ADTRAN TRACER 6000 SERIES User manual

612806320L1-1B
June 2005
TRACER 6000 SERIES
Split System Manual
12806200L1 TRACER 6200 Modular Indoor Unit (IDU)
12806320L1A TRACER 6320 5.8 GHz Outdoor Unit (ODU) Plan A
12806320L1B TRACER 6320 5.8 GHz Outdoor Unit (ODU) Plan B

Trademarks TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual
2 Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 612806320L1-1B
Trademarks
Any brand names and product names included in this manual are trademarks, registered trademarks, or
trade names of their respective holders.
To the Holder of the Manual
The contents of this manual are current as of the date of publication. ADTRAN reserves the right to change
the contents without prior notice.
In no event will ADTRAN be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages or for
commercial losses even if ADTRAN has been advised thereof as a result of issue of this publication.
About this Manual
This manual provides a complete description of the TRACER 6000 Series split system and system
software. The purpose of this manual is to provide the technician, system administrator, and manager
with general and specific information related to the planning, installation, operation, and maintenance of
the TRACER 6000 Series split systems. This manual is arranged so that needed information can be quickly
and easily found.
901 Explorer Boulevard
P.O. Box 140000
Huntsville, AL 35814-4000
Phone: [phone]
Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.

TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual Revision History
612806320L1-1B Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 3
Revision History
Document
Revision Date Description of Changes
A March 2005 Initial release of manual.
B June 2005 Added new real-time power reportings and support for new
Quad E1 (120Ω) module.
Notes provide additional useful information.
Cautions signify information that could prevent service interruption or damage to the
equipment.
Warnings provide information that could prevent endangerment to human life.

Safety Instructions TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual
4 Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 612806320L1-1B
Safety Instructions
When using your telephone equipment, please follow these basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of
fire, electrical shock, or personal injury:
1. Do not use this product near water, such as a bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a
wet basement, or near a swimming pool.
2. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless-type) during an electrical storm. There is a remote
risk of shock from lightning.
3. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
4. Use only the power cord, power supply, and/or batteries indicated in the manual. Do not dispose of
batteries in a fire. They may explode. Check with local codes for special disposal instructions.
Save These Important Safety Instructions

TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual FCC-Required Information
612806320L1-1B Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 5
FCC-Required Information
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio frequencies. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Radio Frequency Interface Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for an intentional radiator, pursuant to
Part 15, Subpart C of the FCC Rules. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause interference to radio
communications.
The limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential situation.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna of the affected radio or television.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the affected receiver.
• Connect the equipment and the affected receiver to power outlets on separate circuits.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Shielded cables must be used with this unit to ensure compliance with Class A FCC limits.
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ADTRAN could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.

FCC-Required Information TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual
6 Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 612806320L1-1B
FCC Output Power Restrictions
The FCC does not require licensing to implement this device. License-free operation in the industrial,
scientific, and medical band is documented in FCC Rules Part 15.247. It is the responsibility of the
individuals designing and implementing the radio system to ensure compliance with any pertinent FCC
Rules and Regulations. This device must be professionally installed.
Exposure to Radio Frequency Fields
The TRACER 6320 is designed to operate at 5.8 GHz with 100 mW maximum transmit power.
This level of RF energy is below the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) levels specified in FCC OET
65:97-01. The installation of high gain antenna equipment in the system configuration may create the
opportunity for exposure to levels higher than recommended for the general population at a distance less
than 15 feet (4.6 meters) from the center of the antenna. The following precautions must be taken
during installation of this equipment:
• The installed antenna must not be located in a manner that allows exposure of the general population to
the direct beam path of the antenna at a distance less than 15 feet (4.6 meters). Installation on towers,
masts, or rooftops not accessible to the general population is recommended; or
• Mount the antenna in a manner that prevents any personnel from entering the area within 15 feet
(4.6 meters) from the front of the antenna.
• It is recommended that the installer place radio frequency hazard warnings signs on the barrier that
prevents access to the antenna.
• Prior to installing the antenna to the TRACER output, make sure the power is adjusted to the settings
specified in section 2 of this manual.
• During antenna installation, be sure that power to the TRACER equipment is turned off in order to
prevent the presence of microwave energy on the coaxial connector.
• During installation and alignment of the antenna, do not stand in front of the antenna assembly.
• During installation and alignment of the antenna, do not handle or touch the front of the antenna.
These simple precautions must be taken to prevent general population and installation personnel from
exposure to RF energy in excess of specified MPE levels.
The TRACER 6000 Series split system ships with an integral low-gain antenna for some
international applications. The integral antenna has an effected isotropic radiated power
(EIRP) of less than +33 dBm.
Verify the antenna installation meets all regulations specified in the National Electric
Code (NEC) Article 810.

TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual
612806320L1-1B Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 7
Warranty, Customer Service, Product Support Information, and Training
ADTRAN will repair and return this product within the warranty period if it does not meet its published
specifications or fails while in service. Warranty information can be found at www.adtran.com/warranty.
A return material authorization (RMA) is required prior to returning equipment to ADTRAN. For service,
RMA requests, training, or more information, use the contact information given below.
Repair and Return
If you determine that a repair is needed, please contact our Customer and Product Service (CaPS)
department to have an RMA number issued. CaPS should also be contacted to obtain information
regarding equipment currently in house or possible fees associated with repair.
Identify the RMA number clearly on the package (below address), and return to the following address:
Pre-Sales Inquiries and Applications Support
Your reseller should serve as the first point of contact for support. If additional pre-sales support is needed,
the ADTRAN Support website provides a variety of support services such as a searchable knowledge base,
latest product documentation, application briefs, case studies, and a link to submit a question to an
Applications Engineer. All of this, and more, is available at:
When needed, further pre-sales assistance is available by calling our Applications Engineering
Department.
CaPS Department [phone]
ADTRAN Customer and Product Service
901 Explorer Blvd. (East Tower)
Huntsville, Alabama 35806
RMA # _____________
http://support.adtran.com
Applications Engineering [phone]

TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual
8 Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 612806320L1-1B
Post-Sale Support
Your reseller should serve as the first point of contact for support. If additional support is needed, the
ADTRAN Support website provides a variety of support services such as a searchable knowledge base,
updated firmware releases, latest product documentation, service request ticket generation and
trouble-shooting tools. All of this, and more, is available at:
When needed, further post-sales assistance is available by calling our Technical Support Center. Please
have your unit serial number available when you call.
Maintenance Support
The ADTRAN Custom Extended Services (ACES) program offers multiple types and levels of
maintenance services which allow you to choose the kind of assistance you need. This support is available
at:
For questions, call the ACES Help Desk.
Training
The Enterprise Network (EN) Technical Training Department offers training on our most popular
products. These courses include overviews on product features and functions while covering applications
of ADTRAN's product lines. ADTRAN provides a variety of training options, including customized
training and courses taught at our facilities or at your site. For more information about training, please
contact your Territory Manager or the Enterprise Training Coordinator.
http://support.adtran.com
Technical Support (888) 4ADTRAN
http://www.adtran.com/aces
ACES Help Desk (888) 874-ACES (2237)
Training Phone [phone], ext. 7500
Training Fax [phone]
Training Email [e-mail]

