Measurements and propagation model tuning in DVB-T2 network

This paper gives an insight on electromagnetic wave propagation aspects, RF signal coverage calculation methods and propagation models as well as propagation model tuning. At first, the coverage prediction of a DVB-T2 network is done without using clutter data. Comparing the measurement data with predicted values, considerable differences were noted, especially in mostly plains area (eastern parts of Croatia - Slavonia and Baranja), and mostly on measurement locations distant from the transmitter sites. During further analysis, the forests were identified as a factor contributing to such differences. Subsequently, clutter data was introduced in calculation, and model tuning was done to reduce the prediction errors to a more acceptable level.