click the transmitter to which you want to assign
a main and extended propagation model, and select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialog
box appears.
You can also access the Properties dialog box by right-clicking the transmitter in the map window and
selecting Properties from the context menu.
2. To use Aster as the main matrix propagation model, in the Propagation tab, under Main matrix:
◼ Propagation model: Select "Aster Propagation Model"
◼ Radius: Enter an effective radius for which the signal level will be significant. If the radius it is too big, the
accuracy will not be degraded but the calculation time and the memory usage will be significantly
impacted.
◼ Resolution: Enter a pixel size that will account properly for the terrain features. Knowing that Aster is
designed for all types of environments, a minimum resolution of 5m is particularly recommended in urban
environments. If it is lower (above 5m), the resulting ASODM model will not be accurate enough to translate
urban characteristics such as buildings and streets.
Some of Aster’s internal features are automatically disabled when the resolution too low. For example, ray
tracing is disabled if the path loss matrix resolution value is larger than 10m.
Aster is also able to work on non-urban environments for which geo raster data is more statistical than
deterministic, typically at a low resolution. It provides a set of statistical propagation classes that can be
used for such environments and resolutions as low as 50m can be used. When no vector layers are
available, you can use the same resolution as the one defined for the raster layers.
3. If necessary, specify the Propagation model, Radius and Resolution for the Extended matrix.
The radius and resolution of the extended matrix must be larger than the radius and resolution of the main
matrix.
4. Click OK. The selected calculation parameters will be used for the selected transmitter.
When transmitters and/or cells have been configured to use the Aster propagation model, all of Aster’s calculation
features (such as calculating path losses, calculating predictions, and performing point-to-point analysis) remain
available.
Analysis and automatic calibration based on measurement files can be run directly from the context menu of the
Aster Propagation Model folder in the Parameters explorer of Aster. For more information about calibrating
propagation models, see the Aster Model Calibration Guide (technical note TN056).
For more information about assigning propagation models, see the chapter Radio Calculations and Models of the
Atoll User Manual.

3.2 Creating a New Instance of Aster

You can create multiple instances of the Aster propagation model in Aster. Each instance can be assigned a
different set of parameters that can be tuned for specific regions. By default, Aster provides two instances in Aster:
◼ Aster propagation model for frequencies from 150 MHz up to 5 GHz.
◼ mmWave Aster propagation model for frequencies from 5 GHz up to 60 GHz.

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To create a new instance of the Aster model:

1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click Aster Propagation Model or
mmWave Aster propagation model, and select Duplicate. A new Aster instance, preceded with "Copy of", is
added in the Propagation Models folder.
2. To enter a new name for this instance, right-click Copy of Aster Propagation Model and select Rename from
the context menu.

3.3 Configuring Aster

You can configure an Aster model instance with two types of settings:
◼ Configuration parameters: parameter set used by Aster for internal calculation methods and formulas.
◼ Model configuration: specific geo data and targeted coverage prediction type.
For more information on the following settings, see the Aster Technical Reference Guide.

3.3.1 Specifying Aster Configuration Parameters

To specify the main configuration parameters for Aster:

1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click Aster Propagation Model, select
Properties. The Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog box opens.
2. Click the Settings tab. This tab contains the high-level indoor configuration parameters of the Aster model.
◼ Configuration: identifies the set of calculation parameters on which the Aster model is currently based:
◼ From a default configuration defined via the context menu of Aster Propagation Model in Parameters
explorer: Standard, Macro, Micro, or Rural.
◼ From an external configuration file. When an external configuration file has been loaded, you can hover over
a "?" icon to view information about the configuration file.
◼ From a calibrated model.
For more information, see "Selecting Configuration Parameters" on page 27
◼ Indoor calculation: select the Enable option to enable indoor calculation. For more information, see "Enabling
Indoor Calculation without Indoor Losses" on page 32.
◼ Apply indoor losses: Aster can apply an indoor attenuation for the interpolated pixels inside buildings. This
indoor loss is based on the sum of two losses which are defined for each "Building type" propagation class:
◼ A penetration loss (for the initial penetration)
◼ A linear loss (dB/m) applied linearly from the building facade
If you want to produce uniform prediction maps, select "No" next to Apply indoor losses. Indoor losses can
be added afterwards on each prediction map created in Aster. In that case, Aster will apply a fixed indoor
loss defined per clutter class, and no linear loss will be considered.

