TABLE OF CONTENTS So far, we have talked about microwave-link design challenges. Even if we were able to design a perfect microwave link, it would never work in isolation from other links in the microwave system we are designing or far enough away to be immune to the influence of other (external) radio communication systems. Microwave network planning and microwave network design focus on the challenges of making the network work properly in an environment that is full of signals from other users of the RF spectrum.
The main difference between microwave network planning and microwave network design is that one cannot build a network based on the outcome and deliverables of the network planning process, whereas network design results are used during the deployment phase to actually build the network. Microwave network planning is a set of preliminary activities and information gathering used only to determine a need and a feasibility (a feasibility study can also be a separate phase) of the microwave network build-out and to consider other options such as building a fiber-optic system or leasing lines from the existing wireline operators. Microwave network planning analyzes the traffic model to arrive at network capacity and dimensions and a microwave network architecture, and also to make a preliminary equipment choice. In addition, it will determine budget, time lines, and the work force required for the successful completion of the project and help to get approvals to actually finalize the detailed design and build the network.
