Methods and tools for assisting in the configuration of a wireless radio network

A tool for assisting in the configuration of a wireless radio network, the tool comprising:

• a user interface for a mobile device, the user interface configured to:
• receive an input from a user;
• and
• output an interactive map, a link simulation, and network management information comprising a device parameter for a new wireless radio device to be added to the wireless radio network,
• wherein the input includes a predetermined location for the new wireless radio device;
• a database, remote to the user interface, the database including a map of a geographic region of the wireless radio network, geographic location information for wireless devices within the wireless radio network, device characteristics of the wireless devices within the wireless radio network, and radio frequency (RF) spectral information for the wireless devices within the wireless radio network, including frequency reservations and blocked out frequency ranges due to regulatory requirements;
• and
• a processor adapted to communicate with the user interface and the database, the processor configured to determine and send, to the user interface, the device parameter for the new wireless radio device, wherein determination of the device parameter is based on a processor simulation of network performance for each of a plurality of potential new wireless radio devices having different operational parameters at the predetermined location based on the map of the geographic region, the device characteristics for the wireless devices within the wireless radio network, the frequency reservations, and the blocked out frequency ranges of the wireless devices,
• further wherein the processor is configured to display positions of one or more of the wireless devices of the wireless radio network on the interactive map, and wherein the processor is configured to determine and display a simulation of a link between one or more selected wireless devices and the new wireless radio device in the link simulation, including a Fresnel profile and a warning indicating a potential radar source interference with the link between the one or more selected wireless devices and the new wireless radio device, the potential radar source interference based on a threshold.