Our Process · Step 03

System Design

Engineering the system in software before it’s built in the field.

Using the baseline data and building information, we design the system in iBwave Design Enterprise — a 3D model of the building with every antenna, cable, and component placed and accounted for.

What this step involves

  • 3D model construction in iBwave, floor by floor
  • Antenna placement, cable routing, and equipment selection iterated until simulated coverage meets the project requirements
  • Model checked against any available survey data
  • Bill of materials and equipment specifications produced from the model
  • ERCES permit package prepared and submitted to the jurisdiction's permit department or to the Developer/Owner for submittal
RF engineer working on a 3D in-building system design model
3D system design and propagation modeling in iBwave.
iBwave 3D model construction beginning with a high-resolution floor map
3D model construction in iBwave begins with a high-resolution floor map and then the construction is done floor by floor — floors, walls, stairs, cabinets and appliances.
iBwave 3D building model under floor-by-floor construction
Floor by floor construction is continued until the 3D model in iBwave is complete.
iBwave 3D model with equipment, antenna placement, and cable routing added
Equipment, antenna placement, and cable are added after the building is constructed.
iBwave propagation prediction of signal coverage alongside floor plan iteration views
Antenna placement, cable routing, and equipment selection iterated until predicted coverage meets the project requirements.
iBwave propagation simulation compared against the post-installation RF survey benchmark
Once the building is sufficiently complete the propagation simulations can be validated against the post installation RF survey benchmark to determine or adjust modeling accuracy.

What we deliver

Propagation prediction reports by floor and system

Bill of materials and equipment schedule

Permit-ready drawing package for the general contractor, owner, and AHJ when required

Why it matters

Changes cost nothing in the model and a great deal on the roof. Iterating in iBwave means the system that gets installed is the one that was proven — on paper — to meet the requirement.

Talk through your project

Tell us about your building and coverage requirements — we'll help you determine what's needed and walk you through exactly how we'd approach it.