WirelessPulse-Comsearch E-News - June 2005

Comsearch's quarterly e-newsletter for professionals in the wireless industry.

Our engineers use the latest technology in the dynamic wireless market and consistently publish up-to-date information through white papers, case studies and informative articles. With the publication of WirelessPulse, we are able to pass along this information to you, our valued clients and prospects.

WirelessPulse features three industry news sections, the first with our "Feature Article" - in-depth analysis on industry trends, "Case Corner" - featuring relevant industry case studies and "Regulatory Rap" - featuring extensive spectrum management news. We have added "What's New at Comsearch! " so that we can keep you informed of what's going on at Comsearch.

 


In the June 2005 Issue

FEATURE ARTICLE
Auxiliary Broadcast Microwave Implementation
Six Steps to Success

CASE CORNER
Government Telecommunication Links and Wind Energy Facilities
(Wind in the Wireless)

REGULATORY RAP
Spectrum Management News

WHAT'S NEW AT COMSEARCH!

 


FEATURE ARTICLE

Auxiliary Broadcast Microwave Implementation
Six Steps to Success


Introduction

Two years ago, the FCC enacted a new ruling requiring users in the Broadcast Auxiliary Service (BAS) microwave bands to formally prior coordinate their proposed systems before submitting an application for license. This new ruling introduced additional design considerations, frequency analysis and coordination procedures that were previously unfamiliar to many broadcasters.

Harnessing our years of experience working with the FCC, performing frequency analyses and coordinating thousands of microwave paths, Comsearch has laid out blueprints for our "Six Steps to Success"—specifically designed for broadcasters working through this process. The following includes descriptions of the six steps, tips to navigate through some of the steps, and questions to ask at certain stages. Let's dig a little deeper into this process and examine what goes on "behind the scenes."

STEP 1:
GETTING STARTED

Frequency coordination must occur when there is a requirement for microwave service, which cannot be filled using leased lines or fiber. The requests are usually for Studio-to-Transmitter (STL), Transmitter-to-Studio (TSL) or Inter City Relay links. Once you identify the requirement, then begin by designing the microwave path.

STEP 2:
DESIGN YOUR PATH

To successfully design a microwave path, there are two variables to consider; what equipment will be used, and the current microwave and physical environment. The radio, antenna and cabling/waveguide selected should adhere to FCC standards for the type of path and the location of the path. Path clearance and path reliability studies ensure a proper signal is received throughout all seasons of the year.

Begin by determining if the path has line of sight and proper Fresnel zone clearance. A 1-arc second terrain database, in conjunction with path design software is a good place to start. Using the path design software, optimize the centerlines to achieve proper clearance (typically K factor = 1 and 0.6 first Fresnel zone). Follow this up with a physical path survey using accurate GPS to confirm the coordinate accuracy. The path survey should ensure foliage and/or man-made objects do not obstruct the path. Proper allowance for foliage growth should also be made.

Tips On Path Design

  • Accurate coordinates are a must to ensure path clearance and accurate frequency analysis. Use various data for verification including, 1 arc second digitized terrain, 7.5' topo maps, GPS and any existing Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) or station records as a refer- ence. Coordinate precision should be 1 second or less. Site coordinates should be referenced in the NAD 83 datum. The FCC's CDBS data for broadcast stations still refers to the NAD27 datum.
  • Optimize the antenna centerlines. Insufficient path clearance can result in a loss of signal while excessive clearance may introduce harmful signal canceling reflections.

  • Be careful not to "over" or "under" design the path. "Under" designed paths will be more susceptible to path outage due to fading. "Over" designed paths can result in oversaturation and can also limit frequency reuse within a given market. As a rule of thumb, modern digital systems are typically designed with a predicted yearly outage of 160 seconds or 99.9995% reliability. To achieve this reliability, an average length microwave path in an average propagation climate usually requires 35-40 dB of fade depth (margin) from a received signal level (RSL) to radio threshold. See Table 1 for Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) for the BAS bands. Note that paths shorter than 17 km for the TV BAS bands are further EIRP limited according to FCC rule section 74.644.
Service Frequency Band (MHz) Maximum Allowable
EIRP (dBW)
Aural BAS 944 – 952 40
Fixed TV BAS 1990 – 2110; 2450 - 2483.5 45
Mobile TV BAS 1990 – 2110; 2450 - 2483.5 45
CARS 1990 – 2110 35
  13200 – 13250 55

Table 1: EIRP Limits

  • Choose a radio certified for FCC domestic use in accordance with Part 74 and Part 2. Frequency agile equipment provides added flexibility in the event the equipment is relocated at some future date.

