Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Locating and Rectifying an IF Link Fault Download English

Locating and Rectifying

an IF Link Fault

Propagation faults
Interference: Inter-link interference; Intra-link interference
Fading: Rain fading; Selective fading; Multipath flat fading
NLOS

Engineering faults
Antenna installation
Assembling and installing connectors

Equipment faults
ODU faults
Antenna faults

Copyright © 2017 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

Update History

Version Update Time Author History Confirm

V1.0 2018-04-20 Zengjingjie 00169507 This document is the first release. Wanggang 00171039
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Inter-Link Interference Download English

Inter-Link Interference

Basic principles:
Microwave links use signals of a certain frequency to transmit data. If signals of the same or a
similar frequency exist in the transmission space, data transmission of the microwave links is
affected.

Symptoms:
1. The RSL is stable and far exceeds the receiver sensitivity, and the link is interrupted.
2. The MSE/SNR of the IF board does not fall within the normal range.
3. When AM is enabled for links, upshifting to a high modulation scheme fails.
4. Links with a fixed modulation scheme encounter bit errors or may be interrupted for a long time.

Stable RSL Deteriorated SNR

 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Inter-Link Interference Download English

Fault locating:
1. Check whether the receive signal is normal.
2. If the receive power is normal, attempt to use a lower modulation scheme to stabilize the links.
After the links recover, check whether the MSE is low.
3. If the MSE is low, inter-link interference may occur. In this case, perform frequency scanning on
the NMS to locate and rectify interference signals.

Mute the peer end and perform frequency scanning on the NMS to detect interference.

Troubleshooting methods:
1. Locate and eliminate the interference source.
2. If the interference source cannot be excluded, check the link plan again and switch the link to
another frequency.
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Intra-Link Interference Download English

Intra-Link Interference

Basic principles:
XPIC is coupled with 2+0 configuration. When ODUs operating at different sub-bands share the
same hybrid coupler, inter-link interference may occur or even the link performance is affected.
This is because the isolation of the hybrid coupler is limited and the filtering capability of the ODU
duplexer in the spectrum is limited.

ODUs of different sub-bands share the same hybrid coupler.

Rain Fading

Site A Site B

The F1 frequency is interfered by the F2 frequency.

The F1 frequency is interfered by the F2 frequency.

Site A
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Intra-Link Interference Download English

Symptoms:
1. The MSE of one ODU is poor, the receive power is stable, and no interference is detected
during frequency scanning.
2. After the link for the other subband is disabled, the MSE increases.
3. After the single-tone loopback (that is, continuous wave sending) is configured on the IF board,
spurious emission exists in the spectrum, as shown in the following figure.

Continuous
wave spectrum Spurious

4. This problem can be resolved by modifying the ODU frequency.

Fault locating:
1. In the scenario where XPIC is coupled with 2+0 configuration, check whether there is internal
interference.
2. For the ODU with poor receive performance, mute the other ODU of the hybrid coupler, reduce
the transmit power of the ODU, or change the transmit frequency to narrow the frequency
spacing. If the problem is mitigated or resolved, the internal interference exists.

Troubleshooting methods:
• Modify the frequency of the ODU so that the spacing between the frequency bands of F1 and
F2 is small.
• When two XPIC groups share one hybrid coupler, ODUs of the same subband must be used.
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Rain Fading Download English

Rain Fading

Basic principles:
When the microwave passes through the rainfall area, some energy is absorbed or scattered and
attenuates, causing rain fading in the communication process. The closer the microwave
wavelength to the diameter of the raindrop, the larger the attenuation. Dense raindrops will cause
severe transmission loss when microwave travels through a rain region.

Symptoms:
1. The receive power at both ends of the link continues to drop, and then recovers automatically
after a period of time.
2. This problem often occurs in the rainy season.

Fault locating:
1. Draw a long-period receive power performance on the NMS, or collect all data to analyze the
receive power performance.
2. Check whether there is rain in the area where the link is located.
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Rain Fading Download English

Troubleshooting methods: Inter-Link Interference

1. For rain region, reserve sufficient fade margin for microwave communication during network
planning.
2. The higher the frequency band, the greater the impact of rain fading. Therefore, it is
recommended that low-frequency microwave communication be used in the rain region.
3. The H-polarized antenna is more affected by rain fading than the V-polarized antenna.
Therefore, it is recommended that the V-polarized antenna be used in the rain region.
4. Enable the AM function.
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Selective Fading Download English

Selective Fading

Basic principles:
Microwave links use signals of a certain frequency to transmit data. The fading characteristics of
different frequency bands are different. Frequency selective fading occurs when the frequency
exceeds the coherent bandwidth value.

