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Methods
WinProp includes empirical and semi-empirical models (calibration with measurements possible), rigorous 3D ray-tracing models as well as the unique dominant path model (DPM).
Propagation Models
Propagation models differ based on their assumptions, prediction accuracy and computational resources. Select an appropriate propagation model for the application.
Urban Models
Required Databases
An appropriate database for the propagation model considered is important for accurate prediction data.

Welcome
Release Notes
See what's new in the latest release.
Get Started
The WinProp Getting Started Guide contains step-by-step instructions on how to get started with WinProp.
Examples
The Altair installation directory contains a collection of examples that shows you WinProp concepts and essentials.
Introduction to WinProp
WinProp is a complete suite of tools in the domain of wireless propagation and radio network planning. With applications ranging from satellite to terrestrial, from rural via urban to indoor radio links, WinProp’s innovative wave propagation models combine accuracy with short computation time.
Typical Workflow in WinProp
View the typical workflows when working with propagation simulations in specific scenarios, how to add a network planning to a propagation simulation, include a receiver pattern, set up a time-variant scenario, include multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) at both the base station and the mobile station, connectivity analysis of sensor networks and optimization.
WallMan
The WallMan component offers a convenient facility to generate and edit vector building databases.
TuMan
The TuMan tool enables you to generate and modify tunnel scenarios.
AMan
Use AMan to generate, edit and analyze a single antenna. Superimpose multiple antennas radiating similar signals to determine the actual antenna pattern while taking into consideration the local environment.
ProMan
The ProMan component includes wave propagation models for different scenarios and network planning simulators for various air interfaces.
Methods
WinProp includes empirical and semi-empirical models (calibration with measurements possible), rigorous 3D ray-tracing models as well as the unique dominant path model (DPM).
- Propagation Models
  Propagation models differ based on their assumptions, prediction accuracy and computational resources. Select an appropriate propagation model for the application.
  - Motivation for Different Propagation Models
  - Terrain Models
    Different models for macro-cellular prediction exist with differing accuracy and computational resource requirements.
  - Urban Models
    - Motivation for Different Urban Models
      Radio transmission in urban environments is subject to strong multipath propagation. Characterization of the multipath propagation is performed by means of several empirical models.
    - Required Databases
      An appropriate database for the propagation model considered is important for accurate prediction data.
    - Empirical COST-Walfisch-Ikegami Model
      The empirical COST-Walfisch-Ikegami model considers only vertical plane propagation for faster prediction. Accuracy is reduced but is acceptable in specific scenarios described.
    - Basics of Ray-Optical Models
      Knowing the terminology and concepts of ray-optical methods aids the selection of an appropriate ray-optical technique regarding accuracy and prediction time.
    - Ray Tracing
    - Description of the Individual Ray-Optical Models
    - Hybrid Predictions
      Ray-optical propagation models consider a maximum number of reflections and diffractions. Use a hybrid approach combining empirical prediction with ray-optical prediction.
    - Description of the Indoor Estimation Models
      Obtain coverage inside buildings for the planning of mobile radio networks using different models for indoor coverage prediction.
    - Consideration of Topography
      The terrain profile should be considered for propagation modeling when the considered urban area is not flat. Include terrain information in preprocessing and prediction.
  - Indoor Models
  - Description of the Output Files and Cell Parameters
  - Literature
Main Applications
In WinProp various air interfaces and applications are pre-defined: broadcasting, cellular, wireless access, WiFi, sensor networks, ICNIRP and EM compliance.
WinProp Utilities
The WinProp utilities consist of the Launcher utility and the Updater.
Appendix
Reference information is provided in the appendix.

Required Databases

An appropriate database for the propagation model considered is important for accurate prediction data.

The basis for any propagation model is a database that describes the propagation environment. Micro cell and indoor propagation modeling rely strongly on high-resolution geographical information. Most organizations are now using high-resolution databases of the building structures in the urban area with an accuracy in the range of 1-2m derived from aerial photography measurements. For urban propagation, it is essential to have accurate information at least about the average height of individual buildings, especially when base stations are operating close to rooftop height.

Figure 1. Building a database in vector format to describe the urban environment.

As micro cells are planned to increase the network capacity in urban areas, it is obvious to use building-focused databases. To get a more accurate description of wave propagation, the building data are stored in a vector format. Every building is modeled as a vertical cylinder with a polygonal ground plane and a uniform height above street level. With this approach, only the propagation environment including building vertical walls and horizontal flat roofs are considered. Also, the material properties (thickness, permittivity, conductivity) of the building surfaces can be taken into account, which is important for the calculation of the reflection and diffraction coefficients and also for the penetration into buildings. Figure 1 shows an example of a data base for buildings in vector format used in ProMan.

Considering the influence of database information on prediction accuracy, it is noted in Damosso¹ that prediction errors in micro cells of up to 15 dB were attributed to database inaccuracies arising from poor resolution of the building data. Given the sensitivity to the terrain surface, the terrain profile should be considered for propagation modeling if the considered area is not flat. Therefore terrain databases in pixel format are required with resolutions about 20-30 m. This resolution is higher compared to terrain models.

¹ E. Damosso, ed., Digital Mobile Radio: COST 231 View on the Evolution towards 3rd Generation Systems. Bruxelles: Final Report of the COST 231 Project, published by the European Commission, 1998