Indoor Radio Planning: A Practical Guide for GSM, DCS, UMTS, HSPA and LTE, Second Edition

5.2 The RF Design Process

5.2.1 The Role of the RF Planner

After we have had a quick look at the general process of the total indoor implementation process, we will have a closer look on the design tasks for the RF planner; after all, this is the purpose of this book.

Draft Design and Site Survey

Based on the design inputs provided by sales, the RF planner will do a draft radio link budget and prepare a draft design prior to the site survey. Thus the radio planner can check all the planned antenna locations, and adapt the design accordingly. Based on the experience from the site survey, the radio planner will be able to adapt the draft design to the reality and restrictions in the building, in order to make the final design. During the RF survey, it is important to check the type of walls, take notes on the floor plans of the different types, etc.

Take Photographs

The RF planner should bring a digital camera, take lots of photos and mark the position of each photo on the floor plan; this will help in making the final design. It is advisable to take a photo of each antenna location, in order to document the exact antenna location.

It is a good idea to bring a laser pointer, and point at the exact planned antenna location when you take each photo. The red dot from the laser will be very clear on the photograph. In the design documentation, each photograph is then named according to the antenna number, A1, A2, etc. This helps the installer to install all the antennas in the correct ...