Computer-aided design of special purpose systems [local radio telephone networks]

The authors describe a computer program that automates the design of radio telephone networks. The program selects the best locations for the base stations, specifies the design of the base and subscriber stations to minimize the total system cost, and merits the required performance standards. It incorporates complex optimization procedures to select the least costly solution for single- or multiple-base-station installations. The program is capable of working with very nonlinear cost function (discrete cost components), and accounts for propagation irregularities, variable site cost, and hardware implementation detail. The program utilizes one of the most detailed radio propagation models, the Longley-Rice model (which is applicable for a variety of terrain features and climates) for transmission low estimation. It accounts for external (both natural and man-made) and internal noise in the radio channel. User interaction routines make the program easy to use by national planners