DVB-T2 network optimization with swimulated annealing

Postprint (author’s final draft

Coverage optimization and power reduction in SFN using simulated annealing

An approach that predicts the propagation, models the terrestrial receivers and optimizes the performance of single frequency networks (SFN) for digital video broadcasting in terms of the final coverage achieved over any geographical region, enhancing the most populated areas, is proposed in this paper. The effective coverage improvement and thus, the self-interference reduction in the SFN is accomplished by optimizing the internal static delays, sector antenna gain, and both azimuth and elevation orientation for every transmitter within the network using the heuristic simulated annealing (SA) algorithm. Decimation and elevation filtering techniques have been considered and applied to reduce the computational cost of the SA-based approach, including results that demonstrate the improvements achieved. Further representative results for two SFN in different scenarios considering the effect on the final coverage of optimizing any of the transmitter parameters previously outlined or a combination of some of them are reported and discussed in order to show both, the performance of the method and how increasing gradually the complexity of the model for the transmitters leads to more realistic and accurate results.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation under Projects TEC2008-02730 and TEC2012-33321. The work of M. Lanza and Á. L. Gutiérrez was supported by a Pre-Doctoral Grant from the University of Cantabria

Design of a DVB-T2 simulation platform and network optimization with Simulated Annealing

The implementation of the Digital Terrestrial Television is becoming a reality in the Spanish territory. In this context, with the satellite and cable systems, this technology is one of the possible mediums for the television signal transmission. Its development is becoming crucial for the digital transition in those countries which mainly depend on the terrestrial networks for the reception of multimedia contents. However, due to the maturity of the current standard, and also to the higher requirements of the customer needing (HDTV, new contents, etc.), a revision of the current standard becomes necessary. The DVB organisation in collaboration with other entities and organisms has developed a new standard version capable to satisfy those requirements. The main objective of the project is the design and implementation of a physical layer simulation platform for the DVB-T2 standard. This simulator allows the theoretical evaluation of the new enhanced proposals, making easier a later field measurement stage and the future network deployment. The document describes the implementation of the simulation platform as well as its subsequent validation stage, including large graphical results that allow the evaluation and quantification of the improvements introduced over the current standard version (DVB-T). On the other hand, and as future investigation lines, a solution for the future DVB-T2 network deployment is performed, enhancing the coverage capacity of the current network by the use of iterative meta-heuristic techniques. Finally it has to be mentioned that this work has been performed within the context of a project called FURIA, which is a strategic research project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce

Design of a DVB-T2 simulation platform and network optimization with Simulated Annealing

The implementation of the Digital Terrestrial Television is becoming a reality in the Spanish territory. In this context, with the satellite and cable systems, this technology is one of the possible mediums for the television signal transmission. Its development is becoming crucial for the digital transition in those countries which mainly depend on the terrestrial networks for the reception of multimedia contents. However, due to the maturity of the current standard, and also to the higher requirements of the customer needing (HDTV, new contents, etc.), a revision of the current standard becomes necessary. The DVB organisation in collaboration with other entities and organisms has developed a new standard version capable to satisfy those requirements. The main objective of the project is the design and implementation of a physical layer simulation platform for the DVB-T2 standard. This simulator allows the theoretical evaluation of the new enhanced proposals, making easier a later field measurement stage and the future network deployment. The document describes the implementation of the simulation platform as well as its subsequent validation stage, including large graphical results that allow the evaluation and quantification of the improvements introduced over the current standard version (DVB-T). On the other hand, and as future investigation lines, a solution for the future DVB-T2 network deployment is performed, enhancing the coverage capacity of the current network by the use of iterative meta-heuristic techniques. Finally it has to be mentioned that this work has been performed within the context of a project called FURIA, which is a strategic research project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce

An (MI)LP-based Primal Heuristic for 3-Architecture Connected Facility Location in Urban Access Network Design

