Atoll 3.5

Atoll version 3.5 is a major release of Forsk’s leading radio network planning and optimization software, designed to enhance the design and roll-out of 5G and multi-RAT (Radio Access Technology) networks.

Released around July 2022, Atoll 3.5 supports modern network demands, including advanced massive MIMO antenna modeling, enhanced indoor modeling, and upgraded automation capabilities. Key Features and Enhancements in Atoll 3.5

5G Technology Evolution: Supports advanced 5G NR deployment scenarios, including refined massive MIMO antenna modeling and mmWave propagation for urban environments.

Advanced Indoor/Outdoor Modeling: Offers improved indoor modeling features, optimizing the combined planning of indoor and outdoor Radio Access Networks (RAN).

Aster Propagation Model: The Aster model is integrated for high-performance ray-tracing, balancing speed with accuracy in macro, micro, and small cell scenarios.

Database & Compatibility: Version 3.5.0 supports PostgreSQL databases, improving flexibility in data handling. It is compatible with Atoll Scenario Manager 4.1.0 or higher.

Automatic Cell Planning (ACP): Enhancements to the ACP module enable better, automated optimization of network parameters.

Increased Data Field Sizes: Text fields for site names (60 characters), custom fields (30 characters), and microwave link names (140 characters) have been increased to improve data management. Technical Specifications & Usage

Data Structure: The Atoll 3.5.0 Data Structure Reference Guide provides the framework for database integration, user configuration, and scripting for automation.

Scripting & Integration: Atoll supports automation, including Python-based scripting for network planning tasks.

Licensing: Software usage requires a license agreement and is designed for both standalone and enterprise-wide server configurations. Key Documentation & Resources Atoll 3.5.0 Data Structure Reference Guide (via Scribd) Atoll 3.5.0 Release Notes (via Scribd) Aster Propagation Model Overview (via Scribd) New Atoll version 3.5 is available! | Forsk If you'd like more specific details, I can help with: Aster model calibration steps 5G NR feature capabilities in this release Database migration from older versions to 3.5 Let me know what you need to dive into!

Atoll 3.5.0 Release Notes | PDF | Radio | Databases - Scribd

refers to a major version of the wireless network planning and optimization software developed by

. This platform is a standard in the telecommunications industry for designing and managing mobile networks. Core Functionality

Atoll 3.5 is a multi-technology platform that supports the entire lifecycle of wireless networks, from initial design to densification and optimization. It provides a comprehensive modeling environment for various radio technologies, including: 5G NR, LTE, and UMTS : Advanced planning for high-speed mobile data. Microwave Backhaul

: Dedicated tools for backhaul planning and microwave link optimization. IoT and LPWA : Capabilities for modeling low-power wide-area networks. Key Features of Version 3.5

Version 3.5 introduced several technical enhancements to improve planning accuracy and user workflow: Database Support : Full support for PostgreSQL

databases, alongside traditional support for Oracle and SQL Server. Live Module Integration : Integration of the Atoll Live

module, which allows planners to combine live network data with predictions for more accurate real-world analysis. Antenna Modeling

: Enhanced antenna property dialogues, including read-only columns for electrical tilt and azimuth values to ensure data integrity. Online Map Integration : Native support for Bing online maps

, including the ability to display maps in grayscale for better visualization of network layers. Scenario Management : Compatibility with the Atoll Scenario Manager (version 4.1.0 or later) for managing complex "what-if" planning scenarios. Technical Environment

Atoll 3.5 operates as a 64-bit application, allowing it to handle massive datasets and high-resolution geographic information. It is typically deployed in a client-server architecture with: Distributed Calculation Servers atoll 3.5

: Used to handle computationally intensive tasks like large-scale signal propagation predictions. Scripting Capabilities : Support for

and external automation, enabling users to create custom macros and automate repetitive planning tasks. specific hardware requirements for running Atoll 3.5 or how it integrates with 5G site planning Atoll 3.5.0 Release Notes Radio - Scribd

In the world of wireless network engineering, is not just a software update; it is a critical milestone for 5G network planning. This version, released by

, introduced advanced massive MIMO modeling and hybrid indoor/outdoor planning capabilities.

Below is a draft of a short story that personifies the technical transition an engineer might face when upgrading to this version. The Signal at the Edge

Elias had lived in "the blue" for six months—a digital blue of heat maps and signal-to-interference ratios. As a senior RF engineer for a major carrier in Singapore, his world was a grid of hexagonal cells, and his weapon of choice was Today was the migration to version 3.5

He opened the new interface, noticing the small, tactile changes—the ability to finally close inactive tabs with a click of his mouse wheel. But the real challenge lay deeper, in the massive MIMO antenna modeling. The city’s high-rises were becoming signal-hungry giants, and the old 4G models were starving.

"Draft the new 5G layer for the central district," his director had ordered. "And Elias? Make it precise. We can’t afford interference in the financial hub."