 Penetration loss and indoor loss, used for in-building interpolation in the
deterministic "Building" propagation classes 4 to 6, are defined by the Indoor
Attenuation set of parameters. They are also used for propagation through
obstacles in all classes except "Open" and "Water". You can also define different
losses for in-building interpolation and propagation in the Aster.ini or
AsterMmWave.ini file.
For propagation through obstacles in all classes except "Open" and "Water", the
LoS Attenuation set of parameters is used.

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◼ Indoor calculations only: When this option is set to "Yes", Aster performs indoor-only calculation above
minimal receiver heights. This is useful in 3D coverage prediction calculations performed by Aster’s Multi-
storey add-in as it performs successive 2D layer calculations at different heights.
In the following example, the signals will be computed indoor and outdoor at ground level (receiver height
< 2m) and only indoor in storeys above 2m:

Figure 3.1: Indoor Calculations above 2m only

◼ Indoor antennas:
◼ Enable outdoor relocation: Select this check box to relocate indoor antennas to outdoor. Antennas are
often interpreted as being indoors because of error and mismatches between geo information and
transmitter data. You can either correct the geo data or automatically relocate indoor antennas to an
outdoor location, such as on a building facade or a rooftop.
Strategy: Click this button to open the Indoor Antenna Relocation Strategy dialog box. In this dialog box,
you can modify the automatic relocation algorithm. For more information, see "Configuring Antenna
Relocation" on page 36.
◼ Indoor calculation within antenna building: Select how Aster calculates path loss inside the building where
the indoor antenna is located:
◼ At antenna height: No interpolation is made and the signals will be computed from indoor losses per
metre, assuming that the receiver is at the same height as the antenna.
◼ At receiver height: No interpolation is made and the signals will be computed from indoor losses per
metre, assuming that the receiver is at the defined height.
◼ Receiver on top of building: Select this option to consider that the receiver is placed on top of a building
instead of inside. If this option is selected, building penetration is ignored and the default receiver height is no
longer used. Click Parameters to configure the following settings:
◼ Coverage on top of building only: Select this option to limit coverage calculation to rooftops only.
◼ Receiver height above the top of the building: Specify the receiver height above the rooftop.

 This option only affects the following propagation classes:

◼ Building 1, 2, and 3.
◼ Sparse Buildup.
◼ Dense Buildup.
An option in the Aster.ini or AsterMmWave.ini configuration file to extend this option
to the Trees and Mixed vegetation propagation classes. For more information on
Aster configuration, see the Aster Technical Reference Guide.

◼ LOS calculation only: Select this option to restrict Aster calculations to line-of-sight vertical attenuation only.
When this option is enabled, propagation is mostly blocked by buildings, vegetation, terrain. A potential
penetration loss is calculated within certain limits. For more information on how line-of-sight propagation is
calculated, see the Aster Technical Reference Guide.

 The bottom line on the Settings tab contains the current version number of Aster.

◼ Maritime optimisation: Select this option to improve modeling of propagation over water for the standard
Aster propagation model. Maritime optimisation allows calibration of the LOS and NLOS component over
water.
If the studied area is in a tropical region, select Tropical water to consider the additional evaporation duct
effect up to a specified Duct height.

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 The maritime optimisation feature is not available for the mmWave propagation
model and only supports bodies of water that are at sea-level altitude.

