Investigative Assessment of the Impact of Perturbations on the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Signal

Abstract

This study examines the effects of perturbations on the digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB) signal in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, using measurement-based performance analysis. In order to examine the effects of environmental perturbations on DTTB signal, measurement campaign used the Nigerian Television Authority, Integrated Television Services (ITS) digital video broadcasting -second generation (DVB-T2) signal. The aim of the research was to identify the environmental and atmospheric perturbations with highest impact on DTTB signal. Field measurement was accurately obtained throughout the measurement campaign using the E8000 series spectrum analyzer, a DVB-T2 receiver, and other facilities in order to actualize the two important measurement characteristics, such as field strength and received signal strength (RSS). The outcome showed a significant amount of dips in route A, depriving towns surrounding rocky hills of a DVB-T2 signal, as demonstrated in the Du community with RSS values of -87.1 dBm, 85.2 dB , and -27.8 dB V/m, -23.9 dB V/m for field strength. Additionally, the results show that signal performance was better in the dry season compared to the rainy season (more primary coverage in the dry season compared to the rainy season), with the RSS value being -41.6 dBm versus -36.4 dBm and the field strength value being 34 dB/m versus 38.6 dB/m for route A, or the same on route B. Solving signal propagation issues requires understanding the fundamental metrics driving an increase in perturbations in any broadcast environment. Creating a model to address these issues will help with system evaluation, network planning, and broadcast service operation, ensuring quality of service (QoS).