We investigate the 3-architecture Connected Facility Location Problem arising in the design of urban telecommunication access networks. We propose an original optimization model for the problem that includes additional variables and constraints to take into account wireless signal coverage. Since the problem can prove challenging even for modern state-of-the art optimization solvers, we propose to solve it by an original primal heuristic which combines a probabilistic fixing procedure, guided by peculiar Linear Programming relaxations, with an exact MIP heuristic, based on a very large neighborhood search. Computational experiments on a set of realistic instances show that our heuristic can find solutions associated with much lower optimality gaps than a state-of-the-art solver.Comment: This is the authors' final version of the paper published in: Squillero G., Burelli P. (eds), EvoApplications 2016: Applications of Evolutionary Computation, LNCS 9597, pp. 283-298, 2016. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-31204-0_19. The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31204-0_1

Dynamic frequency planning for professional wireless microphone systems

[no abstract

Planificación de Frecuencias para Televisión Digital Terrestre (TDT) en Sudamérica

[EN] Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), offers greater robustness against noise and interference, more efficient use of radioelectric spectrum by the possibility of using single frequency networks (SFN) and the possibility of transmitting several television channels for the same radio channel. In addition, it is possible to provide value-added services such as HDTV and 3D. In the transition from analog to digital television, it must be perform a first stage of simulcast, where both analogue and digital signals should coexist. In this stage, a critical point is the low availability of frequencies. Therefore, first it is necessary to perform a frequency planning at regional level between the countries and internally for each country. Due to the high power that DTT transmitters normally radiate, and the locations of the transmitters at high points, frequency planning at regional level should take into account coordination areas and protection distances inside the border of each country. Finally, DTT network planning should be perform for the assigned frequencies. Additionally, the most efficient usage of the radio electric spectrum involved the introduction of the DTT, have allowed the release of certain frequency bands traditionally allocated for broadcasting. The released bands are known as Digital Dividend (DD), and correspond to the 800 MHz band (790-862 MHz) and 700 MHz (698-806 MHz) in Europe, and 700 MHz band in America. These bands have been allocated for the use of fourth generation mobile communications 4G LTE. The inclusion of LTE in the digital dividend bands, represents an additional problem for the deploy of DTT networks. Because both, DTT and LTE networks must coexist in adjacent frequency channels. Therefore, two coexistence cases must be considered. On the one hand, to the deployment of new DTT networks, must be analyzed the potential interference from LTE networks, as well the possible solutions to mitigate the interference. Moreover, for DTT networks already deployed, interference problems must be solved at the lowest possible cost and impact. This thesis deals with frequency planning for DTT networks in South America, where several DTT standards have been adopted. Most countries in the region have adopted the Japanese-Brazilian standard ISDB-Tb. However, Colombia has adopted the European second generation standard DVB-T2, with the particularity that Colombia is the first country in the world in which DVB-T2 must work with 6 MHz channelization, and must coexist with the analog TV standard NTSC. This along with the late release of the DD band in America, presents a much more complex scenario for DTT planning network in the region. First the frequency planning at the regional level for all countries of South America is studied, later the frequency planning at national level for Colombia is addressed. For this purpose, is investigated the coexistence of the European second generation standard (DVB-T2), the Japanese-Brazilian first generation standard (ISDB-Tb), the American analog TV standard NTSC and the mobile communications standard LTE working in digital dividend bands, as well as different technical solutions to mitigate interference on DTT networks. Finally, the recommendations of coexistence between analogue television networks NTSC, digital television networks ISDB-T, DVB-T2 and mobile communications networks 4G LTE are presented. These recommendations constitute a useful handbook for DTT network planning in South America.