Optimization of Digital Single Frequency Networks

In order to take advantage of the network gain of digital single frequency networks, the set of parameters that characterize the transmitter network have to be chosen properly. Detailed investigations aiming to optimize the service area by means of numerical simulation are presented, where realistic transmitter configurations and common wave propagation models exploiting topographic data have been employed. The system parameters, such as the maximum effective radiated power per transmitter, have been restricted to realistic values which might be realized in digital audio broadcasting networks to be introduced in the near future. Antenna pattern adjustment appears to be less effective in comparison to improving the single frequency network synchronization schedule.