WiMax Operator's Manual

106 CHAPTER 5 ■ STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL DEPLOYMENT OF PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURES
package—upwards of $50,000—the smaller carriers that probably need the software the most
have been reluctant to use it. One solution for the small operator who cannot bear the expense
of purchasing the software suite initially is to utilize the services of a consultant who owns the
package. Figure 5-2 shows the use of EDX software in Chicago.
Figure 5-2. EDX software, courtesy of EDX
Bear in mind that infrastructure products differ in their capabilities and that some of the
newer technologies such as multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) antennas and frequency-agile
radios may not be completely characterized in existing planning tools. Therefore, if one is
contemplating the purchase of innovative technology to increase throughput or frequency
reuse, one must make certain the vendor is willing to take an active part in the network planning
process.
Network Mapping Is Always Provisional
Cell mapping is highly specific in terms of frequency band selected; modulation technique; the
sensitivity of the radio; the types of services supported, such as best-effort high speed, access,
voice telephony, rich multimedia, full mobility, and so on; and the distribution of subscriber
sites. Should the network operator decide to transmit at another frequency than that used initially
or attempt to offer services requiring constant throughput rates, the specific network
architecture in use previously may not be adequate. It follows then that if the network at first
offers only basic access but the intention is to move toward diversified services, then the network
should be overdesigned in terms of basic access. A network that can support advanced
multimedia well can nearly always provide basic access, but the converse is not true.
The Importance of Projecting Growth Patterns
A third consideration is closely related to the second. One should always keep in mind that
bandwidth can be throttled down from a set maximum but never throttled up, at least not
without major equipment upgrades. It follows that each cell should be designed to deliver
however much capacity is likely to be demanded by the customers over the lifetime of the