At Cambium Networks, we’re focused on empowering operators with the tools they need to optimize their networks. Our cnHeat RF planning tool has been an industry leader, helping WISPs identify the best locations for customer installations. Today, I’m excited to introduce the latest addition to our toolkit: the Tower Eval feature—a game-changer for anyone involved in tower site planning.
Why Tower Eval?
The process of planning and deploying new tower sites is a critical yet challenging task for network operators. Determining the most effective location for a new tower can make the difference between a robust, efficient network and one that struggles to meet demand. However, traditional methods of site evaluation can be time-consuming and costly. This is where Tower Eval comes in.
With Tower Eval, operators now have a convenient and economical way to test various “what-if” scenarios before committing to a new tower site. Whether you’re looking to expand coverage, optimize performance, or simply to explore potential sites, Tower Eval provides the flexibility and speed you need to make informed decisions.
Two Flexible Options for Your Planning Needs
Tower Eval is available in two SKU options, tailored to meet different planning requirements:
- 30-Day Moveable Site
- Ideal for operators needing to perform extensive planning in a short period, this option allows unlimited site moves within a 30-day window. You can explore as many locations as necessary, with the cost of planning known upfront, making it a perfect choice for rapid, intensive planning sessions.
- 10-Pack of Fixed Sites
- For operators who need to plan over longer periods, this option offers 10 credits for fixed sites. You can deploy test locations as needed, and each site remains active for 30 days once placed. This option is excellent for more sporadic planning activities, where each credit can be used at your own pace.
Faster Predictions with Some Tradeoffs
One of the most significant advancements with the Tower Eval feature is the drastically reduced prediction time. Previously, cnHeat predictions could take 2-4 hours, but with Tower Eval, you can get results in about 15 minutes. This speed allows for quick iterations and faster decision-making, but it does come with some tradeoffs:
- Resolution drops from 1m to 2m.
- Users must define a static customer install height, as opposed to the automated height calculations from 0ft to 80ft available in regular cnHeat.
- Only one prediction can be run at a time, so new predictions overwrite the previous ones.
While these limitations might not be ideal for every scenario, they offer a practical balance for operators focused on quickly testing and validating potential tower sites.
Specific Considerations for Tower Eval Sites
It’s important to note that Tower Eval sites are theoretical or “what-if” sites. They are designed for planning purposes and do not integrate into your network like regular cnHeat sites. Here are some specific considerations:
- Access Control: By default, predictions are visible only to Admin and Read/Write users. You can modify this in the project configuration, but Read-only users will not have access initially.
- Feature Limitations: Tower Eval sites are not eligible for the Embed feature or BDC exports, making them strictly for internal planning and evaluation purposes.
Enhanced Planning Tools with the Latest Release
In addition to the Tower Eval feature, we’ve made several improvements to make your planning experience even smoother with cnHeat:
- Click-to-Define Locations: You can now simply click on the map to set your tower site and radio locations, eliminating the need to manually enter Latitude/Longitude coordinates.
- Visual Movement Boundaries: If a 100m boundary limits movement, it will be shown on-screen, ensuring you know exactly where your limits are.
- Site and Radio Updates: When moving a tower site, you’ll receive a prompt asking if attached radios should also be updated, streamlining the relocation process.
- Cloning and Terminating Sites: Tower Eval sites can be cloned, allowing you to duplicate deployment parameters easily. Additionally, sites no longer needed can be terminated to keep your project uncluttered.
Conclusion
The Tower Eval feature is more than just a new tool—it’s a powerful ally in your network planning toolkit. By enabling fast, flexible, and cost-effective site evaluations, it helps you stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry. Whether you’re a seasoned WISP or just getting started with network planning, Tower Eval provides the insights and agility you need to make confident decisions.
We’re excited to see how you’ll use Tower Eval to innovate and optimize your networks. Let’s explore the possibilities together!