Our dedicated development team ensures our software solutions continue to develop and evolve. Users can manage any radio technology across the radio spectrum, allowing users to model multiple radio technologies across one project.
Airports use an abundance of wireless technologies to connect passengers, devices, safety-critical systems, and aircraft. ATDI specialise in three types of communication systems: ground communications for controlling operations, ground-to-air communications for managing airspace and radars for monitoring en-route operations.
HTZ is technology-neutral allowing it to model almost every wireless technology. It features dedicated functions, including:
Key features include:
ICAO Building Heights: This function computes the max. building heights on each point of the map, for seen and not seen points. This automatically checks the max clearance and then re-calculates a new dataset based on the ASCII-GRID format. Essential when modelling the impact of new buildings on Radars and other airport comms equipment.
Exclusion zones: This function supports coexistence modelling between 5G and radio altimeters by calculating the min. the separation between bands, taking into account the digital terrain model, buildings, flight path and flight height and the 5G network deployment. Once parameters are input, including propagation modelling, transmission power and antenna height, pattern and tilt, the uplink signal to the radio altimeter can be modelled.
Multilateration: The MLAT function calculates the location of an aircraft accurately. TDOA calculates the time difference between the signals received by multiple sensors, while TSOA calculates the time synchronization of the signals received by multiple sensors. Both methods reduce errors in locating aircraft and enhance tracking accuracy. HTZ uses advanced algorithms to calculate the location of the aircraft with the TDOA and TSOA methods to improve the accuracy of results.
Localization: The localization accuracy map featured in HTZ, allows the user to determine the localization accuracy of a network consisting of Direction Finders. These detect the best possible locations for virtual transmitters located on the map.
Indoor modelling: HTZ Communications models communications inside terminals and hangers and supports multiple technologies, including WiFi 6. HTZ features an ITU propagation model for indoor environments and allows the user to specify building materials in the settings.
This tutorial looks at the interaction between 5G towers and radio altimeters on aircraft.
The tutorial calculates the exclusion zone needed around the airport to enable MNOs to decide where to deploy 5G towers.
Check out our Blog on microwave links versus flight altitude analysis.
5G networks offer increased capacity, lower latency and faster speeds. They can operate in the higher frequency bands between 28GHz and 60GHz in a band known as the millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum. 5G networks feature dense, distributed networks of base stations or small cells. 5G networks offer ultra-reliable, low latency capacity, which supports a growing number of user applications. Our flagship radio planning tool, HTZ enables MNOs to plan, model and optimise their radio networks.
Small cells in 5G networks increase network data capacity and can reduce rollout costs by eliminating expensive rooftop installations. 5G networks feature built-in flexibility to support coexistence with other standards like LTE & Wi-Fi and to enable spectrum sharing.
Because 5G operates in high-frequency bands, accurate cartographic data is needed to consider the terrain, clutter heights and building which may impact the service, network latency and capacity. ATDI offers access to a comprehensive library of map data, available for download for customers with a valid maintenance contract. These high-resolution maps support signal loss modelling which is characterised by the geo-spatial environment and identify buildings and clutter that impact mmWave propagation.
5G networks offer three distinct use cases for industry, each offering its own distinct benefits to users, communities and industry as a whole.
This tutorial gives a high-level overview of the features and functions available in HTZ Communications & HTZ Warfare.
View our 3-part 5G network planning webinar.
CBRS is at the forefront of spectrum sharing in the US. Its supporters believe it will transform the mobile communications industry on a global scale. In response to the growing demand for spectrum, the FCC established the Citizens Broadband Radio Services (CBRS) in the 3.5GHz band for nationwide sharing. CBRS users are divided into three tiers: incumbents, priority access license and general authorised access. The third tier is ideal for private LTE and 5G networks.
CBRS offers users more control and protection than traditional commercial networks in terms of interference. To protect users in Tier 1 & 2, mobile network operators must use a Spectrum Access System (SAS). This ensures that their devices do not cause interference and adhere to FCC regulations.
Spectrum Access System (SAS)
SAS is a cloud-based radio spectrum coordinator that manages wireless communications operating in the CBRS band. Devices are registered with the operator for spectrum assignment and to moderate their power levels.
How does the SAS protect users from interference?
All devices need to be registered before use. The SAS manages real-time sensor data so they can make adjustments to the available spectrum in real-time. This dynamic approach means the networks are synchronised periodically to ensure all spectrum users retain access.
