Feature Spotlight: Optimized Inclined Surface Modeling

Many users understand the negative effects poor modeling can have on RF performance and cost. But inaccurate prediction doesn’t just have financial implications, it can also double the time it takes to complete a wireless design — especially when it comes to complex venue modeling.

In iBwave Release 13, we’ve introduced optimized inclined surface modeling to address this concern. With the latest version, users can now draw multiple inclined areas at once when modeling for large complex venues. This is particularly useful when designing for large arenas and stadiums with rows of inclined seating – users can expect to cut up to 60% of the time normally spent modeling these types of venues.

Complex Venue Design in iBwave Release 13

Users can also model curved sections of the inclined surface for the purpose of modeling a curved seating area or other curved sections in a stadium or complex venue.

Designers can now define an inclined surface as a prediction area and run required output maps. These results can then be displayed in iBwave’s built-in 3D viewer. To isolate prediction sections, users can split the incline segments to omit from the prediction results.

iBwave Release 13 also adds new enhancements that simplify floor and design plan modeling. Improvements include:

A displayed riser notification message when connecting parts across different floors
The ability to make multiple duplicates of one floor

Note that the pictograms and riser notifications are applicable on Design plans only.

To download the latest version of iBwave, log in to your My iBwave portal.

Learn More About Complex Venue Modeling

Want to see the complete list of new features in iBwave Release 13? Check out our what’s new page.

To go in-depth on modeling wireless networks for complex venues like stadiums and arenas, read our e-book all about the topic.

Have you watched our Designing Wi-Fi Networks in Complex Environments webinar with industry expert Tom Carpenter? You can access it on-demand along with all of our other webinars right here.

Feature Spotlight: Beamforming in 5G Design

Have you downloaded the latest version of iBwave? In this article we’re going to put the spotlight on Beamforming in 5G design – one of the key new features in Release 13.

What is Beamforming?

In iBwave Release 13, users can configure multi-beam antennas to support beamforming for 5G NR. They can also add individual RF patterns to components, which can then be combined into a single pattern for prediction. Effectively, you’ll be able to trial and preview the effect of individual beam configurations while designing in-building 5G networks.

Beamforming will improve over time as OEMs add more components and beam configurations to the iBwave DB. Product managers are working closely with manufacturers to roll out new VEX files, and users can anticipate increased beamforming for 5G NR functionality in 2020 and beyond.

How does Beamforming work?

Engineers can now configure multi-beam antennas (including sub-panels) and multi-beam small cells in the database editor and apply them to design projects. The DB Editor now allows users to view and filter RF patterns for beamforming antennas and small cells by beam type and beam index.

Predictions are calculated according to the beam-type associated with the output map when including a beamforming component in a 5G NR design. For example, SSB beam types will use an SS-RSRP map.

When the user defines PDSCH beam types, iBwave uses these to calculate MADR values. Users should note that the composite power values listed on tooltips represent the maximum gain value of the combined beam pattern. In predictions, coverage maps create a combined beam pattern.

Enabling or disabling individual beams will automatically update the output map using Beamforming with 5G NR antennas.

Want to learn more about Beamforming and 5G design?

Download this 5G NR quick reference poster to easily see beam measurements and SSB patterns while designing 5G networks.

Go in-depth on Beamforming with 5G expert Ali Jemmali in our webinar all about the topic.

Find out how to future-proof 5G for in-building design and convergence in our recent blog post.

What’s New in iBwave Wi-Fi Release 12

With iBwave Wi-Fi Release 12, we’ve added some key features to building modeling that will change the game when it comes to 3D modeling for large complex venues.

In this blog, we’ll be looking at three important enhancements to 3D modeling added in iBwave Wi-Fi Release 12. With diagonal drawing, curved walls in stadium design, and the ability to stop walls at an incline, you can save you up to 50% of the time it normally takes to model large complex venues like stadiums, airports, shopping malls, etc.

Diagonal Drawing

Easily design square sections of a building at an angle with the new diagonal drawing tool. You can now more efficiently model odd-shaped buildings as well as add a reference angle to be able to measure and relate antenna azimuth.

“My favourite new feature in iBwave R12 is diagonal drawing because it allows me to quickly and accurately draw walls not at 90 degree angles – no more guess work. Projects are now completed and ready for the engineer at a quicker rate than previous versions.”
— RF Engineer, iBwave User

Curved Walls

Benefit from significant time savings with the ability to design curved walls (especially useful for stadium modeling) making your 3D model that much more accurate to real-life and as a result, your predictions also more accurate.

Stop Walls at Incline

R12 brings simplified wall drawing under inclined surfaces – you now have the ability to easily draw walls and adjust their height against inclined surfaces, making your model and predictions more accurate.

We know these features have been requested by many of our users, especially those who model larger complex venues such as stadiums. We’re happy to be delivering these enhancements to answer those requests and simplify the overall Wi-Fi design process in larger complex venues.

Look for even more features that will enhance your modeling and design experience in the coming months!