Designing a microwave radio network requires far more than simply connecting two towers. Every successful deployment depends on accurate terrain analysis, Fresnel clearance, link budget calculations, rain fade prediction, interference analysis, and network availability. Choosing the right planning software can significantly reduce deployment risks while improving network performance and reliability.
In this article, we compare seven of the most recognized microwave radio planning tools used by telecom operators, equipment vendors, utilities, government agencies, and system integrators worldwide.
What Makes a Good Microwave Planning Tool?
Professional microwave planning software should provide:
- Accurate terrain and elevation profiles
- Line-of-sight (LOS) verification
- Fresnel zone calculations
- Link budget analysis
- Rain fade and availability prediction
- Multipath and reflection analysis
- Frequency coordination
- Multi-vendor equipment support
- Report generation
- GIS integration
The best tools combine engineering accuracy with ease of use and productivity.
1. Pathloss 6
Developer: Contract Telecommunication Engineering (CTE)
Pathloss has long been regarded as the industry benchmark for microwave path engineering. For more than 30 years, it has been the preferred planning software for major microwave vendors, telecom operators, utilities, and government agencies.
Key Features
- Advanced path profile analysis
- Fresnel clearance calculations
- ITU-R propagation models
- Rain fade prediction
- Reflection and multipath analysis
- Frequency planning
- Passive repeater support
- Carrier aggregation
- Multi-vendor equipment libraries
Pros
✔ Industry standard
✔ Extremely accurate engineering calculations
✔ Excellent for long-haul microwave
✔ Accepted by operators worldwide
Cons
- Windows desktop application
- Higher learning curve
- Commercial licensing
Best For
Telecom operators, government, utilities, and professional microwave engineers.
2. Atoll Microwave
Developer: Forsk
Atoll Microwave extends traditional microwave planning into enterprise-scale network optimization. It is widely used by Tier-1 mobile operators planning nationwide microwave backhaul alongside LTE and 5G networks.
Key Features
- Network-wide microwave planning
- Automatic optimization
- Advanced interference analysis
- GIS integration
- Frequency management
- Adaptive modulation
- Carrier aggregation
Pros
✔ Excellent for nationwide networks
✔ Enterprise-level optimization
✔ Strong interference analysis
Cons
- Expensive
- Complex to learn
- Better suited to large operators than smaller deployments
Best For
Mobile operators and large carrier networks.
3. MLinkPlanner 2.0
Developer: Wireless Planning
MLinkPlanner is a modern planning platform supporting both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless networks. It emphasizes usability while providing many of the engineering functions expected in professional microwave planning.
Key Features
- PtP microwave planning
- PtMP support
- Automatic terrain downloads
- Link budget calculations
- Availability prediction
- Report generation
Pros
✔ Modern interface
✔ Easy to learn
✔ Excellent productivity
Cons
- Smaller installed base
- Fewer advanced engineering features than Pathloss
Best For
Wireless ISPs, system integrators, and enterprise deployments.
4. Aviat Design
Developer: Aviat Networks
Aviat Design is one of the few cloud-based microwave planning platforms available today. It allows engineers to perform professional path studies directly from a web browser without installing software.
Key Features
- Cloud-based platform
- Automatic terrain data
- Link budget calculations
- Path profile generation
- Multi-vendor support
- Project sharing
Pros
✔ Completely free
✔ Browser-based
✔ Fast path design
✔ Ideal for presales
Cons
- Less comprehensive than dedicated desktop engineering tools
- Limited enterprise optimization capabilities
Best For
Sales engineers, consultants, and quick feasibility studies.
5. ICS telecom
Developer: ATDI
ICS telecom is a professional RF planning platform widely used by government agencies, military organizations, regulators, and critical infrastructure operators. In addition to microwave planning, it provides sophisticated interference analysis and spectrum management capabilities.