[ES] La Televisión Digital Terrestre (TDT) con respecto a la difusión de televisión analógica ofrece, mayor robustez en la señal frente a ruido e interferencias, uso más eficiente del espectro radioeléctrico gracias a la posibilidad de utilizar redes de frecuencia única, en ingles SFNs (Single Frequency Network) y la posibilidad de transmitir varios canales de televisión por un mismo canal radioeléctrico. Además, es posible ofrecer servicios de valor añadido, tales como televisión en alta definición y programación 3D. En el proceso de transición de televisión analógica a digital, se debe llevar a cabo una primera etapa de simulcast, donde tanto señales analógicas como digitales deben convivir. En esta etapa, un punto crítico es la baja disponibilidad de frecuencias. Por tanto, en primer lugar es necesario hacer una planificación de frecuencias a nivel regional entre los países y a nivel interno de cada país. Debido a las altas potencias con que normalmente radian los transmisores de TDT, y las ubicaciones de los transmisores en puntos elevados, la planificación de frecuencias a nivel regional debe tener en cuenta zonas de coordinación y distancias de protección dentro de la frontera de cada país. Finalmente se debe planificar las redes de TDT a las frecuencias asignadas. Adicionalmente, la utilización más eficiente del espectro radioeléctrico que conlleva la introducción de la TDT, ha permitido la liberación de ciertas bandas de frecuencia asignadas tradicionalmente a radiodifusión. Las bandas liberadas son conocidas como Dividendo Digital (DD), y corresponden a la banda de 800 MHz (790-862 MHz) y 700 MHz (698-806 MHz) en Europa, y la banda de 700 MHz en América. Dichas bandas han sido asignadas para la utilización de servicios de comunicaciones móviles de cuarta generación 4G LTE. La inclusión del estándar LTE en las bandas de dividendo digital, representa un problema adicional para el despliegue de las redes de TDT. Debido a que tanto la TDT como las redes LTE deben coexistir en canales adyacentes en frecuencia. Por tanto, dos casos de convivencia deben ser considerados. Por un lado, para el despliegue de nuevas redes de TDT, se deben analizar las posibles interferencias desde las redes LTE, así como las posibles soluciones para mitigar dichas interferencias. Por otra parte para redes de TDT ya desplegadas, los problemas de interferencias deben ser resueltos con el menor impacto y costo posibles. La presente tesis aborda la planificación de frecuencias para las redes de TDT en Sudamérica, donde varios estándares de TDT han sido adoptados. La mayoría de los países de la región han adoptado el estándar Japones-Brasileño ISDB-Tb. Sin embargo, Colombia ha adoptado el estándar europeo de segunda generación DVB-T2, con la particularidad de ser el primer lugar en el mundo en que DVB-T2 debe trabajar con canalización de 6 MHz, y debe convivir con el estándar de televisión analógica NTSC. Esto junto con la tardía liberación del Dividendo Digital (DD) en América, presentan un escenario mucho más complejo para la planificación de las redes de TDT en la región. En primer lugar se estudia la planificación de frecuencias a nivel regional para todos los países de Sudamérica, para posteriormente abordar la planificación a nivel nacional para Colombia. Con tal fin, se investiga la convivencia entre el estándar de TDT europeo de segunda generación (DVB-T2), el estándar Japones-Brasileño de primera generación (ISDB-Tb), el estándar americano de televisión analógica NTSC y el estándar de comunicaciones móviles LTE en las bandas del dividendo digital, así como las diferentes soluciones técnicas para mitigar interferencias sobre las redes de TDT. Finalmente, se