  • Choose antennas for the BAS bands in compliance with 74.536 (Aural) and 74.641(TV). FCC rules for antennas in the Aural bands can be ambiguous. The FCC calls for an antenna with the "minimum beamwidth necessary, consistent with good engineering practice to establish the link", but does not give defined numerical antenna standards. The FCC will require a significant engineering exhibit justifying antenna beamwidth greater than 24°. Yagi antennas would be subject to this additional scrutiny. Most paraflectors and miniflectors may not meet the 24° requirement for horizontal polarization (E plane). Always double-check the beamwidth when specifying horizontal polarization in the 950 MHz band. Consider using Standard A antennas in the TV BAS bands (2, 7 & 13 GHz) as this will ultimately allow for greater frequency reuse for future paths (possibly even your own).

  • Account for fixed losses in the waveguide or cabling and any associated connectors. These losses can be significant, especially in the higher frequency bands. For example, 60 feet of EW132 waveguide at 13 GHz results in more than 3 dB of loss. This results in more than half the power lost before it even makes it to the antenna.

  • Account for rain fade in bands above 10 GHz as part of the design. Good path design software should have the Crane and ITU rain model for your market.

STEP 3:
COORDINATE YOUR PATH

First determine if the path requires a formal Part 101 coordination or local coordination using Table 2 below:

Frequency Band (MHz)
Coordination Procedure
 
Fixed
Mobile
944 – 952 101  
1990 – 2210 Local* Local
2450 – 2483.5 101 101/Local
6425 – 6525 101 101
6875 – 7125 101 101 101/Local
12700 – 13250 101 101/Local
17700 – 19700 101 101
* New requirement for certification that all potentially affected co-channel and adjacent channel licensees and applicants have been notified and are in agreement

Table 2: Coordination Procedures by Band

If the proposed path only requires interfacing with the local area coordinator, then the contact information is easily obtained from the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) at www.sbe.org.

If the proposed path requires a formal FCC Part 101 coordination, you need to choose a qualified frequency coordinator. A listing of frequency coordinators can be found on the FCC's web site.

To find a reliable frequency coordinator who can address your particular needs, find out the answers to the following questions:

  1. Does the frequency coordinator conduct a detailed interference assessment of the microwave environment? Do they use the actual antenna patterns and radio specifications (including filters) and terrain shielding where available? Some coordinators may simply regurgitate the information you provide to them with little or no analysis at all.

  2. What is the source of the frequency coordinator's BAS data? Databases maintained for longer periods of time using multiple sources of path verification are far more accurate than the FCC data.

  3. What is the level of experience of the coordinator who will be handling your frequency coordination request? Try to choose a coordinator that has at least a few years of frequency coordination experience. This person is more likely to be intimately in tune with all of the nuances of the rules, how microwave radios work and what differing levels of interference will mean to path performance. A seasoned veteran of coordination is less likely to fail a path and will offer possible solutions if it is necessary to fail a path.

  4. Will the Prior Coordination Notice (PCN) be sent to the local area coordinator as a courtesy during the coordination process? This is a good recommendation. Sending the PCN to the local area coordinator allows for one more person to evaluate the coordination and bring up any issues or concerns. The local SBE coordinators usually have inside knowledge of paths that are not licensed properly, not licensed at all or are no longer operating.

STEP 4:
PERFORM A DETAILED INTERFERENCE ANALYSIS

Interference Analysis is a process that selects frequency and polarizationusing computer simulation of the proposed path against an existing database of microwave paths. Metrics generally used to calculate potential interference include the ratio of carrier signal level to interfering signal level (C/I), also known as Desired to Undesired (D/U), or Interfering Power Level (IPL).

For a given analysis, it is necessary to input all the critical information comprising the path. This includes the detailed site coordinates and ground elevation for both the transmitter and receiver, radio equipment make model and transmitting power, antenna make model and breakpoint pattern for all possible polarization scenarios, antenna centerline heights above ground level and finally any system losses (cabling, connectors, branching etc.).

Once this is complete, analyze the path against the environmental database. First, cull all potentially affected paths within the pre-defined coordination distance. Then perform C/I calculations using available antenna and radio specifications. Finally, compare the calculated C/I to the C/I objective. The case is thrown out if the objective is met. The case is retained for further analysis by the coordinator if the objective is not met.

