Maximizing White Space in Nigeria Using an Optimized SFN and K-SFN Network Design
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Date
2014
Authors
Gbenga-Ilori, A.O.
Sanusi, O.I.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Science, Environment and Technology
Abstract
Abstract: A proposal for maximizing the available TV white space in Nigeria using a mixture of SFN and k-SFN digital television network design is presented in this paper. First, the current spectrum occupancy of UHF and VHF band by analogue terrestrial television was determined. The spectrum was re-planned for future DTV services by considering the size of the network, the location of the transmitters in each of the geo-political zones of the country, the type of coverage and variation in regional programming. Results from the network plan showed that 8 multiplexes, using 20 UHF channels can be used to broadcast 129 programmes to achieve a spectrum savings of 168MHz which amount to 51.22% of the present analogue television spectrum use. Our optimized SFN and k-SFN network design was further compared on a network design based on a combination of SFN and pure MFN. Results showed that 80.9% increase in savings can be obtained using our proposed optimized network design. Finally, the capacity of TV white space available with the present GE-06 planned entries for digital television services in Nigeria was determined and compared with available TV white space from our proposed reconfigured digital television plan using the SFN and k-SFN design. Results showed that it is possible to improve the average Level of Compactness from 0.401 to 0.561 for the country. This means that, with the optimized network design, it is not only possible to increase the spectrum savings in the country but also possible to improve the level of compactness which translates to a higher level of usefulness of the expected TV White spaces.
Description
Keywords
MFN (Multi-frequency Network), SFN (Single Frequency Network), k-SFN (Hybrid MFN-SFN), TV White Space, Digital dividend