Measuring and Improving Availability in Radio Communication Systems
Pandu Nugraha Putra
Prodi Jaringan Telekomunikasi Digital, Politeknik Negeri Malang
Jalan Soekarno Hatta No. 9, Jatimulyo, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur 65141.
pandunugrahaputra@gmail.com
Abstract
Availability is one of the crucial parameters in radio communication systems, reflecting the ability of the network to remain active and accessible under various operational conditions. This article discusses the basic concept of availability, its calculation methods, and the various technical and environmental factors that affect it. It also emphasizes various strategies to improve availability, ranging from redundant system design, utilization of diversity techniques, to preventive maintenance and predictive monitoring. The article also compares the availability of radio communications with other technologies such as fiber optics, cellular networks, and satellites, and discusses the importance of international regulations and standards in ensuring service continuity. Case studies from sectors such as national telecommunications, maritime, and disaster mitigation are presented to illustrate real-world implementation. With a holistic approach, this article aims to be a reference for system designers and policy makers in building a reliable communication network that is ready to face future challenges.
1. Introduction
The importance of connecting voice and data communications at local, national, and international levels in today's digital age is a crucial component of radio communication systems. The This article will discuss in depth how to measure availability, technical and managerial strategies to improve it, and the factors that affect it. This article can be used as a reference for network design, communication system design, and information technology management. It can also be used to describe systems with minimal downtime..
2. Conceptualization of Availability and Its Significance
Availability in a radio communication ecosystem represents the probability that a communication system or channel can operate optimally at a specific time interval under specified operational conditions. The mathematical formula is expressed as:
\[Availability = \frac{MTBF}{MTBF+MTTR}\]
· MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
· MTTR (Mean Time To Repair)
As stated in the Superior Session, the system sings have a high MTBF and a low MTTR. "Five nines," or 99.999% availability, for example, refers to the downtime tolerance with the maximum amount of downtime that five can tolerate while operating the course. In radio communication, the availability refers to the infrastructure capacity to maintain the continuity and reliability of hardware components. The deployment of microwave-based telecommunications networks is the primary cause of operational disruption, which can be caused by downtime and few minutes.
The aspect of availability in radio communication networks also integrates the readiness of the infrastructure to distribute information continuously without disruptive intervention. For example, in telecommunications systems that utilize microwave technology, brief periods of non-operational time can have major consequences for the end-user experience or even cause prolonged operational disruptions.
3. Availability in Radio System Design
The main component of radio communication is availability as it should be, which is a result of the system's initial design. Roger L. Freeman's "Radio System Design for Telecommunications" explains in detail how radio infrastructure affects worker productivity by utilizing Line-of-Sight (LOS) networks, which are key indicators of microlocation. Although the signal transmission in the system is unobstructed and there is a direction from one point to another, some factors may be the cause of noise and. One of the main causes of availability is the poor signal propagation conditions.
Or signal attenuation due to refraction, reflection, or multipath propagation, and fading phenomena can all contribute to communication stability. The aforementioned situation is also explained by the extreme such as heavy rain, atmospheric condensation, or high humidity levels, and especially at frequencies above 10 GHz. In this context, availability is influenced by the parameter known as propagation, which is the system's ability to function in the context of dynamic propagation.
Freeman also describes factors that cause system unavailability, such as malfunctioning hardware components, installation errors, spectrum interference from external devices, and design flaws such as lack of backup paths. Therefore, technical calculations such fade margin is important when designing radio communication infrastructure. As fade margin: The reserve of signal strength set aside to account for potential attenuation or interference. As a result, the best quality even in unfavorable atmospheric conditions increases with the available fade margin. Literature suggests water fades by 20 to 40 decibels. Depending on the path dimensions and the operational environment.
For example, the concept of availability in a radio system can also be evaluated mathematically. For example, if there are several radios operating in series (tandem), the availability of each link is the product of the total availability of the system. This means that the overall service availability is reduced, the entire system can be affected, and one link cannot be used.