presentan las recomendaciones de convivencia entre redes de televisión analógica NTSC, redes de televisión digital ISDB-T, DVB-T2 y redes de comunicaciones móviles 4G LTE, que constituyen un útil manual para la pl[CA] La Televisió Digital Terrestre (TDT) respecte a la difusió de televisió analògica oferix, major robustesa en el senyal enfront de soroll i interferències, ús més eficient de l'espectre radioelèctric gràcies a la possibilitat d'utilitzar xarxes de freqüència única, en engonals SFNs (Single Frequency Networks) i la possibilitat de transmetre uns quants canals de televisió per un mateix canal radioelèctric. A més, és possible oferir servicis de valor afegit, com ara televisió en alta definició i programació 3D. En el procés de transició de televisió analògica a digital, s'ha de dur a terme una primera etapa de simulcast, on tant senyals analògics com digitals han de conviure. En esta etapa, un punt crític és la baixa disponibilitat de freqüències. Per tant, en primer lloc és necessari fer una planificació de freqüències a nivell regional entre els països i a nivell intern de cada país. A causa de les altes potències amb què normalment radien els transmissors de TDT, i les ubicacions dels transmissors en punts elevats, la planificació de freqüències a nivell regional ha de tindre en compte zones de coordinació i distàncies de protecció dins de la frontera de cada país. Finalment s'ha de planificar la les xarxes de TDT a les freqüències assignades. Addicionalment, la utilització més eficient de l'espectre radioelèctric que comporta la introducció de la TDT, ha permés l'alliberament de certes bandes de freqüència assignades tradicionalment a radiodifusió. Les bandes alliberades són conegudes com a Dividend Digital (DD), i corresponen a la banda de 800 MHz (790-862 MHz) i 700 MHz (698-806 MHz) a Europa, i la banda de 700 MHz a Amèrica. Les dites bandes han sigut assignades per a la utilització de servicis de comunicacions mòbils de quarta generació 4G LTE. La inclusió de l'estàndard LTE en les bandes de dividend digital, representa un problema addicional per al desplegament de les xarxes de TDT. Pel fet que tant la TDT com les xarxes LTE han de coexistir en canals adjacents en freqüència. Per tant, dos casos de convivència han de ser considerats. D'una banda, per al desplegament de noves xarxes de TDT, s'han d'analitzar les possibles interferències des de les xarxes LTE, així com les possibles solucions per a mitigar les dites interferències. D'altra banda per a xarxes de TDT ja desplegades, els problemes d'interferències han de ser resolts amb el menor impacte i cost possibles. La present tesi aborda la planificació de freqüències per a les xarxes de TDT a Sud-amèrica, on diversos estàndards de TDT han sigut adoptats. La majoria dels països de la regió han adoptat l'estàndard Japones-Brasileño ISDB-Tb. Sin embargo, Colòmbia ha adoptat l'estàndard europeu de segona generació DVB-T2, amb la particularitat de ser el primer lloc en el món en què DVB-T2 ha de treballar amb canalització de 6 MHz, i ha de conviure amb l'estàndard de televisió analògica NTSC. Açò junt amb el tardà alliberament del DD a Amèrica, presenten un escenari molt més complex per a la planificació de les xarxes de TDT en la regió. En primer lloc s'estudia la planificació de freqüències a nivell regional per a tots els països de Sud-amèrica, per a posteriorment abordar la planificació a nivell nacional per a Colòmbia. Amb tal fi, s'investiga la convivència entre l'estàndard de TDT europeu de segona generació (DVB-T2), l'estàndard Japones-Brasileño de primera generació (ISDB-T), l'estàndard americà de televisió analògica NTSC i l'estàndard de comunicacions mòbils LTE en les bandes del dividend digital, així com les diferents solucions tècniques per a mitigar interferències sobre les xarxes de TDT. Finalment, es presenten les recomanacions de convivència entre xarxes de televisió analògica NTSC, xarxes de televisió digital ISDB-T, DVB-T2 i xarxes de comunicacions mòbils 4G LTE, que constituïxen un útil manual per a la planificació de les xarxes deRibadeneira Ramírez, JA. (2016). Planificación de Frecuencias para Televisión Digital Terrestre (TDT) en Sudamérica [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/6366

