Report ITU-R BT.2386-6 (03/2026) Digital terrestrial broadcasting: Design and implementation of single frequency networks
Foreword
Policy on Intellectual Property Right (IPR)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part 1  Overview of single frequency networks
1 Definition and characteristics of single frequency networks
     1.1 Definition of single frequency networks
     1.2 Benefits of single frequency networks
     1.3 Requirements and limitations of single frequency networks
     1.4 Type of SFN
     1.5 Consideration of network structures for SFN
     1.6 Classification of transmitting stations
     1.7 Spectrum utilization
2 Coverage criteria
     2.1 Reception modes
     2.2 Pixel coverage, area coverage, population coverage
     2.3 Full area vs. partial coverage
3 Statistical aspects and Network Gain in SFN planning
     3.1 Statistical Aspects of Coverage Prediction
     3.2 Effect of OFDM Multipath Capability on Coverage Prediction
     3.3 Network Gain
          3.3.1 General
          3.3.2 Definitions related to network gain
          3.3.3 Example of network gain
          3.3.4 Network gain and coverage measurements in SFN
4 Layer definition
5 Broadcasters’ requirements
     5.1 Service area requirements
     5.2 Coverage requirements
     5.3 Operational/Network requirements
6 Implementation of the transmitter network
     6.1 Coordination
     6.2 Conformity with the Plan Entry
     6.3 Self interference
     6.4 Transmitter synchronisation
     6.5 Frequency synchronisation
     6.6 Timing synchronisation
     6.7 Effect of synchronisation loss
Part 2  SFN application and implementation of DVB-T, DVB-T2, ATSC 3.0  and DAB system
1 Multipath capability of DVB-T, DVB-T2, ATSC 3.0 and DAB
     1.1 General
     1.2 Inter-symbol interference
     1.3 Guard interval
     1.4 Contributing and interfering signal components with inter-symbol interference
2 FFT-window synchronisation
     2.1 General
     2.2 Synchronisation strategies
     2.3 Strongest signal
     2.4 First signal above a threshold level
     2.5 Centre of gravity
     2.6 Quasi-optimal
     2.7 Maximum C/I
3 Site selection and management
4 Coverage and interference management
     4.1 General
     4.2 Wanted coverage prediction
     4.3 Out-going interference management
          4.3.1 General
          4.3.2 Calculation of out-going DAB interference
          4.3.3 Calculation of out-going DVB-T/DVB-T2 and ATSC 3.0 interference
5 Post implementation of the network
     5.1 Network coverage and improvement
     5.2 Network problems
6 Impact of DVB-T parameters on SFN performance
     6.1 Constellation
     6.2 Code rate
     6.3 2k/8k FFT
     6.4 Guard interval
     6.5 Data rate versus guard interval
7 Impact of ATSC 3.0 parameters on SFN performance
     7.1 Constellation
     7.2 Code rate
     7.3 8k/16k/32k FFT
     7.4 Guard interval
     7.5 Data rate versus guard interval
     7.6 Robust co-channel interference tolerance
Annex A  Empirical channel characterization and modelling of terrestrial SFN in the UHF band