3.3.2 Selecting Configuration Parameters

The configuration parameters correspond to a series predefined model types that are available with Aster.
For the standard Aster propagation model, the following configurations are predefined:
◼ Standard: A general purpose configuration that works in all environments. Ray tracing is enabled.
◼ Macro: A configuration optimised for Macro cells. Ray tracing is disabled.
◼ Micro: A configuration optimised for Micro cells. Ray tracing is enabled.
◼ Rural: A configuration optimised for rural environments. Ray tracing is disabled.
For the mmWave Aster propagation model, the following configurations are predefined:
◼ Default_Model: A general purpose configuration that works in all environments with extremely high
frequencies. Ray tracing is disabled by default but can be enabled.
◼ LOS_Model: A configuration optimised for line-of-sight communication with extremely high frequencies. Ray
tracing is disabled.
◼ Micro_28Ghz: A general purpose configuration optimised for micro or small cells in urban or suburban
environments. Ray tracing is enabled.
◼ Macro_28Ghz: A configuration optimised for macro cells in urban or suburban environments. Ray tracing is
disabled.
If necessary, you can edit and add predefined configurations by editing the [Configuration] section of the Aster.ini
or AsterMmWave.ini file. For more information, see the Aster Technical Reference Guide.
You can also save and load Aster configurations in the Configuration window.

+ Although the tuning of model parameters is an important process, Aster is a semi-

deterministic model with acceptable results when a coverage prediction is based
on default configuration parameters, as long as the input geo data is accurate
enough and the basic model configuration appropriate.

To select an Aster propagation model configuration:

1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click Aster Propagation Model, and
select Configuration. The Configuration window opens.
2. If you are working with extremely high frequencies (above 6 GHz), select mmWave.
3. Select a configuration:
◼ To select one of the predefined configurations, select the configuration from the Predefined configurations
list and click Preset.
◼ To save the current configuration, click Save, enter a name for the configuration, and click Save.
◼ To load a configuration that was previously saved, click Load, select the configuration, and click Open.
4. Click Close.

 The Calibration menu can be disabled in the Aster.ini or AsterMmWave.ini file. For
more information, see the Aster Technical Reference Guide.

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3.3.3 Propagation Classes

For Aster to work properly, terrain categories must be mapped to the appropriate Aster deterministic or statistical
propagation classes. This mapping can be done on the Propagation Classes tab of the Aster Propagation Model
Properties window.

3.3.3.1 Deterministic Propagation Classes

The following table lists the deterministic propagation classes that are available in Aster:

Propagation Class Description Calculation

Open All open areas, streets, squares, flat parks, etc. Open space, radio signals propagate freely.

Water Sea, rivers, lakes, etc.

Elevated Open Elevated areas. Filled obstruction area for radio signals.
Reception done on top.

Trees Trees, forests, etc. Deterministic vegetation. Radio signals can go

through with some loss, and are also diffracted and
diffused.

Building type 1 Three types of buildings are defined to model dif- Deterministic buildings that create an obstruction
Building type 2 ferent propagation effects. on which radio signals reflect and diffract. Outdoor
to indoor radio propagation is are not calculated
Building type 3
directly but interpolated from signal levels in sur-
rounding open areas.

Bridge Bridges, highways, etc. Bridge structures and elevated highways. Radio
propagation can be calculated on multiple decks of
the bridge or under the bridge.

You can configure up to 32 propagation classes of each type based on different propagation effects. For example,
you can create Building classes to model multiple types of buildings based on construction materials such as
concrete, wood, mostly glass covered, and so on.

+ Initially, it is recommended to use a single type for each propagation class. You can
improve the model later by introducing different types for more precise modeling.