Non-fading Flat fading Frequency selective

received signal fading
Receive level (dBm)

Frequency (MHz)

Symptoms:
The receive power of frequency A on the same link is normal and the receive power of frequency
B is abnormal.
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Selective Fading Download English

Fault locating:
Inter-Link Interference
Collect the forward feedback filter (FFF) coefficient of the IF board when the fault occurs and draw
the spectrum curve. Check whether the signal is distorted and analyze the notch depth and delay.

Data of the normal link

Data of the multipath link

Troubleshooting methods:
• Analyze the planned network data to reduce multipath interference.
• Check the engineering installation.
• Check installation interfaces at the local end, including the interface that connects a flexible
waveguide to a branch and the interface that connects a flexible waveguide to an antenna.
• Check the antenna. Check the feed boom, elliptical/rectangular waveguide conversion interface,
and flange.
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Multipath Fading Download English

Multipath Fading

Basic principles:
The microwave links are refracted and reflected. Therefore, the microwave signals at the transmit
end arrive at the receive end through multiple paths. The length and attenuation of different paths are
different. As a result, the signals received by the receive end are faded due to mutual interference.
Causes of multipath fading

Ground

Multipath fading
Symptoms:
• The receive power fluctuates greatly and quickly, causing bit errors or interruptions on the link.
• The alarm lasts for several seconds to tens of seconds.
• The alarm generation time is within a period of time when the temperature and humidity change
sharply. For example, at day-and-night alternating time period or late at night. Generally, alarms
are generated periodically.
• A strong reflective surface may exist on the path. For example, large areas of water, flat terrain,
and bald mountain tops.
Periodic drop of the receive power
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Multipath Fading Download English

The link is located in the area where the atmospheric Strong reflective surface (flat wasteland) exists on
refraction is abnormal in the Persian Gulf. the link path.

Fault locating:
1. Check whether the alarm cause of the microwave link is that the receive power decreases and
the alarm lasts for a short time.
2. Check whether the receive power drop periodically occurs in the evening, early morning, or
late night.
3. Check whether the link path has a reflective surface, whether it is located in a high-refraction
area, or whether the link is a long link.

Troubleshooting methods:
1. Adjust the antenna height to increase the altitude difference of the antenna and remove the
reflection point from the strong reflection area.
2. Slightly increase the elevation of the antenna.
3. Increase the fade margin and use 1+1 space diversity protection.
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant NLOS Download English

NLOS

Basic principles:
Because the microwave is a short wave and has weak abilities of diffraction, the normal
communication can be realized only in the LOS transmission without obstacles.
The microwave transmission energy is mainly concentrated in the first Fresnel zone, and the
antenna near field area has a strong sensitivity to the signal transmit power. Therefore, there is no
obstacle in the first Fresnel zone and the antenna near field.

The first Fresnel zone

The first Fresnel radius

Spacing between receive and transmit antennas

Symptoms:
The receive power of microwave signals cannot reach the planned value (within ±3 dB deviation).
Fault locating:
In addition to observing the LOS conditions by using tools such as eyes or telescopes, you are
advised to perform accurate calculation based on the planned value.
• Check whether there are obstacles in the Fresnel radius area, causing diffraction loss.
• Check whether there are obstacles in the near field of the antenna, causing diffraction loss.
Troubleshooting methods:
• Increase the antenna height to avoid obstacles.
• Adjust the elevation angle of the antenna and add relay sites to prevent signals from being
blocked.
• Change the propagation path of the microwave link and replan the link from other directions or sites.
• Remove the obstacles.
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Antenna Installation Faults Download English

Antenna Installation Faults

Basic principles:
The antenna is used to receive and transmit electromagnetic wave signals in the atmosphere. In the
receive direction, the electromagnetic wave signals are converted into radio frequency (RF) signals,
and the RF signals are converted into electromagnetic wave signals in the transmit direction.
• By polarization direction, antennas are classified to single-polarized antennas and dual-polarized
antennas.
• By installation mode, antennas are classified to direct-mount antennas and separated-mount
antennas.
When installing an antenna, ensure that the transmit and receive ends are aligned, the pole is
installed securely, and the polarization direction is consistent with the polarization direction of the
hybrid coupler and meets the network design requirements.
Symptoms:
• When there is no fading, the RSL of the receive power cannot reach the planned value (within
±3 dB deviation).
• When there is no fading, the RSL of the receive power fluctuates greatly.
Fault locating:
• Check whether the RSL of the receive power reach the planned value or the RSL fluctuates greatly.
• Check whether RSL fading is caused by space fading or ODU receiving failures. If the two causes
are excluded, check the antenna installation at the site.
• Check whether the frequency band of the antenna feed is consistent with that of the ODU/hybrid
coupler and whether the antenna diameter is consistent with the planned value.
• Use a north-stabilized indicator to check whether the antenna direction is correct. Check whether
the polarization direction of the antenna is the same as the polarization direction of the hybrid
coupler and whether the polarization direction complies with the network planning.
• Use professional equipment to check whether the pole or tower is installed securely.
Troubleshooting methods:
1. If the antenna installation is incorrect or the antenna direction is not aligned, adjust the installation
according to the network planning.
2. If the pole or tower is not secured, use professional equipment for adjustment.
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Connector Faults Download English

