Proper network design and planning are essential to any WWAN project. MapleNet offers a comprehensive set of engineering services to:

    • Develop the technical specifications for request for proposals (RFP's)
    • Determine tower heights needed for Fresnel zone clearance
    • Research zoning regulations and building codes for towers & building
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    • Develop hardware recommendations for current and future network capacity
    • Integrate wireless services with existing wired infrastructure

Channel Planning

In many areas, it is increasingly difficult to find available channels in the unlicensed spectrum. Even when channels are available, there is no guarantee that sources may arise in the future. For these reasons and others, MapleNet designs networks that 1.) avoid multipoint hardware 2.) use narrow beam width, high gain antennas, and 3.) use FCC licensed equipment where RF and availability needs require.

Tower Types

Typically, MapleNet recommends using self-supporting towers. Roof-mounted towers can be used in limited cases, but any recommendation for a roof-mounted tower needs to be reviewed by a structural engineer.

Tower Zoning

While a link might require, from an engineering perspective, a 120' tower, such a tower may not be feasible given the realities of restrictive zoning and planning departments. MapleNet provides research support in determining zoning requirements, and then we consult with our clients to determine if they wish to pursue variances (if necessary) or pursue a modified network design.

FAA Approval

If the proposed tower is within three (3) miles of an airport, then an application for approval needs to be submitted to the FAA.

Antenna Loading

It often happens that MapleNet works for a client with an existing tower. The existing tower may not, however, adequately support the antennas and transmission cables needed for the network. Antenna, wind and ice loading are critical considerations in any wireless WAN design that incorporates towers.

Grounding

Tower grounding is quite often overlooked in wireless WAN design. For MapleNet, designing a grounding system is integral to the network as a whole. MapleNet adheres to Motorola's R-56 grounding standard. (Read more in our "Grounding" section.)

Capacity Planning

Current and future bandwidth requirements determine the kind of hardware selected. MapleNet's recommendation to clients is to implement the system with the highest bandwidth that fits the budget. Many of the systems that MapleNet designs have built-in expansion capacity.

Hardware Selection

As mentioned above, hardware selection comes down to a combination of bandwidth needs and budget. In addition, hardware is selected based upon availability needs and environmental variable (where terrain might force an OFDM solution, for example.)

Detailed Specifications

MapleNet provides clients with a detailed specification document with all cable runs, grounding requirements, spectrum analyses, tower recommendations, along with a detailed bill of materials. This specification document can serve as the basis of a scope of work to engage MapleNet, or it can be used to competitively (and accurately) bid the project.