4.Factors Affecting Availability
There are various variables that can influence the level of availability in radio communication systems:
a. Characteristics of Radio Wave Propagation
Degradation of signal quality may result from interference such as selective fading, co-channel interference, and reflections from surrounding topography. Multipath fading is a phenomenon that primarily affects LOS (Line of Sight) communication. In urban environments with single-story buildings requiring the implementation of diversity techniques for mitigation, multipath often causes a reduction in signal quality.
b. Meteorological and Environmental Conditions
Precipitation, fog density, and high humidity levels can all be signs of fading, with a frequency spectrum of 10 GHz. In Indonesia's tropical region, weather is the primary determinant of availability. For example, high rainfall intensity may be a margin link, but it must be required to have a higher margin fade with significant in relation to communication quality.
c. Equipment and Infrastructure Components
Transceiver quality, antenna system, signal transmission, and electrical and system are all significant. Equipment with a low MTBF requires less maintenance or more frequent replacement schedules. As a result of the in feeder cables or RF connectors, degradation occurs silently without the use of a long-term maintenance system.
d. Topology and Network Architecture
The topological system surpasses the point-to-point system in terms of superior availability and diversity of techniques (frequency, spatial, and temporal). Redundancy can help ensure that communication is uninterrupted in the event of a disruption, including automatic failover mechanisms.
e. Network Management and Monitoring
Systems equipped with real-time monitoring capabilities, automated notification systems, and integrated network management platforms will be more responsive in handling disruptions and minimizing MTTR. Predictive monitoring based on artificial intelligence and machine learning is now being implemented to prevent potential failures before they occur.
f. Standardization and Standard Operating Procedures
Standardization in design methodology and maintenance procedures, such as ITU-R and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for information security and IT service management, also supports availability control. Rigorous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can minimize response time and accelerate the recovery process through a systematic troubleshooting approach.
5. Availability Measurement Methodology
Availability measurement can be implemented through various methodologies:
a. Outage Documentation
Comprehensive recording of all downtime incidents, duration of occurrence, and root cause analysis for trend analysis and preventive action planning.
b. Traffic and Signal Parameter Monitoring
Utilizing a Network Management System (NMS) to evaluate quality parameters such as SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio), BER (Bit Error Rate), and throughput performance for early warning detection.
c. Availability Assessment Tools
Using simulation software and analytical tools to estimate availability under varying operational and environmental conditions, including worst-case scenario modeling.
Measurements may also include additional parameters such as:
• MTBSI (Mean Time Between System Incidents) - for system-level reliability assessment
• System Availability Score (SAS) - for holistic performance evaluation
• Customer Perceived Availability (CPA) - for end-user experience measurement
Measurement methodologies can be executed in real-time or through historical analysis, depending on application requirements. Availability evaluation is often an integral component of service audits and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between service providers and customers.
6. Availability Optimization Strategy
To improve availability, the approach used involves a combination of technical and operational strategies:
a. Redundancy Implementation
Redundancy can be applied to communication paths, hardware components, or geographical locations (site diversity). Implementation includes hot standby systems, load balancing mechanisms, and automatic failover capabilities for seamless service continuity.
b. Diversity Implementation Techniques
Frequency Diversity: Signal transmission on multiple frequency bands to avoid selective interference and frequency-specific fading.
Spatial Diversity: Use of multiple antenna systems in different locations to overcome localized fading and obstruction effects.
Polarization Diversity: Implementation of dual-polarization transmission to reduce the impact of multipath propagation and cross-polarization interference.