Elias began by importing the new 3D building data. In version 3.5, the buildings weren’t just blocks anymore; they were obstacles with texture and height that the software now calculated with uncanny speed using the new P-Core affinity settings on his workstation.

He ran the first coverage prediction. On his screen, a histogram bloomed in shades of green and gold. He checked the new statistics section—Min, Max, and Median values appeared instantly, confirming that the beam usage calculation, now grounded in real traffic maps, was holding steady.

But then, a red flare. A "dead zone" appeared near the underground transit link.

In previous versions, Elias might have spent hours toggling between indoor and outdoor documents. Now, using the combined indoor/outdoor RAN planning features of 3.5, he seamlessly modeled a small cell inside the station. He watched as the software calculated the transition between the street-level 5G beam and the indoor antennas. The red turned to a healthy, vibrant yellow.

By sunset, the "draft" was no longer just a plan; it was a blueprint for a city about to wake up to a faster world. Elias saved the project into a portable ZIP archive, knowing that the new database encapsulation would keep his data safe for the field teams.

He looked out his real window at the actual city. The lights were coming on, each one a potential user. For the first time in weeks, his own signal felt clear. adjust the tone of this story to be more technical, or perhaps focus on a specific feature of Atoll 3.5 like the 5G Multi-RAT support? New Atoll version 3.5 is available! | Forsk

Atoll 3.5 is a major release of the wireless network design and optimization software developed by Forsk. It serves as an industry standard for radio frequency (RF) planning, used by operators to model 5G, LTE, and other wireless technologies. Key Features of Atoll 3.5

5G NR Support: Enhanced capabilities for planning 5G New Radio networks, including massive MIMO and beamforming.

Database Integration: Full support for PostgreSQL databases, alongside traditional Oracle and SQL Server options.

Online Map Services: Improved visualization with support for gray-scale maps from Bing Maps servers.

Technical Reference & Data: Includes detailed data structure updates for UMTS, HSPA, and CDMA2000 technologies. Available Documentation

Engineers and administrators typically refer to several key manuals for Atoll 3.5, often found on platforms like Scribd:

Release Notes: Detail build-specific updates (e.g., Build 22638) and compatibility with Atoll Scenario Manager 4.1.0 or later. Atoll version 3

Administrator Manual: Provides instructions on installation, configuration, and database management.

Data Structure Reference Guide: Essential for users needing to understand the underlying table structures for customized reporting or scripting.

Technical Reference Guide: Offers the mathematical formulas and algorithms used for propagation and coverage predictions. Core Workflow in Atoll A typical planning process involves:

Atoll 3.5.0 Data Structure Reference Guide | PDF | License - Scribd

Atoll 3.5!

Here's a piece I came up with:

Echoes in the Lagoon

In the stillness of the atoll's embrace Where coral reefs entwine with turquoise space The whispers of the sea take on a tone A symphony of secrets, all my own

The waves caress the shoreline, a gentle hush As sunbeams filter down, like whispers rushed The sea fans sway, a choreographed dance While schools of fish weave through, a shimmering trance

In this serene and sheltered place I stand Where the ocean's heartbeat echoes through the land The atoll's ancient wisdom whispers low Of a world where time and space are fluid as the flow

As dusk descends, and daylight fades to gold The stars begin their twinkling, a celestial unfold The atoll's magic swirls, a mystic spell That beckons me to dive, and secrets to compel

In Atoll 3.5's realm, I find my peaceful nest Where the rhythms of the ocean are forever at rest.

Atoll 3.5, released by a major update to the leading Radio Access Network (RAN) planning and optimization software

. It is a multi-technology platform used by wireless operators to design and manage 5G, 4G (LTE), 3G, and IoT networks. 🚀 Key New Features in Atoll 3.5

Version 3.5 focuses on the evolution of 5G NR and the convergence of indoor/outdoor planning. Advanced 5G NR Support

: Enhanced modeling for 5G technology evolutions, including extended Massive MIMO and beamforming capabilities. Integrated Indoor Planning

: New features for modeling indoor environments, allowing for seamless transition between indoor and outdoor simulations. Multi-RAT Capabilities

: Improved support for managing multiple Radio Access Technologies (e.g., GSM, UMTS, LTE, and 5G) within a single project document. Database Updates : Added support for PostgreSQL alongside existing Oracle and SQL Server options. In-Building Module Enhancements

: Includes the ability to create tunnels, model radiating cables, and use "In-Building Multi-Wall" propagation models. 🛠 Technical Capabilities

Atoll 3.5 provides a comprehensive suite of tools for the entire network lifecycle. ResearchGate 🛰 Propagation & Modeling Multi-band Modeling

: Supports networks from 1.4 MHz to 20 MHz bandwidths across various frequency bands. 3D Beamforming Is Atoll 3

: Models beam usage and calculates 3D antenna patterns for beamforming transmitters. Propagation Models

: Includes standard models like Okumura-Hata and high-performance ray-tracing models for urban environments. 🗺 GIS & Data Management High-Performance GIS