The Elevated Open class allows you to model objects for which reception is expected on top by creating a full
obstruction that is suited for elevated areas.
The Bridge class enables you model elevated multi-deck bridge structures where receivers can be on any deck of
the bridge or on the ground underneath the bridge. Click the button ( ) in the "..." column to specify the
propagation parameters for the Bridge class.
◼ Specify the Penetration loss (dB) that is the applied to the radio signals that go through the deck of the bridge
and the Linear loss (dB/m) that is applied to signals as they propagate through the bridge deck.
◼ Specify the Thickness of the deck of the bridge.
◼ If there are multiple levels on the bridge, then specify the Height of each deck. The height of the first deck is
extracted from the vector file and cannot be changed.
◼ Click Receiver on deck to select the deck on which the receiver is located, or Receiver on the ground if the
receiver is located under the bridge.
In all other propagation classes, reception is expected near ground level.
The Trees class is used when vegetation is defined with accuracy. Otherwise, the Mixed Vegetation statistical class
is used. To use the Trees class:
◼ Specify a vegetation loss model: Linear, ITU-R, Cost 235 (in leaf or out of leaf), or FITU-R (in leaf or out of leaf).
◼ Click the button ( ) in the "..." column to specify the Under foliage ratio. This propagation model parameter
is also used when the vector data does not contain a trunk height value and you selected to import the trunk
height. When the value has been changed from the default, the button in the "..." column turns green ( ).
The Building classes enable you specify the outdoor to indoor and indoor to outdoor attenuation:

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◼ Specify the Penetration loss (dB) that is the applied to the radio signals that go through the external walls
of the building.
◼ Specify the Linear loss (dB/m) that is applied to signals as they propagate throughout the building.
◼ Click the button ( ) in the "..." column to specify the Roof penetration loss, which is applied to radio
signals that penetrate the roof of the building instead of the walls. When the value has been changed from
the default, the button in the "..." column turns orange ( ).

3.3.3.2 Statistical Propagation Classes

The following table lists the statistical propagation classes that are available in Aster:

Propagation Class Description Calculation

Mixed Vegetation Parks or areas with a mixture of trees and open Radio signals can go through with some loss
areas. and diffract vertically.

Sparse Buildup Sparse building areas with a mixture of build- The clearance area is considered at the receiver
location and reception is done at ground level.
ings and open areas.

Dense Buildup Dense building areas with a mixture of buildings

and open areas.

Mixed Vegetation, Sparse Buildup, and Dense Buildup classes are characterised by an assumed clearance zone
near the reception point or near the transmitting point.

3.3.3.3 Mapping Clutter Classes

Clutter class layers are defined on the Clutter tab of Aster properties. It is up to you to decide on the best mapping
according to the meaning of a clutter class and to the corresponding terrain description (accurate or rough).
When a low resolution umbrella clutter class layer is used, the propagation classes can be any of the statistical
classes or either the "Open" or "Water" deterministic classes for the clutter classes which are mostly open areas.
For example:

Clutter Class Propagation Class

Grass Open

Suburban Sparse Buildup

Dense Urban Dense Buildup

When a high resolution clutter class layer is used, choose the corresponding propagation classes among the
deterministic classes. For example:

Clutter Class Propagation Class

Park Open
Mixed Vegetation

Vegetation Trees

Houses Building Type 1

Commercial Building Type 2

Skyscraper Building Type 3

Roads Bridge

To map Aster propagation classes to clutter classes:

1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click Aster Propagation Model, and
select Properties from the context menu. The Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog box appears.
2. Select the Clutter tab and under Parameters per clutter class, for each clutter class, assign one of the Aster
deterministic or statistical propagation classes:

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◼ Name: This column lists the clutter classes defined in Aster. When no clutter is defined, only the "No Data"
line appears in this column; the propagation class defined under Propagation Class is the one that will be
used when no clutter is defined.
◼ Propagation Class: Select the deterministic or statistical propagation class to which the clutter class in the
same row is mapped. When no clutter is defined, the propagation classes to which "No Data" can be
mapped are Aster’s "Open" and "Water" deterministic classes, and any of its 3 statistical classes.
◼ Default Height (m): This column displays the default height to use when no clutter heights layer or vector
is available. These values are inherited from the clutter classes properties in Aster and are read-only.

+ You can modify the default height if you remove the read-only attribute by setting
the isHeightReadOnly option to 0 in the [Clutter] section of the in Aster.ini or
AsterMmWave.ini file. Another advantage of setting the isHeightReadOnly option is
that several Aster model instances can be defined with different default heights per
clutter class.