Time Diversity: Repeating transmission at different time intervals to counter transient interference and atmospheric disturbances.
c. Link Budget Design Optimization
Determining the optimal fade margin based on a comprehensive analysis of environmental conditions and path characteristics is critical to maintaining system operability during signal degradation. Link budget design must also accommodate worst-case scenarios during periods of extreme weather with adequate safety margins.
d. Forward Error Correction (FEC) Implementation
FEC facilitates the correction of data corruption due to channel impairment without requiring retransmission, thereby improving system efficiency and availability. Advanced coding schemes such as Reed-Solomon, LDPC (Low-Density Parity-Check), and Turbo codes are commonly implemented for enhanced error correction capability.
e. Proactive Monitoring and Preventive Maintenance
Scheduled maintenance and continuous system monitoring help prevent unexpected failures through early detection and preventive intervention. Preventive maintenance protocols include visual inspections, equipment testing, software updates, and performance optimization.
f. Adaptive Environmental Response
Systems with intelligent algorithms can adjust operational parameters such as transmission power, modulation scheme, or channel selection based on real-time environmental conditions. This capability is particularly beneficial in microwave or satellite systems that are susceptible to atmospheric conditions.
g. Human Resource Development
Continuous training for network technicians and system operators is an important component of the availability improvement strategy. Rapid and accurate response to system alarms depends heavily on the technical competency and troubleshooting expertise of personnel.
7. Case Studies and Real-world Implementation
a. Microwave Network for National Telecommunication Infrastructure
The implementation of microwave radio systems by national operators such as Telkom Indonesia relies on high availability, as they are used for inter-city backbone communication. The use of digital radio with advanced FEC, redundant systems, and comprehensive NMS monitoring has proven to significantly reduce downtime. Link budget calculations are performed based on the ITU-R P.530 recommendation, with additional margins of up to 20 dB for rain attenuation in tropical climates.
b. Aviation Communication Systems
In the aviation industry, communication systems must support availability up to 99.999% due to their direct impact on flight safety and air traffic management. Implementation involves diversity techniques, automatic backup systems, and stringent maintenance procedures. Radar and Air Traffic Control (ATC) communication systems are often supported by VHF redundancy networks and satellite communication backups.
c. VSAT Implementation in Remote Areas
In rural areas not covered by fiber optic infrastructure, VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal)-based communication serves as a reliable solution. With designs that consider comprehensive link budgets and rain fade mitigation techniques, availability can be increased to over 99%. Optimization is achieved through adaptive modulation selection and site diversity implementation in regions with high precipitation probability.
d. Mining and Energy Sector Implementation
The mining industry, which operates in remote locations, often relies on radio communication systems with stringent SLA requirements. A combination of microwave links and VSAT backup systems, along with IoT-based monitoring, has successfully increased availability to up to 99.95% in several projects in Kalimantan and Papua, demonstrating the effective integration of multiple communication technologies.
8. Comparative Analysis with Alternative Communication Technologies
To understand the advantages and limitations of radio communication from an availability perspective, it is essential to compare it with other communication technologies such as fiber optics, cellular networks, and satellite communication. This comparative analysis helps in selecting the optimal solution based on application requirements and geographical constraints.
a. Fiber Optic Communication
Fiber optic offers high-speed transmission, massive bandwidth capacity, and excellent immunity to electromagnetic interference. However, despite its theoretically very high availability (up to 99.9999%), fiber optics are highly vulnerable to physical disruptions such as cable cuts from excavation activities, geological events, or natural disasters.
Advantages:
· Superior stability and signal quality
· Massive capacity for high-bandwidth applications
· Minimal susceptibility to environmental interference
Disadvantages:
· Challenging deployment in remote areas
· High initial infrastructure investment
· High vulnerability to physical damage
b. Cellular Communication (4G/5G Networks)
Cellular networks are widespread and relatively accessible, with high availability as long as the network is not overcrowded or experiencing technical issues. However, their dependence on base stations connected to power infrastructure makes them vulnerable during disaster scenarios or power outages.
Advantages:
· Extensive coverage area and ubiquitous access
· High mobility support for mobile applications
· Rapid scalability and network expansion capability
Disadvantages:
· Dependency on electrical infrastructure and backhaul connectivity
· Performance degradation in high-density user scenarios
· Limited coverage in very remote geographical areas
c. Satellite Communication
Satellite systems are the primary choice for areas not reached by terrestrial infrastructure, such as remote islands, mining sites, or maritime applications. Availability can be affected by severe weather conditions (rain fade) and the inherent high latency characteristics.