So where does ATDI fit in?
Our spectrum engineering solutions enable dynamic spectrum access, allowing SAS operators to manage frequency coordination and PAL and GAA users to design their radio networks.
HTZ Communications features an automatic frequency assignment and optimisation engine. SAS operators and end-users in the CBRS band can dynamically model their radio system to mitigate interference. To avoid conflict, HTZ manages coexistence between incumbent users and PAL and GAA systems. Interference calculations and analysis are applied to model the impact of LTE/5G on radars or satellites.
HTZ supports every aspect of radio network design and planning. Key features include coverage and capacity planning, automated site planning, cell optimisation and mesh network clustering.
HTZ features a powerful database engine that allows complex workflows to be automated. Automation reduces user interactions and provides network and operational efficiencies. Network traffic is modelled against QoS and reliability targets. Support for third-party hardware and equipment suppliers is available. HTZ robust propagation model engine can design outdoor, indoor, and outdoor-indoor networks. Additional features include 3D raytracing, beamforming and massive MIMO antennas via an integrated antenna database.
From a design standpoint, HTZ features interactive 3D city models and urban information. These royalty-free maps are available for most urban cities of the US in 2m resolution with a 3D building layer. Private data can be imported and converted within the software to model specific environments such as mines, oil & gas plants, buildings and tunnels. HTZ features geo-location functions for network deployment using high-resolution datasets.
To learn more about how CBRS is transforming the mobile communications industry visit the OnGo Alliance.
Technology is an integral part of our lives, along with our growing dependency on it. The Internet of Things (IoT) covers everything connected to the internet. The overarching feature of IOT is the wireless data transfer and its application supports smart home devices, eHealth applications or driver-less trucks. With connectivity driving technology innovations, the design and roll-out of wireless networks has to be managed effectively.
HTZ supports every aspects of IOT radio network planning, including coverage and capacity planning and interference analysis. Other key functions include:
From a planning perspective, IoT networks differ from classic radiocommunication networks. To support this, HTZ offers interactive 3D city models and urban information for high-resolution network planning. It supports a variety of IoT application platforms and other cloud-based solutions. The software features accurate propagation models specific for IoT including LPWAN, IEEE 802.15.4, 3GPP.
HTZ features dedicated functions including:
ATDI offers consultancy services to support network operators, integrators and public bodies capitalising on their IoT network.
Check out how ATDI helped develop network plans for the UK's leading Smart city, here.
Often technology advancements and deep pockets win wars. However, good communication networks in the battlespace can be the difference between military success or failure. Nowadays, ministries of defence are compelled to assess their radio spectrum use to ensure their spectrum management practices reap maximum benefits.
Defence & security communications have been an integral part of ATDI since its outset. The scope of this work ranges from auditing the use of military spectrum to advising and supporting studies on coexistence, releasing spectrum for commercial use and the reallocation of spectrum for reuse with other technologies.
HTZ Warfare offers dedicated features for the defence and security markets including:
HTZ Warfare supports all technologies and functions for the defence and security markets, including:
Check out how Drones are used in the military and defence sectors.
HTZ Communications
As the use of drones or unmanned aircraft (UAV) grow, businesses and Governments are seeing significant demand and growth in areas like transport, military, logistics and commercial sectors.
Drones are controlled by a ground control system (GSC) which operates remotely or autonomously. Wireless connectivity lets pilots view the drone and its surroundings from a birds-eye perspective. Users can also leverage apps to pre-program specific GPS coordinates and create an automated flight path for the drone.
The data links use a radio-frequency (RF) transmission to transmit and receive information to and from the UAV. These transmissions share information like location, distance and location to target, distance to the pilot, payload information, airspeed, altitude and more. An autonomous drone can conduct a safe flight without the intervention of a pilot.
HTZ Communications offers dedicated features for drone management including:
HTZ Warfare
In the defence and security sector, UAVs are used as target decoys, for combat missions, research and development. Their growing use has reduced losses in the field and enables the execution of high profile and time-sensitive missions.
Anti-drone systems are used to detect or intercept unwanted unmanned aerial vehicles. More often, anti-drone technology is deployed to protect areas like airports, critical infrastructure, large public spaces and military installations and battlefield sites.
Counter-drones are used to jam the signal between the drone and drone pilot.
Check out our Counter-drone demo today.
Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) is widely used for military operations. Competing demands for radio spectrum means it must be strictly coordinated and controlled. Battlespace spectrum management is the planning, coordination and management of EMS, to enable military systems to perform their functions without causing or suffering from harmful interference.
Significant importance is placed on the performance of radio intercept receivers, direction finders and communications jamming equipment. Key features that determine the success of a mission is the ability to intercept or jam enemy communications. And similarly, to share information with the command structure without undue interference.
With over three decades of development, HTZ Warfare is a leading military network planning and EW modelling tool. This feature-specific software supports military units around the World. Key functions include:
HTZ warfare removes the complexity of calculations in the field and simplifies the user experience intuitively across a wide range of applications, including:
Check out our BSMS company presentation.
Railway networks connect communities and support economic growth. But these complex networks require advanced solutions to ensure they meet the growing demand for services. ATDI provides cost-effective and sustainable telecom network solutions to meet those demands.
Railway operators rely on different technologies to support rail operations.
Today’s railways present a new set of challenges for telecom networks including international border-crossing interoperability and increased rail track capacity.
GSM-R and other radio technologies are essential to the efficient running of railway operations. They offer a variety of voice and data communications services and manage a large number of radio frequencies used by different radio applications, systems and users. Using a spectrum management solution ensures adequate spectrum is available for network coverage and capacity, without causing undue interference to other radio users.
With the increase in spectrum scarcity, the rail industry continues to look for new and innovative approaches to spectrum management. Initiatives like spectrum sharing, hardware improvements (receivers), using frequencies in higher bandwidths and the use of more spectrum-efficient technologies are now being witnessed.
In addition, railway network operators have seen an increase in demands for services such as:
Check out our case studies for the Rail sector.
For over a decade radio broadcast has been responsible for distributing and publishing news. During that time, we’ve seen the introduction of new technologies and the transition from analogue to digital broadcast. It wasn’t till the 1950s that television broadcasting made an entrance. During that time, broadcasters have adapted to viewing trends by focussing on emerging technologies to drive the sector. While the broadcasting environment has changed with the introduction of the internet, traditional broadcasters still retain a large market share of viewers and listeners.
ATDI has a long affiliation with many of the World’s leading broadcasters. Our flagship tool, HTZ Communications enables broadcast network operators to serve a maximum number of users at a minimum cost. We have supplied software and services to assist with key areas such as network planning and modelling for every broadcast technology. During the project life cycle, we help dimension the network using correlation analysis and propagation optimisation.
HTZ Communications was integral to broadcasters when migrating from analogue to digital radio (DVB-T and DAB+), and supports network maintenance and subsequent upgrades to DVB-T. With a wealth of functions featured, ATDI guarantees efficiency and cost-effectiveness at all stages of the network lifecycle ranging from:
The technologies covered by HTZ include:
Check out our Broadcast coordination video which demos design views, collate information in real-time and manage statistics in ICS Manager.
The mining industry is rapidly modernising with smart mining operations projected to increase threefold by 2025. Automation plays a key function in this transformation and has the potential to increase productivity and improve safety and working conditions. For example, transportation in mines is a repetitive task that is well suited to autonomous vehicles which operate around the clock. Private cellular networks connect those vehicles to coordinate paths and exchange mission-critical information.
Due to constant changing environment in the mine, the transmitters and receivers move which can cause reflections, scattering and other diffraction phenomena. Modelling the impact of these changes on network coverage needs to be managed regularly, otherwise, operators run the risk of communication failures.
ATDI works with many of the world’s largest mine operators providing network planning and modelling expertise in the form of software solutions, consultancy services and custom training. These solutions reduce the risk associated with the changing terrain and allow operators to automate their coverage plans frequently. ATDI’s flagship radio planning software, HTZ Communications features key functions that are well suited to managing the issues facing open-mine operators.
Prospective planning: Understanding the impact of terrain changes is essential to network planning. HTZ Communications features a prospective planning function to allow operators to model these challenges over time. These plans can include the best location for fixed transmitters and coverage achieved. Operators can manage their activities more efficiently and remove the risk of communication failures. Identifying communication not-spots allows operators to use gap fillers or trailers to fill areas without coverage.
Automation: Mine operators use scanners or sensors to monitor terrain changes within the mine. Using HTZ Communications, operators can import the updated maps into the software which triggers their conversion into ATDI’s format. Once imported, the software automatically calculates coverage and produces a composite coverage based on the terrain changes. Functions like identifying the best servers, composite coverage and coverage overlapping are also supported.