According to the NSMA report WG 3.87.001 titled "Primer on Frequency Coordination Procedures", the specific effects of interference to a given system depend on many factors including:

  • The modulation characteristics of the desired and interfering signals

  • The extent of channel overlap or frequency separation between the two signals

  • The relative difference in signal strengths of the two signals, or in some situations, the relative level of interference signal with respect to the normal noise level of the interfered with system


There may be little to no control over the first two factors affecting interference, however, you can somewhat control the relative difference in signal strengths to reach a desirable result. The coordinator has at their disposal several tools to help mitigate potentially interfering scenarios to achieve the end result of a clean, interference-free frequency including:

  • Maximize Frequency Separation. Radio filtering offers the easiest way to clear potentially interfering cases.

  • Cross-Polarize to an interfering signal. 20 to 40 dB of improvement can be achieved along the main beam of the antenna simply by cross polarizing to an interfering signal. This level of improvement may not be feasible if paraflector or miniflector antennas are used.

  • Use terrain data losses. Commonly referred to as Over the Horizon Loss (OH Loss), this statistical loss adapted from NBS Technical Note 101 and further refined by the NSMA, gives predicted long-term and short-term loss values in accordance with predefined terrain scenarios. These predicted terrain losses can be used to adjust the calculated C/I margins.

  • Choose antennas wisely. Antennas can make or break a path especially in the 7 GHz and higher bands where there are significant differences in antenna performance between the most basic parabolic to the ultra high performance shrouded parabolic. Front to Back ratios can be improved approximately 30 dB in the 7 GHz band by changing from a standard to an Ultra High performance model. Unfortunately, this same level of improvement is not possible with the 950 MHz Aural BAS antennas.

  • Use local knowledge. Because the FCC data elements are lacking for many systems and some systems are not licensed at all, the frequency coordinator and BAS user should work closely together to ensure that all known paths are considered.

  • Tweak the power up or down to clear minor cases. Hopefully, future BAS radios will be developed with Automatic Power Control (ATPC) capability using Data Return Links to offer even more flexibility.

  • Consider man-made shielding. In urban environments, interfering paths are often blocked by the buildings they reside upon or by another building along the interference path. Building shielding can account for 15 dB or more of loss.

  • Consider natural shielding. Taking into account any natural shielding such as forests can clear borderline cases, but generally foliage is not used to clear cases with point-to-point systems.

  • Perform on-site monitoring or measurements. Because there is a finite amount of spectrum, BAS coordinators sometimes work together to see if paths, which might look questionable in a computer simulation, may be able to coexist in the actual implementation. This process enables users to take advantage of antenna pattern nulls. Extreme caution should be exercised when clearing potential cases in this fashion. Remember to be certain that your fade margin is fully protected. An interference case that looks fine today could be seriously degrading the hop’s fade margin, which would not be evident until the path went into a deep fade.

  • Choose alternate frequency bands or rerouting. When all else fails…"Try, try again!"

A seasoned coordinator knows that a given frequency analysis is comprised of 50% science, 40% skill and 10% innovation.

STEP 5:
SEND PCNs TO OTHER LICENSEES AND RESPOND TO INTERFERENCE CONCERNS

Once the interference analysis phase of the project has been completed, the FCC rules require the coordinator to forward a detailed prior coordination notice to "all potentially affected users". TIA bulletin TSB10-F defines the coordination area for bands below 15 GHz as a circular distance of 125 miles and a keyhole distance of 250 miles (the keyhole is defined for angles +/- 5 degrees of the antenna mainbeam). Prior coordination is an iterative process involving both notification and response. All recipients of the prior coordination notice have 30 days (this time-frame can be shortened on a case-by-case basis) to analyze the proposal and respond with any interference problems that they find. If potential interference is noted, it is the initiating coordinator’s responsibility to resolve it. If no response is sent to the initiating coordinator within the 30-day period, they may assume that no interference problems exist and can proceed with the FCC filing.

PCNs are valid for six months from the date of the notice. They can be renewed for an additional six-month period, but the renewal must be made prior to the end of the six-month cycle. FCC applications must be made within six-months of the date on the last coordination notice for the path or the FCC will return the applications as defective.1

STEP 6:
SUMBIT FCC LICENSE APPLICATIONS

FCC license applications must be submitted through the FCC’s web–based Universal Licensing System (ULS). Many frequency coordinators and attorneys provide this service. Web-based services such as ULS-Express are available to allow batch filing of applications. This service auto-populates all technical portions of the application – leaving only the administrative data for the applicant to complete. The software ensures an exact match between the coordinated data and the applied for or licensed data.