Advantages:
· Global coverage capability regardless of geographical constraints
· Rapid deployment capability (e.g., portable VSAT systems)
· Independence from local terrestrial infrastructure
Disadvantages:
· High latency inherent in satellite communication
· Higher bandwidth costs compared to terrestrial alternatives
· Weather dependency (especially for Ku/Ka-band frequencies)
9. Regulatory Framework and Standards for High Availability
To ensure communication system availability at both national and international levels, comprehensive regulations and technical standards are essential. The following are some key organizations and influential standards:
a. ITU (International Telecommunication Union)
The ITU issues various technical recommendations such as ITU-R P.530 (for microwave LOS systems) and ITU-R P.837 (precipitation data for propagation modeling), which serve as the foundation for designing communication systems that account for environmental impairments and adequate fade margins.
b. ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute)
ETSI establishes comprehensive radio equipment specifications, testing parameters, and frequency usage guidelines, contributing to efficient interference management and thereby supporting systematic availability improvements across the European telecommunications infrastructure.
c. ISO/IEC Standards
Standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 emphasize the importance of information security management and IT systems, incorporating availability as a fundamental pillar alongside integrity and confidentiality within a comprehensive information security framework.
d. National Regulatory Authorities
Each country has its own regulatory body, such as Kominfo (Indonesia) or the FCC (United States), which enforces spectrum usage regulations, SLA obligations for service providers, and redundancy policies for critical services such as emergency communications and transportation systems.
Implementing these standards not only improves service quality but also provides confidence to end users that the communication systems in use can be relied upon under various operational conditions and emergency scenarios.
10. Conclusion
Availability is not merely a technical indicator, but a reflection of the reliability, resilience, and readiness of a communication system in facing operational realities. In an era increasingly dependent on seamless connectivity, even minor communication disruptions can have a massive impact across sectors ranging from business operations to public safety.
Therefore, building radio communication systems with high availability must be a strategic priority at every stage—from design conceptualization and system implementation to ongoing maintenance operations. Through the integration of advanced technologies, comprehensive risk management frameworks, and continuous human resource development, availability can be maintained above 99.999%, or even reach six nines (99.9999%) for critical applications.
Comparative technology analysis shows that radio communication remains a vital pillar in the telecommunications ecosystem, especially in supporting network availability in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Backed by robust regulatory frameworks and the implementation of global standards, high availability is no longer an aspirational target but an operational necessity within modern telecommunications infrastructure.
Future developments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT integration will further enhance predictive maintenance capabilities and automated fault recovery mechanisms—pushing availability metrics even higher while reducing operational costs and the need for human intervention. Investment in availability optimization today will determine competitiveness and service reliability in an increasingly connected future ecosystem.
Referensi Pustaka
1. Freeman, R. L. (2007). Radio System Design for Telecommunications. John Wiley & Sons.
2. ITU-R Recommendation P.530. Propagation Data and Prediction Methods Required for the Design of Terrestrial Line-of-Sight Systems.
3. Sklar, B. (2001). Digital Communications: Fundamentals and Applications. Prentice Hall.
4. Rappaport, T. S. (2002). Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice. Prentice Hall.
5. Stallings, W. (2005). Data and Computer Communications. Pearson Education.
6. Recommendation ITU-R P.837-7: Characteristics of Precipitation for Propagation Modelling.
7. Cisco Systems. (2015). Design Zone for Wireless: High Availability Design Guide. Cisco Technical Documentation.
8. ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Information Security Management.
9. ITU-R Recommendation P.618-13. Propagation data and prediction methods required for the design of Earth-space telecommunication systems.
10. Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. (2011). Computer Networks (5th ed.). Pearson.
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