In addition, SINR throughputs for LTE and 5G networks can also be automated. The results from these calculations are exported in KMZ and TIF/TFW files and are published via a display engine in the Operation Centre. By automating workflows, users can make time and resource efficiencies and reduce the risk of errors in repetitive manual processes.
Accuracy: ATDI’s propagation engine defies laws of physics. The tool has proven to deliver highly accurate predictions, outperforming other planning tools that have evolved from the classic mobile telco needs in urban and suburban environments. ATDI’s propagation engine is well suited to open-cut mines and deep pits. The latest measurements in open-cut mines show a correlation exceeding 95% with less than 1.5 dB margin of error.
Check out how LTE is transforming automation in mines.
Safety at sea depends on good communications between ships and from ship to shore. But radio waves traversing water behave differently to those moving above dry land. This means a new set of variables must be modelled to achieve reliable maritime communication networks. Considerable research has been undertaken into propagation modelling in a maritime environment.
HTZ is used for maritime transport critical communications, as well as cross-border surveillance and emergency response communications. Key features include:
HTZ advanced features include:
Check out our product brochure today.
Check out our WP on MW groundwave modelling with HTZ
Offshore gas and oil operators use mobile technologies like LTE for monitoring components on rigs and communications with the shore. Establishing and maintaining communication links in the face of extreme weather conditions can be a challenge. Commonly, satellite or fibre optic links are used, but more often mobile technologies are replacing rig to shore communication links.
In an environment where safety is critical, any restrictions with bandwidth, or delays often characteristic with satellite services, are not viable. LTE enable rigs, shore bases and support vessels to share information in real-time. Similarly, demands for data on the platforms is growing, with the need for indoor coverage like WiFi and a robust network to manage monitoring and telemetry systems.
HTZ Communications offers dedicated features to manage offshore communications, including:
Response times are critical when managing emergencies, disasters or crises. Both government and public safety agencies face growing pressure to improve event management with the spotlight on connectivity, capacity and capability. Access to mobile broadband is the key to effecting this change.
Public safety networks have three main roles, to support real-time situational awareness and intelligence-driven solutions:
Traditionally, public safety networks used TETRA, TETRAPOL and Project 25. The introduction of 4G (LTE) and specifically PS-LTE, has driven the uptake of data-reliant services. Aside from national public safety networks, there has been significant growth in private LTE networks, providing temporary coverage for pop-up test centres and field hospitals in the fight against COVID-19.
These secure and resilient mission-critical networks must guarantee connectivity for everyone, anywhere and anytime. ATDI has been supporting public safety network operators for over three decades. The key functions of HTZ Communications include:
HTZ features a traffic and mobility profile editor to limit access for low-priority users to free up resources for higher priority users during an emergency. Its propagation models perform coverage calculations to a high level of accuracy without the use of the automatic model tuning module. And, the automatic model tuning module, which can be used at the calibration stage to improve the final AFP result, can be used when drive test measurements are available.
HTZ Communications is recognised for its contribution to public safety in ICCA - Critical Comms awards.
Railway operators rely on different radio technologies to support rail operations. To meet this need, they count on a technology-neutral radio planning tool to design and manage their communication networks. Most rail operators operate both analogue and digital technologies, including GSM-R, LTE-R, TETRA and PMR. These networks support services like centralised traffic control for rolling stock and GSM-R for high-speed rail communications.
A key network requirement is to provide adequate coverage and capacity. This can be achieved using propagation models to attain a high level of accuracy. Automatic tuning models can be used to calibrate drive-test data and improve the overall frequency plan.
HTZ Communications supports all radio technologies ranging from 1kHz to 350 GHz and has been used extensively by rail operators around the world, enabling them to manage their radio spectrum and networks efficiently. Its main functions include:
ATDI supports a comprehensive library of cartographic data for use with radio network designs.
This tutorial looks at how to model a leaky feeder in a tunnel environment. The tutorial walks through the process of building a tunnel from scratch using a .shp file to replicate the tunnel environment.
Check out how ATDI support accurate planning for railway communications.
Satellites provide vital communications to any part of the World. However, the technology is associated with problems that can be mitigated through network planning and modelling techniques.
Propagation delays from one VSAT to another can exceed 0.5 seconds, impairing voice communications and resulting in echo and talker overlap. These delays can be resolved by applying unique protocols. Satellites are also susceptible to rain and atmospheric disturbances, commonly known as noise. To support this, ATDI’s software features rain maps and other significant atmospheric data to support network planning.
