Radio Propagation Models for Mobile DTT Networks in the UHF Band

Abstract

This article studies the suitability of different radio propagation models for the deployment of mobile TV networks over the UHF band. Accurate signal propagation modelling is key for mobile DTT network planning in order to minimize deployment costs. This article analyzes four propagation models: Okumura-Hata, Xia-Bertoni, a model based on the Hata formulae adding a diffraction term calculated using the Deygout method and COST 231 Walfisch-Ikegami model. The performance of the models is evaluated with measurement campaigns from several scenarios with different conditions such as transmitter height, environment, and available geographical data. Finally, location variability is studied as a key parameter to achieve an efficient network dimensioning.