Once the application is submitted, you may be able to operate prior to license grant using
"Conditional Authorization." This authorization is conditioned upon the applicant meeting several requirements, including the successful completion of frequency coordination. The FCC also added a new Section 74.25 to allow Conditional Authorization for BAS. The following additional requirements apply:

All Broadcast Auxiliary Stations

  1. The station must have been previously studied and cleared by the FAA, if applicable.
  2. The application filed has no waiver requests.
  3. The station does not lie in a Quiet Zone (FCC Part 1.924)

Aural and Television Broadcast Auxiliary Stations

  1. Applicable frequency coordination procedures have been successfully completed and the filing matches the coordination.
  2. The station does not lie within an area requiring international coordination.2

Once the application is successfully granted, licensees have 18 months to construct the system. When construction is completed, file FCC form 601, schedule K. This is known as the "Completion of Construction" form or NT.

Looking Ahead

As time goes on, the FCC’s Auxiliary Broadcast database will improve. This will help to further streamline the analysis and prior coordination process. Identical coordination procedures have been successfully used in the Common Carrier bands for over 34 years.

Aside from the data, one of the biggest challenges ahead is standardization of interference criteria and assimilation of radio equipment filter data—particularly in the Aural BAS bands. SBE launched a subcommittee to rectify this problem in October of 2004. George Maier (Orion Broadcast Solutions) along with several SBE members and frequency coordinators are working together to make this happen.

Conclusion

Successful microwave implementation is a multi-step process requiring planning and organization. Try to plan a project 4 – 6 months ahead of time with the radio determination, path design and frequency analysis/coordination completed. Next, order the radios, antennas and file your application. The equipment can be ordered prior to completion of frequency coordination to save approximately 30 days, but there is a slight risk that a problem could occur in the prior coordination process that would require changes to the selected frequency.

Following these six steps will save time and ensure that the proposed path will be successfully coordinated, licensed and operate free from unwanted interference.


Footnotes

1 Excerpt taken from 2004 Comsearch NAB paper titled “ Broadcast Auxiliary Service, Frequency Coordination, and Database Issues”
2 Excerpt taken from 2003 Comsearch NAB paper titled “Recent Regulatory Changes Affecting the Broadcast Spectrum”

CASE CORNER

U.S. Government Telecommunication Links
and Wind Energy Facilities (Wind in the Wireless)


We have written in this space before about the blockage threat posed by wind power turbines to microwave paths. Now we’re finding the issue extends to U.S. Government telecommunication links as well. Comsearch is working with the wind energy industry and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a solution to ensure that sensitive and critical Government telecom links are not negatively impacted by wind power turbines.

A typical wind turbine may have a rotor diameter on the order of 50 – 90 meters (164 – 295 ft), which means that the height can extend to over 135 meters (443 ft) above ground. In addition, wind turbines are usually clustered together in farms comprising up to a hundred generators. This combination of numerous, tall, rotating structures can cause several problems with point-to-point microwave paths. A picture of a wind turbine farm is shown below in Figure 1.

Comsearch provides a service to the wind energy industry by identifying the various commercial telecommunication links that may pass through a proposed or existing wind energy facility. By taking the coordinates and physical dimensions of the facility’s individual wind turbines, Comsearch uses its telecommunication databases and its proprietary Geo-PlannerTM software to identify the extent to which a wind energy facility may cause blockage to telecommunication links.

We apply the Geo-Planner software to identify possible Fresnel zone blockage. Blockage of any portion of the first Fresnel zone will cause degradation to the microwave path. Figure 2 shows a two-dimensional map overlay of the site with the wind turbines plotted to see if there is a potential obstruction. The analysis results are provided to the wind energy facility developer to decide whether to relocate or eliminate the wind turbine(s) that obstruct the telecommunication link(s).
This technical service has been very successful in providing the wind energy industry with the information that allows them to construct their facilities without disrupting commercial telecommunication systems. This is a voluntary obligation the wind energy industry has taken on because they believe it’s in their best interest to be a good neighbor.

Recently, the issue has been raised by the wind energy industry whether Comsearch could provide the same service for Government telecommunication links. There is an added complication with these links considering the technical data is maintained by the NTIA and is confidential. Clearly, the NTIA does not want its communication links to be obstructed by wind energy facilities, therefore if an easily-implemented coordination process could be initiated between the wind energy developer and the NTIA, it would provide a win-win solution.