Connector Faults

Basic principles:
The connectors of the microwave equipment include: ODU adapter, flexible waveguide, flange
converter, IF cable, and SPD.
The main functions of a connector are as follows: Connect an ODU to a pole, connect an antenna
to an ODU adapter, convert interfaces, connect an IDU to an ODU, and protect an ODU.
When installing a connector, ensure that the following requirements are met: The screws are
tightened, the connection is secure, no gap is found, the cables are not bent, and the waterproof
grounding is good. For details, see the quick installation guide.

Symptoms:
• The RSL of the receive power cannot reach the planned value (within ±3 dB deviation).
• The RSL of the receive power is normal, the SNR is low, and the link is interrupted or cannot
work in high modulation scheme.

Fault locating:
• Eliminate the space propagation fault.
• For separate mounting: If the RSL of the receive power does not reach the planned value,
check whether the screws between the ODU and the feed boom are tightened and whether
there is any gap or loose connection between the ODU and the feed.
• Check whether the flexible waveguide is wet or dusty.
• If the fault persists after the ODU loopback is performed, check whether the IF cable connector
is damaged. You are advised to perform a test with the normal IF cable at the same site.

Troubleshooting methods:
1. If the connector is not properly installed, reinstall it according to the specifications.
2. If the connector is faulty, replace the connector.
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant ODU Faults Download English

ODU Faults

Basic principles:
If an ODU is faulty, the microwave link is interrupted. This section describes how to quickly locate
and rectify ODU faults.
Symptoms:
1.The ODU goes offline (the NMS reports the BD_STATUS alarm), and services are interrupted.
2. The ODU is faulty (the HARD_BAD, RADIO_TSL_LOW, or IF_INPWR_ABN alarm is reported
on the NMS), and services are interrupted.
3. Bit errors occur on the link, or the link may be interrupted for a long time.
4. On the link that the AM is enabled, the AM cannot be switched to the high modulation scheme.
5. The MSE/SNR of the IF board does not fall within the normal range.
Fault locating:
1. Check whether the NMS reports the hardware alarms related to the ODU, such as the
HARD_BAD alarm. If yes, the ODU that reports the alarm is abnormal.
2. In most scenarios, if the ODU does not report any hardware alarm, perform a loopback to
locate the fault, as shown in the following figure.

Common fault loopback

points on the equipment side

3. In some scenarios, IF boards, IF cables, and ODUs are involved and you cannot identify IF
cable faults and ODU faults by performing a loopback test. In this case, you need to perform
cross verification or replace IF cables to locate the fault.
Troubleshooting methods:
Replace the faulty ODU.
 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Antenna Faults Download English

Antenna Faults

Basic principles:
In the antenna system, the performance of flexible waveguides and hybrid couplers is relatively
stable. Components such as antennas and connectors are affected by installation, commissioning,
and environment. The fault location process is complex.
The connector is not waterproofed.

The polarization modes at both ends of the link are inconsistent.

 Microwave TOP O&M Assistant Antenna Faults Download English

Symptoms:
1. The receive level of the antenna is low.
2. The cross polarization of the dual-polarized antenna is low.
3. When the antenna is used, the receive level of the antenna decreases.

Fault locating:
1. Check whether the receive optical power is normal.
2. If the receive power is normal, decrease the modulation scheme to ensure that the link is stable.
After the links recover, check whether the MSE is low.
3. If the MSE is low, interference may occur. In this case, use the NMS to scan frequencies to
check whether interference signals exist.

Troubleshooting methods:
1. Use a North-stabilized indicator and a the odolite to check whether the azimuth and elevation
angles of the receive and transmit antennas meet the planned requirements.
2. If the antennas at both ends are not aligned, the antenna does not receive signals from the
main lobe. In this case, align the antennas again.
3. Check whether the transmit and receive antennas at both ends of the link are in the same
polarization direction.
4. Check whether the frequency band of the antenna is consistent with that of the used
frequency band.
5. Check whether the feed boom of the antenna is deformed and whether there are foreign
objects in the waveguide.
6. Check whether the connection between the antenna and the feeder, between the antenna and
the ODU is correct, and whether the port is wet.