The introduction of digital terrestrial broadcasting all over Europe requires a complete and challenging re-planning of in-place analog systems. But an abrupt migration of resources (transmitters and frequencies) from analog to digital networks cannot be accomplished, since the analog services must be preserved temporarily. Hence, a multi-network, multi-objective, problem arises, referred to as the Network Packing Problem, in which several networks, both analog and digital, sharing a common set of resources, have to be designed. In Italy this problem is particularly challenging, because of a large number of transmitters, orographical features and strict requirements imposed by Italian law. In this paper we report our experience developing solution methods at the major Italian broadcaster Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI S.p.A.). We propose a two-stage heuristic. In thē rst stage emission powers are assigned to each network separately. In the second stage frequencies are assigned to all networks so as to minimize the loss from mutual interference. A software tool incorporating our methodology is currently in use at RAI to help discover and select high-quality alternatives for the deployment of digital equipment.
A two-stage heuristic methodology composed of power and frequency assignment stages is proposed so as to minimize the loss from mutual interference in the broadcasting system REF .
The Network Packing Problem in Terrestrial Broadcasting
Computer Science Mathematics