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Tip: Forget the math, calculating bridge links is easy as these variables are calculated with
the simple to use Cisco Outdoor Bridge Range Calculation Utility that we will discuss later
in this paper.
Normally 60 % of the first Freznel zone clearance is recommended. So the above formula for 60%
Freznel zone clearance can be expressed as:
0.60 F1= 43.3 x SQR (distance/4x Frequency in GHz)
These calculations are based on a flat terrain. Since the earth is not flat, earth curvature should be
taken into account when planning for paths longer than six miles.
Figure 22.
Freznel Zone and Earth Bulge Clearances
The table below can be used to determine how much Fresnel zone clearance in feet is
recommended for a particular path length in miles.
Height =
D
2
/8 + 43.3
√
D/4F
43.3
√
D/4F
60% first Fresnel
D = Distance between Antennas
H =
H1
+
H2
Earth bulge at midpath
H2=D
2
/6
H1 = 43.3
√
D/4F
H1 = Added Antenna Height for 60% Freznel Zone Clearance in feet
H2= Added Antenna Height for Earth Bulge Clearance in feet
Where,
D is the Path Length in miles
F is the frequency in GHz