◼ Advanced Clutter Parameters: When the clutter class is mapped to a statistical class, a button ( ) is
available in the "..." column. Click this button to open the Advanced Clutter Parameters window.
Aster applies a loss when a ray goes through an obstacle and can also apply a loss for the interpolated
pixels inside buildings (indoor loss). This loss is based on the sum of the two types of losses defined for
each of Aster’s propagation classes: Penetration Loss (dB) and Linear Loss (dB/m).
In the Advanced Clutter Parameters window, select Specific propagation class parameters if you want to
modify the Penetration loss, Linear loss, and Clearance for this specific clutter class.

 The values specified in this window override the corresponding values in the
Statistical propagation class default parameters table, for the current clutter class
only (any other clutter class that is mapped to a statistical class still uses the values
of the Statistical propagation class default parameters table or its own Specific
propagation class parameters).

When settings in the Advanced Clutter Parameters window have been changed from the default, the
corresponding active cell in the "..." column turns green ( ).
3. Click OK.

3.3.3.4 Mapping Clutter Heights

High resolution clutter heights layers, if available, are defined in the Clutter tab of the Aster properties.
◼ Low resolution clutter class layer + High resolution clutter heights layer: When a clutter height is positive (i.e.
when an above-surface object is present), "Open" and "Water" deterministic classes as well as statistical
classes are replaced by deterministic classes other than "Open" and "Water".
◼ High resolution clutter class layer + High resolution clutter heights layer: The deterministic propagation class
is kept.
To map Aster propagation classes to clutter classes:
1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click Aster Propagation Model, and
select Properties from the context menu. The Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog box appears.
2. Select the Clutter tab and under Clutter heights, assign a deterministic propagation class to each
corresponding feature when high resolution positive clutter heights are available:
◼ Assign the Open and Water deterministic propagation classes and Mixed Vegetation statistical
propagation class to any of the following deterministic propagation classes:
◼ Trees
◼ Building
◼ Assign Sparse Buildup and Dense Buildup statistical propagation classes to any of the Building
deterministic propagation classes.
3. Click OK.

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3.3.3.5 Mapping Vector Layers

Vector layers, if available, are configured when the Use vectors option is selected on the Vectors tab of Aster
properties. The propagation classes defined by vector layers always override propagation classes set previously on
objects represented by vector polygons, usually buildings and trees.
Aster parses all the attributes in the data file and detects all the numerical attributes that can be used to define the
heights. In the following example, the "HEIGHT" attribute will be used to store the polygon heights in the data file:

Figure 3.2: Polygon Definition dialog box

When a vector layer defines a unique clutter type, a Fixed propagation class is applied to all the polygons in the
vector layer. For example: if Fixed propagation class is set to "Building type 2", this class is defined for all the
polygons in the data file.
To define a new vector layer:
1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click Aster Propagation Model, and
select Properties from the context menu. The Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog box appears.
2. Select the Vectors tab and select Use vectors.
3. Under Path, click Browse ( ). The Open dialog box appears.
4. Select a vector file and click Open. The Polygon Definition dialog box appears.
5. In the Polygon Definition dialog box, define the following parameters:
◼ Height definition:
◼ Fixed height (m): Enter a default height to use for the polygon when no valid value is found in the file
attribute. It is strongly recommended to provide a valid height for each record to avoid using this value.
◼ Use ’height’ from file attribute: Select this option to define the height from a file attribute then select the
file attribute in the drop-down list on the right, for example: "HEIGHT". If no valid value is found in the file
attribute, the Fixed height (m) value is used for the polygon.
◼ Height defined above mean sea level (AMSL): By default, heights are defined as "above ground level"
(AGL). Select this option to specify that the Fixed height (m) is defined above mean sea level.
◼ Propagation class definition:
◼ Fixed propagation class: Select the default deterministic or statistical propagation class to use for the
polygon when no valid value is found in the file attribute.
◼ Use ’propagation class’ from file attribute: Select this option to define a file attribute then select the file
attribute in the drop-down list on the right, for example: "DESCRIPTION". Aster parses the data file,
detects all the string attributes, and makes them available in the drop-down list on the right. When this
option is selected, the table below it displays the relevant information under Field Values and
Propagation Class.
For the Bridge class, you can define the Thickness of the bridge deck (or multiple decks) as well as the
Height of each deck (except the first deck, which is defined by the vector data).
For the Tree class, you can define the Trunk height (the height at which the foliage of the trees starts).