Channel parameter tuning in a hybrid Wi-Fi-Dynamic Spectrum Access Wireless Mesh Network

This work addresses Channel Assignment in a multi-radio multi-channel (MRMC) Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) using both Wi-Fi and Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) spectrum bands and standards. This scenario poses new challenges because nodes are spread out geographically so may have differing allowed channels and experience different levels of external interference in different channels. A solution must meet two conflicting requirements simultaneously: 1) avoid or minimise interference within the network and from external interference sources, and 2) maintain connectivity within the network. These two requirements must be met while staying within the link constraints and the radio interface constraints, such as only assigning as many channels to a node as it has radios. This work's original contribution to the field is a unified framework for channel optimisation and assignment in a WMN that uses both DSA and traditional Wi-Fi channels for interconnectivity. This contribution is realised by providing and analysing the performance of near-optimal Channel Assignment (CA) solutions using metaheuristic algorithms for the MRMC WMNs using DSA bands. We have created a simulation framework for evaluating the algorithms. The performance of Simulated Annealing, Genetic Algorithm, Differential Evolution, and Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithms have been analysed and compared for the CA optimisation problem. We introduce a novel algorithm, used alongside the metaheuristic optimisation algorithms, to generate feasible candidate CA solutions. Unlike previous studies, this sensing and CA work takes into account the requirement to use a Geolocation Spectrum Database (GLSD) to get the allowed channels, in addition to using spectrum sensing to identify and estimate the cumulative severity of both internal and external interference sources. External interference may be caused by other secondary users (SUs) in the vicinity or by primary transmitters of the DSA band whose emissions leak into adjacent channels, next-toadjacent, or even into further channels. We use signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) as the optimisation objective. This incorporates any possible source or type of interference and makes our method agnostic to the protocol or technology of the interfering devices while ensuring that the received signal level is high enough for connectivity to be maintained on as many links as possible. To support our assertion that SINR is a reasonable criterion on which to base the optimisation, we have carried out extensive outdoor measurements in both line-of-sight and wooded conditions in the television white space (TVWS) DSA band and the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. These measurements show that SINR is useful as a performance measure, especially when the interference experienced on a link is high. Our statistical analysis shows that SINR effectively differentiates the performance of different channels and that SINR is well correlated with throughput and is thus a good predictor of end-user experience, despite varying conditions. We also identify and analyse the idle times created by Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) contention-based Medium Access Control (MAC) operations and propose the use of these idle times for spectrum sensing to measure the SINR on possible channels. This means we can perform spectrum sensing with zero spectrum sensing delay experienced by the end user. Unlike previous work, this spectrum sensing is transparent and can be performed without causing any disruption to the normal data transmission of the network. We conduct Markov chain analysis to find the expected length of time of a sensing window. We also derive an efficient minimum variance unbiased estimator of the interference plus noise and show how the SINR can be found using this estimate. Our estimation is more granular, accurate, and appropriate to the problem of Secondary User (SU)-SU coexistence than the binary hypothesis testing methods that are most common in the literature. Furthermore, we construct confidence intervals based on the probability density function derived for the observations. This leads to finding and showing the relationships between the number of sampling windows and sampling time, the interference power, and the achievable confidence interval width. While our results coincide with (and thus are confirmed by) some key previous recommendations, ours are more precise, granular, and accurate and allow for application to a wider range of operating conditions. Finally, we present alterations to the IEEE 802.11k protocol to enable the reporting of spectrum sensing results to the fusion or gateway node and algorithms for distributing the Channel Assignment once computed. We analyse the convergence rate of the proposed procedures and find that high network availability can be maintained despite the temporary loss of connectivity caused by the channel switching procedure. This dissertation consolidates the different activities required to improve the channel parameter settings of a multi-radio multi-channel DSA-WMN. The work facilitates the extension of Internet connectivity to the unconnected or unreliably connected in rural or peri-urban areas in a more cost-effective way, enabling more meaningful and affordable access technologies. It also empowers smaller players to construct better community networks for sharing local content. This technology can have knock-on effects of improved socio-economic conditions for the communities that use it