Basic Link Design Steps

1. Generate the terrain profile. 2. Path clearance. Determine the antenna heights required for free space line of sight. This step may fail if the heights are impractical. 3. Enter the radio, antenna and transmission line specifications. The receive signal level and fade margin are avail-able at this point. 4. Calculate the availability due multipath fading. 5. Calculate the availability due to high intensity rain. 6. Determine if path is susceptible to obstruction fading. This step may require an increase in antenna heights. 7. Determine if the path geometry supports a specular reflection. 8. Determine if the path is susceptible to ducting.