     7.A.1 Overview
     7.A.2 Field experiment description
     7.A.3 Channel modelling results
     7.A.4 Summary
Annex B  Transmitter identification signal and its applications
     7.B.1 Overview
     7.B.2 Transmitter identification signal generation
     7.B.3 Transmitter identification signal detection
     7.B.4 Other applications of the transmitter identification
          7.B.4.1 Geo-targeted emergency warnings
          7.B.4.2 Geo-targeted content
     7.B.5 Summary
8 Distribution networks for SFNs
     8.1 DVB-T Sat-fed in Italy
     8.2 DVB-T signal distribution in France
     8.3 Distribution of DVB-T/T2 data to the transmitters using IP in Sweden
9 DVB-T case studies
     9.1 National DVB-T SFN deployment in Italy
          9.1.1 Example of a very large SFN: RAI multiplex A
          9.1.2 Operating the network
          9.1.3 SFN and propagation phenomena on the warm sea
          9.1.4 SFN and propagation phenomena on the ground
          9.1.5 SFN and reflection/scattering phenomena
          9.1.6 Optimization of SFN – DFREE  experience
          9.1.7 Parameters details
          9.1.8 Final technical considerations on SFN design
          9.1.9 Examples of 1-SFN
          9.1.10 Special applications for SFN
               9.1.10.1  Logical Channel Number (LCN) management
               9.1.10.2 Capacity optimization through dynamic bandwidth management
               9.1.10.3 HbbTV applications in SFN environment
                    9.1.10.3.1 HbbTV and 4K Hybrid application
                    9.1.10.3.2  Regional Exchange Action
10 Overview
11 Spectral efficiency and spectrum consumption of DVB-T2 networks
     11.1 Spectral efficiency and spectrum consumption
     11.2 Spectral efficiency of DVB-T2
     11.3 Layer spectrum efficiency of DVB-T2
     11.4 Re-use distances for DVB-T2 networks
12 DVB-T2 Lite
13 DVB-T2 and DVB-T2 Lite case studies
     13.1 Theoretical study on maximum achievable data rates for large DVB T2 SFN areas
          13.1.1 Introduction
          13.1.2 Planning parameters and network structure
          13.1.3 DVB-T2 modes
          13.1.4 Maximum data rate to cover large areas with DVB-T2 theoretical SFNs for mobile, portable and fixed reception
          13.1.5 Minimum required guard interval for various inter-site distances and C/N values
          13.1.6 Summary and conclusions
     13.2 DVB-T2 and DVB-T2 Lite: Experimental tests in Italy (Aosta Valley)
          DVB-T2 Base
          DVB-T2 Lite
     13.3 Case study on large DVB-T2 SFN in Denmark
          13.3.1 Introduction
          13.3.2 Loss of capacity in an SFN
          13.3.3 Size of SFN
          13.3.4 Limitation in local/regional programming
          13.3.5 Large (national) SFN, example of Denmark
          13.3.6 How do spectrum requirements change with larger SFNs?
     13.4 Case study on DVB-T2 service areas in Sweden
          13.4.1 Introduction
          13.4.2 Parameters
          13.4.3 Network planning
          13.4.4 Population coverage calculation
          13.4.5 Discussion
          13.4.6 Conclusions
     13.5 Practical DVB-T2 based scenarios exploring the interdependence of coverage, capacity, transmission mode and network configuration
          12.5.1 Methodology
          13.5.2 Results
     13.6 Case study on DVB-T2 MFN vs. SFN in the UK
          13.6.1 Introduction
          13.6.2 Background
          13.6.3 Discussion
               13.6.3.1 Method 1
               13.6.3.2 Method 2
          13.6.4 Summary
     13.7 DVB-T/DVB-T2 planning exercise with limited spectrum resources in the UK
     13.8 Effect of sea path propagation – An example in the United Kingdom
          13.8.1 Optimising the guard interval in a national SFN
          13.8.2 Results and analysis
          13.8.3 Summary
     13.9 Optimisation of a DVB-T2 SFN in Malaysia
     13.10 DVB-T2 SFNs Networks and an Extended T2-MIP: a BBC study
14 Impact of DAB parameters on SFN performance
     14.1 General
     14.2 Constellation
     14.3 Code rate
     14.4 FFT
     14.5 Guard interval
     14.6 Data rate versus guard interval
15 DAB case studies
     15.1 Italy implementation
          15.1.1 DAB SFNs in Trentino Alto Adige region
          15.1.2 Tests on DAB receivers
     15.2 Static timing in the United Kingdom DAB network
     15.3 Static timing in the Bavarian DAB+ network
Part 3  SFN application and implementation of ISDB system
1 Principle of SFN reception
2 Case study for Japan
3 Design of SFN
     3.1 Site location
     3.2 Effective radiation power
     3.3 Antenna radiation pattern
     3.4 Transmission timing adjustment
     3.5 Tools for network design
Part 4  SFN application and implementation of DTMB system
1 Overview
2 Case study for DTMB
     2.1 Local area SFN
          2.1.1 Deployment of DTMB in Single Frequency Network of Hong Kong
               2.1.1.1 Executive summary
               2.1.1.2  Criteria of assessment for transmission standard
               2.1.1.3  Assessment on technical performance of transmission standard
               2.1.1.4  DTMB technical parameters adopted in HKSAR
               2.1.1.5  Challenges to build DTMB SFN
               2.1.1.6  Implementation Update of DTMB SFN
               2.1.1.7 DTT take-up rate
               2.1.1.8 Conclusion
Annex A  SFN Transmitting Stations completed by the end of 2009
Annex B
Annex C
Annex D
Annex E  Location of the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) stations  and the estimated coverage (January 2011)
     2.1.2 Deployment of DTMB SFN in Shanghai
          2.1.2.1 Executive summary
          2.1.2.2 Technical parameters of DTMB SFN in Shanghai
          2.1.2.3 Implementation and results of DTMB SFN
          2.1.2.4 Conclusion
     2.2 Deployment of DTMB SFN based on satellite program distribution networks
          2.2.1 System structure
          2.2.2 Satellite distribution networks
          2.2.3 SFN adapter
          2.2.4 Laboratory and field tests
          2.2.5 Conclusion
     2.3 Synchronization scheme of DTMB SFN using IEEE1588v2 standard and time of days
          2.3.1 Introduction
          2.3.2 General
          2.3.3 System structure
          2.3.4 Time distribution network
          2.3.5 SFN adapter
          2.3.6 Lab test
          2.3.7 Field test
          2.3.8 Conclusion
     2.4 Large area single frequency network optimization method
          2.4.1 Overview
          2.4.2 Single frequency network optimization
               2.4.2.1 Single frequency network optimization methodology
               2.4.2.2 Single frequency network interference optimization example
          2.4.3 Field trial verification
               2.4.3.1 Testing instruments
               2.4.3.2 Test site No.1
                    2.4.3.2.1 Before optimization
                    2.4.3.2.2 After optimization
               2.4.3.3 Test site No. 2
                    2.4.3.3.1 Before optimization
                    2.4.3.3.2 After optimization
          2.4.4 Conclusion
Part 5  SFN application and implementation of DTMB-A system
1 SFN Field trial for DTMB-A
     1.1 Background
     1.2 Field trial structurer
     1.3 Field trial result
     1.4 Conclusions