612806320L1-1B Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 9
Table of Contents
Section 1 System Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Provides an overview of the TRACER 6000 Series split system.
Section 2 Microwave Path Engineering Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Explains the basics of analyzing a wireless microwave link or path. Defines significant
parameters and makes several installation recommendations.
Section 3 Engineering Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Provides information to assist network designers with incorporating the TRACER 6000 Series
split system into their networks.
Section 4 Network Turnup Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Provides shipment contents list, grounding instructions, mounting options, and specifics of
supplying power to the unit.
Section 5 User Interface Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Provides detailed descriptions of all menu options and configuration parameters available for
the TRACER 6000 Series split system.
Section 6 Detail Level Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Provides detailed instructions on performing common system tasks such as connecting to the
system and upgrading firmware.
DLP-1 Connecting a VT100 Terminal or PC to the CRAFT Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
DLP-2 Logging into the TRACER System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
DLP-3 Setting IP Parameters for the TRACER System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
DLP-4 Verifying Communications Over an IP LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
DLP-5 Updating the Firmware Using TFTP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
DLP-6 Updating the Firmware Using XMODEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Section 7 MIBs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Provides a listing of SNMP Management Information Bases (MIBs) supported by the
TRACER 6000 split system. This section also lists traps supported for each MIB.
Section 8 Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Provides helpful information for troubleshooting common configuration problems for the
TRACER 6000 Series.

Table of Contents TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual
10 Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 612806320L1-1B

612806320L1-1B Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 11
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
Provides an overview of the TRACER 6000 Series split system.
CONTENTS
System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Configuration and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Operational . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Available Interface Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
E1 Network Module with 120ΩInterface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
E1 Network Module with 75ΩInterface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
T1 Network Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Quad Ethernet Switch Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Section 1 System Description TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual
12 Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 612806320L1-1B
1. SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The TRACER 6000 series wireless modular radio system provides license-free scalable connectivity for
service providers and corporate networks. These radios feature two modular network interface ports that
can accommodate various combinations of T1, E1, and Ethernet option cards up to 8xT1/E1 (16.384 Mbps
maximum). This flexibility provides customized time division multiplex (TDM) and packet solutions for
voice and data applications in a single platform. The TRACER 6000 series radios provide carrier class
point-to-point connectivity for up to 30 miles in the 5.8 GHz frequency band. A TRACER 6000 Series
split system consists of a TRACER 6200 Indoor Unit (IDU) and a TRACER 6320 Outdoor Unit (ODU) at
each end of the link. The TRACER 6200/6320 combination maximizes flexibility and reduces installation
costs by providing outdoor-mounted radio options (TRACER 6320).
Complete network management is supported via simple network management protocol (SNMP), Telnet
access, and a VT100 terminal interface (CRAFT port). SNMP traps are implemented for all RF link and
T1/E1/Ethernet alarm conditions and statistics, enabling remote installations to report outages without
requiring a visit to the remote site. Version 2 standard management information bases (MIBs) are
supported for all interface cards, while an enterprise-specific MIB is provided for radio functionality.
Triple-DES (3DES) security provides additional protection from unauthorized access without requiring
any additional external security appliances. Future upgrades and enhancements can be added through
FLASH firmware downloads via trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) (on the Ethernet interface) or
XMODEM on the CRAFT port.
Receive sensitivity is optimized through the use of extensive forward error correction and
high-performance receiver design techniques. Dynamic receive sensitivity allows the user to increase
receiver performance by decreasing the delivered bandwidth. This feature maximizes link performance by
customizing the delivered bandwidth to the specific needs of the installation. Three software selectable
band plans are supported to simplify frequency coordination at co-located sites. Band plans are easily
changed via any of the software management interfaces without the added expense of hardware upgrades
or spare filter assemblies.
TRACER wireless solutions maximize equipment density through the combination of compact size (only
1U rack space required for the IDU), low power consumption, and high thermal transfer. TRACER
systems can be deployed at twice the density of other available wireless products.
2. FEATURES AND BENEFITS
The following is a brief list of the TRACER 6000 Series split system features and benefits:
Configuration and Management
• VT100 control ports (RS-232 via a DB-9 interface) for configuration and monitoring
• Telnet access via the 10/100BaseT/TX Management interface
• SNMPv2 control over the RF link and E1/T1/Ethernet interfaces using standard and enterprise-specific
MIBs

TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual Section 1 System Description
612806320L1-1B Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 13
Operational
• Frequency: 5.725 to 5.850 GHz
• Dual module slots for network connectivity
• Up to 8xT1 or E1 bandwidth (16.384 Mbps) using two 4xT1 or 4xE1 network modules
• Point-to-point transmission
• Indoor and outdoor system components
• IDU 1U high for easy rack mounting
Available Interface Modules
• Quad T1 Module (P/N 1280040L1)
• Quad E1 Module with 120ΩInterface (P/N 1280044L1)
• Quad E1 Module with 75ΩInterface (P/N 1280044L2)
• Quad Ethernet Switch Module (P/N 1280050L1)
E1 Network Module with 120ΩInterface
• Four E1 circuits provided through four RJ-45 connectors
• Complies with CCITT G.703, G.704, and G.823 standards
• E1 circuit alarm reporting capability
• Testing support through local and remote line and link loopbacks
E1 Network Module with 75ΩInterface
• Four E1 circuits provided through a single DB-25, 75Ωconnector
• Complies with CCITT G.703, G.704, and G.823 standards (with the BNC breakout panel)
• E1 circuit alarm reporting capability
• Testing support through local and remote line and link loopbacks
•75ΩE1 breakout panel (P/N 1280060L1) provides BNC interfaces for E1 connections
T1 Network Module
• Four T1 circuits provided through four RJ-45 connectors
• Complies with ANSI T1.403 and AT&T 54016 and 62411
• T1 circuit alarm reporting capability
• Testing support through local and remote line and link loopbacks
Quad Ethernet Switch Module
• Four 10/100BaseT/TX interfaces provided through four RJ-45 connectors
• Auto MDI/MDIX crossover on all interfaces
• Back-pressure flow control on all half-duplex interfaces
• Pause-frame flow control on all full-duplex interfaces

Section 1 System Description TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual
14 Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 612806320L1-1B

612806320L1-1B Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 15
MICROWAVE PATH ENGINEERING BASICS
Explains the basics of analyzing a wireless microwave link or path. Defines significant parameters and
makes several installation recommendations.
CONTENTS
Line-of-Sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Decibels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Calculating the Fade Margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Receiver Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Antenna Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Transmitted Power (PT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Carrier Wavelength (l). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Path Distance (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
System Losses (L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Path Loss (LP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Receiver Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Antenna Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Antenna Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
TRACER RSSI Test Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Antenna Beam Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Fresnel Zones, Earth Curvature, and Antenna Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Other Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Path Availability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
FIGURES
Figure 1. Example Microwave Path with Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 2. Typical Antenna Beam Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
TABLES
Table 1. Antenna Gain for Given Dish Diameters (Standard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Table 2. Antenna Gain for Given Dish Diameters (Metric) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Table 3. Typical Coaxial Loss for Common Cable Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Table 4. Path Loss for Given Path Lengths (miles) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Table 5. Path Loss for Given Path Lengths (kilometers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Table 6. Receiver Sensitivity for the TRACER 6320 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Table 7. Minimum Antenna Height for Given Path Lengths (Standard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Table 8. Minimum Antenna Height for Given Path Lengths (Metric) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Section 2 Microwave Path Engineering Basics TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual
16 Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 612806320L1-1B
1. LINE-OF-SIGHT
The TRACER 6200/6320 system is designed for operation in the license-free 5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz
industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. Radio wave propagation in this band exhibits microwave
characteristics which are ideally suited for point-to-point, line-of-sight communications. Line-of-sight
requires that the transmitting antenna and receiving antenna are able to “see” each other, and that the
straight-line path between the two antennas is free of obstructions such as buildings, trees, mountains, and
in longer paths, even the curvature of the earth. For maximum signal strength, the area around the visual
line-of-sight where microwave signals reflect (Fresnel zone) must also be free of obstructions. Fresnel
zones are discussed in more detail on page 23.
Terminology
2. DECIBELS
Understanding the decibel (dB) format is key when discussing microwave path engineering because the
received signal power is often expressed in decibel format. In general, any quantity can be expressed in
decibels. If the quantity xis a power level (in Watts), the decibel equivalent is defined as
If the quantity xis referenced to a milliwatt (mW), then the decibel-milliwatt (dBm) is used instead of a
generic decibel.
Using the decibel format simplifies power calculations by reducing multiplication and division operations
into addition and subtraction operations.
3. CALCULATING THE FADE MARGIN
The fade margin (F ) is a value in decibels (dB) that represents the amount of signal reduction that can be
tolerated before the link exceeds the specified bit error rate (BER). Fade margin is simply the difference
between the available signal power at the receiver (PR ) and the receiver sensitivity (Psens ).
Point-to-Point Wireless communication from a single site to another individual
site. Contrast with point-to-multipoint.
Line-of-Sight An unobstructed, direct path exists between the transmitting and
the receiving antennas.
It is imperative to determine whether the proposed microwave path is suitable (at a
minimum) for ideal, nondistorted signals before attempting installation.
xdB 10 log10 x() ⋅ =(dB)
xdBm 10 log10 x
1mW
-------------
⎝⎠
⎛⎞
⋅ =(dBm)
FP
RPsens
–=(dB)
= PT+ GT+ GR- L - LP- Psens

TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual Section 2 Microwave Path Engineering Basics
612806320L1-1B Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 17
where the variables in the equations are defined as
PRreceived power (dBm)
Psens receiver sensitivity (dBm)
PTtransmitted power (adjustable up to 20 dBm maximum)
GTtransmit antenna gain (decibels referenced to an isotropic source – dBi)
GRreceive antenna gain (dBi)
Lother losses (RF coaxial cable, etc. – dB)
LPpath loss (dB)
Higher levels of fade margin indicate stronger protection against signal fading and a more reliable link. For
most applications, 20 to 30 dB of fade margin should ensure a reliable link.
The following sections further discuss the necessary power calculations and their components.
4. RECEIVER POWER
The viability of a particular microwave path is determined by the power of the transmitted microwave
signal, the transmit and receive antenna gain, distance, and accumulated system losses (such as RF coaxial
cable losses and path loss).
The equation relating received signal power to the other microwave parameters is
or (in decibel notation)
where the variables in the equations are defined as
PRreceived power (dBm)
PTtransmitted power (adjustable up to 20 dBm maximum)
GTtransmit antenna gain (decibels referenced to an isotropic source – dBi)
GRreceive antenna gain (dBi)
λcarrier wavelength (meters)
dpath distance (meters)
Lother losses (RF coaxial cable, etc. – dB)
LPpath loss (dB)
When using decibel notation, all quantities must be individually converted to decibels
prior to performing addition and subtraction.
PR
PTGTGR
λ
2
4
π ()
2d2L
------------------------------=(Watts, W)
(decibels referenced to a milliwatt, dBm)
PR= PT+ GT+ GR- L - LP

Section 2 Microwave Path Engineering Basics TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual
18 Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 612806320L1-1B
Figure 1 illustrates a wireless link configuration containing all the parameters necessary for the power
budget analysis.
Figure 1. Example Microwave Path with Parameters
The following sections further discuss the power budget analysis and its components.
Antenna Gain
Actual transmit and receive antenna gain values depend strictly upon the physical characteristics of the
antennas installed for each link. In other words, the size of the dish determines the antenna gain. Using a
parabolic dish antenna results in the best performance. Antenna gains are specified in terms of decibels of
gain referenced to an isotropic source (dBi). An isotropic source is a hypothetical antenna having equal
radiation in all directions. Typical antenna gains are listed in Table 1 (standard) and Table 2 on page 19
(metric); however, dish manufacturers can provide gains for specific types of antennas.
Table 1. Antenna Gain for Given Dish Diameters (Standard)
Dish Diameter
(in feet) Gain at 5.8 GHz (in dBi)
228.5
434.2
637.5
840.7
10 42.5
12 44.2
G
T
G
R
d, L
P
P
T
P
R
λ
L
L

TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual Section 2 Microwave Path Engineering Basics
612806320L1-1B Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 19
Transmitted Power (PT)
The FCC specifies the maximum transmitter power used for antennae of a given gain. FCC Rules (Part 15,
Subpart 247) allow for a maximum transmit power of 1 Watt (30 dBm). Since the TRACER 6320
maximum transmit power is 100 milliwatts, there is no reduction in transmitter output power required.
Carrier Wavelength (λ)
The carrier wavelength is the physical wavelength of the main RF carrier being used for communication,
and is usually approximated at the center frequency of the band (which is 5787.5 MHz for the
TRACER 6320). The carrier wavelength calculations follow.
λ= c / f (meters)
where
c = speed of light (in meters)
f = frequency (in Hz)
resulting in the following carrier wavelength
λ= 3.00 x 108/ 5787.5 x 105
= 0.0518 m or 5.18 cm
Path Distance (d)
The path distance is the physical distance between the transmit and receive antennas. For the TRACER
6320, these distances can range up to 30 miles (48.27 meters).
System Losses (L)
System losses are defined by RF coaxial cable loss, connector losses, and losses added from any additional
lightning protection devices for the power budget analysis. Coaxial cable is required to attach the
TRACER 6320 to the antenna (for all systems without the integrated antenna). The length of the cable
varies from a few feet to hundreds of feet, depending upon your application and the proximity of the
TRACER 6320 to the antenna. Various grades of coaxial cable will work sufficiently for connecting the
TRACER 6320 unit to the antenna. A low-loss coaxial cable will minimize cable losses.
One end of the coaxial cable requires an N-type male connector (plug) to mate with the TRACER 6320
unit. The other end of the coaxial cable requires a connector compatible with the antenna chosen for the
installation (usually an N-type male connector). Additionally, ADTRAN recommends that the outdoor
Table 2. Antenna Gain for Given Dish Diameters (Metric)
Dish Diameter
(in meters) Gain at 5.8 GHz (in dBi)
0.6 28.5
0.8 31.1
1.0 33.0
1.2 33.0
1.5 34.6
1.8 37.9
2.0 39.0

Section 2 Microwave Path Engineering Basics TRACER 6000 Series Split System Manual
20 Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 612806320L1-1B
connector on the coaxial cable be weatherproofed to prevent corrosion and electrical shorting.
Table 3 gives typical loss figures for some of the more common coaxial cable types (per 100 feet or
30.5 meters).
Path Loss (LP)
Path loss is the estimated attenuation between the transmit and receive antennas caused by signal
separation and scattering. The path loss is considered basic transmission loss over the microwave link. The
following expression calculates path loss:
where
fcarrier frequency (Hz)
λcarrier wavelength (c / f) (meters)
dpath distance (meters)
cspeed of light, free-space (meters)
In areas where lightning strikes are frequent, a lightning arrestor should be installed
directly on the antenna coaxial cable. Installing lightning arrestors helps protect the
RF electronics (including the TRACER 6320 unit) in the downstream path from
damaging voltages and currents.
IF lightning arrestors must have the ability to pass DC voltages (up to ± 60 volts)
and should be installed with care.
Table 3. Typical Coaxial Loss for Common Cable Types
Cable Type 5.8 GHz Loss/100 ft (in dB)
RG58 N/A
RG8 (air) N/A
RG8 (foam) N/A
1/4” Coax 11.36
3/8” Coax 9.65
1/2” Coax 6.49
5/8” Coax 4.90
7/8” Coax N/A
1 1/4” Coax N/A
1 5/8” Coax N/A
5.8 GHz Elliptical Waveguide 1.23
LP4
π d
λ
----------
⎝⎠
⎛⎞
24
π df
c
------------
⎝⎠
⎛⎞
2
== (dB)