HTZ is a comprehensive radio network planning tool that enables network operators to plan and model the satellite footprint. It also models and manages constellation interference and evaluates interference between the satellite and earth stations.
HTZ features advanced satellite network planning functions for GSO/non-GSO satellite operators, including:
This tutorial looks at satellite coordination between earth stations and fixed services.
Radio spectrum is the lifeblood of the radiocommunications industry. It’s the allotted frequencies or spectrum which supports all wireless communications. Spectrum regulation, also known as spectrum management, is the regulation of those frequencies to promote its efficient use and to maximise the net social benefit. Radio spectrum typically refers to the range of frequencies from 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
ATDI has been at the forefront of developing automated spectrum management solutions for national and regional spectrum regulators for over three decades.
Their solutions allow regulators to:
Key features include:
Integral to spectrum management is the ability to monitor spectrum use to ensure frequencies don’t interfere with each other. Radio spectrum licenses are allocated by band or technology with spectrum monitoring tools scanning the bands to ensure users have access to the spectrum without interruption or undue interference.
For spectrum regulators, a monitoring system needs to gather both spectrum management and spectrum monitoring data. The monitoring system needs to create reports about license conditions and relevant monitoring data. These reports allow the regulator to monitor spectrum use and trends, in real time. Regulators use this information to manage complaints and ensure compliance.
For other wireless network operators, measurement campaigns use a spectrum analyzer. The spectrum analyzer captures measurements from the network in real-time and allows network operators to validate network performance indicators (KPIs).
HTZ is compatible with leading equipment suppliers and is used to:
The HTZ user interfaces easily imports large amounts of data for processing.
A mesh network is a local network topology where the infrastructure nodes connect directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate to efficiently route data from/to clients. The lack of dependency on one node allows every node to take part in relaying information. This makes mesh networks extremely resilient, as they constantly look for new paths, rerouting links to ensure that any network failure is resolved without impacting the overall network efficiency. Mesh networks are highly scalable, allowing for both traffic and area covered to change in response to network growth.
As the result of a single point of access, mesh networks benefit from better coverage and minimal dead zones or not-spots. Network set up is easy to configure as nodes automatically reconfigure connections. The downside to mesh networks is the slower speeds achievable as every ‘hop’ can increase delays.
Radio planning mesh networks can be divided into three main tasks: dimensioning the mesh node distribution to achieve the required coverage; analysing the links of the mesh nodes to optimise the dynamic routing and ensure demand throughput; backhauling the gateways (microwave links).
Successful network planning relies on the cartography used. Planners need to decide whether to use medium-resolution and high-resolution datasets or a hybrid of the two. Costs need to be balanced against the overall value of the different map resolutions and planners must make choices about how they impact the project.
ATDI has a library of map data from around the globe, which is available to all customers with a valid maintenance contract. This includes LiDAR data, which provides data sets sub-1m resolution and benefits from both surface and terrain elevation points. These high-resolution datasets provide precise modelling with sharp blockages.
The days of a man with a torch peering into your understairs cupboard to read your electricity meter have gone the same way as faxes and video cassettes. With utility networks moving towards smart metering, consumers are benefitting from cost efficiencies and accurate billing. Mitigating interference in smart networks is a challenge, particularly as broadcasting frequencies become more crowded. And achieving maximum coverage at the lowest possible cost is essential in today’s financial climate.
ATDI has been supporting utility companies and their communications infrastructure for their transmission networks for the past three decades. The main technologies used by utilities include:
HTZ Communications offers dedicated features to utility companies including:
Automated Mesh network and Clustering networks - Select the best locations with the minimum number of Gateways required to coved End-devices, individually or merged by Clusters.
Read our case study on relocating a TETRA base station for the Shaybah Oil reserve, here.
While the growth of onshore windfarms may have slowed, offshore developments are rising – and each one has the potential to interfere with radar systems used by air traffic controllers. National civil aviation authorities are responsible for the safe transit of aircraft through their airspace and require all wind farm developers to determine whether their turbines’ will impact radio communications before they are built.
Wind farm developers need to manage the impact of turbines on civil and military aviation infrastructure. This includes evaluating the impact on radars and surrounding telecommunication services. With accurate planning and modelling, the impact on air traffic control systems in the proximity of a wind farm can be mitigated.
HTZ Communications offers dedicated features for windfarm mitigation studies including:
