ASSET 5G: The Enterprise-Grade Solution for 5G Radio Network Planning
For network engineers, 5G radio planning presents several challenges due to the complexity and unique characteristics of this next-generation technology. 5G operates across a wider range of frequency bands, including millimeter waves (mmWave), which offer higher data rates but have shorter propagation distances and are more susceptible to interference from obstacles like buildings, foliage, and even weather conditions. This necessitates more precise planning for site placement, beamforming, and massive MIMO to ensure optimal coverage and capacity. Additionally, 5G introduces advanced features such as network slicing, dynamic spectrum sharing, and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), which require meticulous planning and continuous optimization to balance network performance with the diverse needs of different applications and services.
The ASSET Radio Suite, developed by Aircom, handles these complexities of modern wireless networks and enables multiple users to work seamlessly in parallel. ASSET Radio, known for its enterprise-grade capabilities makes it a leading choice among radio network planning tools.
What is ASSET 5G?
ASSET 5G, part of the ASSET Radio Suite, is Aircom’s flagship radio planning tool, built specifically to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the next generation of wireless networks. It offers an advanced platform for planning, designing, and optimizing 5G networks, with a focus on maximizing network performance, efficiency, and user experience. The ASSET 5G Suite provides network operators with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of 5G deployments, including high-capacity urban networks, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and private networks for enterprises.
Key Features and Capabilities of ASSET 5G
ASSET 5G is known for its comprehensive set of features that cater to the specific needs of 5G network planning. Some of its standout capabilities include:
Advanced 5G Modeling and Simulation
ASSET 5G provides precise modeling capabilities that account for the unique characteristics of 5G networks. It supports new frequency bands, such as millimeter waves (mmWave), and models complex scenarios involving beamforming, massive MIMO, latency modeling and network slicing. This allows operators to simulate various deployment strategies and predict network performance under different conditions, ensuring optimal coverage and capacity.
Multi-Technology Support
ASSET 5G supports multi-technology planning, including 4G LTE, 3G, and even legacy networks such as IDEN. This allows network operators to manage network evolution from 4G to 5G in a seamless and integrated manner. It enables planners to optimize all layers of the network simultaneously, ensuring a unified approach to coverage, capacity, and quality of service.
Enterprise-Grade Scalability and Collaboration
One of the standout features of ASSET 5G is its enterprise-grade architecture, which is optimized for multi-user environments. It enables multiple planners to work concurrently on the same network model, allowing for greater collaboration and efficiency. This is particularly important for large operators with distributed teams working across different geographical regions or network segments.
Integrated Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Planning
ASSET 5G includes advanced capabilities for planning Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) deployments, which are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to fiber in certain areas. The tool considers factors such as line-of-sight, signal penetration, and interference management to provide a detailed analysis of potential FWA coverage and performance.
Comprehensive Propagation Modeling
ASSET 5G supports a wide range of propagation modelling capabilities powered by the state-of-the-art inhouse 3D ray tracing model i.e., ASSET Propagation Model (APM). This flexibility allows users to model dense urban areas, suburban settings, or rural landscapes with a high degree of accuracy.
When it comes to radio planning tools, there are several options available in the market. Aircom’s ASSET Suite, Atoll (by Forsk), and Planet (by Infovista), are considered the leading three solutions in the industry. Each of these tools has its strengths and are used today by network operators, but ASSET was the first radio planning tool on the market, and it stands apart for its enterprise-grade architecture and scalability. In real life deployments, ASSET integrates with various operator systems and serves as the central source of Radio Frequency (RF) and cell coverage data, providing valuable information across the organization. ASSET also supports complex use cases around SINR, 5G throughput and latency modeling, which are crucial for network engineering teams.
Conclusion
ASSET 5G by Aircom emerges as a leading radio network planning tool with its enterprise-grade capabilities, robust support for 5G-specific features, multi-user collaboration, and intuitive Web Interface. While Atoll and Planet are also powerful tools, ASSET 5G offers a unique combination of scalability, flexibility, and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for operators looking to plan, optimize, and manage complex 5G networks effectively.
