A Study of the Technical and Economic Feasibility for Tropospheric Scatter Circuits in Primary Toll Networks of Underdeveloped Countries

The inherent capabilities of the tropospheric scatter circuit have emphasized the need for careful economic and technical evaluation. It is suggested that this should be carried out in two phases. The first is a broad study which determines the essential system parameters for which detailed analysis is necessary. The second phase is concerned with this detail. Outlines are given relevant to the principal factors associated with the first of these phases. These cover such areas as trunk circuit growth, required channel capacity at the end of the amortization period, revenue potential, optimum routing, choice of transmission method, and the optimum number of tandem tropospheric scatter links. The performance sacrifice for a minimal cost "first in" system and the manner in which design accuracy may be traded against probable propagation reliability are two of the problems discussed. Evaluation of the scatter link may be based on a performance index and data relevant to this are given. It is concluded that adequate analysis of the modern system capability requires a sophisticated engineering approach for which the present paper is a guide.