Key Features
- Microwave backhaul planning
- Spectrum management
- Frequency coordination
- Interference studies
- GIS integration
- Regulatory compliance
Pros
✔ Excellent interference analysis
✔ Government-grade capabilities
✔ Strong spectrum management
Cons
- Premium pricing
- More complex than traditional microwave planning software
Best For
Government, military, utilities, regulators, and public safety agencies.
6. Xirio Planner
Developer: Radio Planning Technologies
Xirio Planner is a European RF planning solution that supports microwave backhaul as well as other wireless technologies. It offers terrain analysis, path profiling, and propagation modelling in a straightforward interface.
Key Features
- Microwave path planning
- Terrain analysis
- Coverage prediction
- Link budgets
- GIS support
Pros
✔ Good value
✔ Easy to use
✔ Popular in Europe
Cons
- Smaller global user base
- Fewer advanced optimization features
Best For
Regional operators, consultants, and engineering firms.
7. Radio Mobile
Developer: Roger Coudé
Radio Mobile is a well-known freeware application used by amateur radio operators, WISPs, educational institutions, and small network operators. Despite being free, it provides surprisingly capable microwave path analysis using publicly available terrain data.
Key Features
- Terrain profiles
- Fresnel analysis
- Link budgets
- Coverage prediction
- Multiple propagation models
Pros
✔ Free
✔ Lightweight
✔ Large community
Cons
- Older user interface
- Limited enterprise features
- No official commercial support
Best For
Education, hobbyists, small WISPs, and proof-of-concept studies.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Pathloss | Atoll | MLinkPlanner | Aviat Design | ICS telecom | Xirio | Radio Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link Budget | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Terrain Profiles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rain Fade | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Interference Analysis | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Frequency Planning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Cloud-Based | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Multi-Vendor | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cost | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Free | Commercial | Commercial | Free |
Which Tool Should You Choose?
Choose Pathloss if:
- You need industry-standard engineering accuracy.
- You design carrier-grade or long-haul microwave networks.
- You require advanced propagation and interference analysis.
Choose Atoll Microwave if:
- You manage nationwide mobile backhaul.
- You need microwave planning integrated with LTE or 5G networks.
Choose MLinkPlanner if:
- You want a modern interface with strong PtP and PtMP capabilities.
- You are a WISP or system integrator.
Choose Aviat Design if:
- You want a free, browser-based planning tool.
- You need quick feasibility studies or customer demonstrations.
Choose ICS telecom if:
- Spectrum management and interference analysis are critical.
- You work in government, defense, or public safety.
Choose Xirio Planner if:
- You are looking for a capable RF planning solution with a straightforward workflow, particularly for regional deployments.
Choose Radio Mobile if:
- You need a free tool for learning, small projects, or initial path analysis.
Final Thoughts
No single microwave planning tool is ideal for every organization.
Pathloss remains the gold standard for engineering-grade microwave link design, while Atoll Microwave dominates large-scale carrier deployments. MLinkPlanner offers an attractive balance of usability and functionality, and Aviat Design provides a powerful cloud-based solution at no cost. ICS telecom stands out for spectrum management and government applications, Xirio Planner offers a practical alternative for many regional users, and Radio Mobile continues to be an excellent free option for education and smaller networks.
Ultimately, the best software depends on your project requirements, budget, and engineering workflow. Investing in the right planning platform will improve design accuracy, accelerate deployments, and help ensure reliable microwave communication networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which microwave planning software is used by most telecom operators?
Pathloss is widely regarded as the industry standard for microwave path engineering, while many Tier-1 operators also use Atoll Microwave for network-wide optimization.
Q: Is there a free microwave planning tool?
Yes. Aviat Design is a free cloud-based platform for professional path planning, and Radio Mobile is a free desktop application popular with education, WISPs, and hobbyists.
Q: Can these tools plan equipment from different vendors?
Most professional planning tools support multi-vendor equipment libraries, allowing engineers to model links using products from different manufacturers.
Q: Which software is best for beginners?
Aviat Design and Radio Mobile are generally the easiest starting points, while MLinkPlanner offers a good balance between ease of use and professional capability.