We have performed multiple DAB+ projects:

1. field trial in Amsterdam to measure the interference between different transmitter topologies.
2. assisting a consortium of radio stations in a tender for a DAB+ network
3. assisting a national government in the transition of FM to DAB+.

Why

In the EU, FM is replaced by DAB+. This is a new technology that is very different from the current FM broadcasting. For instance with FM every radio station has its own transmitter network. On the other hand with DAB+ multiple radio stations are multiplexed into one radio signal (multiplex) and those stations share the same transmitter network. Also DAB+ is a digital standard and FM an analog one. This gives different results in case of weak reception. All DAB+ projects helped the clients in the transition to DAB+.

Role BlueMark

In the first project BlueMark was project leader. In the other assignments BlueMark was a team member responsible for the technical aspects.

Result

For the first project a public report is available. The other assignments are classified.

A prediction model to assess the interference on cable TV due to introduction of LTE in the digital dividend band (800 and 700 MHz band)

Why

In the Netherlands, the majority of households has a cable TV connection. Due to the introduction of the LTE networks in the 800 and 700 MHz, LTE signals could interfere with cable TV signals in the same frequency band and vice versa. The weak point is the cable TV network in the house. In older houses those cables are outdated, not meeting current standards or installed incorrectly. The assignment was to develop an interference model to predict how large nationwide the interference was due to introducing LTE networks. It was based on the current situation and future situation in the Netherlands using several scenarios. Furthermore, the project investigated what possible mitigation solutions were and how much they would mitigate the interference.

Role BlueMark

In this project BlueMark co-worked with Agentschap Telecom to create the interference model and report. Furthermore we were responsible for investigating potential mitigation solutions and their effect.

Result

The result of this project was an internal interference model and two public reports.

https://www.agentschaptelecom.nl/documenten/rapporten/2017/oktober/11/kabelstooronderzoek

Onderzoek naar storing op kabeltelevisie door mobiel gebruik in het Digitaal Dividend

Roel Schiphorst, J.J. Robijns, Cornelis H. Slump, A.H.P. Arts, A. Bogaard, S.R. Fleurke, F.F. Pors, B. Smith, P.W. Wijninga

https://research.utwente.nl/en/publications/onderzoek-naar-storing-op-kabeltelevisie-door-mobiel-gebruik-in-h

Update Kabelstooronderzoek 700/800 MHz mobiel gebruik

Drs. André Arts, Ir. Huub Nagel c.s. Dr. Roel Schiphorst  Prof. dr. Mark Bentum (Universiteit Twente)1

https://www.agentschaptelecom.nl/binaries/agentschap-telecom/documenten/rapporten/2017/oktober/11/kabelstooronderzoek/Update+Kabelstooronderzoek+700-800+MHz+EINDRAPPORT+2017.pdf

A multi-year measurement campaign to measure the trans horizon propagation at 3.5 GHz

Why

The 3.5 GHz band is used by the Dutch Defense for eavesdropping of satellite communication. On the other hand the 3.5 GHz band is European wide assigned for mobile communication. Usage of this band was heavily restricted in the Netherlands to protect the Defense application based on ITU interference propagation prediction models. Purpose of this measurement campaign was to validate and improve these ITU models.

Role BlueMark

In this project BlueMark created and headed a scientific sounding board. Also it has written a scientific publication describing the project results in a peer reviewed journal.

Result

The result of this project was a peer-reviewed publication in the journal IEEE transactions on antennas and propagation.

https://research.utwente.nl/en/publications/multiyear-trans-horizon-radio-propagation-measurements-at-35-ghz-

Validating the measurement method to measure antenna patterns of FM broadcast transmitters.

Why

In the Netherlands more FM licenses were awarded in 2003 during so-called Zerobase. It meant that the FM spectrum became more crowded and the licenses of FM frequencies included therefore strict antenna pattern requirements; maximum allowed transmit power in a certain direction. Agentschap Telecom uses a helicopter based measurement method to measure if the FM licensees comply to this maximum allowed transmit power. An independent review was needed to evaluate this measurement method.

Role BlueMark

In this project BlueMark created a scientific team and performed an independent review of the measurement method.

Result

A public report is available describing the evaluation.

Validatie meetmethodiek en verwerken meetdata van antennediagrammetingen in de FM-omroepband

dr. ir. Mark Bentum, dr. ir. Roel Schiphorst