Meetings with the NTIA and other federal agencies to discuss the interference and coordination issue have been fruitful. There was general agreement from the NTIA that Government telecommunication links should also undergo the same type of analysis as commercial links. After discussing several possible options, the NTIA indicated that it may be possible to implement preventive measures to avoid potential service disruptions while addressing the security concerns associated with Federal Government systems.


REGULATORY RAP
Spectrum Management News

MICROWAVE

FCC Report - The Truth about Cell Phones and the National Do-Not-Call-Registry DOC-258164A1.pdf

International Telecommunication Services – The FCC commits to mandatory electronic filing of applications for all international telecommunications services. (Dkt No 04-226, FCC No. 05-91) DOC-258479A1.pdf  FCC-05-91A1.pdf

FCC to Re-Examine Cable Ownership Rules - The FCC adopted a 2nd FNPRM that examined the Commission's cable horizontal and vertical ownership limits. The FCC will take a fresh look at rules that will foster competition and diversity in the video programming market. (Dkt No 92-264, FCC No 05-96, DA No 05-1632) DOC-258699A1.pdf  DOC-258699A2.pdf  FCC-05-96A1.pdf  FCC-05-96A2.pdf  DA-05-1632A1.pdf

Interconnected VOIP Providers Required to Provide Enhanced 911 Service - The FCC took steps to protect consumers by requiring that certain providers of VOIP phone service supply enhanced 911 (E911) emergency calling capabilities to their customers as a mandatory feature of the service.  (Dkt No 04-36, 05-196, FCC No 05-116)  DOC-258818A1.pdf  DOC-258818A2.pdf  DOC-258818A3.pdf  DOC-258818A4.pdf  DOC-258818A5.pdf  FCC-05-116A1.pdf  FCC-05-116A2.pdf  FCC-05-116A3.pdf  FCC-05-116A4.pdf  FCC-05-116A5.pdf

WTB Delays Automatic Termination of Licenses – The FCC has postponed until fall 2005 implementation of the automated feature in its Universal Licensing System that identifies unconstructed stations resulting in automatic termination of licenses and announces a new license search on build-out deadlines. (DA No 05-1362)  DA-05-1362A1.pdf

FCC Launches New E-Mail Service – Used to deliver timely and customized communications information to subscribers.  DOC-258976A1.pdf

OET Seeks Comment on Proposal by United Telecom Council to Serve as Database Manager for Access Broadband Over Power Line Systems - (DA No 05-1637, Dkt No 04-37)  DA-05-1637A1.pdf

Auction of Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service Licenses Scheduled for December 7, 2005 - (DA No  05-1555, Auction No 63)  DA-05-1555A1.pdf

FCC Provides Notice Requirements for C-Band Coordination by Earth Stations on Vessels - (DA No.  05-1671) DA-05-1671A1.pdf

SATELLITE

FCC International Bureau Provides Guidance on ESV Coordination
The International Bureau issued guidelines to remind ESV operators of the requirements for C-band coordination by earth stations on vessels.

Section 25.221 of the Commission’s rules contains provisions for Blanket Licensing for Earth Stations on Vessels in the 3700-4200 and 5925-6425 MHz Band, i.e., in the C-Band. Section 25.221(e) requires that C-Band ESVs complete coordination prior to operating within 200 kilometers of either the baseline of the United States or U.S.-licensed fixed offshore installations. Coordination is to be completed using a coordination method and interference criteria objective determined by the frequency coordinator. Upon completion of coordination, a notification must be sent to the Commission, whereupon the Commission will issue a Public Notice. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 553(b)(3)(A), the International Bureau provides the following information as guidance in connection with Section 25.221(e) of the Commission’s rules.

In order to be placed on Public Notice, the notification of the successfully-completed frequency coordination must contain the following information:

  1. Name and contact information of the frequency coordinator;
  2. Reference identification, date, and duration (if relevant) of the coordination report;
  3. Frequency coordination method used;
  4. Interference criteria used;
  5. Speed of coordinated vessel, if relevant;
  6. Center frequencies, bandwidths, and total spectrum coordinated per satellite;
  7. Name of satellite(s) and transponder(s) being used;
  8. Textual description and scaled map of the geographic area(s) coordinated;
  9. 24/7 contact information for the ESV operator;
  10. Call sign of the hub station if independently licensed;
  11. Statement indicating that as of the date of this notification there are no unresolved coordination requests which would result in an exceedance of the maximum 180 megahertz of coordinated spectrum for all ESV operations in the coordination area in Section 25.202(a)(8).

