Network Planning Tool - Effect of Changing Propagation Radius

[David123]

Hi there,

Whilst running a project in Google Network Planner, we’ve noticed that simply changing the “propagation radius” in the overall project settings has an impact on the PDSCH SINR report (no other changes have been implemented between projects).  In both examples, we use an inter-site distance of 400m.  In example 1, we use a propagation radius of 500m (minimum that the tool will allow), and in the second example, extend this to 800m.

Propagation Radius 500mPropagation Radius 800m

Is this an anomaly of the mathematics used by the tool?  Does anyone have any ideas on why this is happening?

[Marvin_Lucero]

Hi @David123 ,

This behavior that your observing, where changing the propagation radius affects the PDSCH SINR report, could be due to various factors related to the radio wave propagation model used in the tool. 

The propagation radius likely influences the path loss model used in the tool. A larger propagation radius may lead to a different path loss calculation, affecting the received signal strength at the receiver. On the other hand, the tool might incorporate shadowing and fading effects based on the propagation radius. A larger radius may introduce more variability in signal strength due to obstacles and environmental conditions. Lastly, the tool might adjust antenna gain patterns based on the propagation radius, affecting both the transmitter and receiver antennas. This can impact the overall link budget and SINR calculations.

Source: 
https://support.google.com/network-planner/answer/9654767?hl=en
https://support.google.com/network-planner/answer/9654327?hl=en&sjid=13250262865151740350-AP