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◼ Use this definition as default: Select this option to use this vector definition as default.
6. Click OK. The Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog box reappears with the path to the vector layer that
you just defined under Vectors.
7. If you want to reopen the Polygon Definition window, under Definition, click Browse ( ).

3.3.4 Enabling Indoor Calculation without Indoor Losses

Aster enables you to consider indoor areas when you calculate a coverage prediction.
When indoor calculation is disabled, the output calculation grid has undefined values for all the pixels inside
buildings and coverage predictions will not be available for indoor locations, (Figure 3.3).

Figure 3.3: Coverage Prediction with and without Indoor Calculation

Aster does not apply specific indoor losses when it performs interpolation inside buildings. Considering indoor
losses or not depends on the workflow used in Aster when the signal level coverage predictions are calculated.

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This section covers the following topics:

◼ "Enabling Indoor calculation without Indoor Losses" on page 33
◼ "Calculating a Service Level Map" on page 33
◼ "Calculating Clutter-based Indoor Loss from Atoll" on page 33
◼ "Calculating User-defined Indoor Loss from Aster" on page 34

3.3.4.1 Enabling Indoor calculation without Indoor Losses

When indoor calculation is enabled, by default Aster does not calculate the signal levels inside the buildings. It
actually interpolates the signal levels from surrounding streets and open areas, wherever any of the "Building type"
statistical propagation classes are defined.

To enable indoor calculation:

1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click Aster Propagation Model, and
select Properties from the context menu. The Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog box appears.
2. Select the Settings tab.
3. Under Indoor calculation, select the Enable check box and set Apply indoor losses to "No".
4. Click OK.

3.3.4.2 Calculating a Service Level Map

When calculating a service level map, the signal level coverage prediction is a service level map where each service
level corresponds to a different reception signal level (in dBm). For example, it can be an area where:
◼ "Deep Indoor", "Indoor", or "Outdoor" voice coverage is provided, or
◼ different levels of data service are provided: "Voice", "Low Data Rate", "High Data Rate"
The generated map shows areas that are supported for a given service level, regardless of the presence of individual
buildings. In this case, applying indoor losses should not be done from Aster.

3.3.4.3 Calculating Clutter-based Indoor Loss from Atoll

For calculation indoor loss based on clutter data, a high-resolution clutter class layer is available in Aster and clutter-
based indoor loss can be activated from Aster. This section shows you how to:
◼ define clutter-based indoor loss in Aster
◼ activate clutter-based indoor loss from Aster

 Please bear in mind that you also activate user-defined indoor loss from Aster,
indoor loss may end up being considered twice.

To define clutter-based indoor loss in Aster:

1. In the Geo explorer, right-click the Clutter Classes folder, and select Properties from the context menu. The
Clutter Classes Properties dialog box appears.
2. In the row corresponding to a given clutter class, double-click inside the cell under Indoor Loss (dB). The
Indoor loss (dB) = f(frequency) dialog box appears.
3. Enter a Frequency (MHz), enter the corresponding Indoor Loss (dB), and press Enter.
4. Repeat the previous step for all the frequencies for which you want to define indoor loss.
5. Click OK. All the values entered in the Indoor loss (dB) = f(frequency) dialog box are now displayed in the
Clutter Classes Properties dialog box under Indoor Loss (dB).

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Figure 3.4: Defining Clutter-based Indoor Loss in Aster

To activate clutter-based indoor loss from Aster:

1. Select the Network explorer, right-click a coverage prediction in the Predictions folder, and select Properties
from the context menu. The corresponding Properties dialog box appears.
2. On the Conditions tab, select the Indoor coverage check box and click OK.