More information can be found at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-1671A1.doc

FCC Mandates Electronic filing of Applications for all International Telecommunications Services
As part of the FCC’s continuing effort to streamline the filing processes they have adopted Mandatory Electronic Filing of all applications and other filings related to international telecommunications services. Subject to the effective date of the rules and the transition period adopted in the Report and Order (FCC 05-91), the FCC will no longer accept manually filed applications and notifications related to the provision of international services, including accounting rate modifications; requests for assignment of a data network identification code; foreign carrier notifications; applications related to international section 214 authorizations; applications related to submarine cable landing licenses; requests for recognized operating agency status; and requests for assignment of an international signaling point code. The mandatory filing requirements will be implemented in stages as new forms are developed for the FCC IBFS filing system.

The FCC order can be found at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-91A1.doc

Wildblue To Offer Service In June
Wildblue Communications Inc. announced it would begin rolling out satellite Internet service, providing high-speed Internet connections to homes and small businesses in communities in the continental United States not currently served, or underserved, by other high-speed Internet providers. As previously announced, Wildblue initially will be available through participating members of the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC). The Wildblue service will be rolled out by NRTC members during the month of June and will be offered by more than 280 rural electric and telephone companies by the end of the month. Wildblue plans to add rural consumer electronics and satellite TV dealers across the country throughout the following few months and expects to reach national availability of its service by the end of the third quarter 2005.


What's New at Comsearch!

Comsearch Keeps the Wireless Peace at SUPERCOMM 2005
Comsearch managed all wireless communications planning and usage prior to and during this huge telecommunications industry trade show. This included coordination with wireless carriers serving the Chicago market, coordination among exhibitors, and on-site interference monitoring. With over 600 exhibitors at SUPERCOMM 2005, it’s critical that the frequencies used for the wireless demonstrations not interfere with each other and with other licensed wireless operations in the area.

Using our IQ·clear® interference analysis software and engineering expertise, Comsearch’s spectrum management process efficiently addressed the interference and frequency coordination issues for SUPERCOMM’s temporary wireless demonstrations.

Comsearch Offers Protection Services to 6.1 GHz Terrestrial Microwave Facilities Operating Near the Coast, a Waterway, or Harbor!
The FCC’s January 31, 2005 ruling granting primary status to shipboard earth stations allows them to transmit on frequencies that are co-channel with microwave receivers near the waterways, thus increasing the potential for RF interference.

Comsearch’s 6.1 GHz Terrestrial Microwave Protection Services help ensure that your systems are free of interference and any potential problems with other systems are identified during the coordination process.

To find out more about Comsearch’s Coordination and Frequency Protection Services or about the FCCs ESV rulemaking contact Denise Finney at customersupport@comsearch.com or at 800-318-1234.

Comsearch, in Cooperation with the FCC, Offers Online Database Management for Multi-Gigabit Point-to-Point Communications
Licensees in the 71-95 GHz bands are encouraged to register their links through http://www.gigabitlink.com, Comsearch’s online registration database. Registration with a database manager is an FCC requirement, and registration with Comsearch promotes rapid deployment of new services. We offer up-front interference analysis with commercial systems as well as automatic coordination with the NTIA. This efficient registration procedure and management process promotes interference-free operations with shared commercial and government licenses.

Comsearch Committed to iQ.link® Customer-Driven Improvements
Version 8.3 of iQ·link, the industry-leading fixed network planning tool, was delivered in May of 2005. This new release included several new features and enhancements in the areas of Engineering, Performance and Usability. This new functionality keeps the product current with the latest industry recommendations, while continuing to improve upon the overall efficiency. Click here for more information.

The roadmap for this product is highly customer-driven. Comsearch hosts annual User Conferences to provide our users with the opportunity to share ideas, improve their understanding of the product and provide direct feedback to the development and support teams. The next iQ.link user conference is scheduled for October of this year.

Comsearch Presents “Conquering Wireless Challenges in the Hospital” at the ASHE (American Society for Healthcare Engineers) Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA on July 12. The explosion of wireless in healthcare makes the hospital one of the most complicated RF environments known. Mark Gibson, senior director, business development for Comsearch will provide insight on the design, implementation, and maintenance of wireless operations in a hospital environment. For more information on the ASHE 42nd Annual Conference and Technical Exhibition, July 10-13 click here.


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