Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:11 AM AWST
23/07/2026 5:11 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Evaluate and analyse radio frequency signal coverage plots
Evaluate and analyse radio frequency signal coverage plots
Unit of competency
National Code
ICTRFN5179A
ICTRFN5179A
State Code
D3411
D3411
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/06/2014
Field of Education
031309 - Communications Equipment Installation And Maintenance
Original Release Date
12/06/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to create radio frequency (RF) coverage plots and path profiles for point-to-point links and analyse data.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for coverage prediction
- 1.1. Prepare for given work according to relevant legislation, occupational health and safety (OHS), codes, regulations and standards
- 1.2. Arrange access to the site according to required procedure
- 1.3. Establish type of coverage required
- 1.4. Determine specifications and the minimum acceptable signal level or timing signal delay within the coverage area
- 1.5. Use prediction software specific to the enterprise
- 1.6. Verify mapping coordinate system to be used
- 1.7. Create custom antenna pattern files representative of the expected antenna type for the type of coverage required
2. Load data into the software program and create coverage plot
- 2.1. Select and load systemparameters
- 2.2. Select and load antenna elements or antenna pattern files
- 2.3. Select suitable propagation model settings applicable to the study
- 2.4. Load appropriate clutter properties
- 2.5. Create the coverage plot using appropriate plot options settings
3. Analyse coverage plot outcomes
- 3.1. Evaluate the initial coverage plot against initial specifications
- 3.2. Adjust system parameters and antenna elements until coverage plot is within specifications
- 3.3. Compare measured signal strength at various locations with the predicted values
- 3.4. Use measured data to correct and fine tune the model
- 3.5. Evaluate a range of possible solutions and make appropriate recommendations to ensure transmission meets operational requirements
4. Complete documentation
- 4.1. Tabulate results
- 4.2. Prepare report with final recommendations
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Type of coverage may include:
directional pattern
omnidirectional
point to point.
Prediction software may include:
ATDI
Atoll
CRC Predict
EDX
Planet EV
Radio Mobile
TEMS.
Mapping coordinate system may include:
AGD-66
AGD-84
GDA94
WGS-84.
System parameters may include:
'k' value
feeder loss
frequency
latitude and longitude
nominal receive antenna height
polarisation
site elevation
transmit antenna height above ground
transmitter power
transmitter site name.
Antenna elements may include:
antenna gain (dBi)
broadside array of dipoles
collinear array of dipoles
dipole
dipole panel
half power beamwidth.
Propagation model may include:
Egli
FCC point-to-point
International Telecommunications Union Radiocommunications sector (ITU-R) 1546
ITU-R 1812
ITU-R 525
Longley-Rice
Okumura-Hata.
Clutter properties may include:
average clutter height
buildings and trees
open
reflection coefficient of the land
RMS roughness of an area
suburban
urban.
Plot options may include:
0.6 First Fresnel zone clearance
azimuth range or degrees
First Fresnel zone
first threshold level
path profile
polar plot
radial range (km)
radio horizon map
rainbow colour plot
second threshold level
signal strength prediction map
third threshold level
threshold units
timing signal delay study map.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Type of coverage may include:
directional pattern
omnidirectional
point to point.
Prediction software may include:
ATDI
Atoll
CRC Predict
EDX
Planet EV
Radio Mobile
TEMS.
Mapping coordinate system may include:
AGD-66
AGD-84
GDA94
WGS-84.
System parameters may include:
'k' value
feeder loss
frequency
latitude and longitude
nominal receive antenna height
polarisation
site elevation
transmit antenna height above ground
transmitter power
transmitter site name.
Antenna elements may include:
antenna gain (dBi)
broadside array of dipoles
collinear array of dipoles
dipole
dipole panel
half power beamwidth.
Propagation model may include:
Egli
FCC point-to-point
International Telecommunications Union Radiocommunications sector (ITU-R) 1546
ITU-R 1812
ITU-R 525
Longley-Rice
Okumura-Hata.
Clutter properties may include:
average clutter height
buildings and trees
open
reflection coefficient of the land
RMS roughness of an area
suburban
urban.
Plot options may include:
0.6 First Fresnel zone clearance
azimuth range or degrees
First Fresnel zone
first threshold level
path profile
polar plot
radial range (km)
radio horizon map
rainbow colour plot
second threshold level
signal strength prediction map
third threshold level
threshold units
timing signal delay study map.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
plan and coordinate activities to produce coverage plots using appropriate software settings
generate:
an RF signal coverage plot
a path profile for a point-to-point link
evaluate, analyse and make recommendations on antenna installation specifications.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to computer facility on which coverage plots and paths may be generated
use of propagation prediction software
access to digital terrain database.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct observation of the candidate creating a coverage map and a point-to-point path profile
review of reports completed by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the planning of terrestrial radio facilities using software.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTRFN4095A -Conduct radio frequency measurements
ICTRFN4096A - Conduct field tests of radio and wireless networks
ICTRFN4158A Select an antenna system for radio communications.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
plan and coordinate activities to produce coverage plots using appropriate software settings
generate:
an RF signal coverage plot
a path profile for a point-to-point link
evaluate, analyse and make recommendations on antenna installation specifications.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to computer facility on which coverage plots and paths may be generated
use of propagation prediction software
access to digital terrain database.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct observation of the candidate creating a coverage map and a point-to-point path profile
review of reports completed by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the planning of terrestrial radio facilities using software.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTRFN4095A -Conduct radio frequency measurements
ICTRFN4096A - Conduct field tests of radio and wireless networks
ICTRFN4158A Select an antenna system for radio communications.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWD86 | ICTRFN503 | Evaluate and analyse radio frequency signal coverage plots | Unit of competency |
