Capacity Analysis of a Television White Space Network Deployed under Distance Distribution Approach

Abstract

Television White Space (TVWS) is currently a leading technology for broadband connectivity in rural areas due to its penetration capability and robustness to attenuation and fading. Since most rural areas where TVWS is suitable are characterized by sparse population distribution, a deployed network must be adequately planned to provide the required coverage while meeting the targeted quality of service. This paper modelled and analyzed the capacity of a TVWS suitable for sparsely populated settings. The TVWS network was modelled using the distance distribution approach, and capacity simulation was carried out through Matlab. Results showed that, at the signal quality of just 10 dB, a network of one BS and 10 CPEs (Customer Premise Equipment), achieved a channel capacity of 18 Mbps and user downlink capacity of 2 Mbps. These results are better than the trials conducted in a similar environment in the sub-Saharan Africa region.

Keywords: TVWS; CPE; SINR; Rural Broadband; PPP