Optimization of Multi-Frequency Network With DVB-T2 Services for Regions With Complex Geographies: A Case Study of Nepal

Abstract

Planning for Multi-Frequency Network (MFN) with Digital Video Broadcasting-Second Generation Terrestrial (DVB-T2) services is particularly useful during the transition from analog to digital broadcasting. For efficient management of service area as well as resource allocation, it is necessary to administer the use of network parameters, e.g., transmit power, frequency channels, and antenna parameters. This article, therefore, proposes a coverage maximization scheme for the MFN with the DVB-T2 system by using the Genetic Algorithm. In order to effectively perform the optimization over regions with diverse geographical structures, a propagation prediction method considering the complex orography together with Digital Elevation Model is used to predict signal strength at each receiving location. Based on the received signal strength and standard Quality of Service criteria, the overall radio coverage of the network is maximized using the optimum values of transmit power levels, frequency channels, and antenna parameters. Although our analysis and simulations are based on the MFN network in Nepal, the methodology presented in this work can be applied in any region with some alterations in geographical and meteorological parameters.