: Integrated cartography editor supporting Digital Elevation Models (DEM), clutter data, and 3D building data. Third-Party Integration : Interfaces directly with Google Earth Web Services

: Support for WMS and online maps like Bing and OpenStreetMap. 📈 Planning & Optimization Automatic Cell Planning (ACP)

: Optimizes site parameters (tilt, azimuth, power) to meet coverage and capacity goals. Automatic Frequency Planning (AFP) : Allocates frequencies and PRACH PRBs for 5G NR documents. Capacity Simulations

: Performs Monte Carlo simulations to analyze traffic loads and quality of service. 💻 System Requirements

For optimal performance in version 3.5, the following configurations are typically recommended: Atoll 3.5.0 Release Notes Radio | PDF - Scribd


Is Atoll 3.5 Still Relevant in 2025?

Answer: Yes, for niche use cases.

  • Pros: Extremely stable, low hardware cost, no subscription fees, fast UI, perfect for GSM/UMTS/LTE.
  • Cons: No 5G SA slicing, no native cloud deployment, no massive MIMO beamforming visualization.

If you are managing a pure 4G IoT network (LTE-M, NB-IoT) or a voice-focused VoLTE network, upgrading to Atoll 3.7 might bring you no tangible benefit. The 3.5 engine is mathematically sound and proven in billions of dollars of infrastructure.

3. Performance Improvements

  • Faster Monte Carlo simulations – up to 30% reduction in computation time for large networks.
  • 64-bit native support enabling larger projects (over 50,000 cells) without memory limits.
  • Parallel processing on multi-core CPUs for coverage and capacity calculations.

Option 2: Marketing Web Copy (Best for Landing Pages)

Headline: Atoll 3.5 – Precision Engineering for the Modern Network

Design. Optimize. Deploy. In the race to connect the world, accuracy is your most valuable asset. Atoll 3.5 delivers the computational power and intuitive design interface needed to plan your next-generation network with confidence.

Why Upgrade to Atoll 3.5?

  • Predictive Accuracy: Leverage advanced propagation models calibrated for urban canyons and rural expanses alike.
  • 5G Ready: Full support for the latest 5G NR standards, including dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) and TDD configurations.
  • Automation Friendly: Script repetitive tasks and integrate directly with your GIS data streams to cut planning time by 40%.

From greenfield deployments to network densification, Atoll 3.5 is the partner your engineering team needs.

[Request a Demo] [Download Datasheet]


6. Quick Reference: Atoll 3.5 Shortcuts

| Action | Shortcut | | :--- | :--- | | Add transmitter | Ctrl + T | | Run coverage prediction | Ctrl + P | | Run Monte Carlo | Ctrl + M | | Show interference matrix | Ctrl + I | | Measure distance/angle | Ctrl + D | | Toggle clutter view | Ctrl + L |


Conclusion: Atoll 3.5 is not obsolete—it is a proven, efficient tool for production-grade wireless planning. Master its calibration workflows and scripting interfaces, and you can deliver accurate designs faster than many users of newer but less streamlined platforms.

The "3.5" Context: Why This Version Matters

Released in the mid-2010s, Atoll 3.5 arrived at a perfect inflection point. The world had moved past the initial rollout of LTE (Release 8/9) and was hungry for more. Operators were staring down:

  • Carrier Aggregation (CA)
  • Small cell densification
  • VoLTE (Voice over LTE)
  • The first whispers of 5G

Atoll 3.5 was the bridge. It stabilized the 4G toolchain while introducing the architectural hooks needed for 5G NR.

A. Model Tuning (Calibration)

The default SPM coefficients are rarely accurate for your specific terrain/clutter. For best results:

  1. Perform CW drive tests at multiple frequencies (e.g., 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 3.5 GHz).
  2. Import measured path loss data into Atoll’s Model Tuning module.
  3. Run the optimizer to derive clutter-category-specific coefficients.
  4. Validate with an independent dataset (R² > 0.85 is a good target).

Option 3: Social Media Snippets (Best for LinkedIn/Twitter)

LinkedIn Post: Are you still managing 5G rollouts with legacy tools? 📶 Atoll 3.5 redefines RF planning with enhanced beamforming simulation and a streamlined UI. See how the latest iteration handles the complexity of multi-layer network architecture without slowing down your workflow. #Telecommunications #RFEngineering #5G #NetworkPlanning #Atoll

Twitter/X Thread: 1/3 Optimizing network capacity? Here is why Atoll 3.5 is the go-to tool for RF Engineers in 2024:

  • Refined NR beam handling
  • Faster load times for massive projects
  • Improved Monte Carlo simulation engine

2/3 The biggest win in 3.5 is the UI update. Less time navigating menus = more time optimizing coverage maps. A necessary upgrade for teams handling high-density urban sectors.

3/3 Read our full technical breakdown of the 3.5 release here: [Link]


2.3 Multi-Technology Simulation

  • Co-simulation of GSM/UMTS/LTE/NB-IoT in a single project.
  • Interference analysis between different radio access technologies.