Green Network Planning of Single Frequency Networks

Abstract

This paper investigates the network deployment of single frequency networks (SFN) based on OFDM schemes that are standardized for terrestrial broadcasting systems, for digital audio broadcasting (DAB) and for digital video broadcasting (DVB) systems. The concept of green network planning is presented. The term `green' refers to low carbon, energy efficiency and low exposure to radiation, parameters important for the sustainable growth. For the purpose of our investigation a mountainous area of Northern Greece is examined, that is described by a digital terrain elevation model (DTEM) and field computations are based on multi shape slope uniform theory of diffraction (UTD) technique. A genetic algorithm (GA) optimization method is developed for the network planning purposes. A comparison between various planning strategies is presented. It is shown that great CO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> reductions, cost savings and low exposure to radiation can be achieved when the network planning considers a `green' strategy.