3.3.4.4 Calculating User-defined Indoor Loss from Aster

This method should only be used when you want to model indoor loss from a first wall penetration loss with a
variable linear loss based on the signal propagation depth within the building. The indoor loss is thus based on the
sum of two losses:
◼ Penetration Loss (dB): first wall penetration loss
◼ Linear Loss (dB/m): linear loss applied linearly from the building facade towards the interior of the building
Indoor loss is defined for each "Building type" propagation class ("Building type 1", "Building type 2", and "Building
type 3").

 If you activate clutter-based indoor loss both in Aster and in Aster, indoor loss may
end up being considered twice.

To calculate user-defined indoor loss from within Aster:

1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click Aster Propagation Model, and
select Properties. The Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog box appears.
2. Click the Settings tab.
3. Under Indoor calculation, select the Enable check box and choose Yes next to Apply indoor losses.

3.3.5 Ray Tracing

The Aster propagation model uses ray tracing techniques to incorporate horizontal diffraction and reflection, which
allows for efficient calculation. Ray tracing mode can be enable in the Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog
box.
Ray tracing is strongly recommended for micro cells where the antenna height is below the average building height
in the vicinity of the antenna. In this case, the horizontal diffraction and reflection component of the radio signal is
more significant than the vertical diffraction component.

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However, ray tracing is not necessary when considering macro cells where the vertical diffraction component of the
radio signal is dominant. In this case, enabling ray tracing can have an adverse effect on calculation time with little
or no gain in model accuracy.
When in doubt, or when your network uses a mix of micro and macro cells managed by a single instance of Aster,
ray tracing should be enabled.
Aster generally disables ray tracing calculation in the following situations:
◼ When path loss matrix resolution is above 10 meters.
◼ When most propagation classes are statistical classes.
◼ When no deterministic propagation class is available in the ray tracing radius.

+ In practice, Aster automatically assigns statistical propagation classes to clutter

classes that have a resolution below 10 meters. This often results in having
deterministic propagation classes for precise data (<10 m) and statistical
propagation classes for coarser data, which can cause ray tracing to be disabled.
You can, however, manually map deterministic propagation classes to any clutter
class in the Atoll propagation model Properties window.

3.3.5.1 Enabling Ray Tracing

Ray tracing is independent of whether the ASODM model is built from vectors or from high-resolution raster layers.
The difference between using vectors and high-resolution raster layers is only a question of precision in building and
vegetation modeling: if the raster layers are accurate enough, then no major difference should be expected between
the two modes.
Calculation time can be improved by reducing the Radius and the Max number of diffractions and reflections
parameters.
To enable ray tracing:
1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click Aster Propagation Model, and
select Properties from the context menu. The Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog box appears.
2. Select the Ray Tracing tab.
3. On the Ray Tracing tab, select Enable ray tracing to enable ray tracing. Aster can perform ray tracing
regardless of the fact that vectors are provided or not (i.e. direct use of geo raster data).
4. If necessary, in the Parameters area, specify the following settings:
◼ Radius: area where horizontal diffractions and reflections are considered during the ray tracing process.
Outside this area, signal level calculations will still be made but rays will be considered without diffractions/
reflections.
◼ Max number of diffractions and reflections: maximum number of diffractions/reflections during ray
tracing. Above this number, signal level calculations go on until rays encounter a new obstacle and
processing stops.

Recommended Minimum Maximum

Parameter Comments
Value Value Value

Radius (m) 800 N/A N/A The recommended value should be kept for
best compromise between accuracy and calcu-
lation time

Maximum number of 4 1 10 The recommended value should be kept for

diffractions and reflections best compromise between accuracy and calcu-
lation time

5. Click OK.

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Chapter 3: Using the Aster Model

3.3.6 Geoclimatic Settings for the mmWave Propagation Model

Radio waves in extremely high frequency bands (mmWave) are prone to high atmospheric attenuation from being
absorbed by the gases in the atmosphere. Absorption by humidity in the atmosphere is significant except in desert
environments, and attenuation by rain (rain fade) is a serious problem even over short distances. The Aster
mmWave propagation model can include these factors in its calculations.
To enable atmospheric and rain attenuation:
1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click mmWave Aster Propagation
Model, and select Properties from the context menu. The Aster mmWave Propagation Model Properties
dialog box appears.
2. Select the Ray Tracing tab.
3. Select Atmospheric absorption to take atmospheric attenuation into account.
4. Select Rain attenuation and specify an average attenuation value (in dB/km) for rain fade.
5. Click OK.

