Optimization of single frequency networks for DVB-T Services using SA and PSO

Terrestrial digital broadcasting networks for digital video broadcasting (DVB) systems, such as DVB-T or DVB-T2, can be either multi-frequency (MFN) or single frequency (SFN). Regarding the SFN, the use of the spectrum is more efficient, and receiving locations can be served by several transmitters working at the same frequency. Moreover, DVB receivers based on OFDM modulation schemes can succeed in such multipath scenarios by combining in an efficient way the echoes coming from different transmitters within the SFN. In this work, an approach divided into three interconnected blocks including a propagation prediction tool (based on the ITU-R P.1546-4), a receiver model as well as an optimization block is presented and applied to the optimization of the overall coverage in SFN. Furthermore, considering several synchronization strategies for the FFT window positioning at the receiver side, Simulated Annealing (SA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) heuristic algorithms have been applied to optimize the static delays, sector gains and/or orientations of every SFN transmitter in a specified region, and the results achieved are included and discussed.