Heuristic performance evaluation for DVB-T/T2 SFN network

In DVB-T/T2 broadcasting single frequency network (SFN) multipath interference (MPI) at the receiver antenna is a critical issue. The capability to elaborate those signals depends on both synchronization strategy used and coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (COFDM) modulation properties. An efficient COFDM system requires the guard interval as short as possible and such as to protect the system from the MPI. To cope with this problem a static delay adjustment obtained by fitting the launching time of each broadcast station is introduced so that the time difference of the incoming signals within the reception area falls into the COFDM guard interval. This work investigates the use of advanced simulated annealing to optimize transmission parameters such as the static delay, gain and orientation of sector antennas of DVB-T/T2 transmitters in SFNs. In particular, we identify the static delay adjustment map to maximize the coverage area according to quality of service requirements. The proposed approach has been validated for DVB-T/T2 network planning in the Basque Country (Spain) and Sardinia island (Italy). Different density of transmitters, generalized geography of territory are considered for the best setting of the parameters involved. Reliability studies are included to demonstrate the efficacy of the method.