3.3.7 Advanced Mode

You can switch the Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog box to advanced mode by setting the
hideAdvancedParamUI option to 0 in the [Core] section of the Aster.ini or AsterMmWave.ini file. In the advanced
mode, the following additional items appear:
◼ On the Clutter tab: The Calibration Correction (dB) and Building Calibration Correction (dB) columns appear.
◼ On the Ray Tracing tab: The Reflection/Diffraction Parameters frame appears.
◼ Parameters tab: new tab on which you can modify the low-level configuration parameters.
For more information on the advanced mode, see the Technical Reference Guide.

3.4 Antenna Outdoor Relocation

The antenna outdoor relocation audit provides a list of antennas that are identified as being located inside a building
and suggests to relocate them to a suitable location outside the building.
The audit produces a table that contains the following information:
◼ Transmitter.
◼ Technology.
◼ Propagation model.
◼ Initial location ( X ,Y, H).
◼ Final location (X ,Y,H).
◼ New suggested position (deltaX, deltaY, deltaH, distance).
◼ Relocation type: facade or roof.
The audit does not automatically update the antenna locations in the database. You can use the results to perform
the appropriate modifications to each antenna.

3.4.1 Configuring Antenna Relocation

The results of the antenna relocation audit are based on the relocation strategy that is defined in the properties of
the Aster propagation model. under Conditions and Where to locate.

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 Aster 2.8.1 User Manual
AS281_UM_E0 Chapter 3: Using the Aster Model

To configure the antenna relocation audit:

1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click Aster Propagation Model, and
select Properties from the context menu. The Aster Propagation Model Properties dialog box appears.
2. Click the Settings tab and select Enable outdoor relocation.
3. Click Strategy. The Indoor Antenna Relocation Strategy dialog box opens.
4. In the Indoor Antenna Relocation Strategy dialog box, specify the following parameters:
◼ Relocate outdoor: Select the condition for relocation of indoor antennas to outdoor:
◼ Always: all antennas detected as indoor will be relocated to outdoor
◼ Under certain conditions: the antennas detected as indoor will be relocated to outdoor only if the
outdoor location is within the distance defined next to New location within and if the gain (in dBi) is
greater than the value defined next to Antenna gain is greater than.
◼ Where to relocate: Select next to Relocate to the type of outdoor location where the indoor antennas will
be relocated:
◼ Facade: indoor antennas are relocated to the closest facade at Antenna offset from the facade, at the
same height as the initial position.
◼ Roof: indoor antennas are translated vertically at an Antenna height offset above the roof.
◼ Facade or roof: indoor antennas are relocated to the closest facade or roof, as described above.
◼ Facade and roof: indoor antennas are relocated to the roof and to the closest facade, as described
above.

 When relocating to the facade, antenna azimuths are taken into account so that
final locations avoid configurations in which antennas point towards facades.

5. Click OK.

3.4.2 Performing an Antenna Relocation Audit

You can perform an antenna relocation audit for a single instance of multiple instances of the Aster propagation
model. For more information on using multiple instances of the propagation model, see "Creating a New Instance
of Aster" on page 24.
To perform an antenna relocation audit:
1. In the Parameters explorer, expand the Propagation Models folder, right-click Aster Propagation Model, and
select Audit > Antenna Outdoor Relocation from the context menu. The Outdoor Relocation window appears.
2. In the Outdoor Relocation window select one or several instances of the Aster propagation model or select
Only current propagation model.
3. Click Start. The audit starts and a progress bar is displayed. You can click Cancel to stop the calculation.
4. When the audit is finished, click the Results tab. You can copy and paste the results of the audit into Excel or
you can use the results to